Small Axe Inc
Small Axe Inc. faces financial instability with declining revenue and assets, operating at a significant deficit in recent years.
EIN: 134155759 · Lewiston, ME · NTEE: Z99 · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $49K |
| Total Expenses | $68K |
| Program Spending | 75% |
| Net Assets | $238K |
| Transparency Score | 45/100 |
Is Small Axe Inc Legit?
Significant Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Small Axe Inc directs 75% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Small Axe Inc
Small Axe Inc (EIN: 134155759) is a nonprofit organization based in Lewiston, ME, classified under NTEE code Z99. The organization reported total revenue of $49K and total assets of $140K according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Small Axe Inc's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Small Axe Inc is a micro nonprofit that has been operating for 24 years, with 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of -16.7%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $8K |
| Total Expenses | $68K |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-60,700 |
| Total Assets | $238K |
| Net Assets | $238K |
| Operating Margin | -809.0% |
| Months of Reserves | 41.9 months |
Financial Health Grade: B
In 2023, Small Axe Inc reported a deficit of $61K with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 41.9 months of operating reserves (strong position).
Financial Trends
Over 13 years of filings (2011–2023), Small Axe Inc's revenue has declined at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -16.7%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | -70.5% | +39.5% | -20.3% |
| 2022 | -74.7% | +40.3% | -7.3% |
| 2021 | -51.7% | +33.4% | +25.6% |
| 2020 | +279.9% | -73.6% | +243.6% |
| 2019 | -58.3% | +0.7% | -37.2% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 2000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 2002 |
Classification data from ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Additional BMF data may be available after enrichment.
AI Transparency Report
Mission Effectiveness Score
NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates Small Axe Inc with a Mission Score of 45 out of 100 (Fair). This score reflects the organization's overall financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance indicators derived from IRS 990 public filings.
Spending Breakdown
- admin: 15%
- programs: 75%
- fundraising: 10%
According to IRS 990 filings, Small Axe Inc allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 15%, programs: 75%, fundraising: 10%. With 75% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
- The organization reported a deficit of $61K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
Executive Compensation Analysis
The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all filings, indicating a volunteer-led executive structure, which is commendable for directing all funds towards operations rather than salaries.
Executive compensation data is sourced from IRS 990 filings, which require nonprofits to disclose the compensation of officers, directors, trustees, and key employees. NonprofitSpending analyzes this data relative to the organization's total revenue and sector benchmarks to assess whether executive pay is reasonable.
Red Flags
The following concerns were identified during AI analysis of Small Axe Inc's IRS 990 filings:
- Consistent operating deficits in recent years (e.g., $60,700 deficit in 2023, $23,472 deficit in 2022).
- Significant decline in assets from $322,483 in 2021 to $238,311 in 2023.
- Fluctuating and generally declining revenue trend since 2020's peak of $208,156.
- NTEE code Z99, which may indicate a lack of clear programmatic focus or transparency.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Small Axe Inc:
- Zero officer compensation reported across all filings, indicating a volunteer-driven leadership.
- No reported liabilities across all filing periods, suggesting a debt-free operation.
- Long filing history (13 filings) demonstrates consistent compliance with IRS reporting requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions about Small Axe Inc
Is Small Axe Inc a legitimate charity?
Small Axe Inc (EIN: 134155759) is a registered tax-exempt nonprofit based in Maine. Our AI analysis gives it a Mission Score of 45/100. It has 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record. Total revenue: $49K. 4 red flags identified. 3 strengths noted. Financial health grade: B.
How does Small Axe Inc spend its money?
Small Axe Inc directs 75% of its spending to programs and services. Fundraising costs 10%. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark.
Are donations to Small Axe Inc tax-deductible?
Small Axe Inc is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 134155759). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
What percentage of Small Axe Inc's spending goes to programs?
Small Axe Inc directs 75% to programs, 10% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
How does Small Axe Inc compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 45/100 (Fair), Small Axe Inc is near average for NTEE category Z99 nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.
Where is Small Axe Inc located?
Small Axe Inc is headquartered in Lewiston, Maine and files with the IRS under EIN 134155759. It is classified under NTEE code Z99.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Small Axe Inc have?
Small Axe Inc has 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record at NonprofitSpending. This extensive filing history provides a strong basis for evaluating long-term financial trends. The most recent filing shows $49K in total revenue.
Is Small Axe Inc. financially sustainable?
Based on recent filings, Small Axe Inc. is not financially sustainable, with expenses significantly exceeding revenue in 2023 ($68,203 expenses vs. $7,503 revenue) and 2022 ($48,908 expenses vs. $25,436 revenue), leading to a decline in assets.
What is the primary cause of the asset decline?
The primary cause of the asset decline from $322,483 in 2021 to $238,311 in 2023 appears to be the consistent operating deficits, where expenses have outpaced revenue for several consecutive years.
How does the NTEE code Z99 impact transparency?
The NTEE code Z99 ('Unclassifiable') can reduce transparency as it doesn't clearly define the organization's specific programmatic focus, making it harder for donors and the public to understand its mission and activities.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Small Axe Inc showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Small Axe Inc's revenue has declined by 88.9%, moving from $67K to $8K. Total assets increased by 227.4% over the same period, from $73K to $238K. Total functional expenses fell by 4.3%, from $71K to $68K. In its most recent filing year (2023), Small Axe Inc reported a deficit of $61K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $8K | $68K | $238K | $0 | — | — |
| 2022 | $25K | $49K | $299K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $101K | $35K | $322K | $0 | — | — |
| 2020 | $208K | $26K | $257K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $55K | $99K | $75K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $131K | $98K | $119K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $71K | $41K | $86K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $51K | $76K | $55K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $18K | $63K | $80K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $124K | $58K | $125K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $17K | $45K | $59K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $59K | $43K | $88K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $67K | $71K | $73K | $0 | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $8K, expenses of $68K, and assets of $238K (revenue -70.5% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $25K, expenses of $49K, and assets of $299K (revenue -74.7% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $101K, expenses of $35K, and assets of $322K (revenue -51.7% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $208K, expenses of $26K, and assets of $257K (revenue +279.9% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $55K, expenses of $99K, and assets of $75K (revenue -58.3% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $131K, expenses of $98K, and assets of $119K (revenue +84.2% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $71K, expenses of $41K, and assets of $86K (revenue +38.7% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $51K, expenses of $76K, and assets of $55K (revenue +182.1% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $18K, expenses of $63K, and assets of $80K (revenue -85.3% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $124K, expenses of $58K, and assets of $125K (revenue +649.0% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $17K, expenses of $45K, and assets of $59K (revenue -71.7% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $59K, expenses of $43K, and assets of $88K (revenue -13.3% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $67K, expenses of $71K, and assets of $73K.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Small Axe Inc:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Small Axe Inc is generated by NonprofitSpending's AI analysis engine. The data is sourced from publicly available IRS 990 filings accessed through the ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer API and IRS electronic filing records. The Mission Score, spending breakdown, and other analytical insights are produced by artificial intelligence and should be used as one of multiple factors when evaluating a nonprofit organization.
IRS 990 forms are annual information returns that most tax-exempt organizations must file with the IRS. These forms provide detailed financial information including revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and compensation of officers. NonprofitSpending processes this data to provide accessible transparency reports for donors, researchers, and the general public.
Disclaimer
AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.