South Portland Historical Society
South Portland Historical Society faces persistent operating deficits and declining assets.
EIN: 16045966 · S Portland, ME · NTEE: A80 · Updated: 2026-03-28
Is South Portland Historical Society Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
South Portland Historical Society directs 80% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About South Portland Historical Society
South Portland Historical Society (EIN: 16045966) is a nonprofit organization based in S Portland, ME, classified under NTEE code A80. The organization reported total revenue of $132K and total assets of $375K according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of South Portland Historical Society's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
AI Transparency Report
Mission Effectiveness Score
NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates South Portland Historical Society with a Mission Score of 65 out of 100 (Good). 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: 80%
- fundraising: 5%
According to IRS 990 filings, South Portland Historical Society allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 15%, programs: 80%, fundraising: 5%. With 80% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.
Executive Compensation Analysis
The organization reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, indicating that its leadership is likely volunteer-based, which is commendable for a small nonprofit.
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 South Portland Historical Society's IRS 990 filings:
- Consistent operating deficits (expenses exceeding revenue in most years, e.g., 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2014)
- Declining asset base over the past decade (from $505,416 in 2014 to $389,095 in 2023)
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for South Portland Historical Society:
- High transparency with 13 years of IRS 990 filings available
- Volunteer-based leadership with 0% officer compensation reported
- Low liabilities relative to assets (e.g., $1,569 liabilities vs. $389,095 assets in 2023)
Frequently Asked Questions about South Portland Historical Society
Is South Portland Historical Society a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, South Portland Historical Society (EIN: 16045966) some concerns. Mission Score: 65/100. 2 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
How does South Portland Historical Society spend its money?
South Portland Historical Society directs 80% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to South Portland Historical Society tax-deductible?
South Portland Historical Society is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 16045966). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Is the South Portland Historical Society financially sustainable?
The organization's financial sustainability is questionable given that expenses have consistently exceeded revenue in most recent years (e.g., $123,597 expenses vs. $105,600 revenue in 2023), leading to a decline in assets from $505,416 in 2014 to $389,095 in 2023.
What is the trend in the organization's assets?
The organization's assets have been on a declining trend, decreasing from $505,416 in 2014 to $389,095 in 2023.
Does the organization pay its officers?
No, the organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation in all available IRS 990 filings.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for South Portland Historical Society showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), South Portland Historical Society's revenue has grown by 62.7%, moving from $65K to $106K. Total assets decreased by 27.2% over the same period, from $535K to $389K. Total functional expenses rose by 133.8%, from $53K to $124K. In its most recent filing year (2023), South Portland Historical Society reported a deficit of $18K, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $2K in liabilities against $389K in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 0.4%), resulting in net assets of $388K.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $106K | $124K | $389K | $2K | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $90K | $108K | $409K | $3K | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $89K | $82K | $428K | $4K | — | — |
| 2020 | $66K | $84K | $421K | $4K | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $77K | $86K | $439K | $4K | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $74K | $88K | $449K | $5K | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $83K | $83K | $466K | $9K | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $64K | $82K | $465K | $8K | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $60K | $79K | $486K | $10K | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $67K | $82K | $505K | $11K | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $59K | $69K | $518K | $9K | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $54K | $67K | $521K | $956 | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $65K | $53K | $535K | $1K | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $106K, expenses of $124K, and assets of $389K (revenue +17.3% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $90K, expenses of $108K, and assets of $409K (revenue +1.1% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $89K, expenses of $82K, and assets of $428K (revenue +35.8% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $66K, expenses of $84K, and assets of $421K (revenue -15.1% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $77K, expenses of $86K, and assets of $439K (revenue +3.7% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $74K, expenses of $88K, and assets of $449K (revenue -10.7% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $83K, expenses of $83K, and assets of $466K (revenue +31.0% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $64K, expenses of $82K, and assets of $465K (revenue +5.7% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $60K, expenses of $79K, and assets of $486K (revenue -10.1% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $67K, expenses of $82K, and assets of $505K (revenue +14.2% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $59K, expenses of $69K, and assets of $518K (revenue +9.4% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $54K, expenses of $67K, and assets of $521K (revenue -17.4% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $65K, expenses of $53K, and assets of $535K.
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for South Portland Historical Society 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.