The 1932 Criterion Theatre

The 1932 Criterion Theatre faces recent operating deficits despite stable assets and no reported officer compensation.

EIN: 203267346 · Bar Harbor, ME · NTEE: A68 · Updated: 2026-03-28

$474KRevenue

$2.8MAssets

75/100Mission Score (Good)

A68

About The 1932 Criterion Theatre

The 1932 Criterion Theatre (EIN: 203267346) is a nonprofit organization based in Bar Harbor, ME, classified under NTEE code A68. The organization reported total revenue of $474K and total assets of $2.8M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of The 1932 Criterion Theatre's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.

AI Transparency Report

The 1932 Criterion Theatre demonstrates a generally stable financial position with assets consistently above $2.7 million in recent years, reaching $3,032,080 in 2023. However, the organization has experienced fluctuating revenues and expenses. For instance, in 2023, expenses ($858,261) significantly outpaced revenue ($684,294), resulting in a deficit. This trend of expenses exceeding revenue was also observed in 2022 and 2018. A notable concern is the substantial increase in liabilities to $4,393 in 2023, a significant jump from previous years, which warrants further investigation into its nature and impact on financial health.

The organization's transparency is commendable regarding executive compensation, consistently reporting 0% officer compensation across all available filings. This indicates that the leadership is either volunteer-based or compensated through other means not classified as officer compensation, which is a positive sign for donor confidence. While specific program spending ratios are not detailed in the provided data, the consistent operation of a historic theatre suggests a direct application of funds towards its mission. The fluctuating financial performance, particularly the recent deficits, suggests a need for careful financial management to ensure long-term sustainability.

Mission Effectiveness Score

NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates The 1932 Criterion Theatre with a Mission Score of 75 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, The 1932 Criterion Theatre 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 consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, indicating that executive leadership is either volunteer or compensated through non-officer channels, which is a strong positive for donor perception.

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 The 1932 Criterion Theatre's IRS 990 filings:

Operating deficits in recent years (e.g., 2023: $684,294 revenue vs. $858,261 expenses)
Significant increase in liabilities in 2023 to $4,393, requiring further clarification.

Strengths

The following positive indicators were identified for The 1932 Criterion Theatre:

Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation, indicating strong financial transparency regarding executive pay.
Stable asset base, consistently above $2.7 million, providing a solid foundation.
Long operating history with 10 years of IRS 990 filings, demonstrating sustained activity.

Frequently Asked Questions about The 1932 Criterion Theatre

Why did liabilities increase significantly to $4,393 in 2023?

The provided data shows a substantial increase in liabilities from $4,395 in 2022 to $4,393 in 2023, and from $6,602 in 2021. This warrants further investigation into the nature of these liabilities and their potential impact on the organization's financial stability.

What caused the significant expense increase in 2023 ($858,261) compared to revenue ($684,294)?

In 2023, the organization's expenses ($858,261) exceeded its revenue ($684,294) by a considerable margin, leading to an operating deficit. Understanding the specific drivers of this expense increase is crucial for assessing financial management.

How does the organization plan to address the recurring operating deficits observed in 2023, 2022, and 2018?

The organization has experienced periods where expenses outpaced revenue, notably in 2023 ($858,261 expenses vs. $684,294 revenue), 2022 ($595,665 expenses vs. $571,829 revenue), and 2018 ($837,831 expenses vs. $722,886 revenue). A strategy for sustainable financial operations is important.

Filing History

IRS 990 filing history for The 1932 Criterion Theatre showing financial trends over 10 years of public records:

Over 10 years of IRS 990 filings (2014–2023), The 1932 Criterion Theatre's revenue has declined by 66.1%, moving from $2.0M to $684K. Total assets increased by 51.1% over the same period, from $2.0M to $3.0M. Total functional expenses rose by 5778.1%, from $15K to $858K. In its most recent filing year (2023), The 1932 Criterion Theatre reported a deficit of $174K, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $4K in liabilities against $3.0M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 0.1%), resulting in net assets of $3.0M.

Year	Revenue	Expenses	Assets	Liabilities	Officer Comp.	PDF
2023	$684K	$858K	$3.0M	$4K	—	—
2022	$572K	$596K	$3.2M	$4K	—	View 990
2021	$729K	$402K	$3.3M	$7K	—	View 990
2020	$460K	$300K	$3.3M	$330K	—	View 990
2019	$1.3M	$978K	$3.1M	$345K	—	View 990
2018	$723K	$838K	$2.8M	$414K	—	View 990
2017	$797K	$692K	$2.9M	$362K	—	View 990
2016	$853K	$560K	$2.8M	$351K	—	View 990
2015	$660K	$553K	$2.5M	$349K	—	View 990
2014	$2.0M	$15K	$2.0M	$0	—	View 990

Year-by-Year Financial Summary

2023: Revenue of $684K, expenses of $858K, and assets of $3.0M (revenue +19.7% year-over-year).
2022: Revenue of $572K, expenses of $596K, and assets of $3.2M (revenue -21.6% year-over-year).
2021: Revenue of $729K, expenses of $402K, and assets of $3.3M (revenue +58.5% year-over-year).
2020: Revenue of $460K, expenses of $300K, and assets of $3.3M (revenue -65.1% year-over-year).
2019: Revenue of $1.3M, expenses of $978K, and assets of $3.1M (revenue +82.4% year-over-year).
2018: Revenue of $723K, expenses of $838K, and assets of $2.8M (revenue -9.3% year-over-year).
2017: Revenue of $797K, expenses of $692K, and assets of $2.9M (revenue -6.6% year-over-year).
2016: Revenue of $853K, expenses of $560K, and assets of $2.8M (revenue +29.2% year-over-year).
2015: Revenue of $660K, expenses of $553K, and assets of $2.5M (revenue -67.3% year-over-year).
2014: Revenue of $2.0M, expenses of $15K, and assets of $2.0M.

Data Sources and Methodology

This transparency report for The 1932 Criterion Theatre 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.