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Maine Charitable Mechanic Association

EIN 01-0248533 · Portland, ME

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair67 out of 100GovernanceGood86 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

Points to look into

  • Only 47% of its spending went to programs.
  • Raising each dollar of donations cost 56 cents.

These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.

What it says it does

Mechanics' Hall is a historic cultural hub and member-supported library in Portland, Maine that brings together bold ideas, diverse voices, and vibrant community through the arts and humanities. We connect exceptional thinkers and artists spanning writers, performers, and curious minds of all ages to enrich intellectual life, celebrate creativity, and spark meaningful connection. By inspiring curiosity and empowering both emerging and established talent, we work to shape a more imaginative, inclusive, and connected future.

Income
$458,357
Spending
$494,037
Spent on programs
47%
Reserves
6.5 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 48%
Employees
8
Volunteers
48
Highest pay
$77,519, executive director

Source: Form 990 for the year ending March 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Fair: 67 out of 100.

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 6.5 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 7% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    4 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 8% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 10% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    0 of 15

    47% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 56 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending March 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Good: 86 out of 100.

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    17 of 17 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • Independent check of accounts

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending March 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (3)
  1. $111,134 spent. HISTORIC PRESERVATION OF COLLECTIONS AND BUILDING:Mechanics' Hall maintains its archive collections and building to enrich the lives of all who visit. Renowned for its Italianate architecture, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for National Significance. Mechanics' houses a select and unique archive collection, highlighting the historical significance of Mechanics' Hall and its founders since 1815, particularly in documenting the history of books and literary culture in Portland, Maine, during the 18th and 19th centuries . The Restoration and Preservation Committee, a board committee overseeing the building, furnishings, and grounds of Mechanics' Hall, prioritizes elective repairs, capital improvements or changes and offers recommendations to the Board of Directors on how best to proceed.
  2. $118,282 spent. PUBLIC PROGRAMS: Mechanics' Hall offers a wide range of year-round public programs to engage and enrich the community, including book launches, literary events, poetry, reading & writing groups, theater and musical performances, and gallery showings. In the last fiscal year, we presented over 50 literary programs, 10 musical performances, 3 gallery performances, and 25 tours of our building. Over 12k people have come through our doors in the past year.
  3. $3,251 spent. CIRCULATING LIBRARY: Mechanics' Hall has always been committed to serving the general public and avid readers through the "diffusion of useful knowledge." Our circulating library boasts a diverse collection of books, including contemporary titles of literature, fiction, and non-fiction across various subjects, catering to curious and informed readers. Our collections are easily accessible on-site and through an online cataloging system and complemented by our digital presence.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending March 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 10, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending March 2026.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since December 1943.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.