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Independence Association Inc

EIN 01-0278024 · Brunswick, ME

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood81 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

INDEPENDENCE ASSOCIATION ASSISTS ADULTS AND CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES IN OBTAINING A FULL AND INCLUSIVE LIFE IN THEIR CHOSEN COMMUNITY. IT PROVIDES AN ARRAY OF RESIDENTIAL SUPPORT OPTIONS, EMPLOYMENT SERVICES, IN-HOME SUPPORT AND CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES AS WELL AS OTHER HABILITATION SERVICES.

Income
$13.3 million
Spending
$11.5 million
Spent on programs
87%
Reserves
3.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 80%
Employees
160
Volunteers
35
Highest pay
$80,528, executive director

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 81 out of 100. Higher than 74% of charities in its peer group (human services, $10m to $100m).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 3.2 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 22% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 14% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 15% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    87% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 5 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 35% of charities in its peer group (human services, $10m to $100m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    18 of 18 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

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited 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 June 30, 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. $8.2 million spent. INDEPENDENCE ASSOCIATION HAS MANY HOUSING PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, ENSURING THEIR SAFETY, SECURITY AND HAPPINESS IN AN INDEPENDENCE PROMOTING ENVIRONMENT.
  2. $615,643 spent. ENVISIONME PROVIDES DAY-PROGRAM SUPPORT TO ADULTS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES; EDUCATIONAL, THERAPEUTIC, AND RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS ARE DESIGNED TO INCREASE AND ENHANCE LIFE SKILL DEVELOPMENT AS WELL AS PROMOTE INDEPENDENCE AND INCLUSION IN THE COMMUNITY.
  3. $1.1 million spent. SPINDLEWORKS IS A THERAPEUTIC ART PROGRAM OF INDEPENDENCE ASSOCIATION THAT PROMOTES INDEPENDENCE AND COMMUNITY INCLUSION THROUGH THE CREATION OF ART AND PARTICIPATION IN ART SHOWS. THE PROGRAM ALSO FACILITATES COMMUNITY INCLUSION AND NATURAL SUPPORTS THROUGH THE USE OF VOLUNTEERS AND ARTIST MENTORS FROM THE COMMUNITY.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 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 June 2025.

    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 April 2001.

    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.

  7. Could it be confused with another charity? Worth knowing.

    A much larger organization has a similar name: Independent Health Association Inc (Buffalo, NY), EIN 16-1080163. If that is the one you meant, check the EIN before giving.

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