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Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine

EIN 01-0343943 · Portland, ME

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair63 out of 100GovernanceStrong93 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To support survivors of sexual violence, their families and friends, and to help eradicate sexual violence in York and Cumberland Counties. The services offered include crisis and support lines, support groups, school, and community-based prevention education, child advocacy, and sexual assault response services.

Income
$1.1 million
Spending
$1.1 million
Spent on programs
83%
Reserves
5.1 months of spending
Largest source of income
government grants, 96%
Employees
23
Volunteers
15
Highest pay
$77,282, executive director

Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Fair: 63 out of 100. Higher than 42% of charities in its peer group (mental health, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 5.1 months of spending.

  • Debt

    10 of 20

    It owes 38% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 3% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 4% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    83% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 59% of charities in its peer group (mental health, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    18 of 25

    4 of 4 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 September 30, 2024, 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. $475,638 spent. Under the pillars of Intervention, Prevention, and Engagement, SARSSM programs and services were provided to clients in York and Cumberland Counties. SART: Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) provides support, advocacy, information and resources for those impacted by sexual violence, including survivors and their loved ones and the providers who serve them across Cumberland and York Counties. In FYE 2024, staff and volunteer Advocates working the 24-Hour Helpline provided crisis intervention, validating emotional support, and responsive resource referrals and information to survivors and victims. Helpline Advocates provided in-person support on accompaniments with victims to hospitals and medical centers to receive medical care and/or forensic evidence collection. Helpline Advocates provided police department accompaniments when victims chose legal recourse. As part of our Emerge programs, under the pillar of Engagement, Peer Support Groups: provide peer support, connection and learning opportunities for people who have been impacted by sexual violence. Support groups are facilitated by licensed therapists, SARSSM staff, and/or specialized practitioners in trauma. SARSSM offers traditional talk-based groups as well as activity/experiential based groups. Our traditional talk-based groups are often identity based, such as our Men's Support Group, youth groups and groups for incarcerated people. Talk-based groups encourage participants to explore specific issues, embrace aspects of themselves and take positive steps through dialogue with their peers. Our activity/experiential based groups include movement activities, creative explorations, and shared interest activities to promote healing and bonding through shared positive experiences.
  2. $210,652 spent. SARSSM Prevention & Education programs promote harm reduction, abuse prevention, and culture change, through outreach, training, and awareness programs and services. These are delivered to K-12 and post-secondary schools, civic groups, local businesses and community partners/stakeholders.
  3. $240,356 spent. The Children's Advocacy Center of York County provides a safe, neutral space for coordinated forensic interviews of children and vulnerable adults following an allegation of sexual and/or physical abuse. Services include non-leading, legally sound forensic interviews; advocacy and support for the victim and their families; a neutral space to freely communicate and collaborate on investigations before, during, and after interviews; and seamless referrals to various health and medical organizations.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2024, 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 September 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 March 1977.

    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.