Friends of Messalonskee
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
TO PROTECT AND PRESERVE THE WATERSHED BY EDUCATING ELECTED OFFICIALS, MEMBERS AND COMMUNITY THE CHALLENGES FACING OUR FRESH WATER SOURCES AND THE IMPACT EACH INDIVIDUAL HAS ON THE QUALITY AND SUSTAINABILITY OF THE WATERSHED.
- Income
- $96,572
- Spending
- $76,069
- Reserves
- 20.1 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 39%
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 81% of charities in its peer group (environment, under $250k).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 20.1 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 21% of income.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 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 (4)
- $43,078 spent. MILFOIL REMOVAL AND MITIGATION PROGRAM SEEKS TO PROTECT AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM. PRESERVE PUBLIC ENJOYMENT AND MAINTAIN OR IMPROVE THE AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT. BARRIER COMPONENT ALSO USED TO ERADICATE INVASIVE GROWTH IN PARTS OF THE WATERSHED
- $16,007 spent. COURTESY BOAT INSPECTION PROGRAM SEEKS TO PREVENT INVASIVE SPECIES FROM ENTERING OR LEAVING THE WATERSHED
- $6,728 spent. WATERSHED SURVEY TO INCLUDE ALL SEVEN MUNICIPALS THAT ARE INCLUDED IN THE GEOGRAPHIC AREA SERVICED BY THE WATERSHED.
- $3,188 spent. Introducing individuals of the community to our watershed by education programs, including kayak paddle tours with informative narrative provided by experienced association members.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
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.
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.
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.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since October 2002.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
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.