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Passes our checks

Maine International Trade Center

EIN 01-0509118 · Portland, ME

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair58 out of 100GovernanceFair65 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To promote the expansion of Maine's economy through increased international trade in goods and services, and related activities.

Income
$1.9 million
Spending
$1.9 million
Spent on programs
67%
Reserves
3.8 months of spending
Largest source of income
government grants, 81%
Employees
15
Volunteers
13
Highest pay
$196,246, president

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

Fair: 58 out of 100. Higher than 21% of charities in its peer group (international, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 3.8 months of spending.

  • Debt

    5 of 20

    It owes 59% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 1% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 1% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    66% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 10 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

Fair: 65 out of 100. Higher than 17% of charities in its peer group (international, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    12 of 13 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    0 of 15

    Reports no written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    0 of 7

    Reports no 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

    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 (4)
  1. $696,504 spent. Trade Missions:Each year the Trade Center organizes a gubernatorial trade mission, as well as smaller trade missions. The trade missions provide one-on-one meetings with potential foreign trade partners and unique networking opportunities. Trade missions are particularly useful for first time exporters or companies having difficulty expanding into a particular country or market. The Trade Center arranges all details of the missions including transportation, translators, and business meetings.
  2. $282,240 spent. Technical Assistance & Trade Counseling:The Trade Center assists its members in researching new markets; reviewing trade regulations, tariffs and logistics, and in product sourcing. The Trade Center's staff is committed to providing quality information and practical advice in selecting markets for our members' products and services. There are a number of resources we have available to the public in our Portland Trade Library, and on our website where trade news and current export data is listed. We have extensive internet research capabilities and on-line database services along with internet reference guides that provide our members with timely information on foreign markets.
  3. $211,397 spent. Programs and Seminars:The Trade Center's programs are designed to educate Maine companies in all areas of trade. The topics respond to issues of importance to our membership - ranging from the essentials in conducting international business or country/industry-specific regulations, to understanding the state and federal resources that are available for Maine's internationally active business.
  4. $94,436 spent. Trade Shows and International Conferences:The Trade Center offers group trips and discounts on overseas trade show space through its alliance with other government agencies. This is a convenient way for members to participate in overseas shows and display products internationally. The Maine International Trade Center also hosts international conferences and incoming delegations from overseas. Trade Center members enjoy opportunities to network with foreign buyers, commercial representatives and visiting dignitaries.

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 October 13, 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 October 13, 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 October 13, 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 October 13, 2026.

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

    Recognized by the IRS since July 1997.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 21, 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.