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Mainely Character

EIN 01-0536795 · Portland, ME

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak29 out of 100GovernanceNot ratedThe short tax form does not cover thisImpact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Our mission is to recognize and reward Maine high school seniors of exceptional character. Since 2001 we have awarded 115 educational scholarships totaling $447,500. Our scholarships are awarded based on an applicant's character. We do not consider academic achievement, athletic prowess, musical ability, artistic talent or financial need. Four aspects of student's character are considered when making an award. Courage: Persisting through difficulty, distress, or fear in order to achieve something important. Integrity: Being truthful and trustworthy to oneself and others. Responsibility: Conveying an attitude of commitment and conviction. Concern: Demonstrating compassion and caring attitude towards others, and helping them achieve their best. Mainely Character awarded fourteen $5,000 scholarships in 2025 and plans to award fourteen $5000 scholarships in 2026. Some scholarship payments are deferred to subsequent semesters at the request of scholarship recipients.

Income
$70,027
Spending
$72,479
Reserves
1.1 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 100%

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

Weak: 29 out of 100. Higher than 5% of charities in its peer group (education, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 1.1 months of spending.

  • Debt

    2 of 20

    It owes 93% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 4% 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 (1)
  1. $2,479 spent. Our mission is to recognize and reward Maine high school seniors of exceptional character. Since 2001 we have awarded 115 educational scholarships totaling $447,500. Our scholarships are awarded based on an applicant's character. We do not consider academic achievement, athletic prowess, musical ability, artistic talent or financial need. Four aspects of student's character are considered when making an award. Courage: Persisting through difficulty, distress, or fear in order to achieve something important. Integrity: Being truthful and trustworthy to oneself and others. Responsibility: Conveying an attitude of commitment and conviction. Concern: Demonstrating compassion and caring attitude towards others, and helping them achieve their best. Mainely Character awarded fourteen $5,000 scholarships in 2025. Some scholarship payments are deferred to subsequent semesters at the request of scholarship recipients.

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

  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 December 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 June 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.

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.