7 Lakes Alliance
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
7 LAKES ALLIANCE CONSERVES THE LANDS AND WATERS OF THE BELGRADE LAKES REGION FOR ALL.
- Income
- $3.1 million
- Spending
- $2.1 million
- Spent on programs
- 84%
- Reserves
- 15.3 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 75%
- Employees
- 81
- Volunteers
- 125
- Highest pay
- $113,445, president/ce
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 86% of charities in its peer group (environment, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 15.3 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 1% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 32% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 88% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1584% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 1 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 60% of charities in its peer group (environment, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 2519 of 19 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 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 (5)
- $532,182 spent. 1- THE 7 LAKES ALLIANCE INVASIVE AQUATIC PLANT PROGRAM PROTECTS AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS AND THE PUBLIC USE, VALUES AND ENJOYMENT OF THE LAKES IN THE BELGRADE LAKES WATERSHED BY PREVENTING AND MITIGATING THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE AQUATIC PLANTS. THROUGH ITS COURTESY BOAT INSPECTION PROGRAM, 7 LAKES ALLIANCE PARTNERS WITH LOCAL WATERSHED ORGANIZATIONS TO PLACE BOTH PAID AND VOLUNTEER COURTESY BOAT INSPECTORS AT PUBLIC BOAT LAUNCHES TO CHECK FOR PLANT FRAGMENTS ON BOATS ENTERING AND LEAVING THE LAKES AND EDUCATES BOATERS ABOUT THE THREATS POSED BY INVASIVE AQUATIC PLANTS. 7 LAKES ALLIANCE EMPLOYEES ALSO SURVEY AND ORGANIZE CITIZEN VOLUNTEER INVASIVE PLANT PATROLS TO SEARCH FOR AND THEN REMOVE INVASIVE PLANTS THAT MAY BECOME ESTABLISHED IN AT-RISK AREAS. IN 2024, 7 LAKES ALLIANCE EMPLOYED 25 PART-TIME WORKERS AND 12 VOLUNTEERS THAT INSPECTED BOATS ON 5 PUBLIC BOAT RAMPS AND 1 PRIVATE LAUNCH THAT AFFECTS PUBLIC WATERS. 1- THE 7 LAKES ALLIANCE INVASIVE AQUATIC PLANT PROGRAM PROTECTS AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS AND THE PUBLIC USE, VALUES AND ENJOYMENT OF THE LAKES IN THE BELGRADE LAKES WATERSHED BY PREVENTING AND MITIGATING THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE AQUATIC PLANTS. THROUGH ITS COURTESY BOAT INSPECTION PROGRAM, 7 LAKES ALLIANCE PARTNERS WITH LOCAL WATERSHED ORGANIZATIONS TO PLACE BOTH PAID AND VOLUNTEER COURTESY BOAT INSPECTORS AT PUBLIC BOAT LAUNCHES TO CHECK FOR PLANT FRAGMENTS ON BOATS ENTERING AND LEAVING THE LAKES AND EDUCATES BOATERS ABOUT THE THREATS POSED BY INVASIVE AQUATIC PLANTS. 7 LAKES ALLIANCE EMPLOYEES ALSO SURVEY AND ORGANIZE CITIZEN VOLUNTEER INVASIVE PLANT PATROLS TO SEARCH FOR AND THEN REMOVE INVASIVE PLANTS THAT MAY BECOME ESTABLISHED IN AT-RISK AREAS. IN 2024, 7 LAKES ALLIANCE EMPLOYED 25 PART-TIME WORKERS AND 12 VOLUNTEERS THAT INSPECTED BOATS ON 5 PUBLIC BOAT RAMPS AND 1 PRIVATE LAUNCH THAT AFFECTS PUBLIC WATERS.
- $287,290 spent. 2- WATER QUALITY SCIENCE - THE 7 LAKES ALLIANCE'S GOAL IS TO MONITOR AND UNDERSTAND, IN COLLABORATION WITH PARTNERS INCLUDING COLBY COLLEGE AND SURROUNDING LOCAL LAKE ASSOCIATIONS, WATER QUALITY ON ALL SEVEN OF THE BELGRADE LAKES. UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF OUR LAKE SCIENCE DIRECTOR, DR. DANIELLE WAIN, KEY WATER QUALITY PARTNERS, INCLUDING COLBY STUDENTS, 7 LAKES ALLIANCE STAFF, AND VOLUNTEERS ROUTINELY MEASURE TEMPERATURE AND OXYGEN PROFILES, WATER CLARITY, ALGAL SPECIES COMPOSITION (USING A FLOWCAM) AND POTENTIAL CYANOBACTERIA, AND INPUTS FROM TRIBUTARIES USING AUTOSAMPLERS TO ASSESS THE QUALITY OF THE LAKES AND THREATS TO HUMAN HEALTH.
- $242,147 spent. 3- EROSION CONTROL: 7 LAKES ALLIANCE CONDUCTS DIVERSE PROJECTS TO PROTECT AND RESTORE WATER QUALITY BY PREVENTING THE EROSION OF SEDIMENT AND THE ALGAE FUELING PHOSPHORUS IT CARRIES WITH IT FROM ENTERING WATERS OF THE BELGRADE LAKES WATERSHED. EROSION IS THE PRIMARY CAUSE OF EXCESSIVE ALGAL BLOOMS IN THE WATERSHED. 7 LAKES WORK INCLUDES THE SECTION 319 PROGRAM, YOUTH CONSERVATION CORPS, LAKESMART AND VARIOUS POLICY INITIATIVES AND COMMUNICATIONS. SECTION 319 PROJECTS ARE FUNDED, IN PART, BY THE U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY UNDER SECTION 319 OF THE CLEAN WATER ACT AND ADMINISTERED BY THE MAINE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NONPOINT SOURCE (NPS) PROGRAM. 7 LAKES ALLIANCE ALSO OPERATES A YOUTH CONSERVATION CORPS WHICH EMPLOYS LOCAL YOUTH TO WORK WITH LANDOWNERS TO VOLUNTARILY IMPLEMENT VARIOUS EROSION CONTROL MEASURES ON THEIR PROPERTIES. WORK ALSO INCLUDES EDUCATIONAL AND POLICY EFFORTS TO EDUCATE AND ENGAGE WATERSHED COMMUNITIES IN EROSION CONTROL EFFORTS. 3- EROSION CONTROL: 7 LAKES ALLIANCE CONDUCTS DIVERSE PROJECTS TO PROTECT AND RESTORE WATER QUALITY BY PREVENTING THE EROSION OF SEDIMENT AND THE ALGAE FUELING PHOSPHORUS IT CARRIES WITH IT FROM ENTERING WATERS OF THE BELGRADE LAKES WATERSHED. EROSION IS THE PRIMARY CAUSE OF EXCESSIVE ALGAL BLOOMS IN THE WATERSHED. 7 LAKES WORK INCLUDES THE SECTION 319 PROGRAM, YOUTH CONSERVATION CORPS, LAKESMART AND VARIOUS POLICY INITIATIVES AND COMMUNICATIONS. SECTION 319 PROJECTS ARE FUNDED, IN PART, BY THE U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY UNDER SECTION 319 OF THE CLEAN WATER ACT AND ADMINISTERED BY THE MAINE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NONPOINT SOURCE (NPS) PROGRAM. 7 LAKES ALLIANCE ALSO OPERATES A YOUTH CONSERVATION CORPS WHICH EMPLOYS LOCAL YOUTH TO WORK WITH LANDOWNERS TO VOLUNTARILY IMPLEMENT VARIOUS EROSION CONTROL MEASURES ON THEIR PROPERTIES. WORK ALSO INCLUDES EDUCATIONAL AND POLICY EFFORTS TO EDUCATE AND ENGAGE WATERSHED COMMUNITIES IN EROSION CONTROL EFFORTS.
- $713,441 spent. 7 LAKES ALLIANCE, AN ACCREDITED LAND TRUST, AIMS TO PROTECT THE QUALITY OF THE BELGRADE LAKES WATERSHED FROM DEGRADATION DUE TO THE IMPACT OF UNSUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE WATERSHED. TO ACCOMPLISH THIS, 7 LAKES ALLIANCE'S LAND CONSERVATION PROGRAM IDENTIFIES AND PERMANENTLY CONSERVES LANDS THAT PROVIDE HIGH VALUE HABITATS, RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES, AND WATER QUALITY PROTECTION AND RESTORATION TO BENEFIT THE PUBLIC. 7 LAKES ALLIANCE ALSO OPERATES A LAND STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM THROUGH WHICH 7 LAKES' STAFF AND DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS PROTECT AND ENHANCE CONSERVATION PROPERTIES THROUGH ROBUST MONITORING, TRAIL MAINTENANCE AND COMMUNICATION AND EDUCATION ABOUT THE VALUES OF LAND CONSERVATION TO THE PUBLIC TO ENSURE THAT CONSERVATION VALUES ARE SUSTAINED. ADDITIONALLY, 7 LAKES ALLIANCE ALSO PROVIDES EDUCATIONAL, INFORMATIONAL AND COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAMS TO SUPPORT THE LOCAL LAKE ASSOCIATIONS AND OTHER WATER PARTNERS. THESE INCLUDE NUMEROUS AND WIDE-RANGING CONSERVATION LECTURES, EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL AGES. 7 LAKES ALLIANCE SEEKS TO CONNECT PEOPLE WITH NATURE THROUGH EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS, TRAININGS, EVENTS, DIGITAL AND PRINTED NEWSLETTERS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES. EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES INCLUDE NUMEROUS PRESENTATIONS BY EXPERTS ON FORESTRY, FISHERIES, HIKING, CONSERVATION LANDS, WATER QUALITY, HIKING, EROSION CONTROL WORKSHOPS, AND NATURAL HISTORY PROGRAMS THAT ATTRACT HUNDREDS OF PARTICIPANTS. 7 LAKES' NEWSLETTER THE CONSERVATIONIST PROVIDES INFORMATION ON OUR DIVERSE PROGRAMS AND CONSERVATION ISSUES IMPACTING THE BELGRADE LAKES REGION.
- 7 LAKES ALLIANCE, AN ACCREDITED LAND TRUST, AIMS TO PROTECT THE QUALITY OF THE BELGRADE LAKES WATERSHED FROM DEGRADATION DUE TO THE IMPACT OF UNSUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE WATERSHED. TO ACCOMPLISH THIS, 7 LAKES ALLIANCE'S LAND CONSERVATION PROGRAM IDENTIFIES AND PERMANENTLY CONSERVES LANDS THAT PROVIDE HIGH VALUE HABITATS, RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES, AND WATER QUALITY PROTECTION AND RESTORATION TO BENEFIT THE PUBLIC. 7 LAKES ALLIANCE ALSO OPERATES A LAND STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM THROUGH WHICH 7 LAKES' STAFF AND DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS PROTECT AND ENHANCE CONSERVATION PROPERTIES THROUGH ROBUST MONITORING, TRAIL MAINTENANCE AND COMMUNICATION AND EDUCATION ABOUT THE VALUES OF LAND CONSERVATION TO THE PUBLIC TO ENSURE THAT CONSERVATION VALUES ARE SUSTAINED. ADDITIONALLY, 7 LAKES ALLIANCE ALSO PROVIDES EDUCATIONAL, INFORMATIONAL AND COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAMS TO SUPPORT THE LOCAL LAKE ASSOCIATIONS AND OTHER WATER PARTNERS. THESE INCLUDE NUMEROUS AND WIDE-RANGING CONSERVATION LECTURES, EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL AGES. 7 LAKES ALLIANCE SEEKS TO CONNECT PEOPLE WITH NATURE THROUGH EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS, TRAININGS, EVENTS, DIGITAL AND PRINTED NEWSLETTERS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES. EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES INCLUDE NUMEROUS PRESENTATIONS BY EXPERTS ON FORESTRY, FISHERIES, HIKING, CONSERVATION LANDS, WATER QUALITY, HIKING, EROSION CONTROL WORKSHOPS, AND NATURAL HISTORY PROGRAMS THAT ATTRACT HUNDREDS OF PARTICIPANTS. 7 LAKES' NEWSLETTER THE CONSERVATIONIST PROVIDES INFORMATION ON OUR DIVERSE PROGRAMS AND CONSERVATION ISSUES IMPACTING THE BELGRADE LAKES REGION.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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 October 13, 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 October 13, 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 October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since February 1990.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 21, 2026.
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