Passes our checks

Upstream Watch

EIN 83-2025742 · Bridgton, ME

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

What it says it does

The purpose of Upstream Watch is to advocate for the health of Midcoast Maine rivers and watersheds through science and education and enforcement.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Fair: 55 out of 100. Higher than 18% of charities in its peer group (environment, under $250k).

Reserves
20 of 35
Spendable reserves would cover 5.1 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20
It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
0 of 15
Spending exceeded income by 36% of income.
Income trend
0 of 15
Income fell 36% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 15
100% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Fair: 59 out of 100. Higher than 35% of charities in its peer group (environment, under $250k).

Independent board
25 of 25
6 of 6 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.
No reported misuse
10 of 10
Reports 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

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (3)

$223,084 spent. Reviewing and assessing proposed development with Midcoast Maine rivers and watersheds. Objective To identify and evaluate the effects of proposed development on the local environment and surrounding communities. Volunteers studied and experts were hired to analyze the potential environmental effects of a proposed Recirculating Aquaculture System RAS salmon-raising facility near the outlet of the LIttle River into Penobscot Bay, Belfast, Maine. Approximately 5 volunteers, an employee and hired experts evaluated the effectiveness of development permits to prevent the degradation of nearly land and water enironments. Approximately 8 volunteers and hired experts evaluated the capacity of local utilities and infrastructure to support additional demands of the proposed RAS facility.
Program Service Expenses 0, Grants and allocations 0, Revenue 0 Began the planning to hire an Executive Director
Program Service Expenses 0, Grants and allocations 0, Revenue 0 Expanding our activities to include protection and environmental monitoring of the Penobscot Bay Watershed.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

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 May 2019.
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.

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.