Nonprofit · EIN 92-2359697
NEEDHAM OBSERVER
Tax-exempt · NEEDHAM, MA 02492
Financials
| Year ended | Form | Revenue | Expenses | Net income | Total assets | Liabilities | Net assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2025 | 990-EZ | $180,195 | $34,270 | $145,925 | $272,932 | $0 | $272,932 |
| December 31, 2024 | 990-EZ | $102,012 | $14,500 | $87,512 | $127,007 | $0 | $127,007 |
Financial details: 990-EZ for the year ended December 31, 2025
Revenue
- Contributions, gifts and grants
- $180,195
- Program service revenue
- $0
- Investment income
- $0
- Other revenue
- $0
Expenses
- Grants and similar amounts paid
- $0
- Compensation of officers, directors and key employees
- $0
- Salaries, compensation and benefits (total)
- $0
- Professional fees and payments to contractors
- $9,648
- Other expenses
- $24,622
- Program services (functional)
- $24,622
Balance sheet and other
- Total assets, start of year
- $127,007
- Total assets, end of year
- $272,932
- Total liabilities, end of year
- $0
- Net assets, end of year
- $272,932
- Cash, savings and investments
- $272,932
- Gross receipts
- $180,195
From the e-filed returns the IRS publishes as XML (latest three processing years; amended returns replace the original). PDF copies at the IRS.
Officers, directors and key employees
As listed on the 990-EZ for the year ended December 31, 2025, highest compensation first.
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peter O'Neil | Executive Editor | 40 | $0 |
| Jeanne Hopkins | Executive Director | 30 | $0 |
| Frederica Saylor Lalonde | Managing Editor | 20 | $0 |
| Seth Bauer | Editor/Senior Director | 20 | $0 |
| Rob Bertsche | President, Board of Directors | 1 | $0 |
| Mark Maremont | Treasurer, Board of Directors | 1 | $0 |
| Karen Price | Secretary, Board of Directors | 1 | $0 |
| Femi Wasserman | Member, Board of Directors | 1 | $0 |
| Zeenat Rasheed | Member, Board of Directors | 1 | $0 |
990-EZ for the year ended December 31, 2024: 8 people
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peter O'Neil | Executive Editor | 40 | $0 |
| Jeanne Hopkins | Executive Director | 30 | $0 |
| Frederica Saylor Lalonde | Managing Editor | 12 | $0 |
| Seth Bauer | Editor/Senior Director | 20 | $0 |
| Rob Bertsche | President, Board of Directors | 1 | $0 |
| James L McQuivey | Treasurer, Board of Directors | 1 | $0 |
| Karen Price | Secretary, Board of Directors | 1 | $0 |
| Mark Maremont | Member, Board of Directors | 1 | $0 |
Address and contacts
- Address (IRS master file)
- 198 FAIR OAKS PARK, NEEDHAM, MA 02492-3018
- In care of
- % PETER J ONEIL
- Mailing address (990-N for 2023)
- 198 Fair Oaks Park, Needham MA 02492
- Principal officer (990-N for 2023)
- James McQuivey, 35 Wayne Rd, Needham Heights MA 02494
- Signed the 990-EZ
- Mark Maremont, Treasurer
- Phone
- (617) 417-1383
- Website
- needhamobserver.com
Mission
The Needham Observer is a free, independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) news service founded and operated by a volunteer group of journalists and engaged community members. Our mission is to provide timely information, interesting features, and a variety of perspectives that represent the breadth of our community. Our vision is to reflect Needham back to itself in a way that fosters and expands connections across all segments of town. We are committed to diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging in what we cover and in how and with whom we work.
Program accomplishments
- Program Service #1: Local News Production and Distribution The organization produced and distributed original local journalism covering town governance, schools, business, culture, and community events. Content was shared through an email newsletter and online publication platform. Expenses: $1,268 (Email Marketing) + $1599 (Miscellaneous Technology) + $1177 (Subscriptions) = $4045Expenses $4,045
- Program Service #2: Community Engagement and Partnerships The organization participated in and reported on local events and initiatives in collaboration with civic and nonprofit groups, including membership in the local Chamber of Commerce. These efforts strengthened community ties and increased visibility of local issues. Expenses: $515 (Chamber Activity) + $360 Institute Nonprofit News Membership + $731 (Administration/Supplies) = $1,606Expenses $1,606
- Program Service #3: Fundraising and Organizational Sustainability The organization conducted fundraising campaigns and maintained insurance and compliance practices to ensure ongoing operational health and risk management as a public charity. Expenses: $13,494 (Fundraising) + $5,320 (Insurance) + $157 (Legal and Compliance) = $18,971Expenses $18,971
What it must file and when
IRS records say it files Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N. Its accounting year ends in December, so each return is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after that.
| Tax year | Year ended | Due | IRS public records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | December 31, 2025 | May 15, 2026 | 990-EZ on file |
| 2024 | December 31, 2024 | May 15, 2025 | 990-EZ on file |
| 2023 | December 31, 2023 | May 15, 2024 | 990-N on file |
IRS record
- EIN
- 92-2359697
- Tax-exempt status
- 501(c)(3): Charitable, religious, educational or scientific organization
- Foundation status
- Publicly supported organization (170(b)(1)(A)(vi))
- Donations deductible (Pub 78)
- Public charity, 50% deduction limit
- Exempt since
- 2023
- Accounting year ends
- December
- Files
- Form 990 or 990-EZ
- Category (NTEE)
- Arts, culture and humanities (A30)
- Assets (IRS master file)
- $272,932
- Income (IRS master file)
- $180,195
Filing history
| Form | Year ended | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 990-EZ | December 2025 | $180,195 | $34,270 | $272,932 | XML |
| 990-EZ | December 2024 | $102,012 | $14,500 | $127,007 | XML |
| 990-N for 2023 Officer: James McQuivey | December 31, 2023 | ≤ $50,000 receipts | – | – | e-Postcard |
990-N: the IRS bulk file holds only the latest e-Postcard per organization; earlier years come from archived copies of that file since 2020 and can have gaps (the IRS e-Postcard search lists every one). 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 990-T: every e-filed return in the IRS e-file index since 2019; XML for the latest three processing years, amounts from the IRS Statistics of Income extracts before that. PDF copies and determination letters at the IRS (search EIN 92-2359697).
Questions about NEEDHAM OBSERVER
- What is the EIN of NEEDHAM OBSERVER?
- The employer identification number (EIN) of NEEDHAM OBSERVER is 92-2359697.
- Is NEEDHAM OBSERVER tax-exempt?
- Yes. The IRS lists it as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) since 2023.
- Are donations to NEEDHAM OBSERVER tax-deductible?
- Yes. It is listed in IRS Publication 78 (Public charity, 50% deduction limit).
- Which annual return does NEEDHAM OBSERVER file?
- Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N.
- When is the next return of NEEDHAM OBSERVER due?
- The return for tax year 2026 (the year ending December 31, 2026) is due May 17, 2027. Form 8868 extends it by six months; the 990-N cannot be extended.
- When did NEEDHAM OBSERVER last file with the IRS?
- The latest return in the IRS public files is the 990-EZ for the year ended December 2025.
- Who is the principal officer of NEEDHAM OBSERVER?
- The 990-N for 2023 names James McQuivey.
- Who are the officers and directors of NEEDHAM OBSERVER?
- The 990-EZ for the year ended December 31, 2025 lists 9 people; 0 received compensation from the organization.
- How much revenue does NEEDHAM OBSERVER have?
- On its 990-EZ for the year ended December 31, 2025 it reported revenue of $180,195, expenses of $34,270 and total assets of $272,932 at year end.
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All nonprofits in NEEDHAM · Massachusetts · Arts, culture and humanities