Is Blacksburg Volunteer Fire Department…

Quick charity verification for Blacksburg Volunteer Fire Department (EIN: 134355968)

Spending Breakdown

How Blacksburg Volunteer Fire Department allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

85%

Program Spending

Healthy — majority goes to mission

10%

Admin Costs

Reasonable — admin costs in check

Fundraising

Within typical range

How to read this: Well-run charities typically spend 75% or more on programs, keep admin under 25%, and fundraising under 15%. A high program ratio means more of every dollar goes directly to the mission.

How to Interpret This Report

What Red Flags Mean

Red flags are potential warning signs identified by AI analysis of IRS 990 filings. They may indicate issues like declining revenue, high executive pay relative to program spending, lack of transparency, or governance concerns. A single red flag does not necessarily mean an organization is untrustworthy, but multiple flags warrant further investigation before donating.

What Mission Score Measures

The Mission Score (0-100) evaluates how effectively a nonprofit fulfills its stated purpose. It combines multiple factors: program spending efficiency (how much goes to programs vs. overhead), financial health and sustainability, governance quality, transparency in reporting, and consistency of operations over time. A score of 70+ indicates strong alignment with the organization’s mission.

Using This Data for Donation Decisions

Use this report as one input in your decision. Look at the overall Mission Score for a quick assessment, review red flags and strengths for specific concerns, check the spending breakdown to see where money goes, and compare executive compensation to the organization’s size. Consider viewing the full transparency report for deeper analysis, and always verify tax-exempt status with the IRS before making large donations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Blacksburg Volunteer Fire Department

Is Blacksburg Volunteer Fire Department a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Blacksburg Volunteer Fire Department (EIN: 134355968) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 70/100. 3 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.

Is Blacksburg Volunteer Fire Department a good charity to donate to?

Blacksburg Volunteer Fire Department has a Mission Score of 70/100. Revenue: $554K. Assets: $509K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Blacksburg Volunteer Fire Department?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Blacksburg Volunteer Fire Department is 134355968. This is the unique tax ID assigned by the IRS.

What is a Mission Score?

The Mission Score is a 0-100 rating that measures how effectively a nonprofit fulfills its stated mission. It factors in program spending efficiency, financial transparency, governance practices, and outcome reporting. Scores above 70 indicate strong mission alignment, 40-69 suggest mixed performance, and below 40 signals potential concerns.

How does Blacksburg Volunteer Fire Department spend its money?

Blacksburg Volunteer Fire Department allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Blacksburg Volunteer Fire Department's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Blacksburg Volunteer Fire Department's tax-exempt status using EIN 134355968 on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) at apps.irs.gov/app/eos. You can also request copies of their Form 990 directly from the organization, as they are required by law to provide them upon request.

AI Transparency Report

The Blacksburg Volunteer Fire Department demonstrates a commitment to its mission of providing fire protection services, as evidenced by its consistent program spending. However, the organization has shown a pattern of operating at a deficit in recent years, with expenses exceeding revenue in most of the last five reported periods. For instance, in 2023, expenses were $520,374 against revenues of $500,331, and in 2022, expenses were $419,960 against revenues of $293,958. This trend suggests potential long-term financial sustainability challenges if not addressed.

Despite these operational deficits, the organization maintains a reasonable asset base, with $509,443 in assets as of the latest filing. A notable concern is the fluctuating and sometimes high liabilities, reaching $663,591 in 2023, which exceeded assets in that period. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings indicates a strong volunteer-driven model and efficient use of funds for direct services rather than executive salaries, contributing positively to its spending efficiency. The organization's transparency is generally good, with a consistent filing history over 13 periods, allowing for a clear view of its financial operations.

Is Blacksburg Volunteer Fire Department Legit?

Verdict: Blacksburg Volunteer Fire Department appears trustworthy

Red Flags

Strengths