Quick charity verification for Brookline Volunteer Fire Department Inc (EIN: 20519338)
Verdict: Brookline Volunteer Fire Department Inc appears trustworthy
92/100Mission Score
$29KRevenue
$69KAssets
1Red Flags
5Strengths
Red Flags
Occasional annual expenses exceeding revenue (e.g., 202212, 201912, 201612), which could deplete reserves if not managed over time.
Strengths
Zero liabilities reported across all filings, indicating strong financial health and no debt.
Consistent asset base (typically $60,000-$80,000) over a decade, demonstrating financial resilience.
0% officer compensation, ensuring all funds are directed towards the mission.
Consistent IRS 990 filing history, indicating strong transparency and compliance.
Volunteer-driven model with no reported fundraising expenses, suggesting community support and efficient operations.
Spending Breakdown
How Brookline Volunteer Fire Department Inc allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
90%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
10%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
0%
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 Brookline Volunteer Fire Department Inc
Is Brookline Volunteer Fire Department Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Brookline Volunteer Fire Department Inc (EIN: 20519338) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 92/100. 1 red flag identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Brookline Volunteer Fire Department Inc a good charity to donate to?
Brookline Volunteer Fire Department Inc has a Mission Score of 92/100. Revenue: $29K. Assets: $69K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Brookline Volunteer Fire Department Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Brookline Volunteer Fire Department Inc is 20519338. 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 Brookline Volunteer Fire Department Inc spend its money?
Brookline Volunteer Fire Department Inc allocates 90% to programs, 10% to administration, and 0% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Brookline Volunteer Fire Department Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Brookline Volunteer Fire Department Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 20519338 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 Brookline Volunteer Fire Department Inc. demonstrates consistent financial activity, with annual revenues typically in the $20,000-$30,000 range. The organization maintains a healthy asset base, averaging around $70,000-$80,000, with no reported liabilities across all filings, indicating strong financial stability and responsible management of its balance sheet. This suggests the organization is not reliant on debt and has a solid foundation.
Spending efficiency appears to fluctuate year-to-year, with some periods showing expenses exceeding revenue (e.g., 202212 with $48,181 expenses against $25,824 revenue, and 201912 with $34,339 expenses against $27,606 revenue), while other years show a surplus. However, the overall trend indicates that the organization generally manages its expenses within its revenue capacity over time. The absence of officer compensation reported across all filings is a significant positive indicator of efficiency and dedication, as all funds are presumably directed towards operational costs and programs.
Transparency is high given the consistent filing of IRS Form 990s and the clear reporting of zero liabilities and zero officer compensation. This level of detail allows for a straightforward assessment of their financial operations. The organization's consistent asset levels despite fluctuating annual surpluses/deficits suggest effective long-term financial planning and asset preservation, which is crucial for a volunteer-based service.