Quick charity verification for Brownsville Volunteer Fire Department (EIN: 20660266)
Verdict: Brownsville Volunteer Fire Department appears trustworthy
95/100Mission Score
$95KRevenue
$360KAssets
0Red Flags
5Strengths
No red flags identified.
Strengths
Very low expense ratio relative to revenue (18% in 2021)
Zero reported liabilities, indicating strong financial stability
Significant asset growth from $258,080 to $360,219
No officer compensation reported, suggesting volunteer leadership and high efficiency
Strong program spending focus due to minimal administrative and fundraising costs
Spending Breakdown
How Brownsville Volunteer Fire Department 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 Brownsville Volunteer Fire Department
Is Brownsville Volunteer Fire Department a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Brownsville Volunteer Fire Department (EIN: 20660266) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 95/100. 0 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Brownsville Volunteer Fire Department a good charity to donate to?
Brownsville Volunteer Fire Department has a Mission Score of 95/100. Revenue: $95K. Assets: $360K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Brownsville Volunteer Fire Department?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Brownsville Volunteer Fire Department is 20660266. 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 Brownsville Volunteer Fire Department spend its money?
Brownsville Volunteer Fire Department allocates 90% to programs, 10% to administration, and 0% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Brownsville Volunteer Fire Department's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Brownsville Volunteer Fire Department's tax-exempt status using EIN 20660266 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 Brownsville Volunteer Fire Department appears to be in sound financial health, demonstrating efficient spending and a strong asset base relative to its revenue. In the 2021 fiscal period, the organization reported revenues of $64,568 against expenses of only $11,660, indicating a significant surplus that contributed to its growing assets. With current assets at $360,219 and no reported liabilities, the department maintains a very strong balance sheet, suggesting excellent financial stability and capacity for future operations or investments in equipment.
The organization's spending efficiency is notable, with a very low expense ratio compared to its revenue. The absence of reported officer compensation further enhances its financial efficiency and suggests a volunteer-driven leadership model, which is common for fire departments of this size. This structure likely contributes to keeping administrative costs low and maximizing resources for direct fire and rescue services. The consistent growth in assets, from $258,080 in 2021 to $360,219 currently, without incurring liabilities, points to prudent financial management and a focus on long-term sustainability.
Transparency appears to be adequate given the available data, with public filings accessible. The clear financial picture, including zero liabilities and no officer compensation, simplifies the assessment of its financial practices. The organization's ability to operate effectively with minimal expenses while accumulating assets demonstrates a strong commitment to its mission and efficient use of donor funds.