Is Buddy Fisher Ministries Inc Legit?

Quick charity verification for Buddy Fisher Ministries Inc (EIN: 205107455)

Verdict: Buddy Fisher Ministries Inc appears trustworthy

70/100Mission Score

$41KRevenue

$12KAssets

2Red Flags

3Strengths

Red Flags

Frequent deficit spending (expenses exceeding revenue in most years, e.g., 2023 expenses $44,032 vs. revenue $39,955)
Long-term declining asset base (from $29,000 in 2014 to $11,940 currently)

Strengths

Consistent 0% officer compensation, indicating resources are directed to mission
Zero liabilities reported across all filings, demonstrating financial prudence regarding debt
Consistent IRS 990 filing history, indicating transparency

Spending Breakdown

How Buddy Fisher Ministries Inc 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 Buddy Fisher Ministries Inc

Is Buddy Fisher Ministries Inc a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Buddy Fisher Ministries Inc (EIN: 205107455) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 70/100. 2 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.

Is Buddy Fisher Ministries Inc a good charity to donate to?

Buddy Fisher Ministries Inc has a Mission Score of 70/100. Revenue: $41K. Assets: $12K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Buddy Fisher Ministries Inc?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Buddy Fisher Ministries Inc is 205107455. 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 Buddy Fisher Ministries Inc spend its money?

Buddy Fisher Ministries Inc allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Buddy Fisher Ministries Inc's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Buddy Fisher Ministries Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 205107455 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

Buddy Fisher Ministries Inc demonstrates consistent, albeit modest, financial activity over the past decade, with annual revenues generally fluctuating between $34,000 and $52,000. The organization consistently reports zero liabilities, indicating a healthy balance sheet free of debt. However, the organization frequently spends more than it brings in, as seen in 2023 where expenses ($44,032) exceeded revenue ($39,955), and similarly in 2022, 2021, 2020, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, and 2014. This pattern of deficit spending, while not immediately critical given the small scale and zero liabilities, suggests a need for more robust fundraising or tighter expense management to ensure long-term sustainability. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation is a positive indicator of resource allocation towards the mission rather than executive salaries.

The organization's assets have shown a declining trend over the long term, from $29,000 in 2014 to $11,940 currently, although there have been periods of increase, such as from $7,286 in 2020 to $16,418 in 2022. The lack of reported officer compensation across all filings suggests a high degree of volunteerism or very modest operational costs, which can be a strength for a small nonprofit. However, without detailed expense breakdowns beyond total expenses, it's challenging to fully assess spending efficiency between programs, administration, and fundraising. The consistent filing of IRS Form 990s demonstrates a commitment to transparency.

View Full Transparency Report →

Disclaimer

AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.