Is Camp Fire Legit?

Spending Breakdown

How Camp Fire allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

75%

Program Spending

Healthy — majority goes to mission

15%

Admin Costs

Reasonable — admin costs in check

10%

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 Camp Fire

Is Camp Fire a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Camp Fire (EIN: 131623921) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 75/100. 3 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.

Is Camp Fire a good charity to donate to?

Camp Fire has a Mission Score of 75/100. Revenue: $3.3M. Assets: $2.8M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Camp Fire?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Camp Fire is 131623921. 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 Camp Fire spend its money?

Camp Fire allocates 75% to programs, 15% to administration, and 10% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Camp Fire's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Camp Fire's tax-exempt status using EIN 131623921 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

Camp Fire, located in Kansas City, MO, demonstrates a fluctuating financial performance over the past decade. While the organization reported total assets of $2,842,695 and latest revenue of $3,259,639, its financial stability has varied significantly. For instance, in fiscal year 2023, expenses ($2,460,413) exceeded revenue ($1,664,896), leading to a deficit. This contrasts with fiscal year 2022, where revenue ($3,504,457) comfortably surpassed expenses ($2,143,750).

The organization's spending efficiency is difficult to fully assess without a detailed breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses from the provided data. However, the consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings suggests a strong commitment to minimizing overhead in executive pay, which is a positive indicator for donor confidence. The significant swings in revenue and expenses year-over-year, such as the drop in revenue from $3,504,457 in 2022 to $1,664,896 in 2023, warrant closer examination to understand the underlying causes and the organization's long-term financial planning.

Transparency regarding executive compensation is excellent, with 0% reported for officers in all available filings. However, without a detailed functional expense breakdown (program, administrative, fundraising) in the provided data, a comprehensive assessment of spending efficiency and program focus is limited. The consistent reporting of liabilities, ranging from $214,922 in 2023 to $1,037,713 in 2019, indicates ongoing financial obligations that the organization manages.

Verdict: Camp Fire appears trustworthy

Red Flags

Strengths