Strong program focus implied by the nature of a volunteer fire department and low administrative overhead
Spending Breakdown
How Canton 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
5%
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 Canton Volunteer Fire Department
Is Canton Volunteer Fire Department a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Canton Volunteer Fire Department (EIN: 205028877) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 2 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is Canton Volunteer Fire Department a good charity to donate to?
Canton Volunteer Fire Department has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $108K. Assets: $54K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Canton Volunteer Fire Department?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Canton Volunteer Fire Department is 205028877. 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 Canton Volunteer Fire Department spend its money?
Canton 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 Canton Volunteer Fire Department's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Canton Volunteer Fire Department's tax-exempt status using EIN 205028877 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 Canton Volunteer Fire Department demonstrates consistent operational activity with fluctuating but generally stable revenue streams. In the latest reported period (202312), the organization generated $53,272 in revenue against $29,656 in expenses, indicating a surplus. Over the past five years, revenue has ranged from $45,191 (201912) to $74,122 (202112), with expenses generally tracking below or near revenue, except for a significant deficit in 202012 where expenses ($94,534) considerably exceeded revenue ($61,800). The organization's assets have seen considerable fluctuation, from a high of $186,401 in 201612 to $37,740 in 202312, with a notable increase in liabilities matching assets in recent years, suggesting potential accounting changes or specific asset financing. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings indicates a volunteer-driven leadership, which is a positive sign for donor confidence regarding administrative costs.
Spending efficiency appears strong, particularly given the volunteer nature of the leadership. Without a detailed breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses, it's challenging to precisely quantify efficiency ratios. However, the overall expense-to-revenue ratio in most years suggests that a significant portion of funds is likely directed towards operational activities. For instance, in 202312, expenses were approximately 55.7% of revenue, leaving a substantial margin for reinvestment or reserve building. The lack of reported officer compensation further supports efficient use of funds.
Transparency is generally good, with consistent IRS 990 filings available. The absence of reported officer compensation is a clear indicator of a volunteer board, enhancing trust. However, the recent trend of liabilities exactly matching assets in the last three filings (202112-202312) warrants further investigation to understand the nature of these liabilities and their impact on the organization's financial health and flexibility. This could represent specific asset financing or a change in accounting presentation.