Quick charity verification for Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department (EIN: 222280267)
Verdict: Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department appears trustworthy
85/100Mission Score
$156KRevenue
$382KAssets
2Red Flags
4Strengths
Red Flags
Significant year-over-year fluctuations in revenue, such as the jump from $70,024 in 2022 to $120,722 in 2023, warrant further investigation into funding sources.
Expenses have at times exceeded revenue, for example, in 2022 where expenses were $143,239 against $70,024 in revenue, leading to a draw on assets.
Strengths
Consistent reporting of 0% compensation for leadership demonstrates a strong volunteer ethos and efficient use of funds.
The organization maintains a healthy asset base relative to its annual revenue and expenses, providing financial stability.
Long history of public filings indicates a commitment to transparency, even if detailed reports are not provided.
The organization's local focus as a volunteer fire department suggests direct community impact and engagement.
Spending Breakdown
How Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
70%
Program Spending
Below average — room for improvement
15%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
15%
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 Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department
Is Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department (EIN: 222280267) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 2 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department a good charity to donate to?
Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $156K. Assets: $382K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department is 222280267. 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 Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department spend its money?
Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department allocates 70% to programs, 15% to administration, and 15% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department's tax-exempt status using EIN 222280267 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
Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department is a public safety & disaster preparedness nonprofit based in Fairfield, New Jersey, with reported revenue of $156K and assets of $382K. Our AI analysis assigns a Mission Score of 85/100 (Excellent). Approximately 70% of spending goes to programs, 15% to administration, and 15% to fundraising. • The organization consistently reports 0% compensation to officers, directors, trustees, and key employees, indicating a fully volunteer leadership structure.
• Financial statements are publicly available through IRS Form 990 filings, showing consistent reporting over several years.
• The organization does not appear to provide a detailed annual report beyond the IRS filings. Executive compensation is reported as $0 across all available filings, indicating a fully volunteer leadership and no paid executives. Revenue has grown +69% across 13 filing periods.