Quick charity verification for Potter Volunteer Fire Departmentinc (EIN: 208005409)
Verdict: Potter Volunteer Fire Departmentinc appears trustworthy
85/100Mission Score
$135KRevenue
$201KAssets
2Red Flags
3Strengths
Red Flags
Significant deficit spending in 2023 ($123,751 expenses vs. $51,488 revenue)
High fluctuation in revenue and expenses between 2022 and 2023, suggesting potential funding instability.
Strengths
Zero liabilities reported in both filing periods, indicating a debt-free operation.
Consistent 0% officer compensation, demonstrating strong volunteer leadership and efficient use of funds.
Healthy asset base of $200,944 relative to its latest revenue of $135,025.
Spending Breakdown
How Potter Volunteer Fire Departmentinc allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
80%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
10%
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 Potter Volunteer Fire Departmentinc
Is Potter Volunteer Fire Departmentinc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Potter Volunteer Fire Departmentinc (EIN: 208005409) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 2 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
Is Potter Volunteer Fire Departmentinc a good charity to donate to?
Potter Volunteer Fire Departmentinc has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $135K. Assets: $201K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Potter Volunteer Fire Departmentinc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Potter Volunteer Fire Departmentinc is 208005409. 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 Potter Volunteer Fire Departmentinc spend its money?
Potter Volunteer Fire Departmentinc allocates 80% to programs, 10% to administration, and 10% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Potter Volunteer Fire Departmentinc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Potter Volunteer Fire Departmentinc's tax-exempt status using EIN 208005409 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 Potter Volunteer Fire Department Inc. demonstrates a mixed financial picture. In 2023, the organization experienced a significant deficit, with expenses of $123,751 far exceeding revenue of $51,488. This contrasts sharply with 2022, where revenue of $156,231 comfortably covered expenses of $46,958. While the organization maintains a healthy asset base of $200,944 and zero liabilities, the recent deficit spending warrants close monitoring to ensure long-term sustainability. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across both periods indicates a commitment to volunteerism at the leadership level, which is a positive sign for donor confidence and efficient use of funds. However, the substantial fluctuation in revenue and expenses between years suggests potential instability or reliance on unpredictable funding sources.