Is Scotland Volunteer Fire Department Incorporated Legit?
Quick charity verification for Scotland Volunteer Fire Department Incorporated (EIN: 201415261)
Verdict: Scotland Volunteer Fire Department Incorporated appears trustworthy
92/100Mission Score
$336KRevenue
$447KAssets
1Red Flags
4Strengths
Red Flags
Significant increase in liabilities in 202306 ($221,374) compared to previous years, warranting further scrutiny.
Strengths
Consistent 0% officer compensation across all filings, demonstrating strong volunteer commitment.
Healthy asset base, reaching $467,821 in 202306, indicating financial stability.
Long history of IRS 990 filings (12 filings), suggesting transparency and consistent reporting.
Strong program focus, as implied by the nature of a volunteer fire department and lack of executive compensation.
Spending Breakdown
How Scotland Volunteer Fire Department Incorporated allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
90%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
5%
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 Scotland Volunteer Fire Department Incorporated
Is Scotland Volunteer Fire Department Incorporated a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Scotland Volunteer Fire Department Incorporated (EIN: 201415261) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 92/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is Scotland Volunteer Fire Department Incorporated a good charity to donate to?
Scotland Volunteer Fire Department Incorporated has a Mission Score of 92/100. Revenue: $336K. Assets: $447K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Scotland Volunteer Fire Department Incorporated?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Scotland Volunteer Fire Department Incorporated is 201415261. 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 Scotland Volunteer Fire Department Incorporated spend its money?
Scotland Volunteer Fire Department Incorporated allocates 90% to programs, 5% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Scotland Volunteer Fire Department Incorporated's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Scotland Volunteer Fire Department Incorporated's tax-exempt status using EIN 201415261 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 Scotland Volunteer Fire Department Incorporated demonstrates a consistent commitment to its mission as evidenced by its financial filings. Over the past decade, the organization has maintained a stable revenue stream, with recent years showing an increase, such as the $175,364 in revenue for the period ending 202306. While expenses have occasionally exceeded revenue, as seen in 202306 where expenses were $195,325 against $175,364 in revenue, this is not uncommon for volunteer emergency services that rely on community support and grants. The organization's assets have generally remained robust, reaching $467,821 in 202306, indicating a solid financial foundation. A notable aspect of their financial management is the consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings, which speaks to a strong volunteer ethos and efficient use of funds directly for operational purposes. The significant increase in liabilities in 202306 to $221,374, compared to previous years, warrants further investigation to understand its nature and impact on long-term financial health. Overall, the department appears to be a well-managed entity focused on its community service, with a high degree of transparency regarding its operational costs and lack of executive compensation.