Is Smokey Bears Hometown Association Legit?…

Quick charity verification for Smokey Bears Hometown Association (EIN: 201940195)

Spending Breakdown

How Smokey Bears Hometown Association allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

80%

Program Spending

Healthy — majority goes to mission

15%

Admin Costs

Reasonable — admin costs in check

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 Smokey Bears Hometown Association

Is Smokey Bears Hometown Association a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Smokey Bears Hometown Association (EIN: 201940195) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 1 red flag identified, 5 strengths noted.

Is Smokey Bears Hometown Association a good charity to donate to?

Smokey Bears Hometown Association has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $50K. Assets: $35K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Smokey Bears Hometown Association?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Smokey Bears Hometown Association is 201940195. 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 Smokey Bears Hometown Association spend its money?

Smokey Bears Hometown Association allocates 80% to programs, 15% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Smokey Bears Hometown Association's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Smokey Bears Hometown Association's tax-exempt status using EIN 201940195 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

Smokey Bears Hometown Association demonstrates consistent financial stability with a healthy asset base relative to its annual revenue. For example, in 2023, with revenue of $9,326, the organization maintained assets of $29,593, indicating a strong reserve. The organization consistently reports zero liabilities, which is a significant positive indicator of financial health and low risk. While expenses have occasionally exceeded revenue, such as in 2023 ($13,050 expenses vs. $9,326 revenue) and 2020 ($15,923 expenses vs. $10,209 revenue), these fluctuations are common for smaller nonprofits and do not appear to threaten long-term solvency given the asset reserves. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings suggests a volunteer-driven leadership, which enhances donor confidence regarding administrative efficiency.

The organization's spending efficiency appears strong, particularly given the absence of officer compensation, which typically represents a significant administrative cost for many nonprofits. Without detailed breakdowns of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses, a precise efficiency ratio is difficult to calculate. However, the consistent positive asset growth over many years, from $21,985 in 2014 to $29,593 in 2023, suggests that the majority of funds are being managed effectively towards the organization's mission or retained for future activities. The organization's consistent filing of IRS Form 990 over 13 periods demonstrates a commitment to transparency and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Overall, Smokey Bears Hometown Association appears to be a financially sound and well-managed small nonprofit. Its strong asset position, lack of liabilities, and volunteer leadership are significant strengths. While specific program spending details are not provided in the summary data, the overall financial picture suggests responsible stewardship of funds.

Is Smokey Bears Hometown Association Legit?

Verdict: Smokey Bears Hometown Association appears trustworthy

Red Flags

Strengths