Quick charity verification for South Bristol Volunteer Fire Co (EIN: 10478309)
Verdict: South Bristol Volunteer Fire Co appears trustworthy
95/100Mission Score
$63KRevenue
$149KAssets
0Red Flags
5Strengths
No red flags identified.
Strengths
Zero liabilities across all reported periods, indicating strong financial health.
0% officer compensation, demonstrating a highly volunteer-driven and efficient operation.
Consistent IRS 990 filing history, showing good transparency and compliance.
Healthy asset base ($149,464) relative to its annual revenue, providing financial stability.
Strong program focus due to minimal administrative overhead and no fundraising expenses reported as a separate category.
Spending Breakdown
How South Bristol Volunteer Fire Co allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
90%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
10%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
0%
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 South Bristol Volunteer Fire Co
Is South Bristol Volunteer Fire Co a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, South Bristol Volunteer Fire Co (EIN: 10478309) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 95/100. 0 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is South Bristol Volunteer Fire Co a good charity to donate to?
South Bristol Volunteer Fire Co has a Mission Score of 95/100. Revenue: $63K. Assets: $149K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for South Bristol Volunteer Fire Co?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for South Bristol Volunteer Fire Co is 10478309. 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 South Bristol Volunteer Fire Co spend its money?
South Bristol Volunteer Fire Co allocates 90% to programs, 10% to administration, and 0% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify South Bristol Volunteer Fire Co's tax-exempt status?
You can verify South Bristol Volunteer Fire Co's tax-exempt status using EIN 10478309 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 South Bristol Volunteer Fire Co demonstrates consistent financial stability, operating with a modest but steady revenue stream. Over the past decade, annual revenues have fluctuated, ranging from a low of $18,258 in 2023 to a high of $56,977 in 2022. The organization consistently maintains zero liabilities, indicating a strong balance sheet and responsible financial management. While expenses sometimes exceed revenue, such as in 2023 where expenses were $18,923 against $18,258 in revenue, these deficits are typically small and do not appear to jeopardize the organization's long-term viability given its asset base of $149,464.
Spending efficiency is high, primarily due to the volunteer nature of the organization, as evidenced by 0% officer compensation across all reported periods. This suggests that nearly all funds are directed towards operational costs and program services. The organization's transparency is excellent, with a consistent filing history and clear financial statements showing no debt. The lack of officer compensation is a significant positive indicator of a mission-driven, community-focused operation.