Quick charity verification for Vale Volunteer Fire Department (EIN: 202379916)
Verdict: Vale Volunteer Fire Department appears trustworthy
92/100Mission Score
$85KRevenue
$306KAssets
0Red Flags
4Strengths
No red flags identified.
Strengths
Consistent 0% officer compensation, indicating all funds go to mission.
Healthy asset-to-liability ratio, demonstrating financial stability (e.g., $339,883 assets vs. $37,558 liabilities in 2023).
Long history of IRS 990 filings, showing commitment to transparency.
Stable financial position despite revenue fluctuations, suggesting prudent management.
Spending Breakdown
How Vale Volunteer Fire Department allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
90%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
7%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
3%
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 Vale Volunteer Fire Department
Is Vale Volunteer Fire Department a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Vale Volunteer Fire Department (EIN: 202379916) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 92/100. 0 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is Vale Volunteer Fire Department a good charity to donate to?
Vale Volunteer Fire Department has a Mission Score of 92/100. Revenue: $85K. Assets: $306K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Vale Volunteer Fire Department?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Vale Volunteer Fire Department is 202379916. 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 Vale Volunteer Fire Department spend its money?
Vale Volunteer Fire Department allocates 90% to programs, 7% to administration, and 3% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Vale Volunteer Fire Department's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Vale Volunteer Fire Department's tax-exempt status using EIN 202379916 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 Vale Volunteer Fire Department demonstrates consistent financial activity typical of a small, community-based volunteer organization. Over the past decade, its revenue has fluctuated, ranging from a low of $33,889 in 2013 to a high of $85,452 in 2021. Expenses have generally tracked revenue, with some years showing deficits (e.g., $82,421 expenses against $45,242 revenue in 2022) and others surpluses (e.g., $64,675 expenses against $75,044 revenue in 2023). The organization maintains a healthy asset base, with assets consistently over $240,000 and reaching $339,883 in 2023, significantly exceeding its liabilities. This indicates a stable financial position capable of supporting its operations.
Spending efficiency appears reasonable for a volunteer fire department, where a significant portion of expenses would likely be for equipment, maintenance, and training directly related to program services. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings strongly suggests that all funds are directed towards the department's mission rather than executive salaries, which is a positive indicator of efficiency and dedication. The organization's financial reporting is consistent with IRS requirements, providing a clear history of its financial activities.
Overall, the Vale Volunteer Fire Department appears to be a financially stable and efficiently run organization, particularly given its volunteer nature and the absence of paid executive compensation. Its ability to maintain a strong asset base while managing fluctuating revenues and expenses speaks to prudent financial management. The consistent filing of IRS Form 990s over many years also demonstrates a commitment to transparency.