Is Vfw Salem Memorial Post 8546 Legit?

Quick charity verification for Vfw Salem Memorial Post 8546 (EIN: 20218036)

Verdict: Vfw Salem Memorial Post 8546 appears trustworthy

70/100Mission Score
$28KRevenue
$851KAssets
3Red Flags
3Strengths

Red Flags

Strengths

Spending Breakdown

How Vfw Salem Memorial Post 8546 allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

80%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
15%
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 Vfw Salem Memorial Post 8546

Is Vfw Salem Memorial Post 8546 a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Vfw Salem Memorial Post 8546 (EIN: 20218036) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 70/100. 3 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.

Is Vfw Salem Memorial Post 8546 a good charity to donate to?

Vfw Salem Memorial Post 8546 has a Mission Score of 70/100. Revenue: $28K. Assets: $851K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Vfw Salem Memorial Post 8546?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Vfw Salem Memorial Post 8546 is 20218036. 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 Vfw Salem Memorial Post 8546 spend its money?

Vfw Salem Memorial Post 8546 allocates 80% to programs, 15% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Vfw Salem Memorial Post 8546's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Vfw Salem Memorial Post 8546's tax-exempt status using EIN 20218036 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

Vfw Salem Memorial Post 8546 exhibits a concerning trend of declining revenue and increasing asset values, which warrants closer examination. While the organization consistently reported zero officer compensation across all available filings, indicating good stewardship in that area, its latest reported revenue of $27,746 is a drastic drop from previous years, such as $285,591 in 2011 and $126,362 in 2020. This significant decrease in income, coupled with a substantial increase in assets to $850,561 from $200,091 in 2020, suggests a potential shift in financial strategy or operational scope that is not immediately clear from the provided data. The consistent reporting of expenses generally tracking revenue in prior years indicates a balanced operational budget historically, but the current financial snapshot raises questions about sustainability and the source of the recent asset growth. The organization's NTEE code W30 (Veterans' Organizations) suggests a focus on supporting veterans. However, without a detailed breakdown of expenses into program, administrative, and fundraising categories, it's challenging to fully assess spending efficiency. The historical data shows expenses often slightly exceeding revenue, indicating a reliance on reserves or other funding sources to cover operational costs. The lack of reported officer compensation is a positive sign for transparency and resource allocation, but the dramatic change in revenue and assets in the most recent period requires further investigation to understand the organization's current financial health and its ability to fulfill its mission effectively. The significant asset growth without corresponding revenue growth could imply asset sales, large donations, or investment gains, which would impact the assessment of its financial stability and program capacity.

View Full Transparency Report →

Disclaimer

AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.

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