Quick charity verification for Watertown Fire Department Inc (EIN: 202486049)
Verdict: Watertown Fire Department Inc appears trustworthy
95/100Mission Score
$156KRevenue
$211KAssets
0Red Flags
5Strengths
No red flags identified.
Strengths
Consistent reporting of zero liabilities across all filings, indicating strong financial health.
No reported officer compensation, suggesting a volunteer-driven model and high efficiency.
Steady growth in assets over the past decade, from $101,091 in 2014 to $192,434 in 2023.
Revenues generally exceed or closely match expenses, demonstrating sound financial management.
Consistent filing of IRS Form 990s, indicating good transparency.
Spending Breakdown
How Watertown Fire Department Inc 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 Watertown Fire Department Inc
Is Watertown Fire Department Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Watertown Fire Department Inc (EIN: 202486049) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 95/100. 0 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Watertown Fire Department Inc a good charity to donate to?
Watertown Fire Department Inc has a Mission Score of 95/100. Revenue: $156K. Assets: $211K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Watertown Fire Department Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Watertown Fire Department Inc is 202486049. 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 Watertown Fire Department Inc spend its money?
Watertown Fire Department Inc allocates 90% to programs, 5% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Watertown Fire Department Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Watertown Fire Department Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 202486049 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 Watertown Fire Department Inc demonstrates consistent financial activity over the past decade, with annual revenues and expenses generally fluctuating between $100,000 and $175,000. The organization consistently reports zero liabilities across all available filings, indicating a strong balance sheet and responsible financial management. Assets have shown a steady growth trend, increasing from $101,091 in 2014 to $192,434 in 2023, suggesting prudent accumulation of resources. The absence of reported officer compensation in all filings points to a volunteer-driven leadership structure, which is a significant positive for donor confidence and operational efficiency.
Spending efficiency appears high, as the organization consistently operates with expenses closely aligned with or slightly below revenue, avoiding significant deficits. For example, in 2023, revenues were $174,471 against expenses of $144,249, resulting in a surplus. The lack of officer compensation further enhances the proportion of funds directly supporting the mission. Transparency is excellent given the consistent filing of IRS Form 990s and the clear financial picture presented, particularly the absence of liabilities and officer compensation.
Overall, the Watertown Fire Department Inc exhibits strong financial health, efficient spending practices, and a high degree of transparency. Its consistent growth in assets, coupled with a volunteer leadership model, positions it as a financially sound and trustworthy organization dedicated to its community service mission.