Is Wheatfield Volunteer Fire Department Inc Legit?
Quick charity verification for Wheatfield Volunteer Fire Department Inc (EIN: 161689527)
Verdict: Wheatfield Volunteer Fire Department Inc appears trustworthy
85/100Mission Score
$129KRevenue
$413KAssets
2Red Flags
3Strengths
Red Flags
Expenses significantly exceeded revenue in 2023 ($270,221 expenses vs. $132,911 revenue)
Inconsistent revenue streams, with a large fluctuation between 2022 and 2023
Strengths
Consistent 0% officer compensation across all filings, indicating volunteer leadership
Strong asset base ($600,729 in 2023) providing financial cushion
Consistent IRS 990 filing history demonstrating transparency
Spending Breakdown
How Wheatfield Volunteer Fire Department Inc allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
85%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
10%
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 Wheatfield Volunteer Fire Department Inc
Is Wheatfield Volunteer Fire Department Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Wheatfield Volunteer Fire Department Inc (EIN: 161689527) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 2 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
Is Wheatfield Volunteer Fire Department Inc a good charity to donate to?
Wheatfield Volunteer Fire Department Inc has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $129K. Assets: $413K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Wheatfield Volunteer Fire Department Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Wheatfield Volunteer Fire Department Inc is 161689527. 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 Wheatfield Volunteer Fire Department Inc spend its money?
Wheatfield Volunteer Fire Department Inc allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Wheatfield Volunteer Fire Department Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Wheatfield Volunteer Fire Department Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 161689527 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 Wheatfield Volunteer Fire Department Inc. demonstrates a fluctuating financial picture over the past several years. While the organization's assets have generally grown, reaching $600,729 in 2023, its revenue has been inconsistent, with a significant spike to $506,753 in 2022 followed by a drop to $132,911 in 2023. Expenses have also varied, notably exceeding revenue in 2023 ($270,221 in expenses vs. $132,911 in revenue), indicating a reliance on reserves or prior year surpluses. The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation, which is a positive indicator of volunteer leadership and efficient use of funds for its mission.
The department's financial health appears stable given its asset base, but the recent trend of expenses outstripping revenue warrants attention. The absence of officer compensation across all reported periods suggests a strong commitment to directing resources towards operational needs rather than administrative salaries. The organization's consistent filing of IRS Form 990s indicates a commitment to transparency, providing public access to its financial data.