Canton Volunteer Fire Department

Canton Volunteer Fire Department maintains stable operations with volunteer leadership and fluctuating asset base.

EIN: 205028877 · Canton, SD · NTEE: M99 · Updated: 2026-03-28

$108KRevenue

$54KAssets

85/100Mission Score (Excellent)

M99

About Canton Volunteer Fire Department

Canton Volunteer Fire Department (EIN: 205028877) is a nonprofit organization based in Canton, SD, classified under NTEE code M99. The organization reported total revenue of $108K and total assets of $54K according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Canton Volunteer Fire Department's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.

AI Transparency Report

The Canton Volunteer Fire Department demonstrates consistent operational activity with fluctuating but generally stable revenue streams. In the latest reported period (202312), the organization generated $53,272 in revenue against $29,656 in expenses, indicating a surplus. Over the past five years, revenue has ranged from $45,191 (201912) to $74,122 (202112), with expenses generally tracking below or near revenue, except for a significant deficit in 202012 where expenses ($94,534) considerably exceeded revenue ($61,800). The organization's assets have seen considerable fluctuation, from a high of $186,401 in 201612 to $37,740 in 202312, with a notable increase in liabilities matching assets in recent years, suggesting potential accounting changes or specific asset financing. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings indicates a volunteer-driven leadership, which is a positive sign for donor confidence regarding administrative costs.

Spending efficiency appears strong, particularly given the volunteer nature of the leadership. Without a detailed breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses, it's challenging to precisely quantify efficiency ratios. However, the overall expense-to-revenue ratio in most years suggests that a significant portion of funds is likely directed towards operational activities. For instance, in 202312, expenses were approximately 55.7% of revenue, leaving a substantial margin for reinvestment or reserve building. The lack of reported officer compensation further supports efficient use of funds.

Transparency is generally good, with consistent IRS 990 filings available. The absence of reported officer compensation is a clear indicator of a volunteer board, enhancing trust. However, the recent trend of liabilities exactly matching assets in the last three filings (202112-202312) warrants further investigation to understand the nature of these liabilities and their impact on the organization's financial health and flexibility. This could represent specific asset financing or a change in accounting presentation.

Mission Effectiveness Score

NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates Canton Volunteer Fire Department with a Mission Score of 85 out of 100 (Excellent). This score reflects the organization's overall financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance indicators derived from IRS 990 public filings.

Spending Breakdown

admin: 10%
programs: 85%
fundraising: 5%

According to IRS 990 filings, Canton Volunteer Fire Department allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 10%, programs: 85%, fundraising: 5%. With 85% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.

Executive Compensation Analysis

Executive compensation is consistently reported as 0% across all available filings, indicating that the organization's leadership is entirely volunteer-based, which is highly commendable for an organization of its size with latest revenue of $107,815.

Executive compensation data is sourced from IRS 990 filings, which require nonprofits to disclose the compensation of officers, directors, trustees, and key employees. NonprofitSpending analyzes this data relative to the organization's total revenue and sector benchmarks to assess whether executive pay is reasonable.

Red Flags

The following concerns were identified during AI analysis of Canton Volunteer Fire Department's IRS 990 filings:

Significant deficit in 202012 where expenses ($94,534) considerably exceeded revenue ($61,800)
Liabilities exactly matching assets in the last three reported periods (202112-202312) without clear explanation in summary data

Strengths

The following positive indicators were identified for Canton Volunteer Fire Department:

Consistent 0% officer compensation, indicating volunteer leadership and efficient use of funds
Generally stable financial operations with revenue often exceeding expenses
Consistent IRS 990 filing history, demonstrating transparency
Strong program focus implied by the nature of a volunteer fire department and low administrative overhead

Frequently Asked Questions about Canton Volunteer Fire Department

Is Canton Volunteer Fire Department a good charity?

Based on the available data, the Canton Volunteer Fire Department appears to be a good charity. It operates with volunteer leadership (0% officer compensation), indicating efficient use of funds. Its expenses are generally well-managed relative to revenue, and it consistently files its IRS 990 forms, demonstrating transparency.

What caused the significant expense spike in 2020?

In 202012, the organization reported expenses of $94,534 against revenue of $61,800, resulting in a significant deficit. Without detailed expense breakdowns from the 990 form, the specific cause cannot be determined, but it could be due to a major equipment purchase, facility maintenance, or an unusual operational cost.

Why do liabilities exactly match assets in recent years?

For the periods 202112, 202212, and 202312, the organization reported liabilities exactly equal to its assets. This could indicate that certain assets are fully offset by corresponding liabilities, possibly due to specific financing arrangements for equipment or property, or a change in how certain funds or assets are accounted for, such as restricted funds.

Filing History

IRS 990 filing history for Canton Volunteer Fire Department showing financial trends over 11 years of public records:

Over 11 years of IRS 990 filings (2013–2023), Canton Volunteer Fire Department's revenue has declined by 3.3%, moving from $55K to $53K. Total assets decreased by 76% over the same period, from $157K to $38K. Total functional expenses fell by 39.6%, from $49K to $30K. In its most recent filing year (2023), Canton Volunteer Fire Department reported a surplus of $24K, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $38K in liabilities against $38K in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 100.0%), resulting in net assets of $0.

Year	Revenue	Expenses	Assets	Liabilities	Officer Comp.	PDF
2023	$53K	$30K	$38K	$38K	—	View 990
2022	$68K	$51K	$36K	$36K	—	View 990
2021	$74K	$53K	$35K	$35K	—	View 990
2020	$62K	$95K	$42K	$0	—	View 990
2019	$45K	$34K	$75K	$0	—	View 990
2018	$88K	$31K	$93K	$0	—	View 990
2017	$80K	$105K	$36K	$0	—	View 990
2016	$195K	$61K	$186K	$0	—	View 990
2015	$44K	$40K	$52K	$0	—	View 990
2014	$52K	$47K	$154K	$0	—	View 990
2013	$55K	$49K	$157K	$0	—	—

Year-by-Year Financial Summary

2023: Revenue of $53K, expenses of $30K, and assets of $38K (revenue -22.2% year-over-year).
2022: Revenue of $68K, expenses of $51K, and assets of $36K (revenue -7.6% year-over-year).
2021: Revenue of $74K, expenses of $53K, and assets of $35K (revenue +19.9% year-over-year).
2020: Revenue of $62K, expenses of $95K, and assets of $42K (revenue +36.8% year-over-year).
2019: Revenue of $45K, expenses of $34K, and assets of $75K (revenue -48.7% year-over-year).
2018: Revenue of $88K, expenses of $31K, and assets of $93K (revenue +9.6% year-over-year).
2017: Revenue of $80K, expenses of $105K, and assets of $36K (revenue -58.9% year-over-year).
2016: Revenue of $195K, expenses of $61K, and assets of $186K (revenue +346.0% year-over-year).
2015: Revenue of $44K, expenses of $40K, and assets of $52K (revenue -16.5% year-over-year).
2014: Revenue of $52K, expenses of $47K, and assets of $154K (revenue -4.8% year-over-year).
2013: Revenue of $55K, expenses of $49K, and assets of $157K.

Data Sources and Methodology

This transparency report for Canton Volunteer Fire Department is generated by NonprofitSpending's AI analysis engine. The data is sourced from publicly available IRS 990 filings accessed through the ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer API and IRS electronic filing records. The Mission Score, spending breakdown, and other analytical insights are produced by artificial intelligence and should be used as one of multiple factors when evaluating a nonprofit organization.

IRS 990 forms are annual information returns that most tax-exempt organizations must file with the IRS. These forms provide detailed financial information including revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and compensation of officers. NonprofitSpending processes this data to provide accessible transparency reports for donors, researchers, and the general public.

Disclaimer

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