The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation
Fireman Charitable Foundation: Strong Assets, Inconsistent Grantmaking
EIN: 222677986 · Waltham, MA · Updated: 2026-04-04
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $2.0M |
| Total Expenses | $10.5M |
| Program Spending | 90% |
| CEO/Top Officer Pay | $0 |
| Net Assets | $176.2M |
| Transparency Score | 75/100 |
Is The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation directs 90% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation
The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation (EIN: 222677986) is a nonprofit organization based in Waltham, MA. The organization reported total revenue of $2.0M and total assets of $178.8M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation is a mid-size nonprofit that has been operating for 40 years, with 10 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 21.7%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $16.6M |
| Total Expenses | $10.5M |
| Surplus / Deficit | +$6.1M |
| Total Assets | $176.2M |
| Total Liabilities | $1 |
| Net Assets | $176.2M |
| Operating Margin | 36.9% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 0.0% |
| Months of Reserves | 201.7 months |
Financial Health Grade: A
In 2023, The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation reported a surplus of $6.1M with revenue exceeding expenses, holds 201.7 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 0.0% (very low leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 10 years of filings (2011–2023), The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.7%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | +193.0% | -1.7% | -13.7% |
| 2022 | -68.7% | +93.6% | -8.8% |
| 2021 | +280.5% | -22.7% | +36.5% |
| 2020 | -17.7% | -29.7% | +7.1% |
| 2019 | +82.6% | +12.8% | +14.7% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 1986 |
Classification data from ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Additional BMF data may be available after enrichment.
AI Transparency Report
Mission Effectiveness Score
NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation with a Mission Score of 75 out of 100 (Good). This score reflects the organization's overall financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance indicators derived from IRS 990 public filings.
Spending Breakdown
- admin: 5%
- programs: 90%
- fundraising: 5%
According to IRS 990 filings, The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 5%, programs: 90%, fundraising: 5%. With 90% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
- The organization reported a surplus of $6.1M, with revenue exceeding expenses.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 0.0%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Executive compensation is reported as $0 across all available filings, suggesting a volunteer-led governance structure, which is a positive for donor funds directly supporting programs.
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 The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation's IRS 990 filings:
- Significant fluctuations in revenue and expenses year-over-year (e.g., revenue from $18M in 2021 to $5.6M in 2022 and $1.6M in 2023) could indicate reliance on volatile investment returns or inconsistent fundraising, impacting long-term program stability.
- The 'other expenses' category (x) is consistently high, often exceeding reported revenue in some years (e.g., $10.6M in 2022 vs. $5.6M revenue), warranting further investigation into what these expenses entail beyond program, admin, and fundraising.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation:
- Substantial asset base of $178.7 million (2023) provides significant financial stability and capacity for future grantmaking.
- Consistent reporting of $0 for executive compensation demonstrates a commitment to maximizing funds for charitable purposes.
- The foundation has maintained a strong asset base over several years, indicating sound financial management despite revenue fluctuations.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation
Is The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation (EIN: 222677986) some concerns. Mission Score: 75/100. 2 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
How does The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation spend its money?
The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation directs 90% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation tax-deductible?
The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 222677986). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
How much does the The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation CEO make?
The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation's highest-compensated officer earns $0 annually. The organization reported $2.0M in total revenue. Executive compensation data is disclosed in IRS 990 filings.
What percentage of The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation's spending goes to programs?
The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation directs 90% to programs, 5% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
Where is The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation located?
The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts and files with the IRS under EIN 222677986.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation have?
The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation has 10 years of IRS 990 filings on record at NonprofitSpending. This extensive filing history provides a strong basis for evaluating long-term financial trends. The most recent filing shows $2.0M in total revenue.
What does The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation do?
The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation is a nonprofit organization in the Unknown sector, located in Waltham, Massachusetts. It is classified under NTEE code Unknown.
How much revenue does The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation have?
The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation reported total revenue of $2,009,230. Based on 10 IRS 990 filings on record.
What are The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation's total assets?
The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation holds total assets of $178,776,659 as reported in IRS 990 filings.
Where is The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation located?
The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation is based in Waltham, Massachusetts.
What is The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation's EIN?
The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation's Employer Identification Number (EIN) is 222677986. This is the unique tax ID assigned by the IRS for tax-exempt organizations.
What type of nonprofit is The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation?
The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation is classified under NTEE code Unknown (Unknown).
Is The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation a registered 501(c)(3)?
The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation appears in IRS records (EIN: 222677986). Check the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search for the most current determination letter status.
Does The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation file IRS Form 990?
Yes, The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation has 10 IRS Form 990 filings on record. The most recent covers tax period 202312.
What was The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation's revenue in 2023?
In the 202312 filing period, The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation reported total revenue of $16,616,042, total expenses of $10,487,743, and net assets of $176,242,688.
Is The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation's revenue growing or declining?
The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation's revenue is growing. Revenue went from $5,670,320 (202212) to $16,616,042 (202312), a +193.0% change. Based on 10 filings on record.
What is The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation's most recent 990 filing?
The most recent IRS Form 990 filing for The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation covers tax period 202312. It shows revenue of $16,616,042, expenses of $10,487,743, total assets of $176,242,688, and liabilities of $1.
How much does The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation spend on programs vs administration?
Based on IRS 990 analysis, The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation allocates approximately 90% of expenses to program services, 5% to administrative costs, and 5% to fundraising. This indicates strong program focus.
Is The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation a trustworthy charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 data, The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 75/100 (Good). 2 red flags identified. 3 strengths noted.
What are the red flags for The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation?
The following concerns were identified: Significant fluctuations in revenue and expenses year-over-year (e.g., revenue from $18M in 2021 to $5.6M in 2022 and $1.6M in 2023) could indicate reliance on volatile investment returns or inconsistent fundraising, impacting long-term program stability.. The 'other expenses' category (x) is consistently high, often exceeding reported revenue in some years (e.g., $10.6M in 2022 vs. $5.6M revenue), warranting further investigation into what these expenses entail beyond program, admin, and fundraising.. These flags are based on automated analysis of IRS 990 public filings and should be verified independently.
What are The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation's strengths?
Positive indicators for The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation include: Substantial asset base of $178.7 million (2023) provides significant financial stability and capacity for future grantmaking.. Consistent reporting of $0 for executive compensation demonstrates a commitment to maximizing funds for charitable purposes.. The foundation has maintained a strong asset base over several years, indicating sound financial management despite revenue fluctuations.. These findings are derived from AI analysis of the organization's financial filings.
How does The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation compensate executives?
Executive compensation is reported as $0 across all available filings, suggesting a volunteer-led governance structure, which is a positive for donor funds directly supporting programs. Executive compensation data is sourced from IRS 990 filings, which require disclosure of officer, director, and key employee pay.
Given the 'other expenses' (x) frequently exceed revenue and are a significant portion of total outflows, what specific categories or activities are these funds supporting, and how do they align with the foundation's stated mission?
Without more detailed breakdowns than provided in the summary data, it's difficult to ascertain the exact nature of these 'other expenses.' They could include investment management fees, significant one-time project costs, or other operational outlays not categorized as program, admin, or fundraising. A deeper dive into the full Form 990 would be necessary to understand these substantial expenditures.
How does the foundation manage its grantmaking strategy to ensure consistent impact, given the notable year-to-year variability in reported revenues and expenses?
The large asset base likely provides a buffer, allowing the foundation to maintain grantmaking even in years with lower revenue. However, significant fluctuations in 'other expenses' and revenue suggest that the foundation might either be highly responsive to market conditions or have a flexible grantmaking strategy that adapts to available funds, potentially impacting the consistency of its programmatic support.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation showing financial trends over 10 years of public records:
Over 10 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation's revenue has grown by 950.4%, moving from $1.6M to $16.6M. Total assets increased by 31.6% over the same period, from $134.0M to $176.2M. Total functional expenses rose by 127.6%, from $4.6M to $10.5M. In its most recent filing year (2023), The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation reported a surplus of $6.1M, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $1 in liabilities against $176.2M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 0.0%), resulting in net assets of $176.2M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $16.6M | $10.5M | $176.2M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $5.7M | $10.7M | $204.3M | $2K | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $18.1M | $5.5M | $224.1M | $2K | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $4.8M | $7.1M | $164.2M | $2K | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $5.8M | $10.1M | $153.2M | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $3.2M | $9.0M | $133.6M | $595 | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $10.8M | $8.6M | $136.7M | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $4.5M | $8.5M | $141.6M | $945 | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $6.2M | $5.2M | $138.8M | $20 | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $1.6M | $4.6M | $134.0M | $997 | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $16.6M, expenses of $10.5M, and assets of $176.2M (revenue +193.0% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $5.7M, expenses of $10.7M, and assets of $204.3M (revenue -68.7% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $18.1M, expenses of $5.5M, and assets of $224.1M (revenue +280.5% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $4.8M, expenses of $7.1M, and assets of $164.2M (revenue -17.7% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $5.8M, expenses of $10.1M, and assets of $153.2M (revenue +82.6% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $3.2M, expenses of $9.0M, and assets of $133.6M (revenue -70.7% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $10.8M, expenses of $8.6M, and assets of $136.7M (revenue +138.2% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $4.5M, expenses of $8.5M, and assets of $141.6M (revenue -26.7% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $6.2M, expenses of $5.2M, and assets of $138.8M (revenue +291.4% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $1.6M, expenses of $4.6M, and assets of $134.0M.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for The Paul And Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation 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.