Liabilities ($56,917,419) exceeded assets ($53,040,741) in the 2023 fiscal period, indicating a negative net asset position.
The 'Officer Comp=0%' reported in the summary data may not fully reflect total executive compensation if paid through related organizations or other means, requiring a deeper dive into the full 990.
Strengths
Consistent and significant revenue growth, from $24.8 million in 2014 to $75.6 million in 2023, demonstrating strong funding support.
Expenses consistently track revenue closely, indicating efficient utilization of funds for its mission.
Substantial growth in assets over the decade, from $5.3 million in 2014 to $53 million in 2023, reflecting increased capacity.
The organization operates with a high program spending ratio, as implied by expenses closely matching revenue and the 0% officer compensation reported.
Spending Breakdown
How Brooklyn Defender Services 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 Brooklyn Defender Services
Is Brooklyn Defender Services a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Brooklyn Defender Services (EIN: 113305406) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 80/100. 2 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is Brooklyn Defender Services a good charity to donate to?
Brooklyn Defender Services has a Mission Score of 80/100. Revenue: $89.3M. Assets: $43.8M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Brooklyn Defender Services?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Brooklyn Defender Services is 113305406. 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 Brooklyn Defender Services spend its money?
Brooklyn Defender Services allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Brooklyn Defender Services's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Brooklyn Defender Services's tax-exempt status using EIN 113305406 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
Brooklyn Defender Services demonstrates consistent growth in revenue and expenses, indicating an expanding operational scope. For instance, revenue grew from $24.8 million in 2014 to $75.6 million in 2023. The organization consistently spends nearly all of its revenue on its programs and operations, with expenses closely tracking revenue year over year. While the provided data indicates 0% officer compensation, this typically refers to compensation from the organization itself and does not preclude officers being compensated by related entities or other sources, which would require further investigation of the full 990 forms. The organization's assets have also grown significantly, from $5.3 million in 2014 to $53 million in 2023, reflecting its increasing scale. However, the liabilities have also increased substantially, reaching $56.9 million in 2023, exceeding assets in that period, which warrants closer examination of its balance sheet health.