Is Minnesota Brownfields Legit?

Spending Breakdown

How Minnesota Brownfields allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

75%

Program Spending

Healthy — majority goes to mission

15%

Admin Costs

Reasonable — admin costs in check

10%

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 Minnesota Brownfields

Is Minnesota Brownfields a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Minnesota Brownfields (EIN: 205007655) shows mixed signals. Mission Score: 65/100. 4 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.

Is Minnesota Brownfields a good charity to donate to?

Minnesota Brownfields has a Mission Score of 65/100. Revenue: $211K. Assets: $234K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Minnesota Brownfields?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Minnesota Brownfields is 205007655. 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 Minnesota Brownfields spend its money?

Minnesota Brownfields allocates 75% to programs, 15% to administration, and 10% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Minnesota Brownfields's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Minnesota Brownfields's tax-exempt status using EIN 205007655 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

Minnesota Brownfields demonstrates a fluctuating financial picture over the past several years. While the organization has maintained consistent revenue streams, expenses have often outpaced revenue, leading to periods of net losses. For instance, in 2023, expenses of $236,052 exceeded revenue of $190,207, and similar trends were observed in 2022, 2021, 2020, 2018, and 2017. This indicates a potential challenge in consistently operating within its means, which could impact long-term sustainability if not addressed.

The organization's asset base has also shown considerable variability, from a high of $365,246 in 2020 to a low of $152,623 in 2022, before recovering to $361,384 in 2023. Liabilities have also seen significant swings, reaching $394,449 in 2023, which is notably higher than its assets for that period, suggesting a potential solvency concern. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings indicates a commitment to minimizing administrative overhead in that specific area, which is a positive sign for donor confidence regarding executive pay.

Overall, Minnesota Brownfields appears to be transparent in its financial reporting, with a consistent filing history. However, the recurring deficits and the recent high liabilities relative to assets warrant closer scrutiny for potential donors. While the lack of officer compensation is commendable, the broader financial health, particularly the expense-to-revenue ratio and the asset-to-liability ratio, suggests an organization that needs to stabilize its financial operations to ensure long-term impact.

Verdict: Minnesota Brownfields shows mixed signals

Red Flags

Strengths