Brooklyn Defender Services
Brooklyn Defender Services shows significant growth in operations and assets, with liabilities exceeding assets in its latest filing.
EIN: 113305406 · Brooklyn, NY · NTEE: R20 · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $89.3M |
| Total Expenses | $75.8M |
| Program Spending | 85% |
| Net Assets | $-3,876,678 |
| Transparency Score | 80/100 |
Is Brooklyn Defender Services Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Brooklyn Defender Services directs 85% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Brooklyn Defender Services
Brooklyn Defender Services (EIN: 113305406) is a nonprofit organization based in Brooklyn, NY, classified under NTEE code R20. The organization reported total revenue of $89.3M and total assets of $43.8M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Brooklyn Defender Services's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Brooklyn Defender Services is a major nonprofit that has been operating for 30 years, with 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 19.6%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $75.6M |
| Total Expenses | $75.8M |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-223,768 |
| Total Assets | $53.0M |
| Total Liabilities | $56.9M |
| Net Assets | $-3,876,678 |
| Operating Margin | -0.3% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 107.3% |
| Months of Reserves | 8.4 months |
Financial Health Grade: C
In 2023, Brooklyn Defender Services reported a deficit of $224K with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 8.4 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 107.3% (high leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 13 years of filings (2011–2023), Brooklyn Defender Services's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.6%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | +10.4% | +4.1% | +136.9% |
| 2022 | +12.8% | +12.8% | -19.0% |
| 2021 | -1.2% | +6.0% | +82.4% |
| 2020 | +25.2% | +25.4% | +18.9% |
| 2019 | +16.7% | +15.4% | +15.6% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 1996 |
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 Brooklyn Defender Services with a Mission Score of 80 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, Brooklyn Defender Services 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.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
- The organization reported a deficit of $224K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 107.3%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
The provided data indicates 0% officer compensation directly from the organization, suggesting that executive compensation is either very low, covered by other entities, or not reported in this summary field, which is a positive indicator for direct program spending if accurate.
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 Brooklyn Defender Services's IRS 990 filings:
- 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
The following positive indicators were identified for Brooklyn Defender Services:
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Brooklyn Defender Services
Is Brooklyn Defender Services a legitimate charity?
Brooklyn Defender Services (EIN: 113305406) is a registered tax-exempt nonprofit based in New York. Our AI analysis gives it a Mission Score of 80/100. It has 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record. Total revenue: $89.3M. 2 red flags identified. 4 strengths noted. Financial health grade: C.
How does Brooklyn Defender Services spend its money?
Brooklyn Defender Services directs 85% of its spending to programs and services. Fundraising costs 5%. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark.
Are donations to Brooklyn Defender Services tax-deductible?
Brooklyn Defender Services is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 113305406). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
What percentage of Brooklyn Defender Services's spending goes to programs?
Brooklyn Defender Services directs 85% to programs, 5% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
How does Brooklyn Defender Services compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 80/100 (Excellent), Brooklyn Defender Services is above average for NTEE category R20 nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.
Where is Brooklyn Defender Services located?
Brooklyn Defender Services is headquartered in Brooklyn, New York and files with the IRS under EIN 113305406. It is classified under NTEE code R20.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Brooklyn Defender Services have?
Brooklyn Defender Services has 13 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 $89.3M in total revenue.
Is Brooklyn Defender Services financially stable given its liabilities exceeding assets in 2023?
In the 2023 fiscal period, Brooklyn Defender Services reported liabilities of $56,917,419 against assets of $53,040,741. This negative net asset position for the year warrants further investigation into the nature of these liabilities and the organization's long-term financial strategy.
How has Brooklyn Defender Services' growth impacted its financial efficiency?
The organization has experienced substantial growth, with revenue increasing from $24.8 million in 2014 to $75.6 million in 2023. Despite this rapid expansion, expenses have consistently remained very close to revenue, suggesting efficient management of its growing operations.
What is the trend in the organization's net assets over time?
Brooklyn Defender Services generally maintained positive net assets until 2022, where liabilities began to approach assets, and by 2023, liabilities ($56.9M) exceeded assets ($53.0M). This trend indicates a shift in its financial position that requires scrutiny.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Brooklyn Defender Services showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Brooklyn Defender Services's revenue has grown by 756.1%, moving from $8.8M to $75.6M. Total assets increased by 1716.6% over the same period, from $2.9M to $53.0M. Total functional expenses rose by 847.3%, from $8.0M to $75.8M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Brooklyn Defender Services reported a deficit of $224K, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $56.9M in liabilities against $53.0M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 107.3%), resulting in net assets of $-3,876,678.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $75.6M | $75.8M | $53.0M | $56.9M | — | — |
| 2022 | $68.5M | $72.8M | $22.4M | $25.9M | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $60.7M | $64.5M | $27.6M | $26.8M | — | — |
| 2020 | $61.5M | $60.9M | $15.2M | $10.5M | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $49.1M | $48.5M | $12.7M | $8.8M | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $42.1M | $42.1M | $11.0M | $7.6M | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $34.3M | $34.4M | $8.8M | $5.5M | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $33.1M | $33.0M | $6.5M | $3.0M | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $30.5M | $29.9M | $6.6M | $3.1M | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $24.9M | $24.9M | $5.3M | $2.4M | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $19.5M | $19.0M | $4.7M | $1.8M | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $16.3M | $14.6M | $3.6M | $1.2M | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $8.8M | $8.0M | $2.9M | $2.2M | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $75.6M, expenses of $75.8M, and assets of $53.0M (revenue +10.4% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $68.5M, expenses of $72.8M, and assets of $22.4M (revenue +12.8% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $60.7M, expenses of $64.5M, and assets of $27.6M (revenue -1.2% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $61.5M, expenses of $60.9M, and assets of $15.2M (revenue +25.2% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $49.1M, expenses of $48.5M, and assets of $12.7M (revenue +16.7% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $42.1M, expenses of $42.1M, and assets of $11.0M (revenue +22.9% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $34.3M, expenses of $34.4M, and assets of $8.8M (revenue +3.7% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $33.1M, expenses of $33.0M, and assets of $6.5M (revenue +8.5% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $30.5M, expenses of $29.9M, and assets of $6.6M (revenue +22.5% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $24.9M, expenses of $24.9M, and assets of $5.3M (revenue +27.3% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $19.5M, expenses of $19.0M, and assets of $4.7M (revenue +19.6% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $16.3M, expenses of $14.6M, and assets of $3.6M (revenue +84.9% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $8.8M, expenses of $8.0M, and assets of $2.9M.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Brooklyn Defender Services:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Brooklyn Defender Services 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.