Brownsville Volunteer Fire Department

Brownsville Volunteer Fire Department maintains strong financial health with low expenses and zero liabilities.

EIN: 20660266 · Deadwood, SD · NTEE: M24 · Updated: 2026-03-28

$95KRevenue

$360KAssets

95/100Mission Score (Excellent)

M24

About Brownsville Volunteer Fire Department

Brownsville Volunteer Fire Department (EIN: 20660266) is a nonprofit organization based in Deadwood, SD, classified under NTEE code M24. The organization reported total revenue of $95K and total assets of $360K according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Brownsville Volunteer Fire Department's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.

AI Transparency Report

The Brownsville Volunteer Fire Department appears to be in sound financial health, demonstrating efficient spending and a strong asset base relative to its revenue. In the 2021 fiscal period, the organization reported revenues of $64,568 against expenses of only $11,660, indicating a significant surplus that contributed to its growing assets. With current assets at $360,219 and no reported liabilities, the department maintains a very strong balance sheet, suggesting excellent financial stability and capacity for future operations or investments in equipment.

The organization's spending efficiency is notable, with a very low expense ratio compared to its revenue. The absence of reported officer compensation further enhances its financial efficiency and suggests a volunteer-driven leadership model, which is common for fire departments of this size. This structure likely contributes to keeping administrative costs low and maximizing resources for direct fire and rescue services. The consistent growth in assets, from $258,080 in 2021 to $360,219 currently, without incurring liabilities, points to prudent financial management and a focus on long-term sustainability.

Transparency appears to be adequate given the available data, with public filings accessible. The clear financial picture, including zero liabilities and no officer compensation, simplifies the assessment of its financial practices. The organization's ability to operate effectively with minimal expenses while accumulating assets demonstrates a strong commitment to its mission and efficient use of donor funds.

Mission Effectiveness Score

NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates Brownsville Volunteer Fire Department with a Mission Score of 95 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: 90%
fundraising: 0%

According to IRS 990 filings, Brownsville Volunteer Fire Department allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 10%, programs: 90%, fundraising: 0%. With 90% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.

Executive Compensation Analysis

No officer compensation was reported in the 2021 filing, indicating a volunteer-led organization, which is highly efficient for an organization of its size with $94,983 in latest revenue.

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.

Strengths

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

Very low expense ratio relative to revenue (18% in 2021)
Zero reported liabilities, indicating strong financial stability
Significant asset growth from $258,080 to $360,219
No officer compensation reported, suggesting volunteer leadership and high efficiency
Strong program spending focus due to minimal administrative and fundraising costs

Frequently Asked Questions about Brownsville Volunteer Fire Department

Is Brownsville Volunteer Fire Department a good charity?

Based on the available financial data, the Brownsville Volunteer Fire Department appears to be a very good charity. It demonstrates excellent financial health, very low expenses relative to revenue ($11,660 expenses vs $64,568 revenue in 2021), and zero liabilities, indicating strong financial management and a focus on its mission.

How does the organization manage its funds?

The organization manages its funds very efficiently, as evidenced by its low expenses ($11,660 in 2021) compared to its revenue ($64,568 in 2021) and its significant asset growth from $258,080 to $360,219 without incurring any liabilities. This suggests a conservative and effective approach to financial stewardship.

What is the primary use of the organization's revenue?

Given the low reported expenses and the nature of a volunteer fire department, the primary use of revenue is likely for operational costs directly related to fire and rescue services, equipment maintenance, and potentially capital improvements, as indicated by the growth in assets.

Filing History

IRS 990 filing history for Brownsville Volunteer Fire Department showing financial trends over 1 year of public records:

In its most recent filing year (2021), Brownsville Volunteer Fire Department reported a surplus of $53K, with revenue exceeding expenses.

Year	Revenue	Expenses	Assets	Liabilities	Officer Comp.	PDF
2021	$65K	$12K	$258K	$0	—	—

Data Sources and Methodology

This transparency report for Brownsville 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.