First Response Ministry Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The mission of the First Response Ministry, Inc is to serve the community as a "first response" community relief resource in an effort to apply the scripture verse Jeremiah 29:7; "Seek the welfare of the city I have deported you to. Play to the Lord on its behalf, for when it has prosperity, you will prosper."
- Income
- $313,790
- Spending
- $343,749
- Reserves
- 4.2 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 99%
- Employees
- 0
- Volunteers
- 0
- Highest pay
- $47,182, executive director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Fair: 69 out of 100. Higher than 41% of charities in its peer group (religion, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
20 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 4.2 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
4 of 15Spending exceeded income by 10% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 36% on the year before.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Good: 71 out of 100. Higher than 66% of charities in its peer group (religion, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
25 of 255 of 5 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
0 of 7Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
0 of 5Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.
Independent check of accounts
6 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (3)
- Establishment and operation of the Lilah Smith House is an integral part of First Response. The house has been constructed, furnished, and equipped to provide a safe refuge for victims of domestic violence. In cooperation with local law enforcement and local medical services, The Lilah Smith House will be made available to these agencies to provide temporary sanctuary and safe haven.
- First response is the immediate action of displaying Christian love and hope in any time of crisis through the training and equipping of individuals to respond in emergency management operations. In cooperation with emergency management, emergency medical technicians, fire and rescue, Fort Stockton Police Department, Crime Stoppers, Child Protective Services, and city officials, the Pecos County Sheriff's Departments, First Response is a liaison, works to assist in information dispersal, policy implementation, communication, and resource acquisition and distribution.
- First Response is the immediate action in any time of crisis through providing basic items of comfort and care to victims of loss or tragedy, inclement weather, wild fire, first aide and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, acts of terrorism, and disaster relief are among the events that may require first response action of providing shelter, food, and clothing to victims. Issues requiring first response action may include: Marriage and family, parenting, domestic violence, substance abuse recovery, financial management, self-defense, teen pregnancy, citizenship, and clothing and food needs.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since April 2012.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.