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St Francis Mission

EIN 46-6000411 · Brookfield, WI

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood75 out of 100GovernanceStrong95 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To serve the Sicangu Lakota people of the Rosebud Reservation by addressing their spiritual and physical needs. To empower in friendship a positive community rooted in Lakota and Catholic values through faith, education and healing. We envision a vital and self-sufficient community where values flourish in harmony.

Income
$1.9 million
Spending
$2.5 million
Spent on programs
67%
Reserves
18.5 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 88%
Employees
34
Volunteers
70
Highest pay
$85,939, president

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 75 out of 100. Higher than 50% of charities in its peer group (religion, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 18.5 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 4% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 32% of income.

  • Income trend

    5 of 15

    Income fell 22% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    67% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 26 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 95 out of 100. Higher than 83% of charities in its peer group (religion, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    11 of 11 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 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)
  1. $1.3 million spent. Socio - Pastoral and Youth Activities We provide Religious Education and Sacramental Preparation to the youth and adults through classes in four elementary schools and classes held in our facilities for the adults. We have Youth Groups that works with our communities and coordinates with the Rosebud Sioux Tribe in activities that inspire youth and young adults in social and cultural activities, suicide prevention, and assist with Catholic Body, Mind and Souls camps in the summer to teach Catholic faith and prayer while incorporating Lakota values and spirituality. Our ministry will be working to develop stronger families through Sunday services, going to homes and meeting with families and the elderly. Oftentimes spirituality/mass is taken to those homebound.We work to impart a strong spiritual community and work to build a society free from drugs and alcohol, by hosting a Recovery Center working through AA, NA, and a family program working through alcohol and drug addiction.
  2. $394,520 spent. Program Maintenance and Support - Maintenance support related to the physical structures of the Mission. Our staff maintains and cares for our Buechel Memorial Lakota Museum where over 2000 Lakota artifacts, and over 10,000 historic photos are housed. In addition caring for four Catholics parishes including the historic St. Charles Church built in 1916-21. These churches are in four different communities and are the center for community gatherings.
  3. $21,735 spent. Community Services and Cultural Development. St Francis Mission owns and operates our Buechel Memorial Lakota Museum. We display artifacts and crafts from local artisans. We entertain guests from all parts of the United States and other countries of the world. The Museum is beginning to work with the Rosebud Sioux Tribe to house many of their artifacts and is recognized as housing and caring for one of the largest artifacts of the Lakota Sioux people in the country. These artifacts date back to the late 1880s and up to current times as our history continues to evolve. Our service to the communities is done through having our facilities available for their use whether it is spiritual, cultural or for entertainment. We continue to provide for their needs.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Worth knowing.

    Not individually listed by the IRS as eligible, which is usual for churches. The master file records contributions to it as deductible.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Worth knowing.

    The IRS does not require this organization to file annual returns.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since March 1946.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. 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.