Volunteer Group Formalizes Charity Through New Foundation
The South Dakota Ghostbusters gain tax-exempt status to better manage equipment and fundraising operations.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Philanthropy
Live Poll
Do you prefer community charity events organized by hobbyist fan groups?
Founded in December 2014, the volunteer group South Dakota Ghostbusters utilizes cosplay and props to raise funds for regional charities. The group recently formalized its philanthropic efforts by establishing the 605 Community Impact Foundation, which received IRS tax-exempt status in June 2026.
Why it matters
The transition from a volunteer collective to an IRS-recognized foundation provides a formal structure for managing charitable donations and equipment procurement. This allows the organization to scale its community engagement model, which combines hobbyist-driven visibility efforts with direct contributions to local nonprofits.
The volunteer group maintains 20 members who manage five 3D printers to produce equipment, with the founder reporting an individual investment of at least $3,500 for a personal proton pack. Activities include packing 250 meals annually and operating a $1 prize wheel for fundraising.
The players
Brandan Moe
Founder of the South Dakota Ghostbusters who manages the group's philanthropic activities.
605 Community Impact Foundation
A newly established charitable entity formed to manage donations for the volunteer collective.
The details
The group operates through high-visibility appearances at parades and conventions, where members wear movie-inspired flight suits and display replicas of the Ecto cruiser. Operationally, the group leverages 3D printing to manufacture gear, a cost-effective method to maintain props that support their presence at public events. Fundraising is tied to these appearances, with small-scale collection methods like prize wheels funding their charitable donations to organizations such as Lunches Served.
Timeline
December 2014: The South Dakota Ghostbusters group was founded.
June 2026: The 605 Community Impact Foundation received IRS status.
Saturday: The group appears at the Sioux Falls Zombie Walk.
Market Landscape
The South Dakota Ghostbusters follow a pattern set by the 1984 Ghostbusters movie release by leveraging the film franchise's aesthetic to anchor community volunteerism. The group now operates as a formalized foundation, mirroring the professionalization of grassroots nonprofits that prioritize high-visibility public engagement.
Volunteer organizations should review the operational benefits of establishing an IRS-recognized foundation when scaling donation management. Operators looking to expand community visibility should weigh the costs of equipment production against the potential fundraising ROI from public events.
The takeaway
Small groups can enhance their fundraising legitimacy by formalizing their status through foundation structures. Leaders should track their annual throughput, such as meal volume or event-based collections, to demonstrate organizational impact to potential donors.
Further reading
Learn more about the Philanthropy sector and how local foundations organize their charitable operations.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Mitchell Republic.
Live Poll
Do you prefer community charity events organized by hobbyist fan groups?
