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Traverse Life Center

EIN 20-3600333 · Traverse City, MI

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong93 out of 100GovernanceWeak27 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

A CHRISTIAN BASED MINISTRY WHICH OFFERS PROGRAMS TO INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES STRUGGLING WITH POVERTY, ADDICTION, FAMILY DYSFUNCTION, AND INADEQUATE HOUSING

Income
$289,920
Spending
$280,126
Spent on programs
91%
Reserves
11 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 100%
Employees
1

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

Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 79% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 11.0 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 3% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 5% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    90% of spending went to programs.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Weak: 27 out of 100. Higher than 5% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    5 of 25

    0 of 4 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    0 of 15

    Reports no written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    0 of 7

    Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    0 of 10

    Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Independent check of accounts

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed 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 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 (5)
  1. BENEVOLENCE- OFFERS ASSISTANCE TO PEOPLE IN GRAND TRAVERSE WHO HAVE EMERGENCY NEEDS SUCH AS SHUT OFF NOTICES, EVICITIONS, INSURANCE, AUTO REPAIRS, ETC
  2. $2,961 spent. EDUCATION - TEACH STUDENTS AGES 12-15 EMPLOYABLE LIFE SKILLS DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS, AS WELL AS OFFER CLASSES TO ADULTS ON FINANCES, PRE-MARRIAGE COUNSELING, AND FAITH.
  3. RESTORED TREASURES- PROVIDES AFFORDABLE CLOTHING AND HOUSEHOLD GOODS TO LOW INCOME FAMILIES
  4. $250,525 spent. BENEVOLENCE- OFFERS ASSISTANCE TO PEOPLE IN GRAND TRAVERSE WHO HAVE EMERGENCY NEEDS SUCH AS SHUT OFF NOTICES, EVICITIONS, INSURANCE, AUTO REPAIRS, ETC
  5. BENEVOLENCE- OFFERS ASSISTANCE TO PEOPLE IN GRAND TRAVERSE WHO HAVE EMERGENCY NEEDS SUCH AS SHUT OFF NOTICES, EVICITIONS, INSURANCE, AUTO REPAIRS, ETC

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

  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? Worth knowing.

    Status was revoked on May 15, 2017 for not filing returns for three years, and reinstated on May 15, 2017.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 2026.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

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

    Recognized by the IRS since May 2019.

    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 November 4, 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.