Lincoln County Economic Developmentcouncil
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- Only 23% of its spending went to programs.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
TO OPERATE EXCLUSIVELY FOR SOCIAL WELFARE PURPOSES, SPECIFICALLY RELATED TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR LINCOLN COUNTY.
- Income
- $154,537
- Spending
- $141,640
- Spent on programs
- 23%
- Reserves
- 33.4 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- government grants, 55%
- Employees
- 1
- Highest pay
- $64,043, executive director
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: 70 out of 100. Higher than 44% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, under $250k).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 33.4 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 6% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 8% of income.
Income trend
0 of 15Income fell 28% on the year before.
Spending floor
0 of 1523% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 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
Weak: 41 out of 100. Higher than 13% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, under $250k).
Independent board
25 of 257 of 7 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
0 of 15Reports no 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
0 of 5Reports that it does not keep minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
0 of 10Did not give 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.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports 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 (1)
- $32,429 spent. Statement of accomplishments for our three largest program services for 2024.2024 Key Program 1: The Lincoln County Economic Development Council dedicated two years to ensuring affordable and reliable broadband access for every community and outlying area in Lincoln County. Despite challenges such as low population density, difficult terrain, and costly power connection fees, the EDC successfully secured approximately $22 million in grant funding to advance this initiative. Broadband is no longer a luxuryit is an economic necessity for education, healthcare, civic engagement, and participation in the digital economy. Completed phases include Almira, Wilbur, Creston, Harrington, and Davenport, with construction underway in Reardan, Odessa, and Sprague. The final phase, beginning June 2025, will extend service to two unincorporated communities. When complete, this project will deliver urban-level speeds and pricing, improving digital equity and inclusion for marginalized, BIPOC, and tribal communities across Lincoln County.2024 Key Program 2: The Lincoln County EDC reinstated regular meetings with the mayors of Lincoln County to identify priority town projects and secure funding through grants. In partnership with Greater Spokane Incorporated and ADOs in Adams and Whitman counties, the EDC obtained a grant writer grant, selecting Partners for Rural Washington to lead the effort. The grant writer finalized project lists and applications, positioning Lincoln County communities for improved infrastructure and economic development through targeted funding opportunities.2024 Key Program 3: The EDC continues its long-standing role as Lincoln Countys Visitors Bureau, developing advertising campaigns to promote tourism and support local businesses. Recognizing the economic impact of tourism, the EDC is negotiating an agreement to administer lodging tax funds once the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee is established and a budget approved by the Commissioners. This joint effort includes assisting the County with documentation and procedures for lodging tax distribution. While direct financial gain has not been realized, these initiatives strengthen Lincoln Countys tourism sector and benefit small businesses throughout the region.
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
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 June 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 February 2008.
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.