Grafton Community Action Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Foster the well-being of our community by improving the community park supporting the community center and preserving the historic railroad depot which also functions as a museum showcasing the areas early history and way of life.
- Income
- $99,532
- Spending
- $63,393
- Spent on programs
- 98%
- Reserves
- 15 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 96%
- Employees
- 0
- Volunteers
- 50
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: 100 out of 100. Higher than 82% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, under $250k).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 15.0 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 36% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 166% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1598% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 1 cents.
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: 38 out of 100. Higher than 15% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, under $250k).
Independent board
5 of 250 of 4 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
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.
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 (4)
- $2,350 spent. VENDING - This year marked the launch of our Vending Service Program and the beginning of an exciting new opportunity. Like any first season there was a learning curve as we became familiar with operating the machines and troubleshooting unexpected issues along the way. One of the biggest lessons learned was the impact of placing the machines outdoors. Direct sunlight created challenges with interior cooling and occasionally affected the touchscreen menu system. Throughout the season adjustments were made to improve performance and plans are now in place to relocate the machines into a climate-controlled area. This move is expected to greatly reduce weather-related issues while also providing better control over access to help prevent vandalism. Despite the early challenges customer use of the machines exceeded our expectations. The strong response has reinforced the potential of the program and we are excited to build on this momentum heading into the 2026 season with expectations for even greater growth.
- $2,150 spent. COMMUNITY EVENTS - Annual Easter Egg Hunt: In 2025 our organization proudly continued its sponsorship of the annual Easter Egg hunt for local children an event that brought together approximately 90 young participants from the community. Beyond providing candy for the egg hunt we enhanced the family-friendly atmosphere by offering a variety of food and beverages ensuring everyone felt welcome and comfortable. Importantly this event was offered at no cost to those attending making it accessible to all families. The success of the Easter Egg hunt was made possible by the enthusiastic efforts of 15 dedicated volunteers whose commitment ensured a memorable experience for everyone involved. Ongoing Support for the Community Center: Our dedication to community enrichment extends beyond single events. We actively assist in the operation of the community center bar a crucial facility that supports private gatherings such as weddings graduations and other celebrations. The community center serves as a vital hub for our city and our organization remains committed to its ongoing success and future sustainability. Heritage Depot Museum Trick-or-Treating Event: 2025 marked the second consecutive year of our sponsorship of the community trick-or-treating event at the Heritage Depot Museum. To make the festivities even more enjoyable outdoor childrens games were introduced and complimentary hot dogs and chips were served to all participants. The event benefited from excellent weather contributing to a robust turnout of over 100 children and family members. Additionally a special Depot Halloween shirt was available for purchase marking the occasion with a unique keepsake. Depot Christmas Celebration December saw the return of the annual Depot Christmas event. Although a smaller attendance was anticipated due to the CP Holiday Trains off year more than 100 attendees joined in the festivities. Guests enjoyed treats and drinks while special holiday music was performed on the stage located in the freight room. The evenings highlight was a visit from Santa Claus delighting the children and creating lasting holiday memories for all.
- $49,078 spent. HERITAGE DEPOT & MUSEUM - The Heritage Depot & Museum thrived in 2025 maintaining its tradition of welcoming visitors on the 1st and 3rd Sundays from Memorial Day through Labor Day. These seasonal openings allowed guests to explore exhibits delve into local history and enjoy the historic depots unique atmosphere during the summer. A significant achievement was the completion of the window restoration project in spring 2025. The refurbished wooden windows now shielded by newly installed storm windows have notably enhanced the museums energy efficiency and preserved the buildings historic charm. Upgrades to the model train layout increased visitor excitement enabling two extra trains to operate simultaneously and introducing illuminated buildings for a more realistic and engaging experience. Securing a grant to repaint the depots exterior was a crucial preservation effort safeguarding the historic structure from the elements and enhancing its visual appeal for the community and visitors. The Heritage Depot & Museum remained a hub for various GCA events throughout the year hosting popular celebrations like Depot Halloween and Depot Christmas uniting community members and visitors for festive activities in a welcoming historic setting.
- $8,410 spent. The organization continued its commitment to community beautification throughout the year with volunteers maintaining flowers at the city welcome signs and proudly lining Main Street with American flags during the season. These efforts help create a warm welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors alike while fostering a strong sense of community pride. Although no park improvement projects were completed this year the organization remains dedicated to supporting future enhancement efforts throughout the community. Ongoing Support for the Community Center: Our commitment to strengthening the community extends far beyond individual events. The organization continues to play an active role in supporting the operation of the community center bar an important feature of a facility that hosts weddings graduations reunions and many other celebrations throughout the year. As a central gathering place for the community the community center remains a vital asset to the city and our organization is proud to support its continued success growth and long-term sustainability. In 2025 we secured a grant to renovate the bathrooms which was greatly needed.
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 September 7, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Worth knowing.
Status was revoked on May 15, 2018 for not filing returns for three years. The IRS now lists it as tax-exempt again.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 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 September 10, 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 September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since March 2021.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 7, 2026.
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