Hickory Nut Gorge Foundation
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Hickory Nut Gorge Foundation supports a permanent Endowment fund for the purpose of enhancing the lifestyle and environment of the Hickory Nut Gorge area of Western North Carolina. Over the years, our focus to impact the Hickory Nut Gorge community remains steadfast. We have granted awards to many organizations in these areas: Area health facilities, Needy economic outreach, Community Center maintenance, Habitat for Humanity, Church fundraisers & scholarships, Volunteer fire departments, Agricultural projects & events, Land conservation programs, Gorge recreational parks, Nonprofit sports festivals, Arts festivals, Charter school programs, Regional library
- Income
- $53,710
- Spending
- $45,942
- Reserves
- 0 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 76%
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.
Source: Form 990EZ 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 (3)
- People in Need was composed of Grants made from our Endowment to 501(c)(3) organizations in our service area of $5000, and pass-through immediate Disaster Relief Grants of $18,744 collected and distributed due to Hurricane Helene. The Endowment grants reached the clients of Hickory Nut Gorge Outreach for Christmas food baskets (~100 families), and the Disaster Relief benefited 2000-3000 people living in the Gorge in some way.
- A Health Grant of $5000 to the local 501(c)(3) Charter School supported its Feed the Children Campaign to improve the nutrition of its 400 students.
- Community Grants from our Endowment primarily benefited three Volunteer Fire Departments serving our area. They all incurred damage or equipment needs from Hurricane Helene, and these Grants were used for recovery and improved resilience.
Source: Form 990EZ 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 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 November 6, 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 December 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 January 2016.
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 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.