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Melaina Cunningham and Friends Park Fund

EIN 26-4510656 · Cpe Girardeau, MO

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthNot ratedToo small or too little detailGovernanceWeak19 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The organization's mission is to raise money and purchase handicap accessible equipment that will be used by the community. The board of directors and the executive director are responsible for conducting the fund raising and implementation of equipment. By raising funds and purchasing handicap accessible equipment for a playground, the organization will provide a place for the handicap children in the county to be able to play that local playgrounds do not currently allow. The organization allocates approximately 10 hours per week to fundraising and meetings. The activity is funded through community donations and federal and state grants.

Income
$250
Spending
$961
Spent on programs
9%
Reserves
Over 10 years of spending
Largest source of income
other income, 100%
Employees
0

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Weak: 19 out of 100. Higher than 3% of charities in its peer group (recreation and sports, under $250k).

  • Independent board

    5 of 25

    0 of 7 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

    0 of 5

    Reports that it does not keep 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.

  • 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, 2024, 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)
  1. $90 spent. This organization will help to bring the areas first public all-inclusive and fully accessible playground to Southeast Missouri. There is currently no public playground that enables individuals with special needs to experience the joy of playing outdoors with other children and adults for nearly 100 miles. Melainas Magical Playland was inspired by the daughter of Jeff and Andrea Cunningham. Melaina Cunningham was a vibrant and spunky 3-year- old who didnt let a disease like Nemaline Myopathy diminish her spirit. Melainas Magical Playland is designed to encourage people of all ability levels to interact side by side enjoying similar activities in a common, fun-filled area. The playground will include integrated activities for all ages and ability levels where fun has no limitations, and everyone can participate!

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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 September 7, 2026.

  2. 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

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

    Recognized by the IRS since February 2010.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 October 7, 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.