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Knox County Foundation

EIN 31-1768219 · Mount Vernon, OH

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong96 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To improve the quality of life in Knox County through planned charitable giving. To provide a vehicle for donors of varied interests to support charitable and community activities. To assess and respond to emerging and changing community needs in the fields of education, youth services, recreation, arts and culture, social services, and civic, economic and community development. To develop a permanent endowment for the community, and to serve as a catalyst for the initiation of vital projects.

Income
$11.7 million
Spending
$6.5 million
Spent on programs
91%
Reserves
55.7 months of spending
Largest source of income
investment income, 72%
Employees
4
Volunteers
20
Highest pay
$158,470, executive dir.

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

Strong: 96 out of 100. Higher than 65% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, $10m to $100m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 55.7 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 18% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 45% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 21% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    91% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 7 cents.

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

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 38% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, $10m to $100m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    11 of 11 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited 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, 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 (4)
  1. $3.7 million spent. Grants awarded to qualifying non-profit organizations as either approved by the Foundation board or as recommended or designated by donors. Grants awarded are to address charitable wishes of Foundation donors (donor advised/designated funds) or based upon community needs as determined by the Foundation board (community impact and field of interest funds).
  2. $1.2 million spent. Awarded scholarships to Knox County students based upon established eligibility requirements and merit. Requirements include but are not limited to academic achievement, field of interest, and affiliations with specific schools or employers. Donors establish scholarship funds to assist qualifying students with tuition costs. The Foundation utilizies a scholarship committee that reviews application requests from graduating high school seniors and adults more than two years after high school graduation. Scholarships are available for degrees at two or four year colleges and universities as well as accredited trade & technical schools.
  3. $740,330 spent. Community development projects to enhance local vibrancy and recreational activities in cities and villages located in Knox County. During 2024, Knox County Foundation supported Knox Development Partnership to acquire key buildings located in the Downtown Mount Vernon economic corridor. In addition, Knox County Foundation supported village projects including the Fredericktown Splash Pad and the Ackerman Nature Reserve Project.
  4. $196,962 spent. Economic Development Initiative to support strategic partnerships focused on planning and encouraging economic growth throughout Knox County. The Foundation established key relationships with other economic-focused organizations as well as government and civic leaders in Mount Vernon, Danville, Fredericktown, Centerburg and Gambier. Through these partnerships, projects were identified that improved key economic and tourist corridors to generate planned development.

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 October 13, 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 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 2024.

    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 April 2002.

    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.