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Lutherdale Bible Camp Inc

EIN 39-0963472 · Elkhorn, WI

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak42 out of 100GovernanceWeak40 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Located in Southeastern Wisconsin, Lutherdale is a place for rejuvenation, learning, fellowship, and recreation. Waterfront activities, field games, archery, the farm, low high challenge course activities, and a climbing tower along the shores of Lauderdale Lakes provide opportunities for people of all ages to connect with nature.

Income
$1.6 million
Spending
$1.7 million
Spent on programs
54%
Reserves
-6.7 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 61%
Employees
40
Volunteers
15
Highest pay
$136,525, executive director

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

Weak: 42 out of 100.

  • Reserves

    0 of 35

    Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 22% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 5% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 7% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    8 of 15

    54% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 14 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

Weak: 40 out of 100.

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    15 of 15 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

    5 of 5

    Keeps 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.

  • Pay set independently

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • Independent check of accounts

    0 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed 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 (5)
  1. $344,215 spent. Summer Ministry Lutherdale has over 80 years of experience in running summer camps. We follow over 300 standards established by the American Camp Association in order to provide a safe space for your children. Our program model is set up around small groups so that ever camper has a cabin leader that will invest in, care for, and nurture your child. We offer full week youth camps for grades 1-12, on-site day camps for grades k-6, leadership exploration and adventure program LEAP for grades 10-12, and adult and family camps. Whether attending a full week camp or weekend camp each camper gets to try new activities and practice skills to learn about what they love. General camp activities include Bible Study, canoeing, arts crafts, field games, court games, kayaking, worship, camp fires, swimming, feeding animals and much more.
  2. $211,006 spent. Retreat Ministry Lutherdale offers year round day and weekend retreats for youth groups, families and adults. Retreat programs include meals and Christ-centered activities lead by enthusiastic staff. Campers will play, explore and grow in their faith.
  3. $197,381 spent. Offsite/Travel Ministry To promote Christian fellowship Lutherdale offers bus trips to various locations throughout the US. We contract with professional tour companies and select trips with a variety of experiences including one-day trips and week-long excursions.
  4. Program Service Expenses 140,607, Grants and allocations 0, Revenue 342,269 Hope Center Ministry Lutherdales newest addition is ADA accessible facility that features hotel-style sleeping rooms, great hall that seats 130 theater-style, board room seats 15 board-room style, and a small meeting room that seats 19 theater style. CLose to major cities such as Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago, Lutherdale makes an ideal event destination without having to go too far from home.
  5. Program Service Expenses 15,363, Grants and allocations 0, Revenue 0 Other programs

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? Worth knowing.

    Not individually listed by the IRS as eligible, which is usual for churches. The master file records contributions to it as deductible.

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

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Worth knowing.

    The IRS does not require this organization to file annual returns.

    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 April 1988.

    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.