The Congregational Church Foundation of Detroit Lakes
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The Foundation supports charitable and educational efforts or organizations both locally and internationally. Organizations supported include the United Church of Christ humanitarian aid to Ukraine, Heifer International. Local charities supported include the Lake Area Crisis Center (which supports people in crisis), groups active in support of veterans and grants to support the homeless in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. The Foundation supports youth through scholarship gifts, payment of camping costs for youth and support of the local Backpack program. Supplemental funding is provided to the Congregational Church of Detroit Lakes for local and national mission efforts as well as facility maintenance.
- Income
- $18,245
- Spending
- $18,245
- Spent on programs
- 100%
- Reserves
- Over 10 years of spending
- Largest source of income
- investment income, 100%
- Employees
- 0
- Volunteers
- 5
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
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, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Fair: 56 out of 100. Higher than 56% of charities in its peer group (religion, under $250k).
Independent board
5 of 250 of 5 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a 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 (3)
- $7,500 spent. The Foundation has a goal of assisting organizations that support the homeless, provide food to those in need and supporting international organizations such as Heifer International. In order to achieve that goal, grants were made to food banks in Pelican Rapids and Detroit lakes Minnesota. The Foundation made a donation to the Lakes Area Crisis Center which supports battered and abused women and children and victims of sexual assault and general crime. Churches United for the Homeless in Moorhead MN. Heifer International was also funded.
- $6,800 spent. The Foundation provides gifts to graduating seniors that can be used educational costs. A gift was also given to a college graduate in 2025. The Foundation continued education through Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award given to women who provide family support while pursuing an education. The local school Backpack program has been supported for several years. We also support the local Dollars for Scholars program and a training program involving veterans and companion dogs.
- $3,945 spent. Funds are provided to the supported church for local and international mission work. Funds are also provided for routine maintenance and repair of mechanical and electrical equipment required for facility operation. Mission support totaled $2944.97 and maintenance contribution from the Foundation was $1000.
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 October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Worth knowing.
Status was revoked on May 15, 2022 for not filing returns for three years, and reinstated on May 15, 2022.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 May 2023.
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 October 21, 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.