Mvpa Historical Archives Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- It reported loans to or from officers, directors or other insiders.
- It owes more than it owns.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
The MVPA Historical Archives collects catalogs restores preserves and displays historical military items objects and artifacts. We advance this mission through publishing our magazine hosting an annual convention and organizing convoys that bring rolling history to life.
- Income
- $307,496
- Spending
- $384,036
- Spent on programs
- 90%
- Reserves
- -0.4 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 92%
- Employees
- 2
- Volunteers
- 15
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: 25 out of 100. Higher than 3% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
0 of 35Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.
Debt
0 of 20It owes 117% of what it owns.
Living within its means
0 of 15Spending exceeded income by 25% of income.
Income trend
10 of 15Income fell 9% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1590% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 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: 46 out of 100. Higher than 11% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
18 of 253 of 3 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
0 of 10Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Independent check of accounts
6 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
0 of 10Reports at least one of: diversion of assets, excess benefits, 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)
- $85,720 spent. Convention Income - Generated from the Associations annual convention the largest gathering of military vehicle enthusiasts supporting the MVPA and its archives. The convention showcases restored vehicles hosts educational seminars and includes formal judging to assess restoration accuracy. It is a key event for members supporters and the general public to have access to rare parts technical manuals and vintage supplies for historical presentation.
- $161,811 spent. Magazine Income - HIM is the Associations bi-monthly publication featuring research articles restoration tips and coverage of events within the hobby both globally and regionally. Articles are written by some of the most recognized and respected experts in the military vehicle community. Full-color photography brings readers directly into the action of notable events past and present. Over 3,000 articles are available as part of a 25-year archive making the magazine a vital source of reference material for military vehicle enthusiasts. The magazine is not sold it is provided to members of the MVPA as a program service.
- $13,100 spent. Convoy Income - Convoys are historical reenactments of military vehicle movements ranging from day trips to cross-country or even international expeditions including through challenging terrains such as the Alaskan wilderness. These events serve as living history and mobile museums educating the public while offering enjoyment for collectors and their families.
- $84,539 spent. Other program costs that are shared over the entire group.
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
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 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 2024.
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 November 2000.
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.