Passes our checks

Lake Oswego Preservation Society

EIN 45-1799529 · Marylhurst, OR

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

What it says it does

Education, promotion, and support for public and private historic preservation activities in Lake Oswego, Oregon.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

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

Weak: 44 out of 100. Higher than 20% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).

Independent board
25 of 25
9 of 9 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, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (3)

$14,689 spent. IRON WORKERS COTTAGE AND MUSEUMMaintain a 19th century iron workers residence as a public museum dedicated to the history of iron and steel production in Lake Oswego. The museum also serves as the home of the Society's community activities to educate the public about historical preservation and provide support for public and private efforts to preserve the historical heritage of Lake Oswego. The museum attracts 200-250 visitor per year.
$4,037 spent. ANNUAL ARCHITECTURAL BOAT TOUR OF LAKEFRONT RESIDENCESThe Society conducts a unique educational boat tour of Oswego Lake to highlight the historically significant architecture of the city's lakeside residences. The tour attracts approximately 90-120 participants annually.
CARMAN HOUSE HISTORICAL PRESERVATIONMaintain and preserve the oldest private residence in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Constructed in 1857, the Carman House is a designated landmark and was donated to the Society in 2023. The Society is applying for a preservation/conservation easement for the property.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

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 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 November 2012.
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.