Friends of Wallisch Homestead
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The Friends of Wallisch Homestead 's primary exempt purpose is to support West Milford Township, the Board of Education, and other community groups in the preservation and adaptive reuse of the Wallisch Homestead as a living record of the community's cultural and economic heritage. The FOWH is a community organization dedicated to preserving the Wallisch Homestead and its rich history for future generations. The mission of the organization is to support West Milford Township, Board of Education, and other community groups in their efforts to preserve and adaptively reuse the homestead for the benefit of the community. The Wallisch Homestead is a cultural and environmental conservation site that serves as a living record of the community's cultural and economic heritage.
- Income
- $68,023
- Spending
- $86,308
- Reserves
- 11.8 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 70%
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Fair: 69 out of 100. Higher than 39% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).
Reserves
28 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 11.8 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
0 of 15Spending exceeded income by 27% of income.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.
Source: Form 990EZ 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)
- $4 spent. The Friends of Wallisch Homestead (FOWH) holds an Annual Barn Sale that features vintage treasures, collectibles, and unique finds for everyone. The sale is held in the Barn and offers a wide range of items, including jewelry, home decor, and much more, all at unbelievable prices. The proceeds from the sale benefit the Wallisch Homestead and its ongoing preservation efforts. By attending the sale, visitors can not only find a special item for themselves but also contribute to the preservation of this important community resource. The sale is a three-day event that is open to the public. Members of the FOWH are granted early admission on Friday. The event is held rain or shine, so visitors can shop regardless of the weather conditions. In summary, the FOWH Annual Barn Sale is an exciting three-day event where visitors can find vintage treasures, collectibles, and unique finds at unbelievable prices. The proceeds from the sale benefit the Wallisch Homestead's ongoing preservation efforts, and the event is open to the public, rain or shine. Members of the FOWH are granted early admission on Friday.
- The monthly flea markets serve as a vital engine for the Wallisch Homestead, seamlessly weaving together the site's three-fold mission of culture, education, and recreation. By transforming the historic grounds into a bustling community hub, these events invite the public to engage with the property's pastoral charm, fostering a recreational space where neighbors can gather and connect. The markets also act as a living cultural exhibit, showcasing local craftsmanship and vintage treasures that echo the homestead's long history. Most importantly, entertaining hundreds of visitors, the proceeds from these markets provide the essential financial backbone required to restore the original farmhouse and maintain the surrounding acreage. This ensures that the homestead is not just a relic of the past, but a self-sustaining environment where the community can continue to learn about local heritage for generations to come.
- The annual square dance serves as a living bridge between the Wallisch Homestead's agricultural past and its future as a vibrant community hub. By inviting the public onto the grounds for a traditional folk celebration, the event directly fulfills the mission to preserve and interpret the site's heritage through active, hands-on participation. It transforms the historic landscape from a static monument into a dynamic social space, fostering the community-led stewardship and environmental appreciation that the Friends of Wallisch Homestead strive to cultivate. Ultimately, the rhythmic call of the dance reinforces the bond between the land, its history, and the people who ensure its continued vitality
Source: Form 990EZ 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? 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 July 2014.
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.