Collings Foundation 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.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
To organize and preserve living history events and the presentation of historical artifacts and content that enable Americans to learn more about their heritage through direct participation.
- Income
- $4.5 million
- Spending
- $3.1 million
- Spent on programs
- 79%
- Reserves
- 10.5 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 58%
- Employees
- 7
- Volunteers
- 750
- Highest pay
- $420,000, president and director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending November 30, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 78 out of 100. Higher than 58% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
28 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 10.5 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 1% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 30% of income.
Income trend
0 of 15Income fell 84% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1579% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 10 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending November 30, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Good: 75 out of 100. Higher than 25% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 254 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.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited 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 November 30, 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)
- $1.7 million spent. The American Heritage Museum was open to the public. This facility houses one of the world's largest collections of armored vehicles and tanks, all displayed in unique diaramas and displays. The museum includes exhibits covering from the Revolutionary War right up to current times, including a World War I Trench Experience, the Clash of Steel Exhibition, the Hanoi Hilton and a Holocaust Railcar. A gift shop is also available for the public to purchase items which promote the Organization's mission and American history. Approximately 62,772 people attended the Museum during the year.
- $179,685 spent. "Battle for the Airfield" - This Columbus Day Weekend event featured approximately 300 re-enactors. The entire property in Hudson/Stow was open: the Automobile Collection, Foundation Airplane Hangar, and the American Heritage Museum. Fully restored military equipment of all kinds were on display. Camps were set up with authentic materials and appearance. Re-enactors acted as docents and shared a wealth of information about life as a member of the military. Veterans from all ranks and branches of the service participated in discussions around each encampment. Approximately 4,821 individuals attended this event.
- $396,847 spent. The Foundation offered to the public the opportunity to drive or ride in a tank. Approximately 872 individuals took part in these experiences, helping to teach the general public and raise awareness of the importance of these vehicles in the history of the United States.
- $164,595 spent. The Foundation hosted additional public events, such as "Fathers Day Weekend Open House", "World War I Aviation Weekend", and a Pacific War re-enactment event. In addition, the Foundation rented out its facility for multiple private events during the year. It also allowed the use of its vehicles in a Military Parades. In addition, some charitable contributions were made and some college scholarships awarded. based on merit.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending November 30, 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 November 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 March 2016.
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.