Emancipation Park Conservancy
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- Only 37% of its spending went to programs.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
Emancipation Park Conservancy's mission is to enhance Emancipation Park by preserving its integrity and enriching its heritage as a local, state, national, and international landmark.
- Income
- $2.9 million
- Spending
- $912,998
- Spent on programs
- 38%
- Reserves
- 3.6 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 99%
- Employees
- 20
- Volunteers
- 750
- Highest pay
- $140,000, executive director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 70 out of 100. Higher than 41% of charities in its peer group (recreation and sports, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
20 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 3.6 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 2% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 69% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 135% on the year before.
Spending floor
0 of 1537% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 2 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Good: 78 out of 100. Higher than 56% of charities in its peer group (recreation and sports, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 2512 of 12 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a 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
0 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 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 (1)
- $341,988 spent. In partnership with diverse collaborative partners, Emancipation Park Conservancy (EPC) offers culturally responsive programming in education, economic empowerment, and health and wellness. See Schedule O for continuation.Education: Each year, EPC hosts its Juneteenth celebration, featuring programs and events commemorating the oldest known US observance of the end of slavery on June 19, 1865, when enslaved people were emancipated in Galveston, Texas. EPC's Juneteenth festivities engage members of the African diaspora worldwide by sharing African Americans' history, traditions, heritage, and culture while also highlighting the strides African Americans are making toward collective economic, educational, and political advancement.Our additional educational offerings include STEM Summer Camp, After-School Enrichment Programs, and Read-In Programs. Emancipation Conversations Lecture Series: This program refers to the rich griot tradition central to the diffusion and preservation of African American culture across generations. The discussions feature innovative and iconic community leaders, influencers, and humanitarians across disciplines such as the arts, literature, business, science, philanthropy, and politics. Holiday In The Tre' continues the rich tradition of communal celebration. This program provides a platform for talent and a conduit to support local businesses in Houston's historic Third Ward community. Economic Empowerment: Bridging the Gap Financial Literacy Series - This program is designed to equip families with the tools to break the cycle of poverty. Classes include budgeting workshops, financial planning, small-business assistance, career development, and more, all designed to equip families for financial growth. Health & Wellness: These programs include a variety of fitness and exercise classes, as well as classes on preparing healthy meals.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since January 2015.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 7, 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.