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Highland Center

EIN 54-1882137 · Monterey, VA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak38 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Catalyst for economic and cultural development through community/economic development & business incubation; local foods and agriculture and youth development

Income
$216,200
Spending
$329,901
Spent on programs
59%
Reserves
-2.6 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 66%
Employees
23
Volunteers
0
Highest pay
$22,500, executive director

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

Financial health

Weak: 38 out of 100. Higher than 14% of charities in its peer group (human services, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    0 of 35

    Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 5% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 53% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 2% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    8 of 15

    59% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 16 cents.

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

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 91% of charities in its peer group (human services, under $250k).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    6 of 6 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • 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

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 (5)
  1. $48,291 spent. Business Incubation - Provided multi-year space rental for three business start-ups and short term office space for community members. The Highland Center (THC) provided meeting space and hosted meetings for community organizations, averaging 4 meetings per month with 10 participants each. THC hosted the local Chamber of Commerce as a tenant.
  2. $75,335 spent. Community Enrichment: Hosted the performing arts concerts for the Arts Council and Community Orchestra in our auditorium,THC also organized two Fall square dances that were widely received. THC ran 3 local artisan markets during county-wide festivals. THC also hosted and managed 2 large community life events, a wedding and a birthday party attended by over 100 people for 2 eldertly sisters, as well as smaller events for over 100 people. THC offered semi-weekly entertainment on Friday nights at the Farmers Market during the summer season and managed a small art gallery for 12 local artists to showcase their works. THC also offered a monthly continuing education series (11 Tuesday Talks) and hosted 3 excercise classes for seniors.
  3. $36,701 spent. Youth & Family Development: THC housed the countys only licensed daycare as a tenant and partner with a music program in a neighboring county to bring stringed instrument music lessons to youth in our county. THC ran the summer Youth Employment program, pairing 23 youth with local employers and providing employment eduction and support.
  4. $32,838 spent. Local Food Initiatives: THC ran the countys only Farmers Market for 19 weeks, averaging 10 vendors each market and and approx.30-40 guests each week. THC also ran the Taste of Highland event which brought together over 100 people to experience food grown and produced in the county. THC rented its commercial kitchen to Meals on Wheels to produce hot and frozen meals for distribution to home-bound seniors.
  5. Local Food Initiatives: THC ran the countys only Farmers 32838. 0. 3262.

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

Legitimacy checks

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since November 1998.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. 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.