Capital Area Development Corporation of West Virginia
Public records raise at least one point you should look into before giving.
What it says it does
Capital Area Development Corporation of West Virginia dba Charleston Area Alliance serves as a catalyst for change for Charleston, Kanawha County, and the surrounding area, leading with innovative and collaborative approaches to shape a prosperous economy that fosters growth and attracts people and investment. We are a community and economic development organization that connects businesses, entrepreneurs and young talent with the resources needed to succeed. Our strategic initiatives stimulate job creation, attract new industries, bolster the region's economic resilience, and support energetic and effective local efforts to renew our capital city as strong and vibrant.
- Income
- $5.5 million
- Spending
- $5.9 million
- Employees
- 29
- Volunteers
- 100
- Highest pay
- $179,251, president and ceo
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Financial health
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. How we rate
Governance
This return does not answer enough of the governance questions to score.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. 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)
- $4.5 million spent. Economic Development - We drive sustainable growth in target industries by advancing innovation, fostering strategic partnerships, and increasing visibility. Programs and projects focus on: business recruitment, expansion and retention by providing site selection assistance, facilitating foreign direct investment, assisting with import/export needs, supporting innovation, research and development, linking suppliers and customers to promote local economic growth; talent attraction and retention through promoting workforce development opportunities, providing talent attraction incentives to increase population, hosting an internship program; encouraging public investment in supportive infrastructure, and developing entrepreneurial networks and support systems. In 2023, the organization began a major real estate redevelopment project, the Charleston Lift Center, funded by a federal grant matched with other public and private support. Capitalized redevelopment costs as of 12/31/25 were $2,778,640. In support of the Ascend West Virginia Charleston Area Remote Work Location, the Alliance pledged the sum of $3 million over five years, recorded at net present value in financial statements and in this return. The Alliance contributed $1 million to the West Virginia Department of Tourism in support of their Air Services Agreement.
- $449,489 spent. Operation of Business Incubator - Program supports entrepreneurial and small business development. Goals include: increasing awareness of the incubator as an available resource for entrepreneurs in the local area; providing low cost office space for entrepreneurs and start-ups; linking tenant entrepreneurs to available consulting services; providing central location for small business referrals to partners and support systems; increased visibility for entrepreneurs through networking and professional development opportunities. The Alliance began an Incubator Modernization project in 2025 which resulted in capitalized upgrades of $365,252 as of year end.
- $405,928 spent. Community Development - We work diligently to increase our natural and built assets through sustainable redevelopment initiatives as we continue to support the transformation of our County's downtowns into vibrant hubs for community engagement and economic activity. Programs include: stimulating new housing growth in downtown Charleston; providing advisory and resource development services to the City Center Business Improvement District; supporting arts and culture throughout Kanawha County; elevating small businesses with targeted grant opportunities; inspiring young professionals to become more impactful community, business and political leaders in our community through Leadership Kanawha Valley; collaborating with Kanawha County and other partners to develop the Upper Kanawha Valley, enhancing infrastructure, promoting local businesses, and leveraging tourism efforts to advance the outdoor economy.
- $212,250 spent. Member and investor services foster strong relationships, provide valuable resources, and attract the investment needed to sustain and grow the organization's operations. Benefits and opportunities provided to member businesses include networking, professional development, referrals and communication.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. 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)(4) social welfare 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? Caution.
The IRS master file records contributions to this 501(c)(4) social welfare organization as not deductible.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, 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 October 1963.
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.