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Heart of Brevard

EIN 56-1721004 · Brevard, NC

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong93 out of 100GovernanceStrong91 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Heart of Brevard is creating a gathering place for the community, strengthening the economic vitality of the downtown Brevard district and preserving and sustaining our rich heritage.

Income
$588,584
Spending
$500,521
Spent on programs
87%
Reserves
6.7 months of spending
Largest source of income
government grants, 42%
Employees
3
Volunteers
302
Highest pay
$100,189, 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

Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 78% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 6.7 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 3% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 15% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 57% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    86% 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

Strong: 91 out of 100. Higher than 75% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    9 of 9 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.

  • Independent check of accounts

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports 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 (3)
  1. $432,836 spent. Downtown Events & Community Festivals: Heart of Brevard produces signature downtown events and festivals that strengthen community connection, increase visitation, and generate economic activity for small businesses in downtown Brevard. These events activate public spaces, showcase local arts and culture, and create opportunities for merchants, vendors, and nonprofits to engage residents and visitors throughout the year. Key 2025 Outcomes: - 6 signature downtown events and festivals - 302 community volunteers contributing 1,320 hours of service (valued at approx $40,000) - Community celebrations including White Squirrel Weekend, Halloweenfest, Holiday Windows, Light Up the Night, and seasonal programming
  2. Downtown Marketing & Promotion: Heart of Brevard leads coordinated marketing and promotional initiatives designed to increase visibility, visitation, and spending in the downtown district. Campaigns highlight Brevards independent businesses, arts culture, and walkable downtown experience while encouraging residents and visitors to shop, dine, and explore locally. Key 2025 Outcomes: - 658,000 social media reach and 15,600 followers across platforms - 16,000 Downtown Shopping & Dining Guides produced and distributed - 6,100 email subscribers with a 39% open rate - 7,000 visitors participating in the Holiday Window Walking Tour - 476 community voters in the Peoples Choice Holiday Window Awards
  3. Downtown Economic Vitality & Investment Support: Heart of Brevard supports economic development and preservation-based revitalization in the downtown district by providing technical assistance, small grants, and parterships that encourage private investment and business growth. These efforts help maintain Brevards Brevards historic character while strengthening its local economy. Key 2025 Outcomes: - $9,000 awarded through the Heart of Brevard Vibrancy Grant Program - $12 million in private investment leveraged in the downtown district - $1.2 million in public sector investment - 17 net new businesses and 58 net new jobs created - 16 building improvement projects completed

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

  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? Worth knowing.

    Status was revoked on November 15, 2017 for not filing returns for three years, and reinstated on November 15, 2017.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 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 June 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 May 2020.

    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 November 4, 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.