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Literacy Council of Highlands Inc

EIN 56-1883637 · Highlands, NC

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair60 out of 100GovernanceStrong97 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To enrich lives and expand the knowledge of children, adults and families through diverse educational programs that advance literacy in its many forms and to promote lifelong learning, which results in an informed and empowered community.

Income
$535,667
Spending
$599,911
Spent on programs
60%
Reserves
7 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 82%
Employees
11
Volunteers
75
Highest pay
$99,382, executive director

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Fair: 60 out of 100. Higher than 26% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 7.0 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    4 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 12% of income.

  • Income trend

    0 of 15

    Income fell 34% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    8 of 15

    60% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 20 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 97 out of 100. Higher than 93% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    10 of 10 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

    12 of 15

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

  • 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, 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 (3)
  1. $359,798 spent. Pre-K Program: The Literacy & Learning Center offers a free, full-day Pre-K program that provides children with a strong foundation in literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development. The program operates during the school year and aligns with North Carolina Early Learning Standards to prepare students for kindergarten success. In the tax year, the Pre-K program served three- to five-year-old children instruction from qualified early childhood educators, as well as enrichment activities, and family support services. By eliminating financial barriers to early childhood education, the program plays a critical role in increasing school readiness and long-term academic achievement for children in our rural mountain community.
  2. After-School and Tutoring Programs: TLLCs free after-school and tutoring programs support K-8 students through structured academic assistance, enrichment activities, and personalized one-on-one tutoring. These programs focus on improving literacy, math skills, and overall academic performance while providing a safe, supervised environment. During the year, more than 75 students participated in these programs. Services included daily homework help, reading and math intervention, STEAM-based projects, and nutritious snacks. These programs not only support working families but also help close achievement gaps, increase student confidence, and foster lifelong learning habits outside the traditional classroom setting.
  3. Adult Programs: Literacy, ESL, and GED: The Literacy & Learning Center provides free adult education programs, including English as a Second Language (ESL), Adult Literacy, and General Education Development (GED) preparation. These programs empower adults to build essential skills for employment, citizenship, and daily living. In the tax year, dozens of adult learners participated in individualized instruction, small group classes, and virtual options to accommodate work and transportation barriers. ESL and GED learners made measurable progress in reading, writing, speaking, and testing benchmarks. These services offer life-changing opportunities to adults in our region, many of whom face economic hardship or limited formal education. By promoting literacy and credential attainment, TLLC helps individuals build a better future for themselves and their families.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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 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 December 2024.

    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 June 1995.

    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.