Charlotte Wine & Food Weekend Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
To raise money for charitable organizations in Charlotte.
- Income
- $669,221
- Spending
- $780,554
- Spent on programs
- 69%
- Reserves
- 5.1 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 78%
- Employees
- 4
- Volunteers
- 80
- Highest pay
- $186,450, executive dir.
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: 55 out of 100. Higher than 13% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
20 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 5.1 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 2% of what it owns.
Living within its means
0 of 15Spending exceeded income by 17% of income.
Income trend
0 of 15Income fell 39% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1569% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 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
Fair: 61 out of 100. Higher than 34% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
25 of 2538 of 38 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
0 of 15Reports no written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no 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
6 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 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 (1)
- $541,290 spent. Charlotte Wine & Food brings together leading wine industry experts from around the world and pairs them with Charlottes top chefs to celebrate and advance public knowledge of and appreciation for fine wine and food, while making significant contributions to charitable organizations that benefit children and their families in the Charlotte community.In 1989, a group of civic-minded wine and food enthusiasts had a vision of creating a series of events to raise money for charity. Out of this vision, Charlotte Wine & Food was born and has proudly contributed over $7.5 million to the community over the last 37 years. With time and care, the organization has grown in stature and evolved but remains one of Charlottes premier cultural institutions attracting winemakers, vintners, and sommeliers from around the world while celebrating the best of Charlottes culinary landscape. What started as a Weekend of events taking place bi-annually is now a year-round series of events that culminate in a multi-day wine and food experience each April. From intimate vintner dinners and tastings to large gala dinners and live auctions, Charlotte Wine & Food has something for anyone interested in wine, food, fun, and fundraising! Charlotte Wine & Food is a non-profit 501(c)3 directed by a fellowship of wine and food connoisseurs that make up its volunteer board of directors. All events benefit strategically-selected charity partners that support children in the local community.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since February 1996.
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 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.