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Columbus County Partnership for Children

EIN 56-1966108 · Whiteville, NC

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair59 out of 100GovernanceGood81 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To provide families with children ages birth to five with access to high quality affordable services to make sure all children are healthy and prepared to succeed when they enter kindergarten.

Income
$670,394
Spending
$697,303
Spent on programs
82%
Reserves
1.4 months of spending
Largest source of income
government grants, 76%
Employees
13
Volunteers
26
Highest pay
$67,969, 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

Fair: 59 out of 100. Higher than 25% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 1.4 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 20% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 4% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 10% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    82% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 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

Good: 81 out of 100. Higher than 68% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    13 of 21 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

    0 of 10

    Did not give 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 (10)
  1. $333,483 spent. Community Outreach, Information and Resources provides printed materials including brochures and press releases for the Partnership's activities. This activity also maintains the organization's website and social media accounts. The staff presents information in the community. There were a total of 7 community presentations and 3 outreach events completed. A golf fundraiser, Magic on Main and summer literacy outreach events were hosted to promote literacy and awareness of the Partnership and Smart Start programs and services. 45 table displays were erected at community events, fairs and festivals. Staff made 604 posts to Facebook which reached 66,508 people. 15 articles were written for publication in local newspapers. 96% of parents and guardians participating in community presentations/events indicated on a post survey that they increased their knowledge of Partnership programs and services, as well as the importance of a child's early years.
  2. $83,286 spent. Smart Start Early Learning & Family Resource Center (ELF) serves as a hub for activities for early childhood professionals, those planning a future in the field of child care, community members, and families. The ELF served 485 patrons including 328 children; 76 of the visitors were new to the facility. 42 story time sessions were presented in person with 285 children participating. Virtual story time sessions posted to YouTube received 5,710 views. 100% of family members surveyed indicated ways in which the resources and materials helped their children; 100% of child care providers surveyed indicated ways the resources and materials helped their child care programs.
  3. $51,718 spent. Quality Enhancement Project helps licensed child care programs increase the level of star rated licensure and the level of provider education. Professional development services are also available for facilities that complete an Educational Facility Plan. 24 child care facilities had at least 1 staff member participating in one of the 13 quality related workshops that were conducted. Child care providers received 35 hours of technical assistance. 71 visits to child care facilities were made by the quality specialist.
  4. $57,914 spent. Program Coordination/Evaluation
  5. $15,000 spent. Parents As Teachers
  6. $11,979 spent. Raising A Reader
  7. $7,754 spent. Dolly Parton Imagination Library
  8. $6,420 spent. Inclusive Child Care
  9. $3,208 spent. Literacy Programs
  10. $2,031 spent. Health Care Transportation

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? 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 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 February 1997.

    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.

  7. Could it be confused with another charity? Worth knowing.

    A much larger organization has a similar name: Community Partnership for Children Inc (Daytona Beach, FL), EIN 59-3614241. If that is the one you meant, check the EIN before giving.

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