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Upper Laurel Community Organization Inc

EIN 56-2215746 · Mars Hill, NC

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong100 out of 100GovernanceNot ratedThe short tax form does not cover thisImpact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

ULCO operates Ebbs Chapel Community Center whose mission is to serve youth, families, and seniors with programs, activities, and essential services in the Upper Laurel Community in Mars Hill, NC.

Income
$186,483
Spending
$172,166
Reserves
14 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 80%

Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 87% of charities in its peer group (human services, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 14.0 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 8% of income.

Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.

Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 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 (6)
  1. Nutrition Services - 247 meals served to underprivileged seniors in this rural community. Additionally, 390 meals were delivered to seniors unable to drive. Food services and deliveries are provided by volunteers. Meals are provided by Madison County Department of Community Services.
  2. Food Pantry - 311 people received food, cleaning supplies, diapers and other baby supplies, pet food, and more. This includes emergency aid during Tropical Storm Helene. Food is donated by local donors and weekly by the MANNA Food Bank out of Asheville, NC. All program operations are staffed by volunteers. No monies from grants were specifically for food pantry.
  3. Exercise Room/Yoga Classes - 39 guest visits during 2024 in the newly renovated fitness room. Exercise equipment pieces were donated, and reflected in the assets on Part I, Line 19. Exercise equipment, after depreciation, is valued at $1,000. No grants were received for this specific program. Volunteers staff this weekly program.
  4. $1,573 spent. Performing Arts Center - approximately 400 visitors in 20255 The PAC had limited use in 2024. No specific grants were provided for this program area. All operations were staffed by volunteers.
  5. $779 spent. Blackberry Festival is an award winning outdoor festival in July of each year. This year we counted 1200 individual vendors, visitors, and volunteers throughout the day. There are no grants to sponsor this specific program. Grants have been received for building renovations and general operating support. This festival is staffed entirely by volunteers.
  6. $600 spent. Wood Heat Ministry provides fire wood for low-income seniors and people with disabilities. In 2025, we provided wood for heat for 350 families.

Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 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 May 15, 2010 for not filing returns for three years, and reinstated on May 15, 2010.

    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 December 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 September 2014.

    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.

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.