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Centro Unido Latino Americano

EIN 56-2678411 · Marion, NC

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood85 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Centro Unido offers culturally responsive programs that promote health equity, educational opportunity, workforce development, civic engagement, and access to essential resources.The organization provides bilingual mental health support, youth leadership initiatives, education opportunities for adults and children, access to food, and financial assistance to families facing urgent needs. Centro Unido also advances language justice, supports immigrant rights, and advocates for systems change to eliminate barriers and uplift the voices of historically marginalized communities.

Income
$2.2 million
Spending
$1.8 million
Spent on programs
84%
Reserves
4.1 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 91%
Employees
19
Volunteers
538
Highest pay
$94,931, 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

Good: 85 out of 100. Higher than 68% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 4.1 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 5% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 18% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 26% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    84% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 4 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: 100 out of 100. Higher than 65% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).

  • 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

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited 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. $1.5 million spent. Our team of 11 Community Health Workers provides more than 2,500 services each month through Centro Unidos holistic 360 approach, grounded in five strategic focus areas: Art & Culture, Career & Learning, Advocacy, Leadership, and Health. Through these interconnected sectors, we connect community members to essential resources while strengthening long-term wellbeing and opportunity. . Centro Unidos Health focus area expands access to healthcare, mental health services, nutrition support, and crisis response for families across our region. Following Hurricane Helene, we activated the Jireh Project, designed to provide immediate financial assistance to individuals and families facing unforeseen emergencies. . Impact Highlights -6,276 food boxes distributed through drive-thru and walk-in food pantries -1,344 free virtual therapy sessions provided with bilingual mental health professionals -$417,536 in direct financial assistance delivered to disaster-impacted households
  2. Through our Career & Learning and Leadership initiatives, Centro Unido strengthens academic achievement, workforce readiness, and community engagement opportunities. Bilingual after-school tutoring, computer literacy classes, and entrepreneurship training equip children and adults with essential skills for long-term success. Leadership programs such as Vida Activa and our Volunteer initiatives promote empowerment, wellness, and civic participation. . Impact Highlights -48 children received bilingual tutoring and 90 adults benefited from educational classes -173 participants engaged in Vida Activa events and activities -538 volunteers contributed their time and talents to support our mission
  3. Our Advocacy focus area expands access to legal navigation and language justice resources, including interpretation services, notary support, immigration attorney consultations, and assistance obtaining vital identification documents. A significant milestone this year was the approval of Marions first Language Access Plan, developed through collaboration between Centro Unido and local government partners. . Impact Highlights -421 interpretation and translation services provided -More than 400 individuals obtained identification documents -Approval of City of Marions first Language Access Plan Centro Unidos Art and Culture programs celebrate and preserve community heritage through festivals, workshops, traditional celebrations, and cultural events that foster belonging and cross-cultural understanding. Impact Highlights -More than 6,000 attendees participated in the Culturas Unidas Festival

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 March 2011.

    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.