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Transylvania County Library Foundation

EIN 56-6011584 · Brevard, NC

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood80 out of 100GovernanceStrong90 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To obtain and manage funds and memorials and to receive gifts, grants and bequests for the use of the Transylvania County Library; to promote and support library services in Transylvania County.

Income
$79,472
Spending
$203,147
Spent on programs
74%
Reserves
Over 10 years of spending
Largest source of income
investment income, 66%
Employees
0
Volunteers
13

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: 80 out of 100.

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover more than ten years of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 7% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 156% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 6% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    74% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 20 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: 90 out of 100.

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    13 of 13 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no 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.

  • 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. $150,461 spent. LIBRARY SUPPORT AND COMMUNITY ACCESS INITIATIVES: The Foundation funded enhancements to library services beyond the operational budget, including access to the Kanopy streaming video platform, staff professional development, and outdoor furnishings for the library patio. The Foundation also supported digitization of the Transylvania Times newspaper archives (1975-2023) through DigitalNC, preserving local history and providing free, searchable online access for researchers and the public.
  2. J.R. MCDOWELL SPEAKER SERIES The J.R. McDowell Speaker Series brings nationally recognized speakers to the community to present educational programs on topics of broad public interest. In September 2024, the Foundation hosted travel writer Rick Steves for a public lecture. Speakers also participate in educational outreach with local students and community groups, extending the programs impact beyond the public event.
  3. LOOKING GLASS ROCK WRITERS CONFERENCE The Looking Glass Rock Writers Conference, a partnership with Brevard College, promotes creative writing through workshops, readings, and community engagement centered on a sense of place. The program brings nationally and regionally recognized authors to Transylvania County and provides educational opportunities for writers of all experience levels. In 2025, featured faculty included Terrance Hayes, Elizabeth Rush, and Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle.

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 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 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 November 1945.

    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.