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Cleanaire North Carolina

EIN 57-0462653 · Charlotte, NC

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood78 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To advocate for the health of all North Carolinians by pursuing equitable and collaborative solutions that address climate change and air pollution.

Income
$1.4 million
Spending
$2.1 million
Spent on programs
71%
Reserves
10 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 100%
Employees
20
Volunteers
300
Highest pay
$110,781, 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

Good: 78 out of 100. Higher than 50% of charities in its peer group (environment, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 10.0 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 2% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 47% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 126% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    71% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 17 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

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 60% of charities in its peer group (environment, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    11 of 11 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 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 (6)
  1. $630,715 spent. Community Education ProgramsDelivered air quality education and advocacy training in various locations across the state.CleanAIRE NC and our partners hosted Charlottes Earth Day festival! Over five hundred people came out to enjoy hands-on activities, environmental education, and outdoor family fun.Continued work to create an educational portal that will be launched in 2025 that delivers specialized courses designed to meet the unique needs of community leaders, professionals, students, and everyday people.
  2. $588,628 spent. Environmental Justice CleanAIRE NC was honored to have Community Science Manager Daisha Wall appointed to Governor Coopers Environmental Justice Advisory Council. Our representation on this council allows us to advocate for the needs of frontline communities and ensure that environmental justice is a priority in state policy. Teamed up with the City of Charlotte and Sol Nation to transform under-resourced communities through the GreenPrints initiative. Driven by community feedback, were promoting sustainable development and healthier neighborhoods through initiatives focused on resilience, energy affordability, green mobility, electrification, and workforce development.
  3. $110,319 spent. Policy ProgramInvested in building a strong network of environmental advocates. Our new training workshop and in-depth advocacy manual equip individuals with the skills to effectively engage policymakers, mobilize communities, and champion clean air solutions. Mobilized hundreds of North Carolinians to join the fight for a stronger Carbon Plan, one thats centered around clean energy and community well-being.
  4. $102,053 spent. Community Science ProgramLaunched new air monitoring networks in Sampson and Mecklenburg Counties, equipping residents and community partners with tools to track air pollution and demand stronger protections. Through various partnerships, installed several new EV charging stations in Charlottes Historic West End, driving equity and sustainable mobility. Engaged with rural communities to address their unique transportation challenges and support cleaner transportation options.
  5. $53,531 spent. HealthThe 9th Annual NC BREATHE Conference brought together diverse voices to explore the critical links between our health and the environment, offering a platform for cutting-edge research, policy discussions, and community engagement.Equipped health professionals with the tools to identify and address environmental health concerns, thus empowering them to protect their patients and communities. Trained health professionals to recognize and treat air pollution and climate change impacts in their patient populations.
  6. Other ProgramsPartnered with a micro-transit organization to create fl exible transportation solutions in areas where traditional transit is inadequate or inaccessible. Co-sponsored a clean transportation town hall to collect community input on rural and urban transportation needs. Conducted co-location studies to validate the accuracy and reliability of community air quality sensors.

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

  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 December 2024.

    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 2005.

    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.