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Thensted Center

EIN 72-0916694 · Grand Coteau, LA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood83 out of 100GovernanceFair59 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

THENSTED CENTER'S MISSION IS TO BUILD UP PEOPLE OF ALL AGES AND SOCIAL BACKGROUNDS, REGARDLESS OF RACE OR RELIGION, AS THEY STRIVE FOR HEALTHIER, MORE FULFILLING, AND SELF-SUFFICIENT LIVES.

Income
$156,527
Spending
$149,109
Spent on programs
100%
Reserves
10.9 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 100%
Employees
2
Volunteers
25
Highest pay
$31,200, director

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

Financial health

Good: 83 out of 100. Higher than 67% of charities in its peer group (human services, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 10.9 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 2% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 5% of income.

  • Income trend

    5 of 15

    Income fell 17% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    100% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.

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

Governance

Fair: 59 out of 100. Higher than 41% of charities in its peer group (human services, under $250k).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    6 of 6 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    0 of 15

    Reports no written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    0 of 7

    Reports no 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

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • 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, 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 (5)
  1. $11,159 spent. EMPOWERING SENIORS & VETERANS PROGRAM: THIS EMPOWERING SENIORS & VETERANS ADDRESSES THE NEEDS OF 200+ SENIOR CITIZENS, VETERANS, AND PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES LIVING IN RURAL NORTHERN ACADIANA. THE PROGRAM PROVIDES A HOLISTIC, COMMUNITY-CENTERED RESPONSE TO MEET BASIC NEEDS, REDUCE ISOLATION, ENHANCE QUALITY OF LIFE, AND IMPROVE HEALTH OUTCOMES. ACTIVITIES INCLUDE BIWEEKLY GATHERINGS, COMMUNITY-BUILDING MEALS INCLUDING DELIVERY TO FIVE SENIOR HOUSING COMPLEXES, THE ANNUAL COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON, AND ONGOING EDUCATION, HEALTH, AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES.
  2. $12,574 spent. SUMMER RENAISSANCE PROGRAM: THE SUMMER RENAISSANCE PROGRAM PROVIDES FOUR WEEKS OF ACADEMIC, SOCIAL, AND RECREATIONAL ENRICHMENT FOR 50+ CHILDREN, MOST OF WHOM LIVE IN LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS. CORE TEACHERS DELIVER A CURRICULUM OF ACADEMIC AND CULTURAL ENRICHMENT TO PREVENT LEARNING LOSS AND NURTURE CURIOSITY, CREATIVITY, AND GROWTH. GUEST ARTISTS PROVIDE INSTRUCTION IN THE ARTS, AND GUEST SPEAKERS PROVIDE LIFE SKILLS EDUCATION ON TOPICS LIKE COOKING/NUTRITION, INTERNET SAFETY, AND CAREER EXPLORATION. DAILY MEALS ARE PROVIDED TO IMPROVE FOOD SECURITY.
  3. $125,376 spent. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM: THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM INCLUDES SERVICES TO MEET EXISTING AND EMERGING NEEDS AS WELL AS OPPORTUNITIES TO STRENGTHEN THE COMMUNITY, ENGAGING 400+ PEOPLE ANNUALLY. UNDER THIS UMBRELLA ARE EMERGENCY HOUSING/UTILITIES ASSISTANCE, FOOD PANTRY AND MONTHLY FOOD DISTRIBUTION, SUB-BANK & BUDGETING ASSISTANCE, ADULT DIAPER PANTRY, A NURTURING NOOK TO PROVIDE BABY ESSENTIALS FOR NEW MOTHERS, OUR CHILDRENS LIBRARY, YOUTH RECREATION ON OUR BALL COURTS, SPECIAL EVENTS LIKE OUR BLACK POT COOK OFF AND FAMILY FUN DAY, YOUTH VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES, AND UNIQUE INITIATIVES AS THEY ARISE.
  4. PROVIDE SERVICES FOR THE PEOPLE, SUCH AS HELPING YOUTH WITH MEDICAL BILLS, READING MATERIAL, TRANSPORTATION, AND HELPING PEOPLE PAY BILLS FOR FOOD, SHELTER AND UTILITIES.
  5. PROVIDE SERVICES FOR THE PEOPLE, SUCH AS HELPING YOUTH WITH MEDICAL BILLS, READING MATERIAL, TRANSPORTATION, AND HELPING PEOPLE PAY BILLS FOR FOOD, SHELTER AND UTILITIES.

Source: Form 990 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? 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 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 1981.

    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.