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German-Texan Heritage Society

EIN 74-2020973 · Austin, TX

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood82 out of 100GovernanceFair59 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The preservation of the history and heritage of German-Texans by promoting and providing educational experiences in its culture and language and by encouraging learning opportunities in all of the heritage values and language that make up the culture of our state.

Income
$710,232
Spending
$764,639
Spent on programs
98%
Reserves
9.3 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 60%
Employees
8
Volunteers
47

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: 82 out of 100. Higher than 59% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 9.3 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 7% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    4 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 8% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 13% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    98% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 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

Fair: 59 out of 100. Higher than 28% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    7 of 7 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.

  • Independent check of accounts

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed 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 (3)
  1. $283,059 spent. German Traditions and Heritage Events and Festivals: Maifest, German Auto Show, Oktoberfest, St Martin Umzug and German Christmas Market are traditional German festivals held for the general public in Austin, Texas and surrounding areas of Central Texas. Total attendance exceeded 8,000. We are now starting to see the same levels in attendance year after year with each festival. Publications: More than 800 GTHS Journals, which has been in publication for more than 40 years,were sent out to over 800 members via print and/or online. We send out daily and weekly e-format communications via our social media and email platforms to thousands of subscribers and followers. We maintain and update a website (germantexans.org) with German Texan information and highlights upcoming events and happenings with GTHS Cultural Activities include speaker events scheduled throughout the year.
  2. $261,956 spent. Educational Classes and Meeting German Language Classes: During the past year, over 600 adults attended various levels of German courses in Austin, San Antonio along with Online/Remote learning. Over 250 children in the age range from 3-14 years were enrolled in Austin, San Antonio, Homeschool and online. Additionally,we had several one week summer camps that attracted over 90 children in the months of June, July and August, both in Austin and San Antonio. We have a German Pre-K and Kindergarten with 21 kids attending daily. This program is in its third year. We hold weekly Stammtisch, a lunchtime gathering allowing people to speak German, in the historical German Free School building or via online. We recently started a Business Stammtisch which meets monthly at various locations in Austin. On average 10 adults attend this weekly program. The Annual Conference, held in Boerne is a one day event held in coordination with local German Texan Historical groups.
  3. $203,599 spent. Historic Preservation & Improvements We repair and maintain our historic headquarters buildings, the German Free School built in 1857. It has a Texas Historical Marker as to its historical significance. The building is open for tours. We seek grant funding to continue preserving the building through repairs and safety/security improvements. The Free School, built in 1857; as designated by its Texas Historical Marker. The building is open for tours every Wednesday and Thursday and by appointment. We seek grant funding from the Austin Convention and Visitors bureau as needed for preservation repairs and improvements to the exterior of the building.

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 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 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 November 1979.

    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.