Haywood Heritage Foundation
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Summary: Haywood Heritage (HHF) seeks to preserve the architectural and cultural heritage of Brownsville-Haywood County Tennessee. Mission: Preserve the architectural and cultural heritage of Brownsville-Haywood County, foster economic revitalization of historic neighborhoods, and promote awareness for preserving historic landmarks.
- Income
- $131,797
- Spending
- $14,206
- Reserves
- Over 10 years of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 93%
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.
Source: Form 990EZ 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)
- $4,881 spent. Haywood Heritage (HHF) continued its special project to restore the historic Jaycees 1923-24 Ford "Buckin' T," a local cultural artifact. This project aims to return the vehicle to display-ready condition-and potentially to full operation for community heritage events. As Haywood County prepares for major transformation driven by Ford's BlueOval City development, HHF is committed to preserving and highlighting symbols of local identity. Restoration of the "Buckin' T" helps protect our community's heritage, reinforce public pride, and ensure that historic icons remain visible and valued.
- $4,302 spent. Haywood Heritage acquired a 1918 former church-most recently a Masonic Lodge-a historic Gothic Revival structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Foundation is preparing for a full rehabilitation to serve as a community venue, heritage headquarters, and historic exhibit hall in downtown Brownsville. During the year, Haywood Heritage secured a substantial State of Tennessee grant (reimbursable) and a major local match gift of $100,000 to launch the rehabilitation phase in the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Current expenses reflect initial costs to open, stabilize, and begin preparing the building for restoration and community use.
- $363 spent. Haywood Heritage (HHF) initiated development of a heritage "coffee-table" book to artistically document and share the stories of Haywood County's 200-year history and to highlight the accomplishments of HHF. The publication will also honor America's upcoming 250th Anniversary. To date, most design, photography, and narrative work has been completed by volunteers, with publishing expenses anticipated in the upcoming fiscal year. Current program costs primarily reflect postage and outreach to announce the book's debut. During the year, HHF received $4,250 in pre-sales, which was reported as program service revenue. Future sales and sponsorships are expected to help offset production costs.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
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.
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.
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.
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.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since May 2016.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
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.
Could it be confused with another charity? Worth knowing.
A much larger organization has a similar name: Heritage Foundation (Washington, DC), EIN 23-7327730. If that is the one you meant, check the EIN before giving.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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.