Milton Renaissance Foundation
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The exempt purpose is Education. Mission statement: "To preserve and communicate the Historical Narrative of the Town of Milton, NC, established in 1796, through display, archival and preservation of artifacts, and through educational and cultural programming." Milton Renaissance Foundation operates a portion of its mission in an 1890 former Episcopal Church Building, which is an historical "artifact" in itself, suitable for museum programming and events. Because the museum was scheduled to move out of the location which displayed a majority of its collection since 2017, renovation of an 1880 storefront building became necessary in order to continue serving as a museum to the public.
- Income
- $65,051
- Spending
- $45,854
- Reserves
- 7.4 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 97%
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 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 December 31, 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 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 (3)
- $25,880 spent. Operating and curating the Museum of Milton, continuing to collect items related to Milton's history, first edition 18th and early 19th books referencing Milton and/or its people. MRF did not provide any funding for, but co-managed the restoration of a small plug tobacco factory here, with the goal of displaying tobacco manufacturing in the 1800s when completed. Participated in Town events such as our Fall and Christmas event, and gave Museum tours and hosted event programming for approximately 400 people. Because the Museum will relocate 2026, we prepared to move and began renovating a Victorian storefront to use as a primary museum home. Milton is fortunate to have several remaining examples of architectural styles, Federal, Greek Revival and Victorian, as well as the work of Free Person of Color cabinetmaker, Thomas Day, who is featured at the Thomas Day State Historic Site nearby. Architectural history has been a part of the museum's focus, and will be more so in the new space. We continued to host historical themed talks throughout the year. Milton Renaissance has become known for its historical contributions to the Town as well as the region. MRF has served as the fiscal sponsor for Milton Merchants Association, in order for them to receive grant funding for special events. A goal this summer, in honor of America's 250th, we plan to erect a sign recognizing the original "Milton Mill," no longer standing, that was commandeered by British forces during the American Revolution.
- $7,770 spent. Milton Renaissance is currently the fiscal agent for The Milton Heritage Greenway & Walking Trail, which runs through what had been Milton's primary tobacco district. Visitors walk the trail and read the markers, but being outdoors there is not a register to sign. Milton's nickname is a museum without walls, and this trail space exemplified this. MRF manages the upkeep of this historical site. We have attracted children by hosting a tea party on the trail, and also use the trail to feature the wild turkey, a creature which has historical significance in Milton, as the field biologist who is credited with saving the bird from extinction while living here and working for the NC Wildlife Commission lived here while he accomplished this work. This project received two grants in 2025 for resurfacing and repair of the Trail.
- $396 spent. Milton Renaissance has been the fiscal agent for Historic Cedars Cemetery to receive grants. No grants were received in 2024. We did host a cemetery restoration and headstone cleaning workshop that proved a success. We will continue this programming at least once annually.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 2026.
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 September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since May 2017.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 October 7, 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.