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Spokane Independent Metro Business Alliance

EIN 82-4824582 · Spokane, WA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood85 out of 100GovernanceGood76 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

SIMBA is a 501c3 non-profit creating a strong, locally-focused economy in Spokane and Eastern Washington through organizing, education, direct support, and advocacy to entrepreneurs, small business owners, and consumers.

Income
$474,205
Spending
$405,239
Spent on programs
93%
Reserves
3.5 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 78%
Employees
8
Volunteers
6
Highest pay
$83,235, executive 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: 85 out of 100. Higher than 63% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 3.5 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 11% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 15% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 50% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    93% 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

Good: 76 out of 100. Higher than 51% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, $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

    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

    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, 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)
  1. $241,383 spent. SIMBA provides business and consumer membership services, technical assistance, and low-cost registered agent and virtual mailing services to support independent and local Eastern Washington businesses. Members receive business consultations, networking and social events, advertising, marketing, business planning, discount services, and access to resources that strengthen local economies. Since 2020, SIMBA has provided one-on-one business support and group trainings to over 900 Eastern Washington small businesses, including at least 80 that are BIPOC-, women-, veteran-, LGBTQIA2S+, and immigrant/refugee-owned. Registered agent and virtual mailing services include receipt and scanning of official mail and scam protection. Membership revenue supports SIMBA's mission and general operations while providing members with high-quality services, products, and opportunities.
  2. $92,717 spent. Fiscal Sponsorship: SIMBA provides access to grant funding and donations for emerging nonprofit and for-profit businesses in Eastern Washington. As a fiscal sponsor, SIMBA allows emerging nonprofits and community focused for-profit entities to apply for grants and receive donations through the support of an existing 501(c)(3). We travel grant revenue and income, process tax receipts, and provide other necessary services to allow those entities to access funds otherwise unavailable to them.
  3. $43,382 spent. Live Local INW (LLINW) was created by the Spokane Independent Metro Business Alliance (SIMBA) to promote the advantages of patronizing independent and locally-owned businesses across Spokane and Eastern Washington, including keeping money in our communities by supporting small businesses. LLINW is a directory and marketplace of independent, locally-owned businesses in Eastern Washington.

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 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 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 January 2024.

    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.