Vang Council of La Crosse
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- It owes more than it owns.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
The Vang Council of La Crosse strives to serve as an active community leader in promoting cultural understanding practices education and to foster a sense of community.
- Income
- $17,185
- Spending
- $111,839
- Reserves
- -8.7 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 100%
- Employees
- 1
- Volunteers
- 25
- Highest pay
- $41,550, grant manager
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
Weak: 0 out of 100. Higher than 0% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).
Reserves
0 of 35Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.
Debt
0 of 20It owes 369% of what it owns.
Living within its means
0 of 15Spending exceeded income by 551% of income.
Income trend
0 of 15Income fell 96% on the year before.
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: 53 out of 100. Higher than 38% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).
Independent board
5 of 250 of 9 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
0 of 7Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
0 of 5Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports 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 (2)
- During the reporting period Vang Council of La Crosse spent over 18,000 on program and event services that supported the Hmong community and broader La Crosse area. VCL awarded three 1,000 scholarships to three high school students to support their continued education. The organization also collaborated with Cia Siab Inc. on the Hmong Language and Literacy Program to help reduce program costs while continuing to provide cultural and educational support to the community. In partnership with other organizations in La Crosse VCL co-hosted Hmong American Day celebrating 50 years of Hmong presence in the United States. VCL also held its annual community picnic and collaborated with sister Vang Councils throughout Wisconsin to support the State New Year cultural celebration and other community programs. Although grant-funded programs will not continue due to reduced staffing VCL remains committed to serving the community through programs and events that can be managed by volunteers and board members.
- Vang Council of La Crosse also contributed more than 7,000 in charitable donations to community members during the reporting period. These contributions were made in response to funeral support needs and other cultural requests received by the organization. These charitable contributions reflect VCLs continued commitment to supporting community members during important cultural family and life events.
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
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 March 2019.
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.