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Police Activities League of Southwest Washington

EIN 91-2072283 · Vancouver, WA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood75 out of 100GovernanceGood84 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

PAL is dedicated to fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and youth through community-based educational programs and recreational opportunities. In 2024 alone, we served 15,929 youth, striving to create trust and understanding between these two vital parts of our community.

Income
$491,881
Spending
$531,941
Spent on programs
60%
Reserves
10.8 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 71%
Employees
5
Volunteers
275
Highest pay
$83,833, executive director

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: 75 out of 100. Higher than 51% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 10.8 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 1% 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 21% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    8 of 15

    60% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 34 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

Good: 84 out of 100. Higher than 72% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    15 of 15 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a 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.

  • 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, 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 (5)
  1. $42,725 spent. PAL's low-cost summer programs cater to elementary, middle, and high school students, offering sports camps and forensic science/investigative programs. Taught in collaboration with law enforcement volunteers, these programs provide enriching experiences for over 150 youth and teens annually. PAL's mission-aligned summer camps, including athletics and forensic science, are led by officers, fostering positive relationships and skill development in a supportive environment. 228 youth served.
  2. $68,728 spent. PAL's athletic programs offer local elementary students opportunities for growth and teamwork. From basketball and soccer tournaments to summer camps, PAL emphasizes cooperation, team play, and sportsmanship. In 2024, our tournaments engaged youth, while our summer camps provided skill development facilitated by law enforcement partners. Through these activities, PAL instills values that extend beyond the playing field, with dedicated law enforcement volunteers serving as mentors throughout the season. 746 youth served.
  3. $84,981 spent. PAL literacy events provide invaluable interactions between law enforcement and elementary school students. Through these events, officers visit schools to share safety tips, read stories, and gift books to each child. In 2024, PAL organized 34 events and distributed over 3,000 new books. These initiatives not only promote literacy but also strengthen bonds between law enforcement and our youngest community members across Clark County. In addition to literacy events, our PAL Patrol program is an Adopt a Classroom Program where officers commit to visiting a class once a month for the entire school year. During each visit, they focus on a safety topic such as gun safety, kitchen safety, when to call 911, etc. In 2024, PAL facilitated 25 PAL Patrol Classrooms, further enhancing safety awareness and community engagement within local schools reaching over 700 students.
  4. $94,733 spent. PAL's school-based mentoring groups, held monthly in collaboration with local school districts, offer middle school-aged students a safe space to connect with supportive adults. Led by PAL staff, law enforcement, and civilian volunteers, these groups cover diverse topics such as leadership, safe driving, employment readiness, personal safety, and civic engagement. By fostering trusting relationships, PAL aims to build a brighter future for both youth and law enforcement. We expanded the program to 25 classrooms reaching over 700 students.
  5. $28,327 spent. PAL is deeply involved in community events and resource fairs, partnering with local school districts, law enforcement agencies, youth-serving organizations, and nonprofits. In 2024, we participated in special events and collaborations, positively impacting youth. Through these partnerships, PAL continues to strengthen our community, promoting positive interactions between law enforcement and youth. 11,369 youth served.

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 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 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 September 2003.

    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.