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Spokane Parks Foundation

EIN 91-6033504 · Spokane, WA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong95 out of 100GovernanceStrong97 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The Spokane Parks Foundation cultivates the health, growth, and continued enjoyment of our communities by inspiring giving and passion for our parks.

Income
$530,410
Spending
$391,535
Spent on programs
86%
Reserves
23.7 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 65%
Employees
1
Volunteers
17
Highest pay
$80,317, 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

Strong: 95 out of 100.

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 23.7 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 26% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 5% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    86% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 2 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

Strong: 97 out of 100.

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    13 of 13 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

    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

    12 of 15

    Its accounts were reviewed or compiled by an independent accountant, but not audited.

  • 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 (1)
  1. $337,766 spent. The Spokane Parks Foundation, through our Community Grants Program, provides funding to improve and enhance public parks, as well as create equity and accessibility for all community members. The beneficiaries of our efforts are the citizens of Spokane and Spokane County, as well as visitors to our region. The objectives of our grants are to fund community driven initiatives, park amenities, outdoor events and park programs that enhance our public parks, support physical and recreational activities, and create equity and accessibility for all. (Continued on Schedule O)Grants included support for:- Police Adventure Leagues in Airway Heights, City of Spokane, and City of Spokane Valley, providing fun, safe, educational, and healthy outdoor activities for underserved youth.- City of Cheney Parks and Recreation for new shade structures and benches in the newly built dog park.- City of Spokane Parks and Recreation scholarships for low-income youth to be able to participate in Therapeutic Recreation Services Funshine Day Camp for kids with developmental or physical disabilities and Outdoor Adventure Youth and Teen Day Camp.- High Bridge Disc Golf Course for new disc golf baskets.- Medical Lake Parks and Recreation for their Summer Explorer Camp.- Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park for their Learn to Ski program.- Northeast Youth Center for park field trips.- Peak 7 Adventures for outdoor adventure scholarships for low-income youth.- Spokane County Parks and Recreation for a halfcourt basketball court in Fish Lake Regional Park.- Spokane Eastside Reunion Association for their Summer Basketball Camp in Underhill Park.- Spokane Pickleball Club to stripe 18 pickleball courts in Comstock Park's tennis courts, to meet the overwhelming community demand for pickleball.- Spokane Valley Parks and Recreation Summer Day and TEEN camp scholarships.- West Central Neighborhood Council to install accessible picnic tables, shelters and mounted grills in AM Cannon Park.- World Relief for their Family Fun Day for refugee and immigrant community members in AM Cannon Park. - Free swim days, free swim events and free swim lessons for underserved youth at 12 aquatics centers throughout Spokane County.

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 October 13, 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 July 1953.

    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 October 21, 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.