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Southern Palmetto Foundation

EIN 92-0316773 · Barnwell, SC

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak36 out of 100GovernanceFair67 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

Points to look into

  • Only 33% of its spending went to programs.

These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.

What it says it does

The Southern Palmetto Foundation works to drive positive economic Impact foster regional talent and improve overall quality of life throughout the CSRA with a focus on Barnwell and Allendale Counties.

Income
$392,774
Spending
$392,392
Spent on programs
33%
Reserves
0.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
government grants, 63%
Employees
6
Volunteers
0
Highest pay
$79,281, president and ceo

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

Weak: 36 out of 100. Higher than 8% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    4 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 0.2 months of spending.

  • Debt

    5 of 20

    It owes 52% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    12 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 0% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 33% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    0 of 15

    33% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 23 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

Fair: 67 out of 100. Higher than 38% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    0 of 25

    0 of 0 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

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • 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 (6)
  1. $77,957 spent. Propel Business Lab: 12-week business accelerator program for emerging entrepreneurs of various experience levels focused on the particular challenges of doing business in the region developed by the Palmetto Innovation Center in partnership with USC Salkehatchies Leadership Institute. The program hosts business development lessons alongside technology centric workshops with a focus on businesses that have impact on Barnwell and Allendale Counties.
  2. $40,265 spent. Coding Career Connect: Meeting on the 2nd & 4th Sunday of every month participants are mentored by Edward Wald a Barnwell native computer programmer with 20 years of experience in the field. Students are able to receive assistance while they work on learning code while participating in a fun code-based activity every meeting.
  3. BBQ Blues & Boos: This program combines live music barbecue cook-offs and family-friendly fun to highlight the culture and spirit of the region. Proceeds from this program directly support free and low-cost programs for emerging entrepreneurs and small businesses in Barnwell and neighboring Allendale counties helping to strengthen local economic development and business growth.
  4. $7,179 spent. EmpowHER: The initiative specifically supports planning marketing financing and growth of women-led businesses while promoting broader economic independence and business success for women in the region.
  5. $1,128 spent. Homegrown Leadership: 6-month leadership-development initiative designed to equip emerging and mid-level leaders in the region with practical skills strategies and a stronger sense of community-oriented leadership. Participants engage in monthly sessions that focus on visioning team building conflict management communication especially public speaking and authentic leadership. Upon completion graduates are celebrated at the Homegrown Leadership Summit and are better prepared to lead in their workplaces civic organizations and local government.
  6. $2,198 spent. Farmers Market: Strengthens the local food economy by providing a direct-to-consumer marketplace that supports farmers producers artisans and the community. It aims to foster a more sustainable and equitable local food system enhance access to fresh locally grown foods promote wellness and encourage community-based entrepreneurship and land stewardship.

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 May 2023.

    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.