Lao Community of Michigan
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- It reported loans to or from officers, directors or other insiders.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
The Lao Community of Michigans primary exempt purpose is to preserve, promote, and advance Lao culture, heritage, and community well-being through educational, cultural, and charitable programs. The organization serves Lao Americans and the broader public by offering cultural education, language and history learning, arts and traditional practices, youth leadership development, intergenerational activities, and community events. LCM also provides community outreach, civic engagement, and support services that strengthen social connections, promote cultural understanding, and enhance the quality of life for underserved and immigrant communities.
- Income
- $133,890
- Spending
- $105,032
- Reserves
- 3.3 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 99%
- Highest pay
- $34,923, executive director
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 79 out of 100. Higher than 56% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, under $250k).
Reserves
20 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 3.3 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 22% of income.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.
Source: Form 990EZ 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)
- $58,000 spent. Community Outreach & Support Services: The organization conducted community outreach activities to support Lao American individuals and families, including information sharing, referrals, informal assistance, and community coordination. Services focused on helping community members navigate social services, access resources, and stay connected through meetings and communications. These efforts improved community engagement and reduced isolation among underserved populations. Approximately 100150 individuals benefited from these outreach and support services.
- $17,624 spent. Stylz-LunMai Youth Fashion & Cultural Arts Project: The Stylz-LunMai Project is a youth-led fashion and cultural arts program that empowers teens and young adults by blending traditional Lao and Southeast Asian designs with modern American fashion. The program provided hands-on workshops, mentoring, and creative development opportunities, culminating in a public fashion showcase. Participants gained cultural knowledge, artistic skills, confidence, and exposure to creative career pathways while promoting cultural pride and cross-cultural understanding. Approximately 4060 youth and young adults benefited from this program.
- $15,851 spent. Lao Arts & Culture Summer Program: The Lao Arts & Culture Summer Program provided community-based cultural education through instruction in Lao music, traditional dance, language, and heritage. The program offered intergenerational learning opportunities and hands-on workshops designed to preserve cultural traditions and increase cultural awareness among youth, families, and community members. Activities were delivered through volunteer instructors and community partnerships. Approximately 75100 individuals participated in or benefited from this program.
Source: Form 990EZ 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 October 13, 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 November 6, 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 October 13, 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 October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since February 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 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.