﻿<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<Return xmlns="http://www.irs.gov/efile" returnVersion="2025v4.1">
  <ReturnHeader binaryAttachmentCnt="0">
    <ReturnTs>2026-06-16T09:43:23-06:00</ReturnTs>
    <TaxPeriodEndDt>2025-12-31</TaxPeriodEndDt>
    <PreparerFirmGrp>
      <PreparerFirmEIN>561806990</PreparerFirmEIN>
      <PreparerFirmName>
        <BusinessNameLine1Txt>Thomas L Robinson Jr CPA CFP PA</BusinessNameLine1Txt>
      </PreparerFirmName>
      <PreparerUSAddress>
        <AddressLine1Txt>801 Oberlin Road Suite 313</AddressLine1Txt>
        <CityNm>Raleigh</CityNm>
        <StateAbbreviationCd>NC</StateAbbreviationCd>
        <ZIPCd>27605</ZIPCd>
      </PreparerUSAddress>
    </PreparerFirmGrp>
    <ReturnTypeCd>990EZ</ReturnTypeCd>
    <TaxPeriodBeginDt>2025-01-01</TaxPeriodBeginDt>
    <Filer>
      <EIN>263308140</EIN>
      <BusinessName>
        <BusinessNameLine1Txt>The Encouraging Place</BusinessNameLine1Txt>
      </BusinessName>
      <InCareOfNm>% Reggie Edwards</InCareOfNm>
      <BusinessNameControlTxt>ENCO</BusinessNameControlTxt>
      <PhoneNum>9197734516</PhoneNum>
      <USAddress>
        <AddressLine1Txt>PO Box 26443</AddressLine1Txt>
        <CityNm>Raleigh</CityNm>
        <StateAbbreviationCd>NC</StateAbbreviationCd>
        <ZIPCd>27611</ZIPCd>
      </USAddress>
    </Filer>
    <BusinessOfficerGrp>
      <PersonNm>REGGIE EDWARDS</PersonNm>
      <PersonTitleTxt>Executive Director</PersonTitleTxt>
      <PhoneNum>9197734516</PhoneNum>
      <SignatureDt>2026-05-27</SignatureDt>
      <DiscussWithPaidPreparerInd>false</DiscussWithPaidPreparerInd>
    </BusinessOfficerGrp>
    <PreparerPersonGrp>
      <PreparerPersonNm>THOMAS L ROBINSON JR</PreparerPersonNm>
      <PTIN>P00526567</PTIN>
      <PhoneNum>9193898443</PhoneNum>
      <PreparationDt>2026-06-16</PreparationDt>
    </PreparerPersonGrp>
    <TaxYr>2025</TaxYr>
    <BuildTS>2025-03-06 01:10:19Z</BuildTS>
  </ReturnHeader>
  <ReturnData documentCnt="5">
    <IRS990EZ documentId="IRS990EZ">
      <MethodOfAccountingCashInd>X</MethodOfAccountingCashInd>
      <Organization501c3Ind referenceDocumentId="IRS990ScheduleA">X</Organization501c3Ind>
      <TypeOfOrganizationCorpInd>X</TypeOfOrganizationCorpInd>
      <GrossReceiptsAmt>155088</GrossReceiptsAmt>
      <InfoInScheduleOPartIInd>X</InfoInScheduleOPartIInd>
      <ContributionsGiftsGrantsEtcAmt>127792</ContributionsGiftsGrantsEtcAmt>
      <FundraisingGrossIncomeAmt referenceDocumentId="IRS990ScheduleG">26025</FundraisingGrossIncomeAmt>
      <SpecialEventsDirectExpensesAmt>6825</SpecialEventsDirectExpensesAmt>
      <SpecialEventsNetIncomeLossAmt>19200</SpecialEventsNetIncomeLossAmt>
      <OtherRevenueTotalAmt>1271</OtherRevenueTotalAmt>
      <TotalRevenueAmt>148263</TotalRevenueAmt>
      <SalariesOtherCompEmplBnftAmt>79904</SalariesOtherCompEmplBnftAmt>
      <FeesAndOtherPymtToIndCntrctAmt>5063</FeesAndOtherPymtToIndCntrctAmt>
      <OtherExpensesTotalAmt>67444</OtherExpensesTotalAmt>
      <TotalExpensesAmt>152411</TotalExpensesAmt>
      <ExcessOrDeficitForYearAmt>-4148</ExcessOrDeficitForYearAmt>
      <NetAssetsOrFundBalancesBOYAmt>97265</NetAssetsOrFundBalancesBOYAmt>
      <NetAssetsOrFundBalancesEOYAmt>93117</NetAssetsOrFundBalancesEOYAmt>
      <CashSavingsAndInvestmentsGrp>
        <BOYAmt>97265</BOYAmt>
        <EOYAmt>93117</EOYAmt>
      </CashSavingsAndInvestmentsGrp>
      <LandAndBuildingsGrp>
        <BOYAmt>0</BOYAmt>
        <EOYAmt>0</EOYAmt>
      </LandAndBuildingsGrp>
      <OtherAssetsTotalDetail>
        <BOYAmt>0</BOYAmt>
        <EOYAmt>0</EOYAmt>
      </OtherAssetsTotalDetail>
      <Form990TotalAssetsGrp>
        <BOYAmt>97265</BOYAmt>
        <EOYAmt>93117</EOYAmt>
      </Form990TotalAssetsGrp>
      <SumOfTotalLiabilitiesGrp>
        <BOYAmt>0</BOYAmt>
        <EOYAmt>0</EOYAmt>
      </SumOfTotalLiabilitiesGrp>
      <NetAssetsOrFundBalancesGrp>
        <BOYAmt>97265</BOYAmt>
        <EOYAmt>93117</EOYAmt>
      </NetAssetsOrFundBalancesGrp>
      <PrimaryExemptPurposeTxt>Religious/Educational Outreach to Women</PrimaryExemptPurposeTxt>
      <ProgramSrvcAccomplishmentGrp>
        <DescriptionProgramSrvcAccomTxt>Camp for women, Pride For Parents Program, RaceRelations Conference, Workshops-all are OutreachPrograms to fulfill exempt purpose</DescriptionProgramSrvcAccomTxt>
        <ProgramServiceExpensesAmt>125144</ProgramServiceExpensesAmt>
      </ProgramSrvcAccomplishmentGrp>
      <TotalProgramServiceExpensesAmt>125144</TotalProgramServiceExpensesAmt>
      <OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
        <PersonNm>Reggie Edwards</PersonNm>
        <TitleTxt>Executive Director</TitleTxt>
        <AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>40.00</AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>
        <CompensationAmt>50000</CompensationAmt>
        <EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>0</EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>
        <ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>0</ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>
      </OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
      <OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
        <PersonNm>Laura Martin</PersonNm>
        <TitleTxt>Acting Chair</TitleTxt>
        <AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>1.00</AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>
        <CompensationAmt>0</CompensationAmt>
        <EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>0</EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>
        <ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>0</ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>
      </OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
      <OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
        <PersonNm>Vielka Maria Gabriel</PersonNm>
        <TitleTxt>Board Member</TitleTxt>
        <AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>1.00</AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>
        <CompensationAmt>0</CompensationAmt>
        <EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>0</EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>
        <ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>0</ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>
      </OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
      <OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
        <PersonNm>Mary Burr Edwards</PersonNm>
        <TitleTxt>Board Member</TitleTxt>
        <AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>1.00</AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>
        <CompensationAmt>0</CompensationAmt>
        <EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>0</EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>
        <ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>0</ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>
      </OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
      <OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
        <PersonNm>Jamie Rudd</PersonNm>
        <TitleTxt>Secretary</TitleTxt>
        <AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>1.00</AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>
        <CompensationAmt>0</CompensationAmt>
        <EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>0</EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>
        <ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>0</ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>
      </OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
      <OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
        <PersonNm>Rene Harris</PersonNm>
        <TitleTxt>Board Member</TitleTxt>
        <AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>1.00</AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>
        <CompensationAmt>0</CompensationAmt>
        <EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>0</EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>
        <ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>0</ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>
      </OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
      <OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
        <PersonNm>Kierston Bartney</PersonNm>
        <TitleTxt>Treasurer</TitleTxt>
        <AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>1.00</AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>
        <CompensationAmt>0</CompensationAmt>
        <EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>0</EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>
        <ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>0</ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>
      </OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
      <OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
        <PersonNm>Rebekah Sedaca</PersonNm>
        <TitleTxt>Board Member</TitleTxt>
        <AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>1.00</AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>
        <CompensationAmt>0</CompensationAmt>
        <EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>0</EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>
        <ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>0</ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>
      </OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
      <OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
        <PersonNm>Broderick Rogers</PersonNm>
        <TitleTxt>Chief Operating Officer</TitleTxt>
        <AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>0.00</AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>
        <CompensationAmt>4000</CompensationAmt>
        <EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>0</EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>
        <ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>0</ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>
      </OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
      <OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
        <PersonNm>Barbara Zelter</PersonNm>
        <TitleTxt>Administrative Coordinator</TitleTxt>
        <AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>0.00</AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>
        <CompensationAmt>20800</CompensationAmt>
        <EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>0</EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>
        <ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>0</ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>
      </OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
      <ActivitiesNotPreviouslyRptInd>false</ActivitiesNotPreviouslyRptInd>
      <ChgMadeToOrgnzngDocNotRptInd>false</ChgMadeToOrgnzngDocNotRptInd>
      <OrganizationHadUBIInd>false</OrganizationHadUBIInd>
      <SubjectToProxyTaxInd>false</SubjectToProxyTaxInd>
      <OrganizationDissolvedEtcInd>false</OrganizationDissolvedEtcInd>
      <Form1120PolFiledInd>false</Form1120PolFiledInd>
      <MadeLoansToFromOfficersInd>false</MadeLoansToFromOfficersInd>
      <EngagedInExcessBenefitTransInd>false</EngagedInExcessBenefitTransInd>
      <ProhibitedTaxShelterTransInd>false</ProhibitedTaxShelterTransInd>
      <BooksInCareOfDetail>
        <PersonNm>Reggie Edwards</PersonNm>
        <USAddress>
          <AddressLine1Txt>PO Box 26443</AddressLine1Txt>
          <CityNm>Raleigh</CityNm>
          <StateAbbreviationCd>NC</StateAbbreviationCd>
          <ZIPCd>27611</ZIPCd>
        </USAddress>
        <PhoneNum>9197734516</PhoneNum>
      </BooksInCareOfDetail>
      <ForeignFinancialAccountInd>false</ForeignFinancialAccountInd>
      <ForeignOfficeInd>false</ForeignOfficeInd>
      <DonorAdvisedFndsInd>false</DonorAdvisedFndsInd>
      <OperateHospitalInd>false</OperateHospitalInd>
      <TanningServicesProvidedInd>false</TanningServicesProvidedInd>
      <RelatedOrganizationCtrlEntInd>false</RelatedOrganizationCtrlEntInd>
      <TransactionWithControlEntInd>false</TransactionWithControlEntInd>
      <PoliticalCampaignActyInd>false</PoliticalCampaignActyInd>
      <LobbyingActivitiesInd>false</LobbyingActivitiesInd>
      <SchoolOperatingInd>false</SchoolOperatingInd>
      <TrnsfrExmptNonChrtblRltdOrgInd>false</TrnsfrExmptNonChrtblRltdOrgInd>
      <PartVIOfCompOfHghstPdEmplTxt>NONE</PartVIOfCompOfHghstPdEmplTxt>
      <PartVIHghstPdCntrctProfSrvcTxt>NONE</PartVIHghstPdCntrctProfSrvcTxt>
      <FiledScheduleAInd>true</FiledScheduleAInd>
    </IRS990EZ>
    <IRS990ScheduleA documentId="IRS990ScheduleA">
      <PubliclySupportedOrg509a2Ind>X</PubliclySupportedOrg509a2Ind>
      <GiftsGrantsContrisRcvd509Grp>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt>110165</CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt>72681</CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt>113865</CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt>126001</CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearAmt>127792</CurrentTaxYearAmt>
        <TotalAmt>550504</TotalAmt>
      </GiftsGrantsContrisRcvd509Grp>
      <GrossReceiptsAdmissionsGrp>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt>5254</CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt>10132</CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt>3010</CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearAmt>27296</CurrentTaxYearAmt>
        <TotalAmt>45692</TotalAmt>
      </GrossReceiptsAdmissionsGrp>
      <Total509Grp>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt>115419</CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt>82813</CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt>116875</CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt>126001</CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearAmt>155088</CurrentTaxYearAmt>
        <TotalAmt>596196</TotalAmt>
      </Total509Grp>
      <AmountsRcvdDsqlfyPersonGrp>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt>37932</CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt>47395</CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt>45062</CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt>54877</CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearAmt>84292</CurrentTaxYearAmt>
        <TotalAmt>269558</TotalAmt>
      </AmountsRcvdDsqlfyPersonGrp>
      <SubstAndDsqlfyPrsnsTotGrp>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt>37932</CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt>47395</CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt>45062</CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt>54877</CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearAmt>84292</CurrentTaxYearAmt>
        <TotalAmt>269558</TotalAmt>
      </SubstAndDsqlfyPrsnsTotGrp>
      <PublicSupportTotal509Amt>326638</PublicSupportTotal509Amt>
      <TotalSupportCalendarYearGrp>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt>115419</CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt>82813</CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt>116875</CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt>126001</CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearAmt>155088</CurrentTaxYearAmt>
        <TotalAmt>596196</TotalAmt>
      </TotalSupportCalendarYearGrp>
      <PublicSupportCY509Pct>0.54790</PublicSupportCY509Pct>
      <PublicSupportPY509Pct>0.62130</PublicSupportPY509Pct>
      <InvestmentIncomeCYPct>0.00000</InvestmentIncomeCYPct>
      <InvestmentIncomePYPct>0.00000</InvestmentIncomePYPct>
      <ThirtyThrPctSuprtTestsCY509Ind>X</ThirtyThrPctSuprtTestsCY509Ind>
    </IRS990ScheduleA>
    <IRS990ScheduleB documentId="IRS990ScheduleB">
      <ContributorInformationGrp>
        <ContributorNum>RESTRICTED</ContributorNum>
        <ContributorBusinessName>
          <BusinessNameLine1>RESTRICTED</BusinessNameLine1>
        </ContributorBusinessName>
        <ContributorUSAddress>
          <AddressLine1>RESTRICTED</AddressLine1>
          <AddressLine2>RESTRICTED</AddressLine2>
          <City>RESTRICTED</City>
          <State>RESTRICTED</State>
          <ZIPCode>RESTRICTED</ZIPCode>
        </ContributorUSAddress>
        <TotalContributionsAmt>RESTRICTED</TotalContributionsAmt>
      </ContributorInformationGrp>
    </IRS990ScheduleB>
    <IRS990ScheduleG documentId="IRS990ScheduleG">
      <SpecialFundraisingEventsInd>X</SpecialFundraisingEventsInd>
      <AgrmtProfFundraisingActyInd>false</AgrmtProfFundraisingActyInd>
      <FundraisingEventInformationGrp>
        <Event1Nm>Celebration</Event1Nm>
        <GrossReceiptsEvent1Amt>26025</GrossReceiptsEvent1Amt>
        <GrossRevenueEvent1Amt>26025</GrossRevenueEvent1Amt>
        <OtherDirectExpensesEvent1Amt>6825</OtherDirectExpensesEvent1Amt>
        <GrossReceiptsTotalAmt>26025</GrossReceiptsTotalAmt>
        <GrossRevenueTotalEventsAmt>26025</GrossRevenueTotalEventsAmt>
        <OthDirectExpnssTotalEventsAmt>6825</OthDirectExpnssTotalEventsAmt>
        <DirectExpenseSummaryEventsAmt>6825</DirectExpenseSummaryEventsAmt>
        <NetIncomeSummaryAmt>19200</NetIncomeSummaryAmt>
      </FundraisingEventInformationGrp>
    </IRS990ScheduleG>
    <IRS990ScheduleO documentId="IRS990ScheduleO">
      <SupplementalInformationDetail>
        <FormAndLineReferenceDesc>Description of other revenue Part I line 8</FormAndLineReferenceDesc>
        <ExplanationTxt>Description AmountRefunds rebates and credits 1,271</ExplanationTxt>
      </SupplementalInformationDetail>
      <SupplementalInformationDetail>
        <FormAndLineReferenceDesc>Description of other expenses Part I line 16</FormAndLineReferenceDesc>
        <ExplanationTxt>Description AmountProgram expenses 5,520Telephone and internet 520Insurance 1,875Computer and software 4,246Meals and meetings 5,276Office and general 2,151Charitable gifts 21,058Web and internet marketing 21,200Donor management and fees 2,708Professional development 1,000Dues and subscriptions 240Speaker honorariums 1,650Page 1 Line 16 Other expenses 67,444</ExplanationTxt>
      </SupplementalInformationDetail>
    </IRS990ScheduleO>
  </ReturnData>
</Return>