Nonprofit · EIN 83-2141213
MCDOWELL LFAC
Tax-exempt · MARION, NC 28752
Financials
| Year ended | Form | Revenue | Expenses | Net income | Total assets | Liabilities | Net assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 31, 2025 | 990 | $4,113,644 | $2,316,894 | $1,796,750 | $4,305,424 | $4,744 | $4,300,680 |
| July 31, 2024 | 990 | $2,699,377 | $1,992,826 | $706,551 | $2,517,049 | $13,119 | $2,503,930 |
| July 31, 2023 | 990 | $1,297,682 | $820,633 | $477,049 | $1,808,097 | $10,723 | $1,797,374 |
Financial details: 990 for the year ended July 31, 2025
Revenue
- Contributions, gifts and grants
- $802,753
- Program service revenue
- $3,310,302
- Investment income
- -$2,969
- Net rental income
- $917
- Net gain from sales of assets
- -$6,007
- Other revenue
- $3,558
Expenses
- Grants and similar amounts paid
- $25,565
- Compensation of officers, directors and key employees
- $120,496
- Other salaries and wages
- $533,012
- Salaries, compensation and benefits (total)
- $772,776
- Professional fundraising fees
- $0
- Accounting fees
- $37,334
- Occupancy
- $63,530
- Travel
- $404
- Depreciation
- $103,338
- Program services (functional)
- $1,910,316
- Management and general (functional)
- $406,578
Balance sheet and other
- Total assets, start of year
- $2,517,049
- Total assets, end of year
- $4,305,424
- Total liabilities, end of year
- $4,744
- Net assets, end of year
- $4,300,680
- Land, buildings and equipment
- $3,073,873
- Net assets without donor restrictions
- $4,300,680
- Gross receipts
- $4,126,151
- Employees
- 32
- Volunteers
- 142
- Year formed
- 2018
- State of legal domicile
- NC
From the e-filed returns the IRS publishes as XML (latest three processing years; amended returns replace the original). PDF copies at the IRS.
Officers, directors and key employees
As listed on the 990 for the year ended July 31, 2025, highest compensation first.
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LESLIE BURLESON | EXEC. DIR. Officer | 40 | $88,812 | $534 |
| MOLLY SANDFOSS | CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| AMY STEVENS | SECRETARY Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| PAULA SWEPSON AVERY | TREASURER Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| TIM KELLER | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| BELINDA SWEPSON | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| LORENA CERVANTES | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| GINGER WEBB | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| BRADY KELLER | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| ANDREA ALLISON | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| TOU LEE | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
990 for the year ended July 31, 2024: 13 people
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| HEATHER EDWARDS | EXECUTIVE DIR. (FORMER-END 3/24) Officer | 40 | $72,601 |
| NIKII PITTMAN | TREASURER (FORMER-END 7/24) Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $3,477 |
| MOLLY SANDFOSS | CHAIR (CURRENT-START 7/24) Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 |
| ALEX PORTELLI | CHAIR (FORMER-END 7/24) Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 |
| TIM BURKE | VICE-CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 |
| AMY STEVENS VAUGHN | SECRETARY (CURRENT-START 7/24) Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 |
| PAULA SWEPSON | TREASURER (WAS SECRETARY-END 7/24) Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 |
| TIM KELLER | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 2 | $0 |
| BELINDA SWEPSON | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 2 | $0 |
| LORENA CERVANTES | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 2 | $0 |
| CHRISTINE SMOLKE | BOARD MEMBER (FORMER-END 7/24) Trustee or director | 2 | $0 |
| GINGER WEBB | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 2 | $0 |
| LESLIE BURLESON | EXECUTIVE DIR. (CURRENT-START 4/24) Officer | 40 | $0 |
990 for the year ended July 31, 2023: 9 people
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| HEATHER EDWARDS | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Officer | 40 | $79,200 |
| NIKII PITTMAN | TREASURER Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $2,821 |
| ALEX PORTELLI | CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 |
| KIMBERLY FREEMAN | VICE-CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 |
| AMY STEVENS VAUGHN | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 2 | $0 |
| MOLLY SANDFOSS | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 2 | $0 |
| GINGER WEBB | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 2 | $0 |
| PAULA AVERY | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 2 | $0 |
| BELINDA YOUNG | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 2 | $0 |
Address and contacts
- Address (IRS master file)
- 1930 US HWY 70 EAST, MARION, NC 28752-0000
- In care of
- % LESLIE BURLESON
- Mailing address (990-N for 2017)
- PO Box 1410, Nebo NC 28761
- Principal officer (990 for 2024)
- MOLLY SANDFOSS, 1930 US 70 EAST, MARION, NC 28752
- Principal officer (990-N for 2017)
- Alex R Portelli, PO Box 1410, Nebo NC 28761
- Signed the 990
- MOLLY SANDFOSS, CHAIRPERSON
- Phone
- (828) 748-8225
- Website
- WWW.MCDOWELLLFAC.ORG
- Return prepared by
- DMJPS PLLC
Mission
MCDOWELL LFAC IS A 501(C)(3) ORGANIZATION WITH A MISSION TO CONNECT, COORDINATE, AND STRENGTHEN THE LOCAL FOOD SYSTEM IN MCDOWELL COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA. THE ORGANIZATION'S GOAL IS TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH, INCOME AND LIVELIHOODS OF ALL COMMUNITY MEMBERS THROUGH BUILDING A COMPLETE FOOD NETWORK OF PRODUCERS, BUSINESSES, AGENCIES AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS. LFAC DOES THIS THROUGH DEVELOPING AND IMPLEMENTING PROGRAMS, SPECIAL PROJECTS AND SUPPORTIVE FOOD SYSTEM INFRASTRUCTURE IN MCDOWELL.
Program accomplishments
- IN 2024, MCDOWELL LOCAL FOOD ADVISORY COUNCIL, THROUGH FOOTHILLS FOOD HUB AND THE MARION TAILGATE MARKET, ADVANCED A MORE EQUITABLE AND RESILIENT LOCAL FOOD SYSTEM FOR MCDOWELL COUNTY. THE ORGANIZATION AGGREGATED AND DISTRIBUTED FOOD IN PARTNERSHIP WITH A NETWORK OF FARMERS, PRODUCERS, COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS, AND VOLUNTEERS WHILE PROMOTING HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES AND YOUTH ENGAGEMENT. LFAC INVESTED NEARLY $500,000 IN LOCAL FARMS IN 2024 THROUGH LOCAL FOOD PURCHASES AND DISTRIBUTED NEARLY 16,000 HEALTHY FOOD BOXES PLUS 1,200 PRODUCE PRESCRIPTIONS TO FAMILIES ENROLLED IN THE HEALTHY OPPORTUNITIES PILOT PROGRAM THROUGH MEDICAID. LFAC ALSO COORDINATED NEARLY 9,200 INSTANCES OF ADDITIONAL HOUSEHOLD FOOD ASSISTANCE THROUGH FOOD ACCESS AND RELIEF SERVICES AND SUPPLIED 4,600 FOOD BAGS TO OUTREACH PARTNERS SERVING VULNERABLE POPULATIONS WITH HIGHER BARRIERS TO FOOD ACCESS, STABLE HOUSING, AND MEDICAL TREATMENT. THE MARION TAILGATE MARKET GREW AS A MARKET OPPORTUNITY FOR SMALL FARMS, AND INCREASED CUSTOMER ATTENDANCE BY 90% ACROSS 26 MARKET EVENTS, IN JUST THE SECOND YEAR OF LFAC OPERATING THE MARKET. VOLUNTEERS CONTRIBUTED AT LEAST 2,870 HOURS OF SERVICE TOWARDS THE ORGANIZATIONS MISSION TO ENSURE HEALTHY FOOD IS ACCESSIBLE AND LOCAL FARMING IS VIABLE. PARTNERSHIPS WITH COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS AND SCHOOLS ALLOWED FOR YOUTH ENGAGEMENT IN CULINARY AND NUTRITION EDUCATION.Expenses $34,247 · grants $18,033 · revenue $26,493
- FOOTHILLS FOOD HUB: THE FOOTHILLS FOOD HUB (FFH) IS THE LARGEST PROGRAM OF THE MCDOWELL LFAC. CONSTRUCTION WAS COMPLETE IN NOVEMBER OF 2022. THE FOOTHILLS FOOD HUB IS LOCATED AT 263 BARNES RD IN MARION AND CONSISTS OF THREE COMPONENTS: (1) A TEACHING KITCHEN THAT WILL EVENTUALLY HOST CULINARY CLASSES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE, HEALTHY EATING CLASSES, AND FOOD PRESERVATION INSTRUCTION. (2) A PANTRY COMPONENT, COMPLETE WITH A LARGE FREEZER AND COOLER STORAGE, FOR BOTH SHELF STABLE AND PERISHABLE DONATED AND PURCHASED FOOD FOR ONGOING FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS. (3) AN INCREASED FOCUS ON FARMER SUPPORT AND FOOD INCLUDES STORAGE AND PROCESS SHIFTS TO ENSURE MORE LOCAL FOOD ENTERS THE PANTRY SUPPORT SYSTEM. THERE WILL ALSO BE A WASH LINE AVAILABLE FOR FARMERS' USE.Expenses $97,296 · grants $20 · revenue $484,957
- HEALTHY OPPORTUNITIES PILOT (HOP) PROGRAM: THE HOP PROGRAM IS A TRUE PILOT IN THAT ONLY 3 REGIONS IN NC PARTICIPATE AND THE 18 WESTERN NC COUNTIES AND QUALLA BOUNDARY ARE ONE OF THEM. THE MCDOWELL LFAC / FOOTHILLS FOOD HUB, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IMPACT HEALTH AND MEDICAID, PROVIDES FRESH AND SHELF STABLE FOOD TO THOSE WHO QUALIFY FOR VARIOUS MEDICAID PROGRAMS. DURING 2023-2024 THE PROGRAM HAS GROWN, AND WILL LATER REQUIRE ADDITIONAL STAFF TO SUPPORT THE WORK. PROCESSES AND PROCEDURES WERE DEVELOPED, AS WELL AS FARMER RELATIONSHIPS, TO ENSURE THAT LOCAL FOOD IS AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT THE GROWTH OF THE HOP PROGRAM.Expenses $1,757,236 · revenue $2,789,579
- NC FARMERS OF THE FOOTHILLS: FARMERS OF THE FOOTHILLS IS A COOPERATIVE GROUP OF FARMERS ORGANIZED BY MCDOWELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION. THIS WAS STARTED IN 2019 WITH FARMERS INTERESTED IN JOINING TOGETHER TO PURCHASE MATERIALS, MARKET THEIR PRODUCTS AND CREATE A CSA (COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE) PROGRAM FOR MCDOWELL COUNTY. FARMERS AGREE TO PAY DUES TO SUPPORT THE PROGRAM AND SHARE THEIR PRODUCTS TO CREATE A LOCAL FOOD SHARE EACH YEAR. THIS GROUP ALSO HAS A WEBSITE THAT ALLOWS COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO PURCHASE LOCAL FOOD ITEMS DIRECTLY FROM FARMERS THAT ARE PART OF THE COOPERATIVE. THE MCDOWELL LFAC ACTS AS FISCAL AGENT AND SUPPORTS AND OFFERS SERVICES TO THESE MEMBERS.Expenses $21,537 · grants $7,512 · revenue $9,273
What it must file and when
IRS records say it files Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N. Its accounting year ends in July, so each return is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after that.
| Tax year | Year ended | Due | IRS public records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | July 31, 2026 | December 15, 2026 | Not due yet |
| 2024 | July 31, 2025 | December 15, 2025 | 990 on file |
| 2023 | July 31, 2024 | December 16, 2024 | 990 on file |
IRS record
- EIN
- 83-2141213
- Tax-exempt status
- 501(c)(3): Charitable, religious, educational or scientific organization
- Foundation status
- Publicly supported organization (509(a)(2))
- Donations deductible (Pub 78)
- Public charity, 50% deduction limit
- Exempt since
- 2018
- Accounting year ends
- July
- Files
- Form 990 or 990-EZ
- Category (NTEE)
- Food, agriculture and nutrition (K99)
- Assets (IRS master file)
- $4,305,424
- Income (IRS master file)
- $4,126,151
Filing history
| Form | Year ended | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 990 | July 2025 | $4,113,644 | $2,316,894 | $4,305,424 | XML |
| 990 | July 2024 | $2,699,377 | $1,992,826 | $2,517,049 | XML |
| 990 | July 2023 | $1,297,682 | $820,633 | $1,808,097 | XML |
| 990 | July 2022 | $1,042,821 | $554,302 | $1,323,302 | IRS |
| 990 | July 2021 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | July 2020 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990-N for 2017 Officer: Alex R Portelli | July 31, 2018 | ≤ $50,000 receipts | – | – | e-Postcard |
990-N: the IRS bulk file holds only the latest e-Postcard per organization; earlier years come from archived copies of that file since 2020 and can have gaps (the IRS e-Postcard search lists every one). 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 990-T: every e-filed return in the IRS e-file index since 2019; XML for the latest three processing years, amounts from the IRS Statistics of Income extracts before that. PDF copies and determination letters at the IRS (search EIN 83-2141213).
Questions about MCDOWELL LFAC
- What is the EIN of MCDOWELL LFAC?
- The employer identification number (EIN) of MCDOWELL LFAC is 83-2141213.
- Is MCDOWELL LFAC tax-exempt?
- Yes. The IRS lists it as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) since 2018.
- Are donations to MCDOWELL LFAC tax-deductible?
- Yes. It is listed in IRS Publication 78 (Public charity, 50% deduction limit).
- Which annual return does MCDOWELL LFAC file?
- Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N.
- When is the next return of MCDOWELL LFAC due?
- The return for tax year 2025 (the year ending July 31, 2026) is due December 15, 2026. Form 8868 extends it by six months; the 990-N cannot be extended.
- When did MCDOWELL LFAC last file with the IRS?
- The latest return in the IRS public files is the 990 for the year ended July 2025.
- Who is the principal officer of MCDOWELL LFAC?
- The 990 for the year ended July 31, 2025 names MOLLY SANDFOSS.
- Who are the officers and directors of MCDOWELL LFAC?
- The 990 for the year ended July 31, 2025 lists 11 people; 1 received compensation from the organization, the highest $88,812 (LESLIE BURLESON, EXEC. DIR.).
- How much revenue does MCDOWELL LFAC have?
- On its 990 for the year ended July 31, 2025 it reported revenue of $4,113,644, expenses of $2,316,894 and total assets of $4,305,424 at year end.
Other nonprofits in MARION
- COBBLERS FIELD INC EIN 33-2024628 · last filed 990-N for 2025
- GIVING GOOD DISTRIBUTION EIN 39-4644128 · last filed 990-N for 2025
- GATEWAY WELLNESS FOUNDATION EIN 46-3395393 · last filed 990 for 2025
- EQUIP INC EIN 22-2452414 · last filed 990 for 2024
- CENTRO UNIDO LATINO AMERICANO EIN 56-2678411 · last filed 990 for 2025
- FOOTHILLS INDUSTRIES OF MCDOWELL COUNTY INC EIN 58-1309309 · last filed 990 for 2025
- FREEDOM LIFE MINISTRIES EIN 46-1322178 · last filed 990 for 2025
- WEST MARION INC EIN 83-0671471 · last filed 990 for 2025
All nonprofits in MARION · North Carolina · Food, agriculture and nutrition