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Train Collectors Association

Learn about this cause: What are the reviews? Is it Legit? Do I like the mission? What is the CEO's salary?

EIN: 237318578 ✦ Strasburg, PA ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Train Collectors Association?

The Train Collectors Association (TCA) is a nonprofit organization based in Strasburg, Pennsylvania. With over 25,000 members worldwide, this association disseminates educational publications to foster an appreciation and preserve the rich history of tinplate toy trains. Their mission encompasses research, education, community outreach, fellowship, setting collecting standards, and promoting the joy of toy, model, and scale train collecting. The TCA, with a team of 10 dedicated individuals, strives to uphold this mission through various initiatives.


Official website here: www.traincollectors.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 52% (One-Star out of Four Stars)

The Train Collectors Association has received a low rating of 52%, indicating significant concerns regarding its financial accountability and operational effectiveness. The charity's strong points include a fully independent board, effective audit oversight, and a well-documented conflict of interest policy. These factors demonstrate a commitment to governance standards, which is a positive aspect of their operational framework.

However, the organization faces serious limitations reflected in its financial metrics. With a program expense ratio of only 45.11%, less than half of its expenses are directed towards its programs, suggesting inefficiencies in funding allocation. Additionally, the organization's liabilities to assets ratio of 10.65% raises concerns about financial health and sustainability.

The absence of the tax form on the nonprofit's website further compounds these issues, as transparency is key for donor trust and engagement. While the Train Collectors Association has established some commendable governance practices, the overall financial management and program funding effectiveness need significant improvement.


This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.

Is Train Collectors Association legitimate?

Train Collectors Association is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Train Collectors Association submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.


Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:

Executive Compensation: $51,972
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $265,333

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.traincollectors.org

What is the mission statement of Train Collectors Association?

The Train Collectors Association is dedicated to fostering an appreciation and preservation of an essential historical segment – tinplate toy trains. This is achieved through various means such as research, education, community outreach, fellowship, establishing collecting standards, and promoting the growth and enjoyment of toy, model, and scale train collecting. Their activities involve distributing educational publications to over 25,000 members across twenty divisions in the United States and internationally, thereby promoting tinplate toy train collecting.


Official website here: www.traincollectors.org

Who is the CEO of Train Collectors Association?

Stuart Rankin is the President of Train Collectors Association.


Official website here: www.traincollectors.org

What is the revenue of Train Collectors Association?

Train Collectors Association's revenue in 2022 was $1,514,827.


Official website here: www.traincollectors.org

Who are the executives of Train Collectors Association and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Train Collectors Association during 2022 was $31,730. There are 10 employees and 20 volunteers at Train Collectors Association.


Here are 26 key members and their salaries:


Stuart Rankin (President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Julius Zschau (President -)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Kevin Quinn (Vice Preside)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Katie Elgar (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Bob Mintz (Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Bob Lubonski (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Rupert Campbell (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Chris Allen (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Wr Keller (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dan Danielson (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
George W Starz (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Charlies Easton (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
E James Potts (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Michael Speltz (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Pat Halpin (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Andrew C Hibell (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Charlie Tucek (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Ed Barulli (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Mike Andrews (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Robert M English (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
David Barth (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Butch Walb (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Bill Ziegler (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Michael S Setzer (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Thomas J Watson (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Stacy Leigh (Accounts Pay)
  • Compensation: $41,252
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.traincollectors.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Train Collectors Association?

Train Collectors Association's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.traincollectors.org

Learn more at the official website: www.traincollectors.org

Mission Statement of Train Collectors Association

The Train Collectors Association, abbreviated as TCA, is dedicated to fostering an appreciation and preservation of a significant historical segment – tinplate toy trains. They accomplish this goal through various means such as research, education, community outreach, fellowship, establishing collecting standards, and promoting the growth and enjoyment of toy, model, and scale train collecting. The organization's mission is to cultivate a deep-rooted understanding and conservation of this historical aspect, engaging its members and the broader public in this endeavor.

To fulfill its mission, TCA creates and disseminates educational publications to its extensive network of over 25,000 members across twenty divisions in the United States and internationally. These publications serve as valuable resources for collectors, promoting the hobby of tinplate toy train collecting and providing in-depth knowledge on the subject. Through these initiatives, the Train Collectors Association works tirelessly to preserve the rich history of tinplate toy trains and cultivate a community of enthusiasts who share a passion for this fascinating segment of history.

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Impact




October, 2024

The Train Collectors Association (TCA) significantly impacts the preservation and appreciation of tinplate toy trains, a vital segment of history. Through extensive research, education, and community outreach, TCA fosters a deep understanding and love for toy, model, and scale train collecting.

By creating and distributing educational materials to over 25,000 members across the U.S. and internationally, TCA promotes awareness and knowledge about the history and intricacies of tinplate toy trains. This outreach not only enriches the collectors' experience but also encourages fellowship among enthusiasts, allowing them to share their passion and expertise.

The establishment of collecting standards further ensures the integrity and value of collections, helping members navigate the world of toy trains confidently. Overall, TCA plays an essential role in promoting the growth and enjoyment of train collecting, keeping the spirit of this nostalgic hobby alive for future generations.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Train Collectors Association. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.


Financials

This financial information is from Propublica.

Revenue
$1,514,827 (2022)
Expenses
$1,292,662 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.

  • Investment Income: $154,147
  • Program Service Revenue: $312,511
  • Gross Receipts: $1,768,909

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $6,966,287
  • Total Liabilities: $658,426
  • Net Assets: $6,307,861

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Programs

Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.

CONVENTION

Revenue

$189,861

MUSEUM ADMISSIONS

Revenue

$94,422

NEWSLETTER ADVERTISING

Revenue

$26,878

DEVELOPMENT INCOME

Revenue

$1,350

Organization Details

Founding Year

1954

Principal Officer

Stuart Rankin

Main Address

PO BOX 248, STRASBURG, PA, 17579

NTEE Category

Code: N5XC - Recreation

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