Ketcha Outdoors
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- Raising each dollar of donations cost 67 cents.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
To provide equitable access to outdoor experiences and gear, promoting well-being, sustainability and resilient communities.
- Income
- $2.9 million
- Spending
- $2.4 million
- Spent on programs
- 68%
- Reserves
- 2.8 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 56%
- Employees
- 154
- Volunteers
- 242
- Highest pay
- $109,894, executive director
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
Fair: 60 out of 100. Higher than 27% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
10 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 2.8 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 9% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 17% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 28% on the year before.
Spending floor
0 of 1568% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 67 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
Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 55% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 2512 of 12 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
0 of 7Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports 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 (3)
- $750,930 spent. Summer Day Camp is designed for kids, ages 4-14, and from all backgrounds and communities to be outdoors and active together, while building a strong sense of community and respect for the natural environment. This direct recreational experience develops friendship skills, and competence in outdoor pursuits such as swimming, archery, hiking and climbing techniques. In addition, kids are taught about conservation and sustainability through our environmental education program.
- $468,411 spent. The Portland Gear Hub powered by Ketcha Outdoors is a full-service outdoor gear store in the East Bayside neighborhood of Portland. The Gear Hub refurbishes and redistributes reliable outdoor gear and bikes to increase equitable access to affordable, reliable gear and lower the barrier of entry for those interested in outdoor recreation and/or sustainable transportation. The Gear Hub's staff and volunteers also provide free and low-cost bicycle maintenance classes for youth and adults.
- $446,744 spent. After School Care: After school students participate in outdoor activities with a different theme each day, for example: Arts and Crafts, Farm and Garden, Sports, Wilderness Exploration, STEM activities and free choice Friday. We also incorporate social emotional learning topics into our daily programming.Farm & Forest Preschool: Unique outdoor programming is offered in our nature-based preschool for kids ages 3-5. We practice place-based teaching, rooted in the Reggio Emilia approach, throughout our 107 acres of forest, fields, farm, and waterways. Our students are active outdoors year-round and in all types of weather, playing, learning, hiking and spending time at our farm and garden.
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
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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 2026.
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 September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since December 2014.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 October 7, 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.