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Scarborough Land Conservation Trust

EIN 01-0352474 · Scarborough, ME

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair65 out of 100GovernanceStrong94 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The Scarborough Land Trust is a private, non-profit, community-based organization with a mission to conserve and steward land where natural and agricultural resources, scenic vistas, and historical significance offer unique value to the community.

Income
$4.3 million
Spending
$3.0 million
Spent on programs
89%
Reserves
-0.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
government grants, 73%
Employees
10
Volunteers
130
Highest pay
$106,608, executive director

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Fair: 65 out of 100. Higher than 30% of charities in its peer group (environment, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    0 of 35

    Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 1% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 29% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 102% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    89% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 2 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 94 out of 100. Higher than 52% of charities in its peer group (environment, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    17 of 17 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    9 of 15

    Its accounts were reviewed or compiled by an independent accountant, but not audited.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 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)
  1. $2.6 million spent. The Scarborough Land Conservation Trust purchased three properties in 2024, totaling 75.71 acres, creating two new preserves and adding on to an existing preserve. The Land Trust also moved into a larger office space allowing for more access with maps and other information available to the public. Two interns were hired during the summer to help with ongoing stewardship and education/communications projects. There were several major stewardship projects at various properties, including new boardwalk construction initiatives at Fuller Farm and Pleasant Hill Preserves. A new welcome platform was constructed at our Warren Woods Preserve.
  2. $29,494 spent. In 2024, Scarborough Land Conservation Trust expanded our Scarborough Marsh program and started a three-year planning process to evaluate possible restoration projects. The Land Trust created several community and stakeholder committees to help in this effort. Planning for the hiring of a dedicated Marsh employee started. Expected hiring date is summer of 2025. A new program working with the University of New England was created and funded that encourages undergraduate students to conduct research in Scarborough, especially in the Scarborough Marsh.
  3. $107,712 spent. We conduct a variety of educational programs for the public. We also develop and disseminate several communication vehicles for interaction with the public, including social media, website, e-newsletters, and partner publications. Programs conducted during the year included bird walks, plant walks, wildlife tracking, native plant sale, firefly program, snowshoe walks, and many more. Our youth education programs increased during the year to include a story hour for young children, pre-teen nature book club, and several field experiences for local schools. We also offered several teacher trainings with the Scarborough Public Schools. The Land Trust also organized and ran our first photo contest, titled Marsh Madness, that produced 150 entries from the Marsh and preserves.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since January 1978.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  6. 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.