Freeport Conservation Trust
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
To protect, preserve and connect open space lands and provide public access to natural areas in Freeport, including forests, farmland, scenic vistas, wildlife habitat, and shoreland.
- Income
- $484,353
- Spending
- $254,490
- Spent on programs
- 80%
- Reserves
- -105.8 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 83%
- Employees
- 3
- Volunteers
- 68
- Highest pay
- $87,808, executive director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Fair: 65 out of 100.
Reserves
0 of 35Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 47% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 64% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1580% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 6 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 91 out of 100.
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
7 of 7Has a 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
6 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed 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, 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)
- $75,207 spent. The Land Protection Program is central to FCTs work and reflects its community-based approach to conservation. Staff work closely with a volunteer Land Committee to identify and pursue conservation opportunities using a strategic approach that considers land connectivity, ecological value, and recreational opportunities. FCT partners with volunteers, landowners, municipalities, and other environmental organizations to achieve lasting conservation outcomes.
- $67,318 spent. The Stewardship Program is dedicated to the perpetual care of lands owned by FCT and conservation easements held by the organization. This work is led by staff and supported by a volunteer stewardship committee responsible for maintaining records and meeting monitoring and filing requirements under Maine law. The program includes annual monitoring, trail maintenance, capital improvements, development of new trails, and overall property management. Administration, oversight, and planning are guided by the Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices.
- $61,038 spent. The Community Outreach Program hosts community events, field programs, and workshops to encourage public engagement and increase awareness of local natural resources. FCT uses a variety of communication channels to connect with residents and promote participation in conservation activities. The organization also works with teachers in the local school district to support environmental education and outdoor learning.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, 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 2025.
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 September 1978.
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.