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Kennebec Estuary Land Trust

EIN 01-0446468 · Bath, ME

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair63 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The mission of the Kennebec Estuary Land Trust is to conserve, restore, and instill appreciation of the land and water resources of the Kennebec Estuary for the benefit of today's communities and future generations.

Income
$911,817
Spending
$1.1 million
Spent on programs
85%
Reserves
11.4 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 65%
Employees
11
Volunteers
275
Highest pay
$99,521, 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: 63 out of 100. Higher than 25% of charities in its peer group (environment, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 11.4 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 2% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 16% of income.

  • Income trend

    0 of 15

    Income fell 34% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    85% 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: 100 out of 100. Higher than 94% of charities in its peer group (environment, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    14 of 14 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

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports 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 (4)
  1. $334,906 spent. The Land Protection Program is a community based approach working with a volunteer Land Committee and staff focused on lands with the highest ecological significance. KELT works with dedicated volunteers, landowners, municipalities, other environmental organizations, and state agencies to achieve successful outcomes. During the year ended December 31, 2025, KELT acquired one property described as the Bittner Property.
  2. $219,241 spent. The Stewardship program is dedicated to the perpetual care of the preserves and conservation easements held by KELT. The program is led by staff and a dedicated group of volunteers through a robust committee and field work. The program manages all administration, oversight, and planning of these properties in compliance with the Land Trust Alliance Standards & Practices. KELT stewards 31 conservation easements and 34 fee properties containing over 50 miles of trail.
  3. $206,514 spent. The Restoration Program focus on community science including water testing, counting fish, and monitoring birds, red backed salamanders, and green crabs. In addition, this area includes working with partners on large scale projects that repair ecological obstructions, such as damaged fish ladders and undersized roadway culverts, to benefit surrounding natural habitats in local communities. General programs focus on food security issues working with partners locally and regionally to strategize and address community needs through effective efforts such as KELT's LOCAL Garden (an edible, education, raised bed garden) and the Merrymeeting Food Council.
  4. $135,789 spent. The Education Program is vital to KELT by providing education opportunities for all ages to understand the Kennebec Estuary and appreciate nature all around them. The work is conducted through school programs, field events, and workshops. The land trust provides information through our website, emails, print newsletters, and other communication tools. This program continues to build support and interest from the community. In 2025, KELT engaged over 1200 people in community engagement and educational programs.

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

  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 December 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 April 1994.

    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.