Lakes Region Conservation Trust
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The mission of the Organization is the conservation of the natural resources of the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, the preservation of wildlife habitat, the stewardship of lands that define the character of the region and its quality of life, and the provision of opportunities for public access to conserved lands for thoughtful recreation, nature e
- Income
- $2.9 million
- Spending
- $1.2 million
- Spent on programs
- 78%
- Reserves
- 75.3 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 94%
- Employees
- 11
- Volunteers
- 230
- Highest pay
- $89,648, president, non-voting
Source: Form 990 for the year ending March 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 86% of charities in its peer group (environment, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 75.3 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 58% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 71% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1578% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 5 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending March 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 90 out of 100. Higher than 42% of charities in its peer group (environment, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 2516 of 16 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
0 of 10Did not give 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 March 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)
- $227,560 spent. Land Conservation--The Lakes Region Conservation Trust has conserved more than 29,700 acres of land since the Organizations founding in 1979. This total includes over 19,000 acres owned by LRCT, over 9,300 acres subject to primary conservation easements held by LRCT, and over 1,300 acres conserved through other means. These lands include 30 summits, more than 41 miles of shoreline on the regions lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams, and more than 120 miles of trails open to the public for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, and certain trails open for mountain biking and snowmobiling. Each year LRCT works with landowners, other conservation organizations, and local conservation commissions on dozens of land conservation projects and opportunities throughout the Lakes Region. LRCTs land conservation work is guided by the Lakes Region Strategic Conservation Plan, incorporating climate change resilience data, that provides a valuable land conservation tool for LRCT and other land conservation organizations working in the region.
- $551,950 spent. Land Management, Stewardship, and Recreation--As noted above, the Lakes Region Conservation Trust has conserved more than 29,700 acres of land since the Organizations founding in 1979. A significant part of LRCTs responsibilities is the management of more than 120 owned properties totaling over 19,000 acres and the monitoring of 62 conservation easements totaling over 9,300 acres to ensure that the conservation values of these lands are being protected and that easement restrictions and requirements are being satisfied. A particular focus of LRCTs land management work is the provision of opportunities for the public to enjoy, appreciate, and learn from the conserved lands. Consequently, the Organization devotes significant effort to stewardship of trails open to the public for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, as well as certain trails open for mountain biking and snowmobiling. In its land management and stewardship work, the Organization benefits greatly from the participation and efforts of approximately 200 talented and dedicated volunteers.
- $160,024 spent. Conservation Education/Outreach/Communications--The Lakes Region Conservation Trust produces newsletters, trail maps, and other informational materials and maintains substantial information on its website regarding the Organizations conserved lands and land conservation activities. As noted above, a particular focus of the Organizations work is the provision of opportunities for the public to enjoy, appreciate, and learn from the conserved lands. In this regard, LRCT maintains informational kiosks at many properties, and organizes guided hikes, guided paddles, and educational programs for the public regarding the conserved lands. In addition, LRCT works with local schools and other organizations to introduce members of the community to the conserved lands, to provide opportunities for these other organizations to integrate conserved lands into their curricula and programs, and to enhance their understanding of the Lakes Regions natural heritage and the important role of land conservation in shaping the natural landscapes cherished by residents and visitors alike.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending March 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 October 13, 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 October 13, 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 October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending March 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since August 1981.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 21, 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.