Passes our checks

Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail Inc

EIN 20-1889146 · Concord, MA

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

What it says it does

Charitable and Educational

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Fair: 69 out of 100. Higher than 74% of charities in its peer group (recreation and sports, under $250k).

Independent board
25 of 25
21 of 21 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15
Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8
Reports no written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
0 of 7
Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5
Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
0 of 10
Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.
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

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (3)

$8,196 spent. Public Education and Outreach - Lead a program on invasive plants removal found along the trail. Published and distributed 10,000+ semi-annual newsletters updating the community on trail developments as to planning, funding, construction and maintenance. Provided informational bookmarks to trail users. Participated in local town based outreach meetings and related events in order to promote the trail.
$17,200 spent. Support the Planning, Design, Permitting and Construction of the Rail Trail - Funded amenities along the trail and in adjacent parks, and commissioned a Daphne Freeman memorial plaque in Town of Chelmsford and a metal sculpture in the Town of Sudbury. Provide ongoing funding as well as other trail amenities such as benches and portapotties for the enjoyment and comfort of the trail users. Continued to support the ongoing maintenance of the trail through coordination with town departments, advisory boards and volunteers.
$145 spent. Participation in Public Governmental processes - Membership representation on local advisory committees, attendance at MA Department of Transportation public meetings and local Town Meetings, contact with town officials, state representatives, state transportation officials and regional planning agencies. Secured a $50,000 legislative earmark for the purchase of capital equipment for trail maintenance by the Towns of Sudbury and Acton in 2026.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

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 January 2005.
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.