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Global Gardens

EIN 20-5717276 · Tulsa, OK

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood83 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Global Gardens cultivates self-driven learners and agents of community change through garden-centered science and peace education.

Income
$1.2 million
Spending
$1.0 million
Spent on programs
76%
Reserves
7.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 92%
Employees
33
Volunteers
242
Highest pay
$90,728, executive dir.

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

Good: 83 out of 100. Higher than 64% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 7.2 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 1% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 14% of income.

  • Income trend

    5 of 15

    Income fell 10% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    76% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 10 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: 100 out of 100. Higher than 64% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    18 of 18 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 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 (4)
  1. $311,864 spent. Global Gardens' during-school program served 2,046 students at 8 elementary schools in Tulsa. Global Gardens educators met weekly with more than 100 classes in grades PreK-5 throughout the school year to facilitate a dynamic, science-based gardening curriculum that included hands-on gardening and garden-inspired projects. The program supported state science standards, promoted teamwork and problem solving, and inspired motivation for learning. It also provided students with seed-to-plate experiences that fostered healthy eating habits and positive attitudes toward fresh fruits and vegetables.
  2. $241,626 spent. Global Gardens' after-school program served 158 students in grades 3-5 at 7 locations in Tulsa. Participants spent 3-4 hours per week in the program, which lasted from August through May. Students earned and cultivated their own gardens while developing confidence, self-awareness, goal orientation, social problem-solving skills, and readiness for civic engagement. In addition to gardening, the program incorporated peace education activities, journaling, cooking, creative activities, conflict resolution, and community-focused projects.
  3. $168,848 spent. Global Gardens family food farm program brought families and community members together weekly for 10 months to garden, cook healthy meals, spend peaceful family time, and build community. Each family received its own garden plot and supplies, and families worked together to cultivate shared plots. At each weekly gathering, participants shared a plant-based meal featuring garden produce. Global Gardens family programs reached 120 people in FY2025. Global Gardens Alliance program provided weekly visits for one quarter (7 visits) at 4 elementary schools, serving a total of 262 students. At each school, the program served classes in grades 2 and/or 3. Weekly lessons focused on growing food in hydroponic trays, cooking and tasting this food, and hands-on exploration aligned with Oklahoma science standards. Global Gardens community outreach program partnered with local schools, groups, and organizations to engage 608 community members of all ages in garden-related pursuits. The community outreach team participated in local fairs and events, delivered educational presentations, conducted workshops and trainings, hosted teams and groups in the gardens, and provided lessons and experiences for children and families at numerous locations.
  4. $69,333 spent. Global Gardens' summer program served 2,131 students at 13 locations across Tulsa. In free week-long camps, participants entering grades 4-9 explored the garden ecosystem, completed projects and experiments, harvested and cooked with garden produce, and engaged in creative activities. In Tulsa Public Schools summer school programs, Global Gardens provided enrichment lessons focused on hands-on science and healthy eating.

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 October 13, 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 November 6, 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 October 13, 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 October 13, 2026.

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

    Recognized by the IRS since January 2009.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 November 4, 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.