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Willistown Conservation Trust Inc

EIN 23-2841453 · Newtown Sq, PA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong90 out of 100GovernanceStrong95 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The mission of the Willistown Conservation Trust is to preserve and manage the open land, rural character, scenic, recreational, historic, agricultural and natural resources of the Willistown area and nearby communities, and to share these unique resources with people of all ages and backgrounds to inspire, educate and develop a lifelong commitment to the land and the natural world.

Income
$4.3 million
Spending
$2.8 million
Spent on programs
77%
Reserves
45 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 74%
Employees
37
Volunteers
435
Highest pay
$114,297, exec director/president

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

Strong: 90 out of 100. Higher than 72% of charities in its peer group (environment, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 45.0 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 34% of income.

  • Income trend

    5 of 15

    Income fell 18% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    77% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 9 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: 95 out of 100. Higher than 55% of charities in its peer group (environment, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    19 of 20 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

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • 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. $541,011 spent. Land Protection & Stewardship Program - See Schedule OLand Protection & Stewardship Program - The Trust's highest priority is to permanently protect the open land, rural character, scenic, recreational, historic, agricultural and natural resources of the Willistown area and nearby communities. We do this by identifying strategic properties, working with landowners, and preparing and negotiating conservation agreements to protect remaining open spaces. Once the land is protected by conservation easement, the Trust monitors and enforces compliance with the agreement in perpetuity to ensure its continued benefit for the general public consistent with the easement terms. Through habitat restoration efforts and other stewardship activities, the Trust strives to educate and instill an ecological conscience in landowners and others by which all people embrace their responsibility for the continued health and well-being of land and waterways.
  2. $569,811 spent. Bird Conservation Program - See Schedule OBird Conservation Program - The Trust's Bird Conservation Program works to enhance and promote bird conservation in the Willistown area and beyond. Primary initiatives include bird banding, bird monitoring, habitat restoration and education of good conservation and bird management practices. Through these initiatives, the program strives to do the following: increase awareness and support of WCT's basic mission; build general awareness of, as well as interest in, conservation of birds and other fauna and flora; and help conserve critical habitat and specific species through scientific research and conservation projects.
  3. $295,588 spent. Community Farm Program - See Schedule OCommunity Farm Program - The Trust's Community Farm Program serves as a model for how sustainable agriculture and land conservation are mutually beneficial. The program's centerpiece is Rushton Farm, a six-acre portion of an 86-acre protected land preserve in Willistown Township employing the latest agricultural techniques, without the use of pesticides or herbicides, and operated as a model farm and educational tool. The Farm offers numerous opportunities to engage and teach people throughout the community demonstrating firsthand the importance of agroecology, a blend of sustainable agriculture and protection of natural resources. The Farm serves as an example of how conserved land and ecologically appropriate farm practices can work together for the benefit of a community, while protecting land. The Farm donates at least 10% of its overall harvest to a local food bank.
  4. $753,649 spent. The Trust undertakes a large variety of programs in pursuit of their mission.

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 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 October 13, 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 December 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 October 1996.

    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 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.