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Independence Land Conservancy

EIN 23-7207644 · Clarkston, MI

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood83 out of 100GovernanceStrong91 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The mission of the organization is to protect the land, water, and wildlife in the headwaters region of the Clinton, Shiawassee, Huron, and Flint rivers through preservation, stewardship, and education.

Income
$292,866
Spending
$223,183
Spent on programs
59%
Reserves
20.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 82%
Employees
7
Volunteers
100
Highest pay
$40,833, executive dir.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 83 out of 100. Higher than 55% of charities in its peer group (environment, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 20.2 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 24% of income.

  • Income trend

    5 of 15

    Income fell 13% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    8 of 15

    59% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 20 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 91 out of 100. Higher than 71% of charities in its peer group (environment, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    11 of 11 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

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed 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, 2024, 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 (6)
  1. $59,045 spent. Stewardship (Maintenance, Monitoring & Restoration) - BHHC provided active stewardship for all 60 protected parcels, including annual monitoring of conservation easements, invasive species control, habitat restoration, and infrastructure maintenance at publicly accessible preserves. A Stewardship Coordinator was onboarded and investments were made in equipment, mapping, and reserve planning to support long-term care and compliance with Land Trust Alliance standards.
  2. $39,365 spent. Preservation (Land Protection & Conservation Easements) - Blue Heron Headwaters Conservancy (BHHC) permanently protects ecologically significant lands in the headwaters of the Clinton, Shiawassee, Huron, and Flint River watersheds. In 2024 BHHC continued to uphold its commitment to land preservation through outreach to landowners, easement monitoring, and community partnerships to advance long-term conservation goals. BHHC holds interests in 60 parcels totaling approximately 1,550 acres (20 owned, 40 under conservation easement).
  3. $32,800 spent. Education (Community Outreach & Volunteer Engagement) - BHHC engaged the public through native-plant sales, guided hikes, stewardship workdays, and educational outreach events focused on watershed protection and native habitats. The organization expanded volunteer participation, provided training on ecological stewardship, and used its website and publications to educate the community and promote conservation awareness throughout the region.
  4. The Conservancy continued its partnership with Oakland County CISMA to remove invasive species.
  5. Continued focus on reintroducing native plants to the properties we maintain.
  6. In 2024, Blue Heron Headwaters Conservancy (BHHC) made significant progress in advancing its mission to protect land, steward natural resources, and educate the public about the importance of Southeast Michigan's headwaters. A major organizational milestone was the hiring of BHHC's first full-time Executive Director, marking a critical investment in leadership capacity and long-term sustainability. This new leadership helped expand outreach efforts, strengthen community partnerships, and provide strategic direction for conservation and stewardship initiatives. BHHC actively stewarded 60 protected properties totaling approximately 1,550 acres across the Clinton, Shiawassee, Huron, and Flint River watersheds. Stewardship activities included annual monitoring of all conservation easements, removal of invasive species, installation of interpretive signage, and habitat restoration projects on several preserves. the organization also hired a dedicated Stewardship Coordinator and invested in necessary field tools, mapping technology, and the creation of a stewardship reserve fund to ensure the long-term care of its lands. Community engagement was a core focus in 2024. BHHC hosted volunteer workdays, native plant sales, and educational events designed to connect people with nature and teach the value of protecting headwaters ad native ecosystems. Through its website, annual report, and in-person programming, BHHC continued to grow awareness and build a community committed to local land and water conservation.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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 2024.

    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 May 1972.

    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.