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Sheltowee Trace Association

EIN 27-1471336 · Tollesboro, KY

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood86 out of 100GovernanceNot ratedThe short tax form does not cover thisImpact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

OUR MISSION IS TO PROTECT, PRESERVE, AND PROMOTE THE SHELTOWEE TRACE NATIONAL RECREATION TRAIL AS A SIGNIFICANT NATIONAL RESOURCE FOR THE ENJOYMENT OF HIKERS, BIKERS, AND EQUESTRIANS AND FOR THE VALUE THAT WILD AND SCENIC LANDS PROVIDE TO ALL PEOPLE.

Income
$120,762
Spending
$119,527
Reserves
11.6 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 53%
Highest pay
$39,600, executive di

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

Financial health

Good: 86 out of 100. Higher than 73% of charities in its peer group (human services, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 11.6 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 12% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    12 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 1% of income.

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

Governance

This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.

Source: Form 990EZ 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 (1)
  1. $119,527 spent. THE SHELTOWEE TRACE ASSOCIATION COORDINATED VOLUNTEER STEWARDSHIP, EDUCATION, AND OUTREACH EFFORTS ALONG THE 343-MILE SHELTOWEE TRACE NATIONAL RECREATION TRAIL IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE. DURING THE YEAR, THE ASSOCIATION ORGANIZED 48 VOLUNTEER WORKDAYS, ENGAGING OVER 300 VOLUNTEERS WHO CONTRIBUTED APPROXIMATELY 5,000 HOURS, MAINTAINING AND IMPROVING OVER 150 MILES OF TRAIL, INSTALLING AND REPAIRING SIGNAGE, REMOVE INVASIVE SPECIES, AND REHABILITATE ERODED SECTIONS. THE ASSOCIATION ALSO LED 24 GUIDED HIKES AND PROMOTED SAFE, RESPONSIBLE OUTDOOR RECREATION AND AWARENESS OF PUBLIC LANDS. THESE EFFORTS IMPROVED TRAIL SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITY, ENHANCED HABITAT CONDITIONS, AND EXPANDED PUBLIC USE AND ENJOYMENT OF THE SHELTOWEE TRACE CORRIDOR.

Source: Form 990EZ 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? Worth knowing.

    Status was revoked on May 15, 2023 for not filing returns for three years, and reinstated on May 15, 2023.

    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 June 2024.

    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.