Passes our checks

Thomas Jefferson Gardens of Greene County

EIN 27-4397174 · Jefferson, IA

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

What it says it does

To develop and maintain a public area memorializing Thomas Jefferson in downtown Jefferson, Iowa.

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

Weak: 19 out of 100. Higher than 3% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).

Independent board
5 of 25
0 of 10 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
0 of 15
Reports no 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
0 of 5
Reports that it does not keep 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, 2024, 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 (5)

$16,670 spent. A Welcome Center has been created in the former insurance building that will serve the Jefferson community and Greene County with four public restrooms, and space for community meetings, as well as informational/educational meetings. The Thomas Jefferson Gardens are a tourist destination that provide gardening information as well as historical information about the development of the United States, Iowa, and Jefferson.
$3,559 spent. Preparation of site to be public area memorializing Thomas Jefferson including continue landscaping of gardens and historical display signs.
$1,150 spent. The organization put on concerts for community gathering and engagement.
$725 spent. The organization puts on the local farmers market for community engagement, to educate the public on growing plants and food, and to benefit local business.
$670 spent. The organizationb contracts with a local gardener to plant and maintain the vegetables, flowers, shrubs, and trees of the Thomas Jefferson Gardens. The gardener provides educational programs, as well as conduct public tours highlighting the plants as well as history in the publi garden setting.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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 October 13, 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 October 13, 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 October 13, 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 October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since March 2012.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 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.