Appalachia-Science in the Public Interest Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The organization advances public understanding and practical use of sustainable technologies and environmentally responsible practices in Appalachia. Through educational programs, demonstrations, publications, events, and community resources, ASPI addresses energy, food systems, sustainable living, environmental stewardship, and Appalachian culture to support healthy communities and responsible use of natural resources.
- Income
- $92,185
- Spending
- $86,377
- Spent on programs
- 56%
- Reserves
- 8.2 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 100%
- Employees
- 0
- Volunteers
- 92
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
Good: 86 out of 100. Higher than 72% of charities in its peer group (science, under $250k).
Reserves
28 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 8.2 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 6% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 17% on the year before.
Spending floor
8 of 1556% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 23 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
Fair: 62 out of 100. Higher than 44% of charities in its peer group (science, under $250k).
Independent board
25 of 256 of 6 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
0 of 15Reports no written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
0 of 7Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports 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 (3)
- $16,033 spent. ASPI provided education, demonstrations, and practical resources focused on sustainable living, energy efficiency, appropriate technologies, and environmental stewardship. Activities included maintaining and using demonstration sites and facilities, sharing information on renewable energy and sustainable practices, and providing educational opportunities that help individuals and communities adopt practical approaches that support healthy land and sustainable communities in Kentucky and Central Appalachia.
- $16,032 spent. Food Systems, Community Gardening & Appalachian Agriculture ASPI supported sustainable food systems and Appalachian agriculture through education, outreach, community gardening, and related resources. Programs promoted practical approaches to local food production, stewardship of natural resources, and community resilience. Educational materials and activities also addressed regionally important topics such as Appalachian ginseng and other sustainable agricultural practices.
- $16,033 spent. Education, Publications, Culture & Community Outreach ASPI provided educational resources and community outreach through publications, technical papers, events, service-learning activities, and digital and in-person educational programs. The organization also preserved and shared Appalachian culture and oral history through interviews, historical materials, and related resources. These activities expanded public access to information on environmental issues, sustainable communities, and the history and culture of Central Appalachia.
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
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 November 6, 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 June 1977.
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 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.