Skip to the page content
Your donations
Passes our checks

Nature Track Foundation

EIN 45-3040646 · Los Olivos, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair58 out of 100GovernanceFair56 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

NatureTrack Foundation connects people of all ages and abilities to the natural world through immersive outdoor experiences, mobility access, and educational programming. The organization inspires stewardship, curiosity, and lifelong learning by providing cost-free, docent-led field trips for students, expanding access for wheelchair users through its Freedom Trax program, and fostering a deeper appreciation of nature through community engagement and film. This work ensures that access to nature is inclusive,meaningful, and transformative for all participants.

Income
$547,730
Spending
$571,029
Spent on programs
99%
Reserves
0 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 68%
Employees
3
Volunteers
80
Highest pay
$52,000, president & ceo

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Fair: 58 out of 100. Higher than 24% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    4 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 0.0 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 21% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 4% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 18% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    99% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Fair: 56 out of 100. Higher than 28% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    6 of 6 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

    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 June 30, 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 (2)
  1. $496,243 spent. NatureTrack experienced another year of strong demand and measurable impactacross its core programs.K12 Outdoor Field Trips:During Season 14, NatureTrack delivered 107 docent-led field trips, serving 4,824students throughout Santa Barbara County. These cost-free, curriculum-aligned outdoorbexperiences provide hands-on learning in local natural environments and include students of all abilities, including those who use wheelchairs. The program is supported by highly trained volunteers and maintains small group ratios to ensure a high-quality educational experience.Freedom Trax Program (Mobility Access):NatureTracks Freedom Trax program continued to expand access for individuals withmobility challenges by enabling wheelchair users to independently traverse beachesand trails. During the year, 174 wheelchair users participated in guided outings, with additional individuals accessing nature through the organizations Trax lending program.
  2. $66,628 spent. NatureTrack Film Festival (NTFF) The 6th Annual NatureTrack Film Festival tookplace October 1113, 2024, at the Metropolitan Camino Real Cinemas located in theCamino Real Marketplace in Goleta, California. The festival featured a curated selection of films focused on nature, conservation, outdoor adventure, and the human connection to the natural world.The event brought together filmmakers, community members, and environmentaladvocates for screenings, discussions, and filmmaker Q&A sessions, fosteringmeaningful dialogue and engagement. NTFF continues to serve as a key program ofNatureTrack, advancing its mission by reaching audiences through storytelling andinspiring a broader appreciation for the natural world.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 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 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 June 2025.

    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 February 2012.

    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.