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Land Together

EIN 46-3998218 · Berkeley, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood71 out of 100GovernanceGood85 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

WITH AN EVIDENCE-BASED "INNER AND OUTER" GARDENING APPROACH TO CHANGE, THE IGP DOES THE ESSENTIAL WORK OF PROVIDING PEOPLE IN PRISON WITH INTEGRATED VOCATIONAL AND LIFE SKILLS, FACILITATING THEIR TRANSFORMATION FROM THE "INSIDE-OUT" SO THEY BECOME PRODUCTIVE MEMBERS OF SOCIETY WHEN THEY LEAVE PRISON

Income
$2.6 million
Spending
$2.7 million
Spent on programs
79%
Reserves
6.6 months of spending
Largest source of income
government grants, 55%
Employees
27
Volunteers
10
Highest pay
$149,200, executive director

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: 71 out of 100. Higher than 44% of charities in its peer group (crime and legal services, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 6.6 months of spending.

  • Debt

    10 of 20

    It owes 32% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 1% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 4% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    79% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 11 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

Good: 85 out of 100. Higher than 31% of charities in its peer group (crime and legal services, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    8 of 8 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

    0 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 (5)
  1. $1.4 million spent. Land Together (LT) DBA Insight Garden Program (IGP) provides transformative in-prison programming to over 400 participants annually across 9 prisons in California, including two medical prisons and the largest womens facility in the United States. Our unique curriculum combines eco-literacy, eco-therapy, environmental stewardship, and mindfulness education with hands-on training in permaculture gardening and landscape design. Participants engage in life skills workshops covering effective communication, conflict resolution, financial literacy, and goal-setting, with creative expression integrated throughout to foster healing, self-reflection, and cultural empowerment.Each program site features a vibrant garden co-designed and maintained by participants, utilizing innovative permaculture, composting, and water conservation techniques. These gardens serve as restorative sanctuaries, living classrooms, and sustainable ecosystems that provide fresh herbs and produce while reinforcing environmental stewardship.A recent independent evaluation by Fresno State Universitys Criminology Department highlighted the programs profound impact, noting significant improvements in participants' emotional and mental health. The study also found that only 2.5% of Land Together's (Insight Garden Program) graduates were re-incarcerated within three years, compared to California's 42% recidivism rate, underscoring the program's success in fostering long-term rehabilitation and reducing recidivism.
  2. $541,703 spent. Reentry Program: Our reentry program, led by previously incarcerated staff, serves over 200 participants annually across 14 counties, providing comprehensive support to address the complex needs of individuals transitioning from incarceration to community life. To ensure continuity of care, we integrate reentry education into our year-long in-prison curriculum and provide six months of individualized pre-release support, including case management, housing referrals, workplace readiness training, and family coordination. Upon release, participants receive a "welcome home" reentry kit, transportation, and immediate support to navigate their transition. Post-release services include connections to essential services, employment and education referrals, financial education, emotional healing circles, nature excursions, peer mentorship, and access to a rapid response fund. This holistic approach has resulted in a recidivism rate of just 2.5% among participants, compared to California's 42% average, demonstrating the programs success in fostering long-term reintegration and reducing incarceration rates.
  3. $153,160 spent. Fiscal Sponsorship Program: In 2023, Land Together dba Insight Garden Program fiscally sponsorsed and supported the Del Paso Heights Growers Alliance (DPHGA) in delivering impactful community-driven initiatives focused on improving social determinants of health, advancing racial equity, and addressing environmental and economic justice. DPHGA distributed over 2,100 pounds of fresh, culturally relevant produce to 85 households across North Sacramento during its fall Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)-style food distribution program. Participants received high-quality produce grown by immigrant and refugee farmers, contributing to improved food access and supporting BIPOC farmers economic sustainability.Additionally, DPHGA maintained three community gardens that provided hands-on gardening experiences, nutrition education, and fresh produce for the community. A baseline survey collected critical data to measure the program's impact on food access and community health, with future workshops and distributions planned to deepen engagement. Collaborative partnerships with organizations like UC Davis and the International Rescue Committee bolstered the programs capacity through research, technical assistance, and expanded resources. These efforts exemplify the effectiveness of fiscal sponsorship in fostering innovative, community-led projects that promote equity and sustainability.
  4. IN-PRISON PROGRAMS: IGP OFFERS EVIDENCE-BASED IN-PRISON PROGRAMS IN NINE PRISONS THROUGHOUT CALIFORNIA
  5. RE-ENTRY: BUILDING ON INSIGHT GARDEN PROGRAM'S IN-PRISON WORK, IGP OFFERS WARM HAND-OFF REENTRY SERVICES PROGRAM WITH PEOPLE IN PRISONS AND RETURNING TO14 CALIFORNIA COUNTIES. WITH THIS PROGRAM IGP WILL REACH PEOPLE THROUGH IN PRISONREACH-IN SERVICES, THROUGH IMMEDIATE GATE AND 24-HOUR WARM HAND-OFF RAPID RESPONSE SERVICES, AND THROUGH LONG-TERM WARM HAND-OFF SERVICES. THIS INITIATIVE WILL SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE RECIDIVISM AND IMPROVE HOUSING, EMPLOYMENT, FINANCIAL, HEALTH, AND LEGAL OUTCOMES FOR PEOPLE WHILE INCARCERATED, UPON RELEASE, AND AS THEY REENTER CALIFORNIA COMMUNITIES.

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 October 13, 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 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 2024.

    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 January 2014.

    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.