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Kaniksu Land Trust Inc

EIN 47-0898549 · Sandpoint, ID

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair57 out of 100GovernanceStrong92 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Caring for the lands and people of the Kaniksu Region, today, tomorrow, and forever.

Income
$1.2 million
Spending
$1.2 million
Spent on programs
76%
Reserves
0.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 70%
Employees
17
Volunteers
225

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

Fair: 57 out of 100. Higher than 21% of charities in its peer group (environment, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    4 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 0.2 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 1% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 2% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 6% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    76% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 4 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

Strong: 92 out of 100. Higher than 47% of charities in its peer group (environment, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    7 of 7 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no 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.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited 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 (2)
  1. $945,637 spent. See Schedule O
  2. Conservation In 2024, Kaniksu Land Trust advanced its mission to care for the lands and people of the Kaniksu Region by protecting key landscapes and fostering meaningful partnerships. Three new conservation easements permanently safeguarded woodlands and wetlands along Grouse Creek, Swan Creek, and Samuels Road, preserving vital wildlife habitat and scenic open space. A landmark donation from Idaho Forest Group protected nearly 2,000 acres along Prichard Creek, ensuring long-term benefits for fish, wildlife, and sustainable forestry. KLT also continued to collaborate with the Kalispel Tribe, Bonner County Historical Society, and local partners to launch the Kalispel Water Trail, connecting cultural history and recreation along Lake Pend Oreille. These projects bring KLTs total impact to over 6,500 acres conserved, with thousands more in progress, reflecting a deep and growing community commitment to conservation. Education Kaniksu Land Trusts education programs continued to expand in 2024, connecting hundreds of youth and adults to the outdoors. The Outdoor Education Program reached students across eight schools in the Lake Pend Oreille School District, with dedicated on-staff outdoor educators leading lessons in science, ecology, and stewardship. KLT provided mentorship, training, and resources to sustain this growing movement toward outdoor learning. The Rewilding School Play Yards initiative continued transforming playgrounds into natural learning environments, supporting creativity and environmental awareness. Community In 2024, KLT deepened its role as a catalyst for community resilience. The Community Housing Trust took a major step forward with the purchase of six lots in Priest River for the Village at River View Ridge, ensuring perpetual affordability for local working families. This initiative, supported by LEAP Housing, the Equinox and Sangham Foundations, and other donors, reflects KLTs innovative approach to addressing the housing crisis while preventing sprawl into rural lands. KLT further led accessibility and inclusion efforts through a Land Trust Alliance grant, ensuring that its programs and properties welcome people of all abilities. These initiatives embody KLTs belief that healthy communities and healthy lands are deeply interconnected.

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 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 December 2024.

    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 April 2015.

    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.