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Friends of the Superior National Forest

EIN 47-1066631 · Tofte, MN

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood79 out of 100GovernanceNot ratedThe short tax form does not cover thisImpact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Friends of the Superior National Forest is dedicated to volunteer-powered stewardship of the Superior National Forest. We work with individuals, groups, and partner organizations to maintain trails, clean campsites, and restore natural areas throughout the Forest's three million acres, including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Through hands-on projects, we help sustain and enhance this treasured landscape for recreation, conservation, and cultural connection.

Income
$80,780
Spending
$61,165
Reserves
5.1 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 100%
Highest pay
$29,302, executive director

Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 79 out of 100. Higher than 58% of charities in its peer group (human services, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 5.1 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 12% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 24% of income.

Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.

Source: Form 990EZ 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)
  1. $4,077 spent. Superior National Forest Stewardship Support: Supported volunteer stewardship of the Superior National Forest by providing guidance, materials, education, camping, and travel support to volunteers. This work supported 792 volunteer hours outside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and included planting 2,000 trees, removing invasive species on 10 acres, clearing 5 miles of trail, maintaining campgrounds, etc.
  2. $18,295 spent. Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Stewardship Support: Supported volunteer stewardship of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness by providing travel support to volunteers. This supported 2,570 volunteer hours in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness to clear portages, maintain trails and campsites, and improve habitat.
  3. $1,870 spent. Superior National Forest Outreach, Education, and Training: Supported information delivery for over 200 participants across the greater Superior National Forest. Programs were located in Duluth, Two Harbors, Virginia, Eveleth, Ely, Hoyt Lakes, Grand Rapids, and Grand Marias.

Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 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 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 2025.

    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 April 2015.

    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.