4roots Foundation Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- Only 50% of its spending went to programs.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
THE PURPOSE OF 4ROOTS FOUNDATION, INC. (D/B/A 4ROOTS) IS TO PROVIDE PHILANTHROPIC SUPPORT TO VARIOUS COMMUNITIES AND/OR INDIVIDUALS IN NEED AND TO INVEST IN FOOD AND FARMING INITIATIVES THAT IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF OUR COMMUNITY.
- Income
- $5.6 million
- Spending
- $5.7 million
- Spent on programs
- 50%
- Reserves
- 22.5 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 63%
- Employees
- 61
- Volunteers
- 750
- Highest pay
- $183,184, chief medical officer
Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Fair: 59 out of 100. Higher than 18% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 22.5 months of spending.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 23% of what it owns.
Living within its means
8 of 15Spending exceeded income by 3% of income.
Income trend
0 of 15Income fell 46% on the year before.
Spending floor
0 of 1550% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 16 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 65% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 2512 of 12 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a 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.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 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 (5)
- $215,375 spent. Meet the Need empowers individuals and communities experiencing nutritional insecurity by providing direct access to fresh, nutrient-dense produce and other healthy foods while offering educational resources and tools. The program supports participants in confidently preparing nutritious meals, growing their own food, and developing sustainable healthy eating habits. Through community partnerships, food distribution efforts, and nutrition education, Meet the Need works to improve food security, health outcomes, and long-term self-sufficiency throughout Central Florida.
- $223,694 spent. Fresh by 4Roots operates an online farmers market that connects the community with fresh, locally sourced food while supporting Florida agriculture. Through partnerships with 57 in-state farmers and producers, as well as produce grown at the 4Roots Farm Campus, the program provides seasonal fruits and vegetables, meats, dairy products, eggs, and pantry essentials to consumers. Fresh by 4Roots promotes healthy eating, strengthens local food systems, supports sustainable farming practices, and advances the organization's mission of reconnecting people with the land, local farmers, and the value of nutritious, locally grown food.
- $683,579 spent. The 4Roots Caf, located at the Orlando Science Center, advances the Foundation's mission to build healthy communities by increasing access to fresh, nutritious, and sustainably sourced food. In partnership with local farmers and producers, including the 4Roots Farm Campus, the caf offers meals prepared with fresh ingredients that promote healthy eating habits and strengthen connections between consumers and local agriculture. The caf serves as a community resource that demonstrates the importance of a healthy and sustainable food system through a plant-forward menu featuring locally sourced products whenever possible. By supporting regional growers and emphasizing responsibly produced food, the program helps strengthen the local food economy, promote environmental stewardship, and improve awareness of the relationship between food, health, and community well-being. Through its accessible location and community-centered approach, the caf provides families, students, and visitors with opportunities to experience nutritious food choices while supporting the Foundation's broader mission of advancing health, sustainability, and food system resilience throughout Central Florida.
- $1.7 million spent. OTHER PROGRAMS
- Donations Donations Made To Local Orlando Schools And Churches In Order To Promote After-School Programs In A Safe Environment That Helps Youth Excel In School And Life. Education Programs: Inspiring the Next Generation Education Programs provide hands-on learning experiences that connect students and community members with food, agriculture, nutrition, and environmental stewardship. Through educational programming, farm field trips, and interactive activities at the 4Roots Farm Campus, participants learn where food comes from, how it is grown, and the importance of sustainable food systems. Visitors engage in experiential learning opportunities such as planting seeds, harvesting crops, composting, water conservation, and sustainable farming practices, helping to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world agricultural experiences. The program also includes the Food Heroes Exhibit at the Orlando Science Center, which provides interactive STEM-based education highlighting the roles of farmers, chefs, beekeepers, and other contributors to the food system while promoting nutrition and healthy food choices. Through these experiences, the program fosters environmental responsibility, advances food literacy, and inspires future farmers, chefs, healthcare professionals, and food system leaders to build healthier and more sustainable communities. Culinary Health Institute (CHI) The Culinary Health Institute (CHI) advances a food-first approach to health and wellness through education, research, clinical innovation, and community engagement. In partnership with healthcare providers, community organizations, and industry leaders, CHI promotes the use of nutrition and healthy food as tools to prevent disease, improve health outcomes, and support whole-person care. CHI provides educational programs, culinary instruction, wellness workshops, conferences, and hands-on training that help individuals, families, healthcare professionals, and students better understand the relationship between food and health. Through nutrition-focused initiatives, including Food as Medicine produce programs, participants gain access to fresh, nutrient-dense foods and practical knowledge to support healthy lifestyles and manage chronic health conditions. The program also supports research and education related to sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and preventative healthcare, while fostering collaboration among healthcare, agriculture, and community partners to strengthen the health and well-being of Central Florida residents. Reverse Demand Initiative The Reverse Demand Initiative strengthens local food systems by connecting farms directly with consumers and institutional purchasers through an aggregated produce purchasing network. Working with more than 50 local farms, the program creates reliable market opportunities for farmers while increasing community access to fresh, responsibly grown fruits and vegetables. By shortening the distance between farm and table, the program helps deliver fresher, more nutritious produce, reduce food waste, and lower the environmental impact associated with food transportation. The initiative also supports the economic sustainability of local agriculture by creating consistent demand for locally grown products and strengthening the regional food economy. Through streamlined ordering and distribution systems, the program improves access to seasonal produce for individuals, families, and community partners while advancing the Foundation's mission to build healthier communities through increased availability of fresh, locally sourced food and support for sustainable agriculture.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 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 September 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 July 2015.
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.