Alice Ferguson Foundation Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The Alice Ferguson Foundation's mission is to inspire environmental stewardship by giving people the tools to understand, appreciate, and protect nature.
- Income
- $2.1 million
- Spending
- $1.9 million
- Spent on programs
- 87%
- Reserves
- 17.3 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- government grants, 37%
- Employees
- 34
- Volunteers
- 421
- Highest pay
- $172,697, executive director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 86% of charities in its peer group (environment, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 17.3 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 1% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 8% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 23% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1587% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 3 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 60% of charities in its peer group (environment, $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 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 (2)
- $1.2 million spent. Education Programs - The Alice Ferguson Foundation fosters environmental stewardship through three core initiatives: the Hard Bargain Farm Environmental Center programs, Bridging the Watershed, and Adventure Camps. These programs provide PreK-12 students and the broader community with hands-on, standards-based field studies across the Potomac River Watershed and regional National Parks. A key component of this outreach is the Trash Free Potomac and Trash Free Schools programs, which engage both students and community members through education and action focused on litter reduction and watershed health. By integrating STEM programming, agricultural education, sensory exploration, and strategic partnerships, the Foundation empowers individuals to understand their place in the natural world and take an active role in protecting their local environment.
- $483,604 spent. Farm and Facilities/ Capital Projects: In 2025, the Alice Ferguson Foundation completed a comprehensive series of capital projects to ensure the safety, preservation, and operational efficiency of its historic campus. Key safety upgrades included the replacement of fire detection systems across the campus facilities, alongside significant electrical panels and power restoration for other key spaces. Structural integrity and climate resilience were prioritized through attic and basement insulation in the Farmhouse to improve energy efficiency. Further enhancements to the student and visitor experience included flooring replacements in the cabin, a redesigned fire circle for educational gatherings, and the installation of high-efficiency climate control (mini-splits) in the student accommodations. These investments preserve the Foundation's unique infrastructure, ensuring a safe and sustainable environment for hands-on environmental and agricultural programming.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 2026.
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 September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since February 2008.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 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.