Asheville Greenworks
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Asheville GreenWorks inspires, equips and mobilizes communities to create an equitable climate-resilient future.
- Income
- $1.5 million
- Spending
- $819,706
- Spent on programs
- 74%
- Reserves
- 6 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 87%
- Employees
- 7
- Volunteers
- 2,267
- Highest pay
- $78,074, interim ed 6/1/24-7/31/24
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 93 out of 100.
Reserves
28 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 6.0 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 14% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 44% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 95% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1573% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 5 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 94 out of 100.
Independent board
25 of 2515 of 15 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
9 of 15Its accounts were reviewed or compiled by an independent accountant, but not audited.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 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 (3)
- $602,112 spent. Asheville GreenWorks Rivers & Roads program mobilizes volunteers and community partners to remove litter and illegally dumped waste from our waterways, roadsides, and public spaces in Buncombe and surrounding counties. In FY25, the program engaged 1,714 volunteers in 161 cleanup projects, removing 42,800 pounds of debris and 99 tires, improving water quality and public safety, and building community pride. The program prioritizes highly impacted areas and communities most vulnerable to pollution and storm debris. This program underwent a significant expansion after Tropical Storm Helene damaged the area.
- Asheville GreenWorks Urban Forestry program restores tree canopy and ecosystem health through community tree plantings and giveaways, urban forestry initiatives, and post-hurricane landscape recovery efforts. In FY25, Asheville GreenWorks planted and distributed over 7000 trees, engaged 447 volunteers/residents, and supported reforestation across Buncombe and surrounding counties, with priority given to historically underserved and environmentally vulnerable communities. Trees planted through this program improve air and water quality, reduce heat impacts, stabilize soil, and strengthen long-term climate resilience.
- Asheville GreenWorks hosts four Hard 2 Recycle events per year in Buncombe County, empowering community members to protect our environment by recycling or safely disposing of materials not accepted through curbside services, such as electronics, batteries, and Styrofoam. Through partnership with several committed vendors, the program welcomed 2,867 vehicles to divert 66.6 tons of recyclables from the landfill, including 777 televisions and 13,000 lbs. of Styrofoam, while educating participants on waste reduction and circular economy practices. This initiative reduces environmental harm from improper disposal practices and expands access to safe waste disposal options.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 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 October 13, 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 June 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 May 1990.
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 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.