Chestatee-Chattahoochee Resource Conservation and Development Area
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
To assist individuals and communities in utilizing and protecting our natural resources while improving the economy, environment and quality of life.
- Income
- $846,906
- Spending
- $846,087
- Spent on programs
- 90%
- Reserves
- 1.1 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- government grants, 93%
- Employees
- 2
- Volunteers
- 100
- Highest pay
- $80,554, executive director
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: 68 out of 100. Higher than 32% of charities in its peer group (environment, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
10 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 1.1 months of spending.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 23% of what it owns.
Living within its means
12 of 15Income exceeded spending by 0% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 79% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1590% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 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: 95 out of 100. Higher than 86% of charities in its peer group (environment, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
25 of 256 of 6 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
0 of 5Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.
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, 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 (3)
- $761,404 spent. Special projects 319 and NRCS outreach grant. Educates citizens throughout our 13 county area on programs available through USDA to provide assistance and funding for best management practices to preserve and protect our natural resources. Have 13 landowners who have contracted to constructed BMP projects that will reduce soil erosion and runoff into the streams of watersheds in North Georgia Fire Adapted Communities. This program provides education and training to communities in wildfire prone areas on what it takes to be fully prepared for wildland fire. A fire adapted community incorporates people, buildings, businesses, infrastructure, cultural resources, and natural areas into the effort to prepare for the effects of wildland fire forest action plan. This program is part of a five-year strategic plan on managing forest resources and the forest industry. This is a collaborative effort between the council and the Georgia Forestry Commission to maintain Georgias forest legacy and ensure a sustainable forestland for generations to come.
- Special programs sponsored by NRCS to help promote agriculture through out the communities it serves
- Seasonal High Tunnels - installed seasonal high tunnels for several counties including Rabun, Habersham, Forsyth, Oglethorpe, Clarke, and Franklin county. These high tunnels allow for fruit, flower, and vegetable growers to extend their growing season for their crops and potentially increase production.
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
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 December 2024.
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 February 1988.
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.