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Seguinland Institute

EIN 61-1550063 · Georgetown, ME

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair60 out of 100GovernanceStrong91 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

We create programs that foster deep inquiry into the good life and the great work as a way of guiding our students toward personal and planetary thriving. We combine academic rigor and immersive experiences in nature with visual pedagogy, mind-body practices, and a back-to-the-land work ethic. We provide opportunities for learners to take powerful intellectual risks, to expand their capacity for creative thought and action, and to connect meaningfully to their environment. We aim to equip our students with the skills necessary to nourish with wisdom, justice, and joy the communities to which they belong.

Income
$911,214
Spending
$799,554
Spent on programs
85%
Reserves
2.5 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 68%
Employees
2
Highest pay
$101,607, executive director

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

Financial health

Fair: 60 out of 100. Higher than 28% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 2.5 months of spending.

  • Debt

    5 of 20

    It owes 62% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 12% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 28% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    85% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 12 cents.

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

Governance

Strong: 91 out of 100. Higher than 79% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    8 of 8 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending August 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 (4)
  1. $319,910 spent. The Good Life Gap Semester (Fall 2024): A semester study away program for college age students. We hosted 23 students for an 11 week program. Students received 10 college credits for completing three college courses during our program via our agreement with University of Maine Farmington. The courses offered were: The Good Life (4 credits in Philosophy or Religious Studies) and The Good Life for All (4 Credits in English) and The Creative Life (2 credits). In addition to the academic aspect of the program, students participated in immersive experiences in nature, mindfulness practices and learned to use visuals to capture ideas and facilitate dialog.
  2. $217,896 spent. The Good Life Gap Semester (Spring 2025):A semester-study-away program for college-age students. We hosted approximately students for a 10-week program (February through April) on our 60-acre campus in the coastal woodlands of Maine. Students earned 10 college credits (via our agreement with the University of Maine at Farmington) for completing three college courses: The Good Life (4 credits in Philosophy/Religious Studies), The Good Life for All (4 credits in English), and The Creative Life (2 credits). In addition to the academic component, students lived in intentional community, immersed themselves in nature, practiced mindfulness, participated in food-life and creative-arts projects, and used visuals and dialog to deepen connection and understanding.
  3. $121,697 spent. The Good Life May Term: A month long study away program for college age students. We hosted 18 students. Students received 4 college credits for completing two college courses during our program via our agreement with University of Maine Farmington. The courses offered were: The Good Life (4 credits in Philosophy or Religious Studies) and The Food Life Course (2 Credits in English) and The Creative Life (2 credits). In addition to the academic aspect of the program, students participated in immersive experiences in nature, mindfulness practices and learned to use visuals to capture ideas and facilitate dialog.
  4. $17,885 spent. January Art Residency:A 15-day program for alumni of Seguinland Institute for 6 alumni artists. The program combined: (1) roughly 20 hours per week of self-directed studio work guided by Seguinland faculty, culminating in a final project presentation; and (2) roughly 20 hours per week working in one of several mentored tracks at our community partner, The Chocolate Church. In addition, participants lived communally (shared cottages and studio space), took part in shared meals and weekly potlucks, and strengthened creative practice, community-building skills and place-based art engagement.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending August 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 November 6, 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 August 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 February 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 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.