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Placer Land Trust

EIN 68-0223143 · Auburn, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood85 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Placer Land Trust works with willing landowners and conservation partners to permanently protect and care for natural and agricultural lands in Placer County for current and future generations.

Income
$30.1 million
Spending
$10.6 million
Spent on programs
94%
Reserves
4.8 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 52%
Employees
15
Volunteers
113
Highest pay
$162,021, executive director

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

Good: 85 out of 100. Higher than 59% of charities in its peer group (environment, $10m to $100m).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 4.8 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 3% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 65% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 191% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    94% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 1 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: 100 out of 100. Higher than 35% of charities in its peer group (environment, $10m to $100m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    12 of 12 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

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited 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 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)
  1. $1.3 million spent. Land Conservation and Protection The primary mission of Placer Land Trust (PLT) is to protect agricultural and natural lands in the Placer County region for public benefit through the acquisition and stewardship of land and conservation easements. During this fiscal year, PLT successfully protected an additional 308 acres, increasing the total land protected to 22,386 acres. These accomplishments reflect PLTs commitment to safeguarding vital landscapes for the benefit of current and future generations.
  2. $8.5 million spent. Placer Land Trust actively manages the properties it owns to ensure public benefits are preserved now and for future generations in perpetuity. When feasible we work to enhance the public value of these properties by restoring wildlife habitats, controlling non-native invasive species, reducing fuel loads, improving public access, and more. For example, we own vernal pool and wetland preserves in western Placer County, including Doty Ravine Preserve and Swainsons Grassland Preserves. On these properties we protect endangered species, manage invasive species, restore and enhance wetland and upland habitat, reduce fuel loads, and conduct educational tours. Additionally, we protect agricultural lands from urban sprawl, ensuring that viable, productive farmland remains available in perpetuity to support regional, community, and national food needs.
  3. $130,598 spent. Community Engagement Placer Land Trust recognizes the significant health and quality-of-life benefits associated with time spent in nature. To promote outdoor access and engagement, in addition to acquisition and protection, we focus on creating opportunities for the public to enjoy our preserves. Key activities include (a) Building and Maintaining Trails - Trails are designed and maintained for hiking, running, mountain biking, and horseback riding; (b) Volunteer-Led Hikes and Tours - Docents guide recreational and educational hikes and tours to encourage public connection with nature; (c) Collaborative Partnerships - We work with various partners including recreational and outdoor education organizations to provide diverse public experiences; (d) Land Stewardship Activities - Community members participate in activities such as invasive species removal (e.g., Scotch broom clearing), tree planting, fuel reduction, and trail maintenance. Our outreach efforts, led primarily by volunteers with staff and board oversight, are inclusive and designed to engage people of all ages. We emphasize reaching traditionally underserved populations to ensure equitable access to nature and its benefits.

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

  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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 2026.

  4. 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 September 7, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since November 1995.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 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.