American Discovery Trail Society
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The American Discovery Trail is responsible for the ongoing development and promotion of America's first coast-to-coast non-motorized trail for hiking, biking, running and other recreational purposes. Passing near the homes of more than 40 million people, the trail runs through fifteen states and our nation's capital. It promotes natural, cultural, and historical resources and facilitates tourism and economic development in rural, suburban and large metropolitan areas.
- Income
- $150,257
- Spending
- $180,762
- Spent on programs
- 69%
- Reserves
- 20.2 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 64%
- Employees
- 1
- Volunteers
- 45
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
Good: 85 out of 100. Higher than 65% of charities in its peer group (recreation and sports, under $250k).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 20.2 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 1% of what it owns.
Living within its means
0 of 15Spending exceeded income by 20% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 50% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1569% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 12 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 96% of charities in its peer group (recreation and sports, under $250k).
Independent board
25 of 2519 of 19 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.
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 (3)
- $82,955 spent. The Society raises awareness of the American Discovery Trail to educate the public of the opportunities for recreation and the health and enjoyment derived from using a trail that runs across North America through 15 states, making it one of the longest trails in the world. Society members and volunteers provide support to long-distance hikers, and we work with local, state, and federal officials on the installation of signage, such as larger signs at trailhead parking lots as well as small signs at regular intervals in state and national parks and forests and along trails managed by our collaborating nonprofit partners. In 2025, we also completely redesigned our website and our customer relationship management database.
- $22,199 spent. The Society raises awareness of the American Discovery Trail to educate the members of the public, public officials, business and municipal leaders, and others about the economic and social benefits of a 6,500+ mile trail that runs through urban and rural communities. The Trail Town initiative is a major part of this work, and the first three communities were formally recognized in 2025, one in Maryland and two in Iowa.
- $20,021 spent. The Society raises awareness of the American Discovery Trail to educate the members of the public, public officials, business and municipal leaders, and others about cultural, historic and ecological attributes associated with natural areas, historic sites, buildings, and communities along America's first coast-to-coast trail. The trail passes through / near multiple state capitals, and many actions in 2025 related to our preparations for the 250th anniversary of America's founding (1776-2026).
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 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 December 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 August 1996.
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.