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Passes our checks

Polestar Gardens Inc

EIN 68-0453822 · Fort Collins, CO

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthNot ratedToo small or too little detailGovernanceStrong91 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

RESIDENTIAL LEARNING CENTERS AND INTENTIONAL COMMUNITIES THAT OFFER EDUCATIONAL CLASSES, WORKSHOPS, MENTORSHIPS, APPRENTICESHIPS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES.

Income
$37,140
Spending
$35,608
Spent on programs
85%
Reserves
-649.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 91%
Employees
3
Highest pay
$39,000, president

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

We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.

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: 91 out of 100. Higher than 83% of charities in its peer group (human services, under $250k).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    3 of 5 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no 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.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports 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)
  1. $20,891 spent. SKILLS FOR LIVING RESIDENCY PROGRAM - THIS PROGRAM USES THE COMMUNITY AND HOME ENVIRONMENT TO PROMOTE A PROCESS OF SELF-EXPLORATION AND EXPANDING LEARNING. STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN A NUMBER OF GROUP ACTIVITIES INCLUDING COOKING, CHORES, HOUSE MEETINGS, MEALS, GARNDENING, OUTDOOR ADVENTURE DAYS, SERVICE PROJECTS, AND GUIDED TIMES FOR QUIET AND INTROSPECTION. EVENTS ALSO INCLUDE STORYTELLING, ART WORKSHOPS, MUSIC, YOUGA, CULTURAL EVENTS, SPEACKERS, PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES AND STAR WATCHING. THE PROGRAM IS CREATING A NEW FACILITY IN COLORADO.
  2. $6,916 spent. POLESTAR FAMILY CAMP - FAMILY WEEKEND AT BUCKHORN LODGE RETREAT. INCLUDES TENT CAMPING, CABINS, RETREAT LODGE ROOMS, HIKING, CAMPFIRES, GAMES, MUSIC, CONNECTION AND MEDITATION FOR REJUVENATION AND RENEWAL.
  3. $2,397 spent. POLESTAR SUMMER KIDS CAMP - FOR CHILDREN AGES 5 THROUGH 12 FOR 2 WEEKS DURING THE SUMMER AND HELD ON POLESTAR PROPERTY. THE THEME OF THE CAMPS SUPPORT THE PURPOSE OF COMMUNITY BUILDING, EDUCATION OF CHILDREN IN THE NATURAL SCIENCES, AND SERVING THE COMMUNITY THROUGH SHARED ACTIVITIES. PARTICIPANTS EXPERIENCE THE BENEFITS OF COMMUNITY AND FAMILY RELATIONS AS WELL AS INDEPENDENCE AND CONFIDENCE IN THEIR CHOICES IN LIFE SITUATIONS.

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

  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 December 2024.

    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 July 2001.

    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.