Organic Growers School
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Through accessible peer-to-peer education and collaborative networks Organic Growers School empowers individuals and communities in Southern Appalachia to advance organic growing practices strengthen local food systems and promote food sovereignty in ways that nourish both people and the planet.
- Income
- $751,086
- Spending
- $692,224
- Spent on programs
- 82%
- Reserves
- 2.8 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 72%
- Employees
- 9
- Volunteers
- 90
- Highest pay
- $71,187, executive director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 75 out of 100. Higher than 45% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
10 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 2.8 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 8% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 8% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 36% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1582% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 8 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 91 out of 100. Higher than 81% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
25 of 2510 of 10 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
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
6 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed 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 September 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 (1)
- $568,644 spent. Spring Conference: For over 30 years OGS has hosted an annual Spring Conference which is one of the largest grassroots gatherings of this kind in the Southeastern US with over 1000 people participating over a three day period. The conference inspires and educates people to farm garden and live organically by providing affordable practical and hands-on education. Farmer Programs: OGS offers a complete farm education curriculum from aspiring to new to experienced farmers through the following programs: Farm Dreams is for those in the exploratory stages of starting their own farm. This entry-level workshop provides practical common sense information on sustainable farming and how to move forward. Farm Beginnings is training for the next generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business: clear goals production experience financial and marketing know-how and more. Farm Beginnings will help build these skills through a one year of farmer-led training mentoring and networking. CRAFT Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training is a peer-to-peer farmer-led effort to bring established farmers farm apprentices and aspiring farmers together for year-long training in the art and science of sustainable agriculture. Journeyperson Program is designed for farmers who have been independently farming for three or more years and are serious about operating farm businesses in the Southern Appalachian region. Forest Farming is a series of workshops aimed to train beginning forest farmers and land stewards to understand the opportunities and sustainable production of woodland botanicals and forest products. Organic Crop Management is a webinar series that provides growers with strategies and tools to manage soil health weeds pests and diseases for the whole farm. Organic Growing and Living: Programs such as Homegrown Dreams and Gardening Series help people gain knowledge on sustainable living and growing through various workshops designed to meet their needs. Fiscal Sponsorship: OGS is a fiscal sponsor of the Food Justice Planning Initiative FJPI. FJPI transitioned to a stand alone 501c3 in 2025 called WNC Food Systems Coalition Inc. They are primarily funded through grants. Grant income of $153,525 and program expenses of $31,026 related to these fiscal sponsorships are included in the OGS financial results
Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 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 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 September 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 July 2006.
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.