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Urban Harvest Inc

EIN 76-0501430 · Houston, TX

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong100 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Urban Harvest is transforming food accessibility in Greater Houston through partnerships with local farmers and gardeners, vibrant Farmers Markets and mobile markets, and comprehensive garden education. Our goal is not just to improve, but to transform the way communities engage with and access fresh, locally sourced food. We envision a healthier life for everyone through access to fresh, nutritious food from local farms and gardens.

Income
$2.4 million
Spending
$1.7 million
Spent on programs
69%
Reserves
12.8 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 83%
Employees
20
Volunteers
230
Highest pay
$176,692, executive director

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

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 86% of charities in its peer group (environment, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 12.8 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 2% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 30% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 3% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    69% 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 60% of charities in its peer group (environment, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    10 of 10 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 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 (4)
  1. $495,119 spent. Urban Harvest's Food Access Program makes fresh, healthy food the easy, affordable choice for all through Double Up Houston, the Mobile Market, and the Saturday Farmers Market. Double Up Houston is Urban Harvest's SNAP incentive program in which food-insecure or low-income individuals can leverage enrollment in federal benefit programs, such as SNAP, WIC, and others, to access fresh fruit and vegetables at farm stands, farmers markets, and Mobile Market sites across Houston. Urban Harvest's Mobile Market partners with clinics, churches, schools, housing organizations, community centers, and other community-based sites to offer farm-fresh produce in low-income, low-access communities.
  2. $268,837 spent. Urban Harvest's Permaculture Program builds advanced land stewardship skills and community leadership by training participants to design sustainable, regenerative systems that support food production, environmental health, and community resilience. Permaculture, or "permanent agriculture", is grounded in the ethics of Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Share. The program emphasizes practical application and long-term community benefit, making sure to include marginalized communities and community members.
  3. $268,283 spent. Urban Harvest's Education Program builds the knowledge, skills, and confidence people need to grow food, care for the land, and participate meaningfully in the local food system. Rooted in experiential learning and community connection, the program integrates gardening classes, workshops like Edible Academy and Women in Agriculture, youth programming, and a robust Community Gardens network to support individual and collective well-being.
  4. $108,400 spent. The Community Gardens Program offers access to shared growing spaces, technical assistance, leadership development, and a sense of belonging for nearly 4,000 gardeners. These gardens are critical to fighting hunger, creating a sense of community, and fostering ecological land stewardship. Urban Harvest supports the network of more than 175 community gardens through seasonal plant and material distributions, volunteer opportunities, access to classes and educational opportunities, and leadership development.

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

  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 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 July 1996.

    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.