Hakone Foundation
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Hakone Foundation is dedicated to preserving the historic legacy and authenticity of Hakone Estates and Gardens for public benefit, and promoting Asian cultural exchange through educational experiences. Originally built in 1915 as a private residence, today Hakone Estates and Gardens is one of the oldest Japanese gardens in the Western Hemisphere and a cherished public park by the local California Bay Area Community. Owned by the City of Saratoga since 1966, Hakone Foundation has independently operated Hakone on behalf of the City since 2000, hosting 40,000-65,000 visitors annually and maintaining . traditional Japanese gardens, a koi pond, several historic buildings and architectural features, a cultural with rotating art exhibits, and 4 traditional Japanese tea ceremony tetami spaces. Hakone Foundation presents numerous educational programs throughout the year to promote its mission of Asian cultural exchange, including Haname (cherry blossom viewing), Toro Nagashi (floating lantern
- Income
- $1.9 million
- Spending
- $1.6 million
- Spent on programs
- 85%
- Reserves
- 15.5 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 70%
- Employees
- 23
- Volunteers
- 120
- Highest pay
- $100,886, 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
Strong: 96 out of 100.
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 15.5 months of spending.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 19% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 14% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 1% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1585% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 34 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
Good: 72 out of 100.
Independent board
25 of 2513 of 13 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no 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
0 of 5Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.
Independent check of accounts
0 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 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 (1)
- $1.4 million spent. One of the National Trust for Historic Preservations premier site and 100 years old, Hakone is one of the oldest Japanese estate, retreat and gardens in the Western Hemisphere. Hakone has also been on the National Register of Historic Places since 2013. The garden is 18 acres nestled on the verdant hills of Saratoga overlooking Silicon Valley. This timeless oasis of peace provides the perfect venue for weddings, birthdays, baby showers, family celebrations and memorial services. Additionally, Hakone has become a favorite destination for company retreats, offsite business meetings, corporate conferences and seminars. The garden carries on the Japanese spirit by hosting annual events such as Origami, Story Telling, Docent Tour/Tea Ceremony, Hina (Japanese Girl Festival), Tanabata (Wish upon the star festival), Toro Nagashi (Floating lantern ceremony), Kadomatsu Workshop (Japanese New Year decoration), Flower Arrangement Workshop, Dai-Chaki and Lunar Festival.
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
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 June 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 November 1988.
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.