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Trees Lexington

EIN 82-1288472 · Lexington, KY

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood75 out of 100GovernanceGood82 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Tree Lexington is a nonprofit that empowers community members to dig into the fun and fulfilling work of expanding and maintaining our local tree canopy. Through community tree plantings and educational workshops on proper tree care, Trees Lexington increases canopy cover, improves the health of our citizens, and preserves the character of our city.

Income
$303,489
Spending
$278,274
Spent on programs
91%
Reserves
2.5 months of spending
Largest source of income
government grants, 63%
Employees
4
Volunteers
12
Highest pay
$28,125, operations manager

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: 75 out of 100. Higher than 41% of charities in its peer group (environment, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 2.5 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 13% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 8% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 96% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    91% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 2 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

Good: 82 out of 100. Higher than 56% of charities in its peer group (environment, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    12 of 12 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

    0 of 7

    Reports no 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

    12 of 15

    Its accounts were reviewed or compiled by an independent accountant, but not audited.

  • 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 (3)
  1. $101,604 spent. Tree Planting & Care - Trees Lexington provides Lexington community organizations and individuals with comprehensive educational expertise in tree care to help them become good stewards of their urban forest and the environment. The Tree Stewards Program provides hands-on training to individuals in all aspects of tree care including correct planting technique, mulching, watering and pruning. As a result of that training, Tree Stewards are equipped with the knowledge and skills to be leaders in neighborhoods and community projects enhancing our urban forest. We also collaborate with local businesses and community and neighborhood organizations to plan, implement and maintain tree coverage for their property. Since 2018, Trees Lexington has planted over 1,600 trees (with over 700 in 2025) and involved hundreds of volunteers in their care achieving a high 90s percent survival rate.
  2. $12,012 spent. Tree Giveaways - Trees Lexington's tree giveaways provide an opportunity for individuals to become urban forest stakeholders by receiving a free three-gallon tree for their private property; tree planting and maintenance education; and one-on-one guidance from our tree experts, including several certified arborists. Since the program's inception, Trees Lexington gave away over 3,000 trees, including approximately 550 in 2025.
  3. $138,856 spent. Grant Projects - Trees Lexington works in partnership with local government, state government, and schools to plan, implement, and maintain tree canopy projects that improve our urban forest in under-canopied areas. These projects allow neighborhoods and communities that are historically lacking in green infrastructure to enjoy the benefits of green-space and tree canopies including reduced heat island effects, engaging public spaces, and children's playgrounds. 2025 projects included tree planting at 16 Fayette County Public Schools, Lexington Housing Authority, God's Pantry Food Bank, and other community spaces.

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 October 13, 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 October 13, 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 October 13, 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 October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since November 2017.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 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.