Preserve International
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- It owes more than it owns.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
Preserve International exists to fight hunger and minimize the burden of seasonal poverty in East Africa through the provision of innovative, rurally-minded food preservation technology and training to reduce post-harvest crop loss. We also endeavor to spread awareness of food waste reduction practices in the U.S. through education and training on seasonal eating and safe food preservation techniques.
- Income
- $89,484
- Spending
- $82,945
- Reserves
- -6.4 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 77%
- Highest pay
- $24,500, executive director
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Weak: 21 out of 100. Higher than 4% of charities in its peer group (international, under $250k).
Reserves
0 of 35Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.
Debt
0 of 20It owes 645% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 7% of income.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.
Source: Form 990EZ 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 (1)
- $82,945 spent. Preserve International, through its on-the-ground operations in Uganda, continued to expand its Train-the-Trainer model in 2025, strengthening local capacity and deepening community impact. Building on prior work, the organization added an additional 28 community-based agricultural groups, primarily composed of women and refugee-led initiatives. The program base was transitioned from Yumbe to Palorinya, where Preserve International partnered with Impact Driven Mission, a local refugee-led organization, to provide more comprehensive and integrated training. Trainings included techniques in solar dehydration, water bath canning, and improved storage practices to reduce post-harvest loss, alongside expanded support in agriculture, group development, and financial management. Preserve International Uganda also distributed hundreds of PICS bags, drying tarps, and other post-harvest handling supplies to support safe storage and reduce crop loss. The organization continued deploying Sparky dryers, a locally designed solar and biofuel-powered food dehydrator, to help preserve seasonal harvests such as mangoes, tomatoes, and leafy greens. These efforts enabled participants to improve household nutrition and generate income by selling preserved goods during the off-season. Through this model, Preserve International empowered local trainers and participants, fostering stronger integration within the community and reducing dependence on external facilitation. The approach emphasizes sustainable, relationship-driven development and long-term resilience across refugee and host populations.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 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 December 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 March 2019.
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.