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Passes our checks

Teravana Trust

EIN 83-4395282 · Cazadero, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair66 out of 100GovernanceFair64 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

SEE SCHEDULE O

Income
$733,038
Spending
$896,764
Spent on programs
91%
Reserves
3.1 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 100%
Employees
2
Volunteers
10

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

Fair: 66 out of 100.

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 3.1 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 20% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 22% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 62% 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

Fair: 64 out of 100.

  • Independent board

    0 of 25

    2 of 2 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.

  • Independent check of accounts

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed 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 (5)
  1. $675,561 spent. SACRED ECOLOGY PROGRAM: SACRED ECOLOGY PROGRAM: TERAVANA IS RESTORING AND STEWARDING FOREST ECOSYSTEMS IN CAZADERO, CA, WHILE EXPANDING ACCESS TO NATURE THROUGH OUTDOOR EDUCATION. THE PROGRAM INTEGRATES REFORESTATION, BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION, AND REGENERATIVE LAND MANAGEMENT ACROSS A 730- ACRE FOREST SANCTUARY. TERAVANA WORKS WITH THE COMMUNITY AND IS COMMITTED TO SUSTAINABILITY, BIODIVERSITY, AND LONG-TERM LAND STEWARDSHIP. THE PROGRAM OFFERS EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES AND WORKSHOPS FOR DIVERSE STUDENT BODIES AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO ENGAGE IN A DYNAMIC LIVING SYSTEM OF DIVERSE MICROCLIMATES. THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS WITH SCHOOLS AND LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS, THE PROGRAM PROVIDES HANDS-ON LEARNING THAT FOSTERS ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS, RESILIENCE, AND CONNECTION TO THE NATURAL WORLD.
  2. $139,729 spent. WELLKIND GUATEMALA PROGRAM: THE ORGANIZATION PARTNERS WITH KAQCHIKEL MAYA COMMUNITIES ACROSS EIGHT TOWNS ALONG THE NORTHERN SHORE OF LAKE ATITLN TO RESTORE LOCAL ECOSYSTEMS THROUGH COMMUNITY-BASED ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES. THE PROGRAM SUPPORTS REFORESTATION THROUGH THE PLANTING AND MAINTENANCE OF NATIVE WOOD AND FRUIT TREES IN COLLABORATION WITH LOCAL FARMERS AND MUNICIPALITIES, INCLUDING WORK IN SURROUNDING MOUNTAIN AREAS AND PROTECTION OF FRESHWATER SPRINGS. THESE ACTIVITIES IMPROVE LONG-TERM ACCESS TO ESSENTIAL NATURAL RESOURCES SUCH AS WATER, FIREWOOD, AND FOOD, WHILE STRENGTHENING LOCAL LIVELIHOODS. THE PROGRAM INTEGRATES TRADITIONAL INDIGENOUS ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE WITH MODERN TOOLS, INCLUDING GIS MAPPING, TO MONITOR REFORESTATION EFFORTS AND ENHANCE LONG-TERM ENVIRONMENTAL OUTCOMES. WELLKIND GUATEMALA PROGRAM: THE ORGANIZATION PARTNERS WITH KAQCHIKEL MAYA COMMUNITIES ACROSS EIGHT TOWNS ALONG THE NORTHERN SHORE OF LAKE ATITLN TO RESTORE LOCAL ECOSYSTEMS THROUGH COMMUNITY-BASED ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES. THE PROGRAM SUPPORTS REFORESTATION THROUGH THE PLANTING AND MAINTENANCE OF NATIVE WOOD AND FRUIT TREES IN COLLABORATION WITH LOCAL FARMERS AND MUNICIPALITIES, INCLUDING WORK IN SURROUNDING MOUNTAIN AREAS AND PROTECTION OF FRESHWATER SPRINGS. THESE ACTIVITIES IMPROVE LONG-TERM ACCESS TO ESSENTIAL NATURAL RESOURCES SUCH AS WATER, FIREWOOD, AND FOOD, WHILE STRENGTHENING LOCAL LIVELIHOODS. THE PROGRAM INTEGRATES TRADITIONAL INDIGENOUS ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE WITH MODERN TOOLS, INCLUDING GIS MAPPING, TO MONITOR REFORESTATION EFFORTS AND ENHANCE LONG-TERM ENVIRONMENTAL OUTCOMES.
  3. OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES CONSISTED OF ADDITIONAL ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION, OUTDOOR EDUCATION, GUATEMALA PROGRAM SUPPORT, AND RELATED CHARITABLE PROGRAM ACTIVITIES NOT SEPARATELY REPORTED ABOVE.
  4. FORM 990, PART III, LINE 1 - ORGANIZATION MISSION TERAVANA TRUST RECOGNIZES OUR WHOLENESS, OUR INTERDEPENDENCE WITH ALL BEINGS, AND OUR CONNECTION WITH THE EARTH THAT UNITES US ALL. WE LOOK AT THE WHOLE SYSTEM, INTENTIONALLY DESIGNING PROGRAMS THAT SEEK TO RESTORE THE WEB OF RELATIONSHIPS TO SELF, EACH OTHER, AND THE PLANET THAT FORM THE ROOTS OF A THRIVING PLANET. WE LOOK AT THE WHOLE SYSTEM, INTENTIONALLY DESIGNING PROGRAMS THAT WORK TOWARDS COMMUNITY RESILIENCE HELPING COMMUNITIES BUILD THE CAPACITY TO MEET THEIR OWN NEEDS. WORKING IN SOLIDARITY WITH LOCAL LEADERS, WE WEAVE STRONGER RELATIONSHIPS TO SELF, TO EACH OTHER, AND TO THE PLANET THAT REVIVE OUR SENSE OF CONNECTION AND HOPE, ENSURING EVERYONE HAS WHAT THEY NEED TO THRIVE. FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4A - PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS SACRED ECOLOGY PROGRAM (SONOMA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA): THE SACRED ECOLOGY PROGRAM IS THE ORGANIZATIONS PRIMARY PROGRAM AND FOCUSES ON RESTORING AND STEWARDING FOREST ECOSYSTEMS WHILE EXPANDING ACCESS TO NATURE THROUGH OUTDOOR EDUCATION. THE PROGRAM INTEGRATES LAND RESTORATION, BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION, AND REGENERATIVE LAND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ACROSS A 730-ACRE FOREST PROPERTY. ACTIVITIES INCLUDE REFORESTATION, HABITAT RESTORATION, AND OPERATION OF AN ORGANIC GARDEN THAT PRODUCES FOOD SUSTAINABLY AND SERVES AS A LIVING CLASSROOM. THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS WITH SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS, THE PROGRAM PROVIDES HANDS-ON EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES THAT CONNECT YOUTH AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT, FOSTERING ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS, RESILIENCE, AND LONG-TERM STEWARDSHIP. FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4B - PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS WELLKIND GUATEMALA PROGRAM: THE ORGANIZATION PARTNERS WITH KAQCHIKEL MAYA COMMUNITIES ACROSS EIGHT TOWNS ALONG THE NORTHERN SHORE OF LAKE ATITLN TO RESTORE LOCAL ECOSYSTEMS THROUGH COMMUNITY-BASED ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES. DURING THE YEAR, THE PROGRAM SUPPORTED REFORESTATION EFFORTS THROUGH THE PLANTING AND MAINTENANCE OF NATIVE WOOD AND FRUIT TREES IN COLLABORATION WITH LOCAL FARMERS AND MUNICIPALITIES, INCLUDING WORK IN SURROUNDING MOUNTAIN AREAS AND PROTECTION OF FRESHWATER SPRINGS. THESE ACTIVITIES CONTRIBUTE TO LONG-TERM ACCESS TO ESSENTIAL NATURAL RESOURCES SUCH AS WATER, FIREWOOD, AND FOOD WHILE STRENGTHENING LOCAL LIVELIHOODS. THE PROGRAM INTEGRATES TRADITIONAL INDIGENOUS ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE WITH MODERN TOOLS, INCLUDING GIS MAPPING, TO MONITOR REFORESTATION EFFORTS AND IMPROVE LONG-TERM ENVIRONMENTAL OUTCOMES. THE ORGANIZATION ALSO SUPPORTS ARTISAN COOPERATIVES AND SAVINGS GROUPS, HELPING LOCAL FAMILIES INCREASE INCOME AND FINANCIAL RESILIENCE. ADDITIONAL INITIATIVES INCLUDE ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION, WATER CONSERVATION, AND SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PRACTICES. FORM 990, PART III - ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION THE ASY PROGRAM WAS DISCONTINUED DURING 2025. NO SIGNIFICANT PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES OR ACTIVITIES WERE CONDUCTED UNDER THIS PROGRAM DURING THE YEAR.
  5. OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES CONSISTED OF ADDITIONAL ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION, OUTDOOR EDUCATION, GUATEMALA PROGRAM SUPPORT, AND RELATED CHARITABLE PROGRAM ACTIVITIES NOT SEPARATELY REPORTED ABOVE.

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 April 2020.

    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.