Friends of Distant Hill
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
In support of its charitable and educational goals Friends of Distant Hill aims to assist Distant Hill Gardens and Nature Trail in furthering its mission of promoting environmental and horticultural education. This includes inspiring both children and adults regardless of ability to connect with nature through education observation and play. Friends of Distant Hill helps develop promote and fundraise for Distant Hills mission-aligned services facilities and programs.
- Income
- $52,050
- Spending
- $53,289
- Reserves
- 15.4 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 91%
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
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
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 (4)
- $8,656 spent. ACCESSIBLE TRAILS: In 2025 we built another quarter-mile of wheelchair- and stroller-accessible trail bringing the total of smooth gravel trails at Distant Hill Nature Trail to over two miles. Costs for the gravel trail fabric culverts and tractor fuel are included in the total. All labor and tractor hours were donated. Estimated number of annual visitors to Distant Hill Nature Trail: 5,000 to 7,500.
- $7,999 spent. ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: In May of 2025 we purchased a 10x12 storage shed for pavilion events along with solar panels a monitor a solar generator to power the monitor a sound bar and lights for the pavilion. We held 20 free workshops and events in 2025 attended by over 200 community members.
- $5,000 spent. WILDLIFE CONSERVATION: In the spring of 2025 we used a 5,000 grant from the Bailey Charitable Foundation to install eight motion-sensor wildlife cameras to capture video of the wildlife that use the property. The cameras were installed and monitored by Jaime McGuigan from the 501c3 nonprofit Access Conservation. Jaime led two Wildlife Camera Workshops in the fall of 2025 to showcase her work with 48 attendees.
- $3,723 spent. Supplies for trail building and maintenance including markers metal sign holders and tools for trail construction and upkeep.
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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 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 September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since January 2020.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 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.