Ithaca Community Gardens Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Operate one or more community gardens to increase food security and food self-sufficiency in the Ithaca community, providing space and resources for individuals and households to garden, regardless of income level, using environmentally sustainable organic practices. Promote physical and mental health in our community by offering an opportunity for practical exercise for all ages and a space to enjoy companionship with other gardeners, quiet the mind, relax and relieve stress. Strengthen our community by providing an inclusive environment, reaching out to and encouraging participation by all who have an interest in gardening.
- Income
- $31,610
- Spending
- $26,952
- Reserves
- 78.2 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 85%
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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, 2024, 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, 2024, 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)
- $7,417 spent. Continued to build primary program: operating a 2.2 acre organic community garden for residents of Ithaca, with particular outreach to low-income households. Provided orientation to 141+ new & returning gardeners. Continued to build primary program: operating a 2.2 acre organic community garden for residents of Ithaca, with particular outreach to low-income households. Provided orientation to 141+ new and returning gardeners on organic gardening practices, efficient water usage, soil preparation, crop rotation, weed control. Distributed over 275 lbs of food to local food banks, food donation sites and pantries that serve more than 2,100 people per week. Engaged garden members in community-building workdays to maintain the gardens common areas and compost systems, to renovate of vacant plots, and to improve the community garden's function and attractiveness as a public amenity.
- $17,568 spent. Finished several renovation projects undertaken as part of the reconfiguration of the Ithaca Community Gardens, including regrading and seeding of the highway-side Garden's access driveway, renovation and preparation of unused gardening plots, shed bay finishing work, and raised bed construction.
- $1,047 spent. Provided space and physical resources for community-wide activities in collaboration with local groups with related missions, including the Choose Tuesday/Weekly Wellness (multi-organization Community Health initiative) and TC-CCE's "Compost Learning Collaborative" project for household food scrap composting.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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 February 2021.
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.