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Roots 2empower

EIN 85-2146598 · Providence, RI

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong93 out of 100GovernanceStrong91 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

We foster an equitable, community-driven transition to a regenerative future through public education, skills-building, and environmental connection.

Income
$398,079
Spending
$369,920
Spent on programs
94%
Reserves
9.6 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 100%
Employees
5
Volunteers
0

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

Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 79% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 9.6 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 3% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 7% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 13% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    94% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 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

Strong: 91 out of 100. Higher than 77% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    6 of 6 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 (1)
  1. $346,689 spent. Over the reporting period, the organization strengthened regional partnerships, expanded educational programming, and advanced community-centered climate and environmental justice initiatives. Collaboration with the Health Equity Zones supported curriculum development and delivery of community workshops, including the Growing Healthy Food series, an Urban Forestry series, and training on pathways to becoming a community tree steward. These efforts increased resident knowledge of food systems, ecological stewardship, and local climate resilience strategies. Youth education and workforce development remained a central focus. A comprehensive curriculum was developed and implemented for the Green Futures STEAM Program, resulting in the launch of a 10-week paid summer program serving sixteen high school students. The program integrated environmental science, sustainability careers, and applied learning. Additionally, an all-year afterschool program at Shea High School provided instruction in eco-arts, herbal medicine, and climate change education, reinforcing interdisciplinary environmental literacy. Place-based education was further supported through programming on the history of food justice in partnership with Southside Community Land Trust, combined with eco-arts engagement to connect environmental learning with cultural expression. A partnership with another nonprofit expanded youth arts programming within the summer initiative, strengthening creative pathways for environmental storytelling and expression. At the policy and systems level, the organization advanced multiple climate justice initiatives. Through Driving Climate Resilience Through Community Empowerment, collaboration with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management supported the development and updating of climate mitigation planning focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and harmful air pollutants while centering engagement with low-income and disadvantaged communities. Regional energy justice leadership capacity expanded through the Offshore Wind Energy Justice Leadership Cohort in partnership with SouthCoast Wind. This initiative cultivated a network of community leaders equipped to serve as ambassadors for offshore wind energy justice. The cohort strengthened sustained community engagement in offshore wind development and supported equitable participation across local, state, and federal permitting processes. Through the Climate Ready Together initiative with the Providence Resilience Partnership, the organization led curriculum development, trained and supported facilitation teams, and facilitated a cohort, advancing community preparedness and participatory resilience planning. In partnership with a university on Pricing a Just Transition, the organization led interview and focus group recruitment, facilitated focus groups, and advised on equity and accessibility across project components. The tenant engagement phase is nearing completion, with additional interviews and focus groups conducted with workers and property owners. Food access and community health outcomes were strengthened through continued cultivation at the community garden, distributing fresh produce and herbs to approximately 200 individuals. These efforts advanced food sovereignty, supported household nutrition, and reinforced community-based environmental stewardship.

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 November 6, 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 May 2021.

    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 November 4, 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.