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School of Adaptive Agriculture

EIN 87-1270842 · Willits, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong90 out of 100GovernanceNot ratedThe short tax form does not cover thisImpact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To promote and support sustainable farming and ranching and local food systems through education and support services, including: 1. educational programs for the training of farmers and ranchers, aspiring farmers, food professionals, and the general public in the science, art and business of local, small-scale, environmentally sound food production; 2. essential services to farmers, including technical assistance, marketing, and promotion of local food products; and 3. information and networking opportunities for local small farmers and ranchers seeking to grow their businesses and address obstacles to providing more local food.

Income
$159,683
Spending
$119,216
Reserves
8.4 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 89%

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

Strong: 90 out of 100. Higher than 62% of charities in its peer group (food and agriculture, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 8.4 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 25% 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 (4)
  1. $24,360 spent. Enrolled and trained 5 students in 14-week Farm School Program. This is our flagship program. It entailed two days of classes, two days of paid internships at participating farms, and one day of field trips to farms and food production facilities. Roughly half the classes were conducted by volunteers; other instructors received a small stipend. Program service expenses listed below include staff wages reported elsewhere.
  2. $49,111 spent. Enrolled 5 aspiring farmers in our Incubator Farming Program, providing a small plot of land, greenhouse space, access to water and tools, and training to farmers wanting to develop a business idea and business plan. Program service expenses include staff wages, tools, equipment and supplies.
  3. $1,852 spent. We hosted and helped organize the Farmers Convergence, a three-day conference serving 125 people. In late 2025 we accepted fiscal responsibility for the upcoming (2026) Farmers Convergence and began planning for that.
  4. $4,400 spent. We hosted five workshops, enrolling 25 individuals.

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

  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 June 2022.

    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.