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Groundwork Southcoast

EIN 88-3370006 · New Bedford, MA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong93 out of 100GovernanceStrong93 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To bring about the sustained regeneration, improvement, and management of the physical environment by developing community-based partnerships that empower people, businesses, and organizations to promote environmental, economic, and social well-being.

Income
$1.6 million
Spending
$882,607
Spent on programs
68%
Reserves
10.3 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 56%
Employees
15
Volunteers
80
Highest pay
$57,191, executive director

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Strong: 93 out of 100.

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 10.3 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 7% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 45% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 1475% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    68% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 4 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 93 out of 100.

  • Independent board

    18 of 25

    4 of 4 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.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited 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 June 30, 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. $253,987 spent. Workforce Development and Training - The Workforce Development and Training program focuses on youth employment, job training, and leadership development through environmental and community improvement projects. The primary component of this program is the Green Team, a youth employment and leadership initiative that provides workforce training in environmental stewardship, landscaping, urban agriculture, food production, tree and orchard maintenance, and public space improvement projects. Participants develop job readiness, leadership skills, and environmental knowledge through service learning, technical training, and hands-on work experience. Workforce activities include maintaining community gardens, managing urban farms, streetscape and public space maintenance, and other environmental stewardship projects that provide practical job training while improving community assets.
  2. $196,653 spent. Climate Resilience- The Climate Resilience program focuses on environmental stewardship and climate adaptation projects that improve environmental conditions and community resilience. Activities include tree planting, orchard management, riverbank restoration, invasive species removal, urban greening, and restoration of natural areas. The Organization also supports urban agriculture and green infrastructure projects that increase food access, improve environmental sustainability, and enhance climate resilience in the communities served. These projects are conducted in partnership with municipalities and community organizations and often incorporate youth workforce participation as part of hands-on environmental training.
  3. $112,683 spent. Community Engagement - The Community Engagement program includes community outreach, volunteerism, environmental education, and youth-led community initiatives designed to promote environmental awareness, community participation, and environmental equity. Activities include volunteer events, workshops, community partnerships, and programs such as Adventure Walk and Sow & Grow. The Organization engages community members in environmental stewardship through community gardens, food distribution efforts, public space improvement projects, and volunteer-supported environmental initiatives. These efforts help increase access to fresh food, improve neighborhood spaces, and strengthen community involvement in environmental and stewardship activities.
  4. $38,585 spent. Other programs that bring about the sustained regeneration, improvement, and management of the physical environment by developing community-based partnerships that empower people, businesses, and organizations to promote environmental, economic, and social well-being.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 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 June 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 March 2024.

    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.