Free Range Farm School
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- It owes more than it owns.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
Providing a unique and hands-on educational experience centered around sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and ecological awareness to students of varying ages and families. By fostering a deep connection between students and the natural world, the program contributes to the development of environmentally conscious and responsible citizens. The school actively engages with the local community, creating a positive impact on both an educational and economic level. By promoting sustainable farming practices and community involvement, the program contributes to the overall well-being of the community.
- Income
- $257,714
- Spending
- $271,366
- Spent on programs
- 96%
- Reserves
- -0.4 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 91%
- Employees
- 0
- Highest pay
- $4,000, cfo/secretary
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Weak: 22 out of 100. Higher than 1% of charities in its peer group (food and agriculture, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
0 of 35Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.
Debt
0 of 20It owes 358% of what it owns.
Living within its means
4 of 15Spending exceeded income by 5% of income.
Spending floor
15 of 1596% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Weak: 21 out of 100. Higher than 1% of charities in its peer group (food and agriculture, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
5 of 252 of 4 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
0 of 15Reports no written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
0 of 7Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
0 of 5Reports that it does not keep minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
0 of 10Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
0 of 5Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.
Independent check of accounts
6 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 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 (1)
- $260,097 spent. Free Range Farm School serves as a public benefit by addressing critical issues such as food sustainability, environmental conservation, and the importance of local agriculture. The knowledge and skills imparted by the program have long-term societal benefits, as they empower individuals to make informed, environmentally friendly choices in their lives. Free Range Farm School operates with the primary goal of serving the public interest rather than generating profits for private individuals or shareholders.By offering a holistic and experiential approach to education, Free Range Farm School contributes to the development of well-rounded individuals with a deep understanding of ecological systems, sustainable practices, and the importance of local food production. This unique educational model has the potential to inspire future generations of environmentally conscious leaders.tHE sCHOOL plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices, a mission aligned with broader societal goals related to environmental conservation and climate change mitigation.
Source: Form 990 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 October 13, 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 October 13, 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 October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since February 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 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.