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Guided by Goats Inc

EIN 88-4151066 · Cheshire, CT

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood75 out of 100GovernanceGood83 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Our mission is to provide families of all abilities with the confidence to enjoy their community through learning, play, and nature-based activities.

Income
$283,624
Spending
$263,732
Spent on programs
100%
Reserves
1.4 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 99%
Employees
0
Volunteers
12
Highest pay
$55,740, executive director

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

Good: 75 out of 100. Higher than 50% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 1.4 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% 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 382% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    100% 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

Good: 83 out of 100. Higher than 66% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    5 of 5 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no 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

    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, 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)
  1. $263,732 spent. We began to develop programs for all inclusive play. We got 501c3 status approved.
  2. We began hosting volunteers from Oak Hill School to come to our farm and gain job skills. They learned animal care, job skills, and money skills. They hosted a farm market where they sold eggs to participants at the play groups we run. These volunteers are individuals in high school with special needs. This program is the heart of what we do, and a major focus going forward as we want to help individuals in this population become more prepared for adult life. We also developed and began hosting social groups, speech groups and occupational therapy groups to assist individuals diagnosed with autism learn new skills. We also established our in-home ABA services for individuals diagnosed with autism. We provide parent training, behavior reduction, and replacement behavior training at these sessions. Lastly, we established our open play groups. At open play we provide families of all abilities a space to play in nature and connect with each other. Inclusive play is encouraged as we want children diagnosed with autism to be around individuals who do not have a diagnosis. We also want individuals without a diagnosis to be with those who do have one. We believe this type of event will help others understand their peers unique needs and create a world of understanding in the future. Open play is also a chance for parents who have questions about their children connect with a professional in the human service field and learn more about interventions out there. We have had 219 signups in our limited sessions and programs we hosted on our small farm last year.
  3. In 2024 we made a connection with Meriden YMCA and began the process to sponsor kids with special needs to enter their adaptive summer camps. This initiative fits our mission by creating access to outdoor camps for those with disabilities. We have a 5,000 dollar budget to sponsor registrations

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

  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 2024.

    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 October 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.