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Tacoma Farmers Market

EIN 91-1647227 · Tacoma, WA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair55 out of 100GovernanceFair62 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The mission of the Tacoma Farmers Market is to provide a sustainable market venue where local farms and small businesses can connect directly with consumers and the community. In doing so, our three markets support our vision of: preserving local farms and farmland, strengthening our local economy, building small businesses, providing access to healthy food for all residents, and creating vibrant spaces for community engagement.

Income
$142,461
Spending
$208,483
Spent on programs
73%
Reserves
5.4 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 46%
Employees
5
Volunteers
13

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

Fair: 55 out of 100. Higher than 29% of charities in its peer group (human services, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 5.4 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 3% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 46% of income.

  • Income trend

    0 of 15

    Income fell 43% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    73% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 20 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

Fair: 62 out of 100. Higher than 46% of charities in its peer group (human services, under $250k).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    7 of 7 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    0 of 15

    Reports no written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    0 of 7

    Reports no 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.

  • 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 (2)
  1. $151,557 spent. TFM Traditional Markets run 4 days a week from May-September and include 4 Tacoma locations: Downtown Broadway, Eastside, Point Ruston and Multicare in Hilltop. These markets support WIC, EBT, PEBT, and SNAP programs for families and individuals qualifying for assistance. To qualify as a Farmers Market through the WFMA, as well as accept WIC, we must commit to hosting 5 farmers per market with a certain percentage of revenue going to our farm vendors. Our commitment to qualifying as a farmers market solidifies our goals to increase access to fresh and local produce. These markets also provide a space for local farmers and businesses to direct sell to customers and to build a customer base.
  2. The Fresh Express Mobile Market is a year round mobile market that travels to 8 different locations throughout Pierce County. This market brings fresh and local produce, bread, eggs, and other items to customers who may have transportation or other mobility restrictions. This programs partners with community organizations to pin point locations with limited food access as well as with local farmers to purchase directly and sell to consumers. FEM accepts EBT, SNAP and PEBT as well as other forms of payment assistance.

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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 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 September 7, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since July 2019.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 7, 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.