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Tri-State Trails

EIN 92-0271881 · Cincinnati, OH

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong100 out of 100GovernanceGood84 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Tri-State Trails' mission is to connect people and places with a regional trail and bikeway network that enhances vibrancy and equity in our community. Tri-State Trails unites advocates, leaders, and stakeholders in a collaborative discussion on active transportation and outdoor recreation in Southwest Ohio, Northern Kentucky, andSoutheast Indiana.To accomplish its mission, Tri-State Trails advocates for connecting and expanding the regional trail and bikeway network; collects and maintains data on trails locally; provides technical assistance to local governments and community groups to advise them on best practices for trail planning, design, funding, construction, and maintenance; and promotes and celebrates the existing trails in the Tri-State.

Income
$1.5 million
Spending
$886,830
Spent on programs
82%
Reserves
110.4 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 44%
Employees
5
Volunteers
150

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

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 87% of charities in its peer group (public benefit, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 110.4 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 42% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 140% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    82% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 8 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: 84 out of 100. Higher than 40% of charities in its peer group (public benefit, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    8 of 8 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.

  • Independent check of accounts

    0 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. $145,160 spent. Technical Assistance to Local Governments and Community Groups:In 2024, Tri-State Trails worked on several fee for service projects by providing professional consulting on trail and bikeway planning to local governments and community groups. The organization prepared the Mill Creek Triangle Trail Feasibility Study to connect twelve local governments in central and northern Hamilton County, Ohio; and the Forest Park Winton Trail Plan in the City of Forest Park, Ohio. Tri-State Trails advised on a variety of other projects for several other local governments. The organization collected trail usage data on over 200 miles of regional trails in the Tri-State region.
  2. $129,332 spent. Public Education and Trail Promotion Activities:In 2024, Tri-State Trails organized several events to promote the existing trails, as well as educate the public about future trail opportunities and safe trail usage behaviors. The organization organized and published a Low-Stress Bike Map for the urban core to educate beginners about safe bicycling routes and behaviors. The organization organized and/or supported eight Pop-Up Bike Shop events to provide free bike repair and bike safety gear in underserved neighborhoods. Tri-State Trails organized bike ride activities including Breakfast on the Bridge, in celebration of National Bike to Work Day; the Tour de CROWN ride, to showcase the existing and planned trails in the CROWN project; the Meet the Candidates Ride, to educate candidates running for elected office about the opportunities and challenges associated with trails and bikeways; and several other one-off bike ride events. Many of Tri-State Trails' events have a fundraising component to them to generate sponsorship and registration income.
  3. $448,516 spent. The CROWN Capital Campaign:The CROWN Capital Campaign is a vision to build a 34-mile urban trail loop around the City of Cincinnati. Funds are in the process of being expended over the next five years to match state and federal grants to connect 24 miles of trails included in Phase I of the CROWN network. In 2024, Tri-State Trails funded the construction of Wasson Way Phase 6B on Xavier University's campus and a portion of the local match for the Mariemont Connector trail. Tri-State Trails is the fiscal agent and fiscal sponsor for the CROWN Capital Campaign, which was formerly managed by Green Umbrella from 2019 to December 2023. The CROWN Capital Campaign is governed by the CROWN Committee, which makes decisions about how the funds will be allocated for trail projects and other expenses required for fundraising, project management, administration, etc. Tri-State Trails performs services for the CROWN Capital Campaign including fund stewardship, project management, community engagement, trail planning, grant funding strategy, and trail beautification.

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 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 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 May 2023.

    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.