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Refugia Marin

EIN 92-0458533 · Larkspur, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong93 out of 100GovernanceStrong91 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Our mission is to create thriving habitat gardens for local pollinators and wildlife. We transform neglected public spaces in Marin County by removing invasive species and planting native California landscapes. Our goal is to support biodiversity and enhance the beauty and sustainability of these spaces.We promote community stewardship and provide environmental education. Through partnerships with cities and school districts, we maximize the habitat potential of their lands. We educate youth, families, and community members through talks, educational signage, and school assemblies, emphasizing the importance of sustainable stewardship.

Income
$657,675
Spending
$499,500
Spent on programs
95%
Reserves
7.4 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 100%
Employees
3
Volunteers
126

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 79% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 7.4 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 24% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 254% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    94% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 2 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 91 out of 100. Higher than 77% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    7 of 7 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

    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, 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 (1)
  1. $471,924 spent. 1: Corte Madera Town Park Habitat Garden The final Phase 4 was installed in January. Informational signs were installed. Our volunteer Refugia Rangers had ten maintenance work days. 2: Corte Madera Wilds at Pixley Pond The planting at the pond was completed spring 2025. ?This pond enhancement will become a sanctuary for wildlife and a hub for watershed education. 3: Hall Middle School Native Plant Garden installation completed.A grant from the CA Wildlife Conservation Board administered by ROOTS under Point Blue Conservation, was fully installed and completed November 2025. Educational materials have been developed. 4: East Corte Madera Community Garden Refugia Marin has contracted with the Town of Corte Madera to install and maintain this Peoples garden, a food and habitat resource. This community garden has been USDA-approved as a Peoples Garden. 5. Watershed Education Continues with a third NOAA Grant awarded?Refugia Marin is partnering with Neil Cummins and NOAA to inspire 4th and 5th graders with hands-on lessons about the vital role of native plants in protecting our watershed. 6. The Dan Stralka Memorial Garden at Dominican University is now a Refugia Marin maintained and enhanced garden. The habitat garden is being enjoyed by the community and used by several classes on campus for hands on research and education. 7. Marin Sonoma Water Wise Garden Tour Answered questions from 100+ visitors to our demonstration Habitat Garden at Corte Madera Town Park. Gave out seeds and educational materials on water wise native plants and pollinators. 8. Larkspur Library A Habitat Garden agreement has been signed with the Town of Larkspur. Installation of a 16,000 square foot to be installed spring 2026.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 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 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 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 January 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 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.