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Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership

EIN 92-3240810 · Bloomington, IL

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood82 out of 100GovernanceGood88 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership (ISAP) brings together diverse member organizations who work collaboratively to encourage the adoption of sustainable and profitable production practices that improve soil health and restore local waters. One of the Partnership's primary efforts is to support Illinois agriculture in meeting the goals of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (NLRS) by utilizing data and consistent messaging to increase the technical capacity of ag professionals while minimizing risk and increasing profits for farmers.

Income
$249,847
Spending
$204,256
Spent on programs
96%
Reserves
3.1 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 95%
Employees
0
Volunteers
30

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: 82 out of 100. Higher than 66% of charities in its peer group (human services, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 3.1 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 3% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 18% of income.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    96% 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: 88 out of 100. Higher than 80% 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

    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

    0 of 10

    Did not give 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 (4)
  1. $105,011 spent. In-field and Soil Health Management. ISAP's programs include its flagship Soil Health Leadership Program that provides hands-on training to farmers, farm advisors, and conservation professionals looking to sharpen their skills and further Illinois' stewardship practices. The program includes a combination of classroom and field-based instruction on a variety of soil health concepts, including soil biology and chemistry, cover crop selection and management, nutrient management, economics, integrated pest management, diversity, livestock integration, and effective communication strategies. Participants commit to a series of 6 training sessions over 18 months, and are expected to share what they learn with farmers and agricultural professionals in their network. Other initiatives under this program include the creation of informational resources (e.g. the Soil Health Guidebook) and sharing information / presentations at events throughout the state.
  2. $67,440 spent. Production Risk Management. ISAP's Production Risk Management Program includes informational webinars and resources that highlight the economic considerations of soil health management systems. In 2024, this included the curation and creation of a digital database of financial incentives available to Illinois farmers.
  3. $12,573 spent. ISAP's Water Quality and Edge-of-Field programs highlight practices like saturated buffers, constructed wetlands, controlled drainage, and bioreactors, which are designed to capture and treat high levels of nitrate-nitrogen from tile flow. Conservation drainage training and related resources provide participants with knowledge and tools to scale up practice adoption by making conservation drainage practices a standard part of tile installation and farm management. In 2024, this included hosting an informational field day and producing educational materials for farmers.
  4. $10,343 spent. Network of Practitioners. Cultivating a network of agriculture and conservation professionals amplifies ISAP's ability to work with farmers across the state. By creating opportunities for networking and peer-to-peer learning, ISAP leverages the collective expertise that exists within Illinois agriculture to advance our shared goals of improving soil health and reducing nutrient loss.

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 2024.

    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.