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Trustees for Alaska

EIN 92-6010379 · Anchorage, AK

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood81 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

FOUNDED IN 1974, TRUSTEES FOR ALASKA SERVES THE PUBLIC INTEREST BY PROVIDING LEGAL COUNSEL TO PROTECT AND DEFEND ALASKA'S LANDS, WATERS, WILDLIFE, AND PEOPLE.

Income
$3.0 million
Spending
$2.1 million
Spent on programs
80%
Reserves
3 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 94%
Employees
18
Volunteers
10
Highest pay
$161,251, executive di

Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 81 out of 100. Higher than 54% of charities in its peer group (environment, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 3.0 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 26% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 29% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 71% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    80% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 9 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 60% of charities in its peer group (environment, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    9 of 9 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.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited 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 September 30, 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 (4)
  1. $747,450 spent. ARCTIC AND CLIMATE CHANGE - PROTECTING AMERICA'S UNIQUE ARCTIC ECOSYSTEM.
  2. $594,519 spent. WILDLANDS AND WILDLIFE - PROTECTING ALASKA'S SPECTACULAR WILDLANDS AND WILDLIFE.
  3. $375,893 spent. CLEAN AIR AND WATER - ASSURING CLEAN AIR, CLEAN WATER, AND CONTINUED ACCESS TO SUBSISTENCE RESOURCES.
  4. 1. NORTHERN ALASKA ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER, ET AL. V. HAALAND, ET AL. (D. ALASKA CASE NO. 3:20-CV-00187-SLG) TRUSTEES FOR ALASKA REPRESENTS NORTHERN ALASKA ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER, ALASKA WILDLIFE ALLIANCE, CENTER FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY, EARTHWORKS, NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY, NATIONAL PARKS CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION, SIERRA CLUB, THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY, AND WINTER WILDLANDS ALLIANCE AS PLAINTIFFS IN A LAWSUIT CHALLENGING APPROVAL TO BUILD A 220-MILE ROAD TO THE AMBLER MINING DISTRICT BY THE BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT, THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, AND NATIONAL PARK SERVICE. THE SUIT ALLEGES FAILURES TO COMPLY WITH NUMEROUS STATUTES AND REGULATIONS, IMPOSING IMPORTANT PROTECTIONS FOR THE LANDS, WILDLIFE, COMMUNITIES, AND AQUATIC RESOURCES OF THE REGION. STATUS OF THE CASE: INTERVENORS FILED AN APPEAL TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE U.S. TO OVERTURN THE "NO ACTION" ALTERNATIVE DECISION. THE COURT STAY REMAINS IN PLACE WITH STATUS REPORTS TO UPDATE THE COURT. 2. GWICH'IN STEERING COMMITTEE, ET AL. V. HAALAND, ET AL. (D. ALASKA CASE NO. 3:20-CV-00204-SLG) TRUSTEES FOR ALASKA REPRESENTS GWICH'IN STEERING COMMITTEE, ALASKA WILDERNESS LEAGUE, ALASKA WILDLIFE ALLIANCE, CANADIAN PARKS & WILDERNESS SOCIETY-YUKON, DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE, ENVIRONMENT AMERICA, INC., FRIENDS OF ALASKA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES, NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION, NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE ASSOCIATION, NORTHERN ALASKA ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER, SIERRA CLUB, THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY, AND WILDERNESS WATCH IN A LAWSUIT CHALLENGING THE AGENCIES' FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH NUMEROUS STATUTES AND REGULATIONS WHEN THEY APPROVED AN OIL AND GAS LEASING PROGRAM FOR THE COASTAL PLAIN OF THE ARCTIC NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE. STATUS OF THE CASE: FINAL SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT AND RECORD OF DECISION ISSUED. LEASE SALE HELD ON JANUARY 10, 2025, WITH NO BIDDERS. CASE REMAINS STAYED WITH STATUS REPORTS. 3. ALASKA WILDLIFE ALLIANCE, ET AL. V. HAALAND, ET AL. (D. ALASKA CASE NO. 3:20-CV-00209-SLG; NINTH CIRCUIT CASE NO. 22-36001) TRUSTEES FOR ALASKA REPRESENTS ALASKA WILDLIFE ALLIANCE, ALASKA WILDERNESS LEAGUE, ALASKANS FOR WILDLIFE, CENTER FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY, COALITION TO PROTECT AMERICA'S NATIONAL PARKS, COPPER COUNTRY ALLIANCE, DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE, DENALI CITIZENS COUNCIL, THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES, NATIONAL PARKS CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION, NORTHERN ALASKA ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER, SIERRA CLUB, AND WILDERNESS WATCH IN A LAWSUIT CHALLENGING THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE'S REGULATIONS ALLOWING ALASKA'S PREDATOR CONTROL PRACTICES IN FEDERAL PRESERVES. STATUS OF THE CASE: THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE ISSUED NEW REGULATIONS PROHIBITING BEAR BAITING IN NATIONAL PRESERVES. DEFENDANTS APPEALED TO THE NINTH CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS. PLAINTIFFS MOVED TO DISMISS BASED UPON THE NEW REGULATIONS, WHICH WAS GRANTED. CASE CLOSED. 4. ALASKA WILDLIFE ALLIANCE, ET AL. V. U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, ET AL. (D. ALASKA CASE NO. 3:21-CV-00209-SLG; NINTH CIRCUIT CASE NO. 23-35299) TRUSTEES FOR ALASKA REPRESENTS ALASKA WILDLIFE ALLIANCE, ALASKA WILDERNESS LEAGUE, CENTER FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY, DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE, ENVIRONMENT AMERICA, FRIENDS OF THE EARTH, AND SIERRA CLUB IN A LAWSUIT CHALLENGING THE AGENCIES' DECISION TO ISSUE A FIVE-YEAR INCIDENTAL TAKE REGULATION UNDER THE MARINE MAMMAL PROTECTION ACT APPROVING THE ALASKA OIL AND GAS ASSOCIATION'S PETITION TO TAKE SOUTHERN BEAUFORT SEA STOCK POLAR BEARS AND PACIFIC WALRUS IN THE BEAUFORT SEA AND ADJACENT NORTHERN COAST OF ALASKA. STATUS OF THE CASE: ATTORNEYS' FEES SETTLED. CASE CLOSED. 5. ALASKA INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND EXPORT AUTHORITY, ET AL. V. BIDEN, ET AL. (D. ALASKA CASE NO. 3:21-CV-00245-SLG; NINTH CIRCUIT CASE NO. 24-2533) TRUSTEES FOR ALASKA REPRESENTS GWICH'IN STEERING COMMITTEE, ALASKA WILDERNESS LEAGUE, ALASKA WILDLIFE ALLIANCE, CANADIAN PARKS & WILDERNESS SOCIETY-YUKON, DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE, ENVIRONMENT AMERICA, INC., FRIENDS OF ALASKA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES, NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION, NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE ASSOCIATION, NORTHERN ALASKA ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER, SIERRA CLUB, THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY, AND WILDERNESS WATCH AS INTERVENOR-DEFENDANTS IN THE CASE BY THE ALASKA INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND EXPORT AUTHORITY, NORTH SLOPE BOROUGH, AND ARCTIC SLOPE REGIONAL CORPORATION SEEKING DECLARATORY AND INJUNCTIVE RELIEF AGAINST EXECUTIVE ORDER 13990, SECRETARIAL ORDER 3401, AND THE SUBSEQUENT ACTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR TO HALT ACTIVITIES UNDER OIL AND GAS LEASES ON THE COASTAL PLAIN OF THE ARCTIC NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE. STATUS OF THE CASE: AIDEA'S MOTION FOR VOLUNTARY DISMISSAL IN THE NINTH CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS GRANTED. CASE CLOSED. 6. SOVEREIGN IUPIAT FOR A LIVING ARCTIC, ET AL. V. BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT, ET AL. (D. ALASKA CASE NO. 3:23-CV-00058-SLG; NINTH CIRCUIT CASE NO. 23-3627) TRUSTEES FOR ALASKA REPRESENTS SOVEREIGN IUPIAT FOR A LIVING ARCTIC, ALASKA WILDERNESS LEAGUE, ENVIRONMENT AMERICA, NORTHERN ALASKA ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER, SIERRA CLUB AND THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY IN A LAWSUIT CHALLENGING FEDERAL AGENCIES FOR THEIR DECISION TO APPROVE THE WILLOW MASTER DEVELOPMENT PLAN, A MASSIVE OIL AND GAS PROJECT, AND THE ACCOMPANYING BIOLOGICAL OPINION. STATUS OF THE CASE: PLAINTIFFS DID NOT PREVAIL IN THEIR APPEAL TO THE NINTH CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS. PETITION FOR EN BANC REVIEW FILED AND REJECTED. CASE CLOSED. 7. ASSOCIATION OF VILLAGE COUNCIL PRESIDENTS, ET AL. V. NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE, ET AL. (D. ALASKA CASE NO. 3:23-CV-00074-SLG) TRUSTEES FOR ALASKA REPRESENTS OCEAN CONSERVANCY, SALMONSTATE, NATIVE PEOPLES ACTION, KUSKOKWIM RIVER INTER-TRIBAL FISH COMMISSION, AND ALASKA MARINE CONSERVATION COUNCIL AS AMICI CURIAE SUPPORTING PLAINTIFFS' MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT IN A LAWSUIT CHALLENGING 2023-2024 HARVEST SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE GROUNDFISH FISHERIES IN THE BERING SEA AND ALEUTIAN ISLAND REGION, IMPACTING SALMON AND OTHER MARINE SPECIES. STATUS OF THE CASE: PLAINTIFFS DID NOT PREVAIL AND FILED AN APPEAL IN THE NINTH CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS. 8. ALASKA INDUSTR

Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 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 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 September 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 February 1975.

    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.

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