Arbor Day Foundation
Plants trees and supports reforestation and community forestry projects.
At a glance
Rating and filings checked Oct 13, 2026. Sources: Charity Navigator, IRS Form 990 via ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. How we check
Is Arbor Day Foundation a good charity?
Arbor Day Foundation holds Charity Navigator's highest rating: 4 out of 4 stars, with an overall score of 97%. Its 2024 Form 990 reports $99.1M in revenue, up 18% from $83.9M in 2020, and $91.7M in expenses. Rating checked Oct 13, 2026.
Finances
From Arbor Day Foundation's annual IRS Form 990 filings (filed as National Arbor Day Foundation).
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Net assets | Officer & key staff pay | Filing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $99.1M | $91.7M | $100.9M | $3.4M | 990 PDF |
| 2023 | $97.0M | $86.0M | $92.6M | $3.1M | 990 PDF |
| 2022 | $94.8M | $78.9M | $81.0M | $2.6M | 990 PDF |
| 2021 | $89.1M | $75.2M | $66.8M | $2.0M | 990 PDF |
| 2020 | $83.9M | $70.7M | $50.9M | $2.2M | 990 PDF |
A newer filing for 2025 is out but not yet summarized: read the 2025 Form 990 (PDF).
Officer & key staff pay is the 990's total for current officers, directors, trustees and key employees, not one salary.
What charities in environment & wildlife do
Environmental and wildlife organizations operate across a spectrum: from direct habitat acquisition and species protection to scientific research, litigation, policy advocacy, and grassroots organizing. The most effective combine on-the-ground conservation work with policy influence — protecting an ecosystem requires both buying the land AND defending it from political and economic pressures. Funding supports field staff, research, legal challenges, community partnerships in biodiversity hotspots, and public-awareness campaigns.
How to judge charities in this area
When evaluating environmental charities, distinguish between groups doing direct land protection, scientific research, advocacy/lobbying, and litigation. Each has different success metrics. Look for tangible recent wins — acres protected, species recovered, policies enacted, lawsuits won — not vague "awareness raised" claims. Charity Navigator's environmental ratings are a solid starting point.
How to support beyond a one-time gift
- + Become a recurring member — most environmental groups rely heavily on membership dues
- + Make a planned gift in your will or trust (environmental charities depend on legacy giving)
- + Volunteer for citizen-science projects: bird counts, water-quality monitoring, beach cleanups
- + Reduce your own footprint — flying less and eating less beef has more impact than most one-time gifts
- + Vote and advocate for environmental policy at local, state, and federal levels
Verify before you give
A few minutes of independent verification pays off — especially for larger gifts. These resources let you confirm the details on Arbor Day Foundation:
Frequently asked
Is Arbor Day Foundation a good charity?
What is Arbor Day Foundation's Charity Navigator rating?
What is Arbor Day Foundation's EIN?
How much money does Arbor Day Foundation raise and spend?
Are donations to Arbor Day Foundation tax-deductible?
Represent Arbor Day Foundation? Add a free, self-updating rating badge to your website →