Skip to content
Nonprofiteer
← SHELBURNE FARMS

Form 990 for tax year 2025

Filed by SHELBURNE FARMS.

Totals

Total revenue
$11,958,152
Total expenses
$9,985,759
Contributions and grants received
$9,518,777
Grants paid
$96,997
Program service revenue
$1,176,563
Investment income
$1,262,812
Other revenue
$0
Total assets, end of year
$90,253,347
Total liabilities, end of year
$1,975,557
Net assets or fund balances, end of year
$88,277,790
Program services expenses (Part IX)
$7,937,100
Management and general expenses
$1,044,446
Fundraising expenses
$1,004,213
Program service expenses (Part III)
$7,937,100

Program services were 79.5% of total expenses calculated — Part IX's program-services column over total expenses, both as filed.

Line items

Every line the filer filed in Parts VIII, IX and X, as filed and in filed order. Blank columns are left out, and the lines are not forced to add up to the totals above.

Revenue

Part VIII, the statement of revenue.

  • 1e · Government grants (contributions)

    $1,474,083

  • 1f · All other contributions, gifts and grants

    $8,044,694

  • 1g · Noncash contributions included above

    $113,478

  • 2a · Program service revenue: AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES

    total $603,327 · related or exempt $603,327

  • 2b · Program service revenue: FACILITIES PROGRAMS

    total $221,369 · related or exempt $221,369

  • 2c · Program service revenue: PUBLIC AND SCHOOL PROGRAMS

    total $214,954 · related or exempt $214,954

  • 2d · Program service revenue: EDUCATIONAL TOURS

    total $113,302 · related or exempt $113,302

  • 2e · Program service revenue: OTHER

    total $23,611 · related or exempt $23,611

  • 3 · Investment income

    total $1,311,696 · excluded $1,311,696

  • 6a · Gross rents

    real property $506,968

  • 6b · Less rental expenses

    real property $506,968

  • 7a · Gross sales of assets other than inventory

    securities $3,516,109 · other assets $11,215

  • 7b · Less cost or other basis and sales expenses

    securities $3,573,477 · other assets $2,731

  • 7c · Gain or loss

    securities -$57,368 · other assets $8,484

  • 7d · Net gain or loss

    total -$48,884 · related or exempt $8,484 · excluded -$57,368

Functional expenses

Part IX, the statement of functional expenses.

  • 1 · Grants to domestic organizations and governments

    total $96,997 · program services $96,997

  • 5 · Compensation of officers, directors and key employees

    total $292,173 · program services $176,696 · management and general $94,616 · fundraising $20,861

  • 7 · Other salaries and wages

    total $4,376,608 · program services $3,359,462 · management and general $367,419 · fundraising $649,727

  • 8 · Pension plan contributions

    total $76,872 · program services $59,145 · management and general $6,246 · fundraising $11,481

  • 9 · Other employee benefits

    total $426,402 · program services $328,075 · management and general $34,642 · fundraising $63,685

  • 10 · Payroll taxes

    total $313,959 · program services $217,875 · management and general $30,835 · fundraising $65,249

  • 11a · Fees: management

    total $838,021 · program services $754,263 · management and general $83,758

  • 11b · Fees: legal

    total $54,191 · management and general $54,191

  • 11c · Fees: accounting

    total $43,075 · management and general $43,075

  • 11d · Fees: lobbying

    total $6,800 · program services $6,800

  • 11g · Fees: other

    total $456,372 · program services $450,188 · management and general $2,733 · fundraising $3,451

  • 12 · Advertising and promotion

    total $174,370 · program services $119,326 · management and general $4,682 · fundraising $50,362

  • 16 · Occupancy

    total $1,157,050 · program services $1,063,273 · management and general $52,451 · fundraising $41,326

  • 17 · Travel

    total $363,905 · program services $331,509 · management and general $5,174 · fundraising $27,222

  • 19 · Conferences, conventions and meetings

    total $10,945 · program services $3,519 · management and general $5,375 · fundraising $2,051

  • 22 · Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    total $708,353 · program services $610,015 · management and general $98,338

  • 23 · Insurance

    total $304,217 · program services $294,605 · management and general $6,079 · fundraising $3,533

  • 24a · Other expenses: MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES

    total $1,022,635 · program services $960,700 · management and general $17,802 · fundraising $44,133

  • 24b · Other expenses: MISCELLANEOUS

    total -$52,457 · program services -$210,619 · management and general $137,030 · fundraising $21,132

  • 24c · Other expenses: TRANSFER TO SFI INVENTORY

    total -$684,729 · program services -$684,729

Balance sheet

Part X, book values.

  • 1 · Cash, non-interest-bearing

    beginning of year $125,040 · end of year $202,580

  • 2 · Savings and temporary cash investments

    beginning of year $23,621,244 · end of year $25,602,546

  • 3 · Pledges and grants receivable

    beginning of year $9,355,467 · end of year $2,361,481

  • 4 · Accounts receivable

    beginning of year $1,175,035 · end of year $371,549

  • 8 · Inventories for sale or use

    beginning of year $152,017 · end of year $134,577

  • 9 · Prepaid expenses and deferred charges

    beginning of year $18,615 · end of year $169,422

  • 10a · Land, buildings and equipment: cost or other basis

    $59,233,078

  • 10b · Land, buildings and equipment: accumulated depreciation

    $20,178,472

  • 10c · Land, buildings and equipment, net

    beginning of year $33,322,283 · end of year $39,054,606

  • 11 · Investments: publicly traded securities

    beginning of year $11,586,208 · end of year $12,166,378

  • 12 · Investments: other securities

    beginning of year $567,332 · end of year $650,892

  • 15 · Other assets

    beginning of year $8,821,709 · end of year $9,539,316

  • 17 · Accounts payable and accrued expenses

    beginning of year $1,990,947 · end of year $1,094,721

  • 19 · Deferred revenue

    beginning of year $8,389 · end of year $10,603

  • 23 · Secured mortgages and notes payable

    beginning of year $1,070,466 · end of year $870,233

  • 27 · Net assets without donor restrictions

    beginning of year $67,193,918 · end of year $73,175,765

  • 28 · Net assets with donor restrictions

    beginning of year $18,481,230 · end of year $15,102,025

Mission and programs · 2025

Mission

THE MISSION OF SHELBURNE FARMS IS TO INSPIRE AND CULTIVATE LEARNING FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE.

Activities or mission (Part I)

INSPIRING AND CULTIVATING LEARNING FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE.

  • SHELBURNE FARMS' MISSION IS TO INSPIRE AND CULTIVATE LEARNING FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE. THE NONPROFIT OFFERS LEARNING EXPERIENCES THAT ARE GROUNDED IN PLACE AND ENRICHED BY NATURE TO HELP EDUCATORS AND STUDENTS CREATE A MORE THRIVING WORLD. THE ORGANIZATION'S HOME CAMPUS IS A 1,400- ACRE DIVERSIFIED WORKING FARM LOCATED IN SHELBURNE, VERMONT ON THE HOMELANDS OF THE WINOOSKI BAND OF THE ABENAKI. THE FARM IS A NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK AND SERVES AS A LIVING CLASSROOM THAT INVITES PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS, VISITORS, AND OVERNIGHT GUESTS TO LEARN, GROW, AND BE INSPIRED. SHELBURNE FARMS REALIZES ITS MISSION THROUGH PROGRAMS OFFERED UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY. OUR WORK SEEKS TO CREATE SPACE, SPARK CONVERSATIONS, AND SHARE STORIES TO INSPIRE EDUCATORS, STUDENTS, AND LEARNERS OF ALL AGES TO BUILD A BETTER FUTURE FOR EVERYONE. THROUGH ITS DIVERSE PORTFOLIO OF PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES, SHELBURNE FARMS: - ENGAGES YOUTH AND PEOPLE OF ALL AGES IN LEARNING EXPERIENCES THAT INSPIRE THEM TO BUILD RESILIENT AND CARING COMMUNITIES; - PRACTICES STEWARDSHIP AND EMBODIES VALUES OF PLACE AND COMMUNITY THROUGH CARING FOR AND SHARING OUR NATURAL, AGRICULTURAL, CULTURAL, AND HUMAN RESOURCES; AND - COLLABORATES WITH EDUCATORS AND OTHER LOCAL, NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS TO ADVANCE EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY WORLDWIDE. SHELBURNE FARMS IS SUPPORTED BY CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS, TUITION, FEES AND ADDITIONAL REVENUE FROM ITS MISSION ADVANCING ENTERPRISES, INCLUDING A GRASS-BASED DAIRY AND AWARD-WINNING FARMSTEAD CHEESE MAKING OPERATION, AN ORGANIC MARKET GARDEN, MAPLE SUGARING AND LUMBER OPERATION, SPECIAL EVENTS, YEAR-ROUND GUEST ACCOMMODATIONS, AND FARM-TO-TABLE FOOD SERVICES. FOLLOWING THE GIFT OF THE PROPERTY TO THE NONPROFIT IN 1984, GROWING PROGRAMS AND IMPROVING THE HISTORIC PROPERTY AS AN INSPIRING CAMPUS FOR LEARNING HAVE BEEN ONGOING ENDEAVORS. AS AN EDUCATIONAL NONPROFIT SINCE 1972, THE ORGANIZATION CONTINUES TO TOUCH THE LIVES OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE. IN 2025, THE FARM RECEIVED CHARITABLE SUPPORT FROM 4,580 INDIVIDUAL DONORS FROM 50 STATES AND 6 COUNTRIES. SHELBURNE FARMS' PROFESSIONAL LEARNING PROGRAMS SERVED 1,672 EDUCATORS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND AROUND THE WORLD, BOTH ON-SITE AND VIRTUALLY. WELCOME CENTER ATTENDANCE FOR THE WALKING TRAILS AND CHILDREN'S FARMYARD TOTALED 126,485 PEOPLE. IN ADDITION, 8,890 YOUTH ATTENDED SCHOOL PROGRAMS AND SUMMER CAMPS, AND 45,142 OTHERS CAME TO VISIT OR STAY AT THE FARM AND/OR PARTICIPATE IN FAMILY AND ADULT PROGRAMS, AND EVENTS. THERE IS NO CHARGE FOR DAY ADMISSION TO THE PROPERTY. WE WELCOME AND ENCOURAGE EVERYONE WHO VISITS AND ENJOYS THE TRAILS TO CONSIDER A CHARITABLE GIFT TO HELP MAKE THIS POSSIBLE. EVERY EDUCATOR IS SEEN AS A LIFE-LONG PARTNER WORKING TO INCREASE THE IMPACT OF EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY LOCALLY, NATIONALLY, AND INTERNATIONALLY. ULTIMATELY THE SUCCESS OF THE EDUCATION PROGRAMS AT SHELBURNE FARMS IS MEASURED BY DEEPENING TEACHER PRACTICE AND STUDENT LEARNING, LEADING TO IMPROVEMENTS IN QUALITY OF LIFE FOR GENERATIONS TO COME. THROUGH THE SHELBURNE FARMS INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABLE SCHOOLS, THE HUB FOR ALL PROFESSIONAL LEARNING PROGRAMMING, AN INNOVATIVE EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY GRADUATE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IS OFFERED IN COLLABORATION WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT. SHELBURNE FARMS CONTINUED TO RECEIVE SIGNIFICANT DONOR-DESIGNATED FUNDING FOR ITS EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAMS. GIFTS AND GRANTS PROVIDED CRITICAL SUPPORT FOR THE FARM-BASED EDUCATION NETWORK, VERMONT FEED (FOOD EDUCATION EVERYDAY) IN COLLABORATION WITH NOFA-VT, AND FOR CLIMATE CHANGE EDUCATION PROGRAMMING. IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE USDA, SHELBURNE FARMS IS PLAYING A LEADERSHIP ROLE IN EXPANDING FARM TO SCHOOL PROGRAMS NATIONALLY. CAPITAL GIFTS AND GRANTS THROUGH THE CAMPAIGN FOR SHELBURNE FARMS ARE MAKING POSSIBLE CAMPUS IMPROVEMENTS AND PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT TO ADVANCE EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY ON-SITE AND GLOBALLY. IN ADDITION TO LAUNCHING THE SHELBURNE FARMS INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABLE SCHOOLS, THE CAMPAIGN MADE IT POSSIBLE TO CONSERVE LAND IN THE HEART OF THE FARM, MAKE REPAIRS TO THE BREEDING BARN AND FORMAL FLOWER GARDENS, AND FUND A COMPLETE REHABILITATION OF THE COACH BARN AS THE FARM'S CONVENING CENTER, INCLUDING A GEOTHERMAL HEATING COOLING SYSTEM THAT IS HELPING ACHIEVE OUR NET ZERO GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS GOAL BY 2028, AND MORE. SHELBURNE FARMS' VISION IS A HEALTHY AND JUST WORLD ROOTED IN STEWARDSHIP AND COMMUNITY. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW SHELBURNE FARMS IS WORKING TO INSPIRE AN EMERGING GENERATION OF CHANGE MAKERS, PLEASE VISIT WWW.SHELBURNEFARMS.ORG.

    Expenses $7,937,100 · Grants $96,997 · Revenue $1,176,563

As filed on the 2025 return. The filer continues this part on Schedule O, which is not shown here.

Listed in Part VII

  • Alec Webb

    PRESIDENT

    Total calculated
    $160,467
    From this org
    $152,914
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $7,553
    Hours/week
    60

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $152,914
    Bonus
    not reported
    Other
    not reported
    Deferred
    $3,078
    Nontaxable benefits
    $4,475
    Filer's total
    $160,467

  • Megan Camp

    VP & PROGRAM

    Total calculated
    $151,913
    From this org
    $133,678
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $18,235
    Hours/week
    45

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $133,678
    Bonus
    not reported
    Other
    not reported
    Deferred
    $2,762
    Nontaxable benefits
    $15,473
    Filer's total
    $151,913

  • Robin Turnau

    CHIEF ADVANC

    Total calculated
    $134,256
    From this org
    $130,848
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $3,408
    Hours/week
    45

  • Eric Boehm

    COO

    Total calculated
    $131,705
    From this org
    $129,123
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $2,582
    Hours/week
    45

  • Yasamin Shermin

    DIRECTOR OF

    Total calculated
    $127,827
    From this org
    $112,062
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $15,765
    Hours/week
    45

  • Betsy Rosenbluth

    PROJECT DIR,

    Total calculated
    $121,166
    From this org
    $113,577
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $7,589
    Hours/week
    45

  • Sharmy Altshuler

    BOARD OF DIR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • Fred Bay

    BOARD OF DIR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • Ben Freeman

    BOARD CHAIR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    6

  • Will Jackson

    BOARD SECRET

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • Nan Jenks-Jay

    BOARD OF DIR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • Steve Johnson

    BOARD OF DIR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • David Marvin

    BOARD TREASU

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    4

  • Andrew Meyer

    VICE CHAIR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    4

  • Ernie Pomerleau

    BOARD OF DIR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • Gretchen Sullivan Sorin

    BOARD OF DIR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • Landon Storrs

    BOARD OF DIR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • Marie Vea

    BOARD OF DIR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • Kate Williams

    BOARD OF DIR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

Compensation is as filed in Part VII: reportable pay from this organization and from related organizations, other compensation, and hours per week. The total, marked calculated, is our sum of the three dollar columns, with a blank column counted as $0; the form itself has no total. On a Form 990-EZ the columns are Part IV's instead, and on a Form 990-PF Part VIII's — compensation, contributions to benefit plans, and expense account — and the total sums those. A Schedule J breakdown is as filed: base pay, bonus, other, deferred compensation and nontaxable benefits from this organization, with any from related organizations beside each, and the filer's own total. It is shown with the Part VII listing of the same name on the same return. The form gives no key between the two, so that pairing is ours, and is marked matched by us.

Schedule J

Answered yes

  • 1a · Housing allowance or residence for personal use
  • 2 · Substantiation required before reimbursing expenses
  • 3 · Form 990 of other organizations
  • 3 · Written employment contract
  • 3 · Compensation survey or study
  • 3 · Approval by the board or compensation committee

Answered no

  • 1b · Written policy on the line-1a expenses
  • 4a · Severance or change-of-control payment
  • 4b · Supplemental nonqualified retirement plan
  • 4c · Equity-based compensation arrangement
  • 5a · Pay contingent on this organization's revenues
  • 5b · Pay contingent on a related organization's revenues
  • 6a · Pay contingent on this organization's net earnings
  • 6b · Pay contingent on a related organization's net earnings
  • 7 · Other non-fixed payments
  • 8 · Paid under the initial-contract exception

The filer's explanations (Part III)

SCHEDULE J, PAGE 1, PART I, LINE 1A
SHELBURNE FARMS PROVIDES HOUSING TO THE PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT.
SCHEDULE J, PAGE 1, PART I, LINE 1B
THERE IS A HOUSING POLICY THAT APPLIES TO THE PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT.

Part I's answers as filed. A line not listed was left unanswered; on lines 1a and 3 that means the box was not checked.

Grants on this return

Taxable family on this return

Schedule R Parts I, III and IV, as filed. These record ownership and control, not shared board members or money moved.

Related corporations and trusts

Part IV: related organizations taxable as a corporation or trust.

  • SHELBURNE FARMS INC

    C CORP · SERVICES · VT · 100% owned · share of income $2,090,548 · share of assets $2,241,298 · controlled entity

Provenance

Return type
form_990
Tax year
2025
Filed
5 August 2026
IRS schema version
2025v4.0
Source object
202632199349300403

Check it against the return as filed: the GivingTuesday Data Lake hosts a public copy of the original XML.

The source document this was parsed from is served over the API, which is where bulk and document access live.