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Arts, Culture, Humanities : Libraries, Historical Societies and Landmark Preservation

American Battlefield Trust

Preserve. Educate. Inspire.

four stars

94.17

1156 15th Street, NW Suite 900
Washington, DC 20005
tel: (202) 367-1861   Web Site
EIN: 54-1426643

Board Leadership
Thomas H. Lauer
Chairman of the Board

CEO
James Lighthizer
President

 
 
  Score
(out of 100) 		Rating
Overall Score & Rating 94.17 four stars
  Financial 92.33 four stars
  Accountability & Transparency 97.00 four stars
This rating was published 07/01/2019 and includes data from FY2018, the most recent 990 received at that time.
Why isn't this based on more recent data?

The American Battlefield Trust (formerly known as the Civil War Trust) seeks to preserve our nation's hallowed battlegrounds and educate the public about what happened there and why it matters today. We permanently protect these battlefields for future generations as a lasting and tangible memorial to the brave soldiers who fought in the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and the Civil War. Through the generosity of our dedicated members, we have preserved more than 50,000 acres of significant battlefield land in 24 states. We also educate the next generation about the sacrifices made to secure the freedoms we enjoy today. History education is the foundation of good citizenship and is key to developing the leaders of tomorrow. Battlefields are outdoor classrooms, and we bring to life the history of America's turbulent first century through outstanding educator resources, our award-winning magazine, cutting-edge digital productions, and engaging social media.

The American Battlefield Trust (formerly known as the Civil War Trust) seeks to preserve our nation's hallowed battlegrounds and educate the public about what happened there and why it matters today. We permanently protect these battlefields for future generations as a lasting and tangible memorial to the brave soldiers who fought in the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and the Civil War. Through the generosity of our dedicated members, we have preserved more than 50,000 acres of significant battlefield land in 24 states. We also educate the next generation about the sacrifices made to secure the freedoms we enjoy today. History education is the foundation of good citizenship and is key to developing the leaders of tomorrow. Battlefields are outdoor classrooms, and we bring to life the history of America's turbulent first century through outstanding educator resources, our award-winning magazine, cutting-edge digital productions, and engaging social media.

Impact Information

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GuideStar is Charity Navigator's trusted partner in sharing information on how this organization seeks impact.  GuideStar has recognized this organization with a Platinum Seal of Transparency for voluntarily and publicly sharing information about how they measure their progress and results.  Learn More about Impact Information.
Reported Results
Total in 2019
Number of acres of land protected
1,176
This organization has earned a GuideStar's Platinum Seal of Transparency by voluntarily sharing the measures of progress and results they use to pursue their mission. Organizations earn Platinum Seals by selecting from a catalog of over 900 expert recognized metrics or by creating a new metric that best fits their work. This information is reported by the organization and displayed publicly on their GuideStar Nonprofit Profile. With over 1.6 million Nonprofit Profiles, 9 million annual visitors and over 200 data partners, GuideStar is the world's leading source of information about nonprofit organizations. A nonprofit itself, GuideStar is dedicated to providing better data for better decisions for a better world.
This impact information is current as of March 2020, when it was provided to us by GuideStar. At this time, Impact information published on this organization's page has no effect on its rating per our methodology.

Learn more about how we calculate the overall score and rating.

Financial

four stars

92.33

Accountability & Transparency

four stars

97.00

This rating was published 07/01/2019 and includes data from FY2018, the most recent 990 received at that time.
Why isn't this based on more recent data?
Overall Rating Chart
  Program Expenses
(Percent of the charity's total expenses spent on the programs
and services it delivers)		 84.9%
  Administrative Expenses 4.2%
  Fundraising Expenses 10.8%
  Fundraising Efficiency $0.07
  Working Capital Ratio (years) 6.41
  Program Expenses Growth 3.9%
  Liabilities to Assets 3.6%
All data for Financial Performance Metrics calculations was provided by American Battlefield Trust on recent 990s filed with the IRS.
All data for Financial Performance Metrics calculations was provided by American Battlefield Trust on recent 990s filed with the IRS.
Information Provided on the Form 990  
  Independent Voting Board Members
  No Material diversion of assets
  Audited financials prepared by independent accountant
  Does Not Provide Loan(s) to or Receive Loan(s) From related parties
  Documents Board Meeting Minutes
  Provided copy of Form 990 to organization's governing body in advance of filing
  Conflict of Interest Policy
  Whistleblower Policy
  Records Retention and Destruction Policy
  CEO listed with salary
  Process for determining CEO compensation
  Board Listed / Board Members Not Compensated
Is the following information easily accessible on the charity's website?  
  Donor Privacy Policy
  Board Members Listed
  Audited Financials
  Form 990
  Key staff listed

Highly Rated

Charity Name & State Overall Score Overall Rating
American Battlefield Trust (DC) 94.17 four stars
Thomas Jefferson Foundation (VA) 88.53 three stars
Preservation Virginia (VA) 88.08 three stars
Maymont Foundation (VA) 86.93 three stars
Historic Columbia (SC) 91.45 four stars

Compare These Charities (Highly Rated)

REVENUE  
Contributions  
   Contributions, Gifts & Grants $27,646,098
   Federated Campaigns $110,684
   Membership Dues $4,110,141
   Fundraising Events $0
   Related Organizations $0
   Government Grants $6,125,799
Total Contributions $37,992,722
   Program Service Revenue $193,471
Total Primary Revenue $38,186,193
   Other Revenue $338,415
TOTAL REVENUE $38,524,608
   
EXPENSES  
   Program Expenses $15,598,949
   Administrative Expenses $804,003
   Fundraising Expenses $2,212,115
TOTAL FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES $18,615,067
   
Payments to Affiliates $0
Excess (or Deficit) for the year $19,909,541
   
Net Assets $127,854,194

Program names and associated costs are listed for the top programs as reported on the charity's most recently filed Form 990. The top programs displayed will include the largest three programs, or those programs covering at least 60% of the charity's total expenses, whichever comes first.

Program Name Amount Spent % of Program Expenses
Preserving Civil War Battlefields $9,768,117 62.6%
Membership $3,561,976 22.8%
Education $2,268,856 14.5%

Ratings History
American Battlefield Trust has received 10 consecutive 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator.

Form 990 FYE Date Published Overall Score Overall Rating
CN 2.1
2018-03 07/01/2019 94.17 four stars
2017-03 07/01/2018 96.94 four stars
2016-03 06/01/2017 90.99 four stars
2014-12 06/01/2016 94.67 four stars
 
CN 2.0
2014-12 04/01/2016 95.35 four stars
2014-12 03/01/2016 92.99 four stars
2013-12 08/01/2015 94.95 four stars
2013-12 04/01/2015 94.62 four stars
2012-12 12/01/2013 95.87 four stars
2011-12 02/01/2013 96.49 four stars
2010-12 07/01/2012 96.48 four stars
2010-12 02/01/2012 94.31 four stars
2009-12 09/20/2011 92.17 four stars
 
CN 1.0
2009-12 12/01/2010 98.84 four stars
2008-12 04/01/2010 90.44 four stars
2007-12 10/01/2008 88.00 three stars
2006-12 11/01/2007 94.40 four stars
2005-12 10/01/2006 91.28 four stars
2004-12 08/01/2005 85.91 three stars
2003-12 09/01/2004 91.40 four stars

The data displayed on this tab is provided by the IRS in the form of Publication 78 and the Business Master File (BMF).

EIN 54-1426643
Name in IRS Master File AMERICAN BATTLEFIELD TRUST
NTEE Code A85
NTEE Classification [Not Provided by IRS]
NTEE Type [Not Provided by IRS]
Classification Charitable Organization
Subsection 501(c)(3)  (View the list of codes)
Activities (119) Other cultural or historical activities
Foundation Status Organization which receives a substantial part of its support from a governmental unit or the general public   170(b)(1)(A)(vi)
Deductibility Contributions are deductible
Affiliation Independent - the organization is an independent organization or an independent auxiliary (i.e., not affiliated with a National, Regional, or Geographic grouping of organizations).
Group Name [Not Applicable]
Ruling Date January, 1988
Filing Requirement 990 (all other) or 990EZ return
Fiscal Year End March
IRS Forms 990
(provided courtesy of Foundation Center)		 (Log In or Register Now to View Forms 990!)
  • March, 2017
  • March, 2016
  • March, 2015
  • December, 2014
  • December, 2013
Compensation % of Expenses Paid to Title
$261,920 1.40% O. James Lighthizer President

Highly Rated

Charity Name & State Overall Score Overall Rating
American Battlefield Trust (DC) 94.17 four stars
George Washington's Mount Vernon (VA) 89.03 three stars
Friends of Mount Auburn Cemetery (MA) 96.66 four stars
Connecticut Landmarks (CT) 87.79 three stars
Blithewold (RI) 85.07 three stars

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This charity has an official representative registered with Charity Navigator.

Charity Contact Info

American Battlefield Trust
1156 15th Street, NW
Suite 900
Washington, DC 20005
tel: (202) 367-1861
fax: (202) 367-1865
EIN: 54-1426643

Visit Web Site

Board Leadership

Thomas H. Lauer
Chairman of the Board

CEO

James Lighthizer
President

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