Pacific Crest Trail Association
Meets Standards
Standards For Charity Accountability
Governance
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Board Oversight
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Board Size
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Board Meetings
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Board Compensation
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Conflict of Interest
Measuring Effectiveness
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Effectiveness Policy
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Effectiveness Report
Finances
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Program Expenses
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Fundraising Expenses
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Accumulating Funds
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Audit Report
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Detailed Expense Breakdown
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Accurate Expense Reporting
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Budget Plan
Fundraising & Info
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Truthful Materials
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Annual Report
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Website Disclosures
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Donor Privacy
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Cause Marketing Disclosures
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Complaints
Pacific Crest Trail Association meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.
Complaints
Number of complaints processed by the BBB WGA in the last 36 months: 1
The organization addressed the complaint issues brought to its attention: 1
(This complaint involved membership renewal).
Stated Purpose:
"to advocate for the Pacific Crest Trail as an inspirational outdoor experience, to connect people to the PCT, and to conserve the trail."
Year, State Incorporated:
1977, CA
Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) reports that it is focused on keeping the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) open for generations to come. The organization's activities include land protection, managing visitor use on the PCT, trail and land management, and trail maintenance and reconstruction. Additionally, PCTA conducts trail advocacy and outreach, collaborates with PCTA partners, and provides educational and volunteer opportunities for youths. In 2024, the organization reports that it logged 57,515 volunteer service hours, issued 6,840 long-distance permits, and maintained 1,134 miles of the PCT.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Pacific Crest Trail Association's program expenses were:
Trail operations: $3,052,211
Public information and education: $977,189
Land protection: $195,338
Total Program Expenses: $4,224,738
Chief Executive
Megan Wargo, Chief Executive Officer
Compensation*
$171,102
Chair of the Board
John Remmers
Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
Retired
Board Size
15
Paid Staff Size
33
*2023 compensation includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.
Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Grant proposals, Internet, Radio, Print advertisements
Fundraising costs were 21% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $4,788,589, are donations received as a result of fundraising activities.)
This organization is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes.
The following information is based on Pacific Crest Trail Association's audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Source of Funds
| Government grants | $2,375,385 |
| In-kind contributions | $342,663 |
| Other income | $22,252 |
| Contributions and memberships | $2,689,844 |
| Investment income, net | $307,502 |
| Total Income | $5,737,646 |
Programs: 73% Fundraising: 18% Administrative: 10%
| Total Income | $5,737,646 |
| Total expenses: | $5,823,127 |
| Program expenses | $4,224,738 |
| Fundraising expenses | $1,020,379 |
| Administrative expenses | $578,010 |
| Other expenses | $0 |
| Income in Excess of Expenses | $-85,481 |
| Beginning Net Assets | $4,962,320 |
| Other Changes In Net Assets | $0 |
| Ending Net Assets | $4,894,803 |
| Total Liabilities | $1,541,428 |
| Total Assets | $6,436,231 |
Note: According to the organization's 2024 audited financial statements, PCTA received in-kind gifts totaling $342,663 in the form of chain saw operation and skilled construction ($256,050), graphic design ($71,268), and donated goods and materials ($15,345).
An organization may change its practices at any time without notice. A copy of this report has been shared with the organization prior to publication. It is not intended to recommend or deprecate, and is furnished solely to assist you in exercising your own judgment. If the report is about a charity and states the charity meets or does not meet the Standards for Charity Accountability, it reflects the results of an evaluation of information and materials provided voluntarily by the charity. The name Better Business Bureau is a registered service mark of the International Association of Better Business Bureaus.
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Meets Standards
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Standards Not Met
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Did Not Disclose
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Review in Progress
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Unable to Verify
Report completed by:
BBB Wise Giving Alliance