Ghost Ranch Education and Retreat Center

Overview

Mission

Ghost Ranch provides a sanctuary for exploration, rejuvenation, and the nurturing of ones inner self. From captivating archaeological sites to invigorating outdoor activities like hiking and horseback riding, Ghost Ranch provides a sanctuary for exploration, rejuvenation, and the nurturing of one’s inner self. With a diverse and storied past, which encompasses the majestic era of dinosaurs and the artistic presence of icons like Georgia O’Keeffe, Ghost Ranch warmly welcomes individuals from all corners of the world who seek inspiration, connection, and a profound sense of wonder within its transformative embrace. The 21,000-acre Ranch is owned by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Since 2018, the ranch’s facilities and programs have been leased to and managed by The National Ghost Ranch Found.

Operating model

Revenue model

Mixed. Its operating money came from several sources; no one source provided a clear majority.

Distribution model

Direct operator. The filing allocates 100% of reported program-service expenses outside its grant, affiliate-payment, and member-benefit lines. This expense classification does not rule out separately announced grant awards.

• Includes noncash contributions: Reported contributions include donated property or goods.

The verdict

SUPPORTED - The filed numbers largely add up and most voting board members are independent. A relatively small share of available resources goes toward mission work and fundraising costs are high for each dollar raised.

Rating breakdown

• Financial Efficiency: 54
• Transparency & Controls: 79
• Accountability: 95
• Sustainability: 71
• Growth: 100

Detailed rating inputs

Details

• What they do: 1 operating location identified
• Where the money goes: 46.1% of revenue deployed · 71.8% of spending went to programs
• Governance: 22 of 22 board members independent · 7 of 8 filing controls reported
• Programs: 3 filed program accomplishments · $5.5M in reported program spending
• Leadership: top reported pay $236K · 23 people listed · 3 of 6 pay-setting controls reported
• Highest-paid contractors: 4 contractors listed · $632K reported
• Consistency: 31 of 31 current checks pass
• Schedules: 6 filed schedules · includes major donors and executive pay
• Filing history: 12 filing years from 2010 to 2025
• Contacts: How to reach this organization
• Money network: 1 filed money-flow record
• Related organizations: Filed and resolved organization relationships.
• Grant readiness: Federal tax and exclusion status, award history, and grant-maker relationships.
• People: Everyone the filings name, and which of them the filings identify by more than a name.

Key Signals

Signals prioritize questions for review. They are not findings of misconduct.

• Moderate — Financial Efficiency: Mission deployment rate scored 46/100.
• Moderate — Financial Efficiency: Fundraising efficiency scored 41/100.
• Review — Accountability: Governance controls: Form 990 shared with the board not reported.
• Review — Sustainability: Total-asset coverage ratio scored 51/100.
• Review — Sustainability: Liabilities to assets ratio scored 53/100.