Rooted in Wyoming

What it reported doing in 2024

Rooted in Wyoming is dedicated to cultivating thriving, self-sustaining communities by growing local food systems. Rooted is guided by a sense of environmental stewardship, and the agricultural heritage that has shaped our state for generations. Since 2016, we have supported over 20 garden and local food projects locally, working with schools in sheridan county to engage thousands of students in hands-on learning about the importance of local food and sustainable practices. From 202 to 2024 rooted mini-grants supported 23 food projects in 12 Wyoming communities. Through volunteer programs and partnerships with a variety of organizations, we live our mission to connect communities through local food, including the Wyoming hunger initiative's grow a little extra program.our roots run deep in Wyoming's agricultural tradition. We understand that the values of hard work and stewardship of the land are central to our communities. We also believe that preserving these values means adapting them for the future. That's why we are working to inspire the next generation of farmers, food advocates, and community leaders. Through school gardens, culinary programs, and local food projects, we are sowing the seeds of knowledge, instilling a respect for the land, and teaching young people the power of local food to foster healthy, resilient communities.at the core of our mission is a bold vision: that every community in Wyoming can grow its own food. To achieve this, communities need the resources and knowledge to expand local food production. Rooted is helping provide this through innovative programs like our incubator garden at bridges, where new farmers are trained and supported in growing food for the local market. This project, like all our work, is designed to strengthen Wyoming's food system by creating pathways for the next generation of producers and ensuring that our agricultural heritage continues to thrive in today's world.rooted in Wyoming also offers vital support to local producers who are working to keep our communities nourished with locally grown goods. Our mini-grants provide essential resources to small farmers, enabling them to grow and expand their operations. We also support the Wyoming food coalition, a member driven organization of Wyoming producers whose goods are available at farmers markets and local storefronts.every step we take is driven by a deep sense of purpose: to create a future where Wyoming communities are healthier, more resilient, and self-sustaining through local food. With every garden we plant and every farmer we support, we are not just cultivating food - we are cultivating a movement. Rooted in the strength of Wyoming's past, we are building a future where our communities thrive, powered by local food and the collective will to grow together.rooted in Wyoming's work relies on the generosity of donors and grant-makers. Financial support allows us to purchase essential supplies, seeds, and tools for our gardens, maintain infrastructure, and offer free educational programming to schools and communities that otherwise lack access. As we grow, we need continued investment to develop projects like the incubator garden, hydroponic farm walls, and greenhouse initiatives that will boost local food production and ensure long-term food security to all Wyoming communities from k1-12 students/families to veterans. Every contribution helps build a more resilient Wyoming.rooted in Wyoming's success is made possible by the leadership of our executive director and board of directors who bring a deep passion for education and sustainability, guiding the organization with a clear vision for the future while fostering relationships with local schools, businesses, and nonprofits. Under this leadership, rooted in Wyoming has built a strong foundation of trust and collaboration, positioning us to continue our growth and make lasting change in the communities we serve.

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 97.7%; rating input score 98
• Program expense ratio: 91.5%; rating input score 92
• Fundraising efficiency: $23.71 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 62; 62nd percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 86.7%; rating input score 87; 3rd percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: Limited
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: Limited
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 100%; rating input score 100; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 3 of 7 controls in place; rating input score 43
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Fail
  • Document-retention policy: Fail
  • CEO compensation review process: NotApplicable
  • Other executive compensation review process: NotApplicable
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Missing
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Fail

Sustainability

• Operating margin: -6.7%; rating input score 27; 27th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 1.21; rating input score 46; 46th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.01; rating input score 44; 44th percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 0%; rating input score 69; 69th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 37.4% per year; rating input score 100; 93rd percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 23.5% per year; rating input score 100; 90th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 18.2% per year; rating input score 100; 82nd percentile among comparable filings