Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ.
Go to
www.irs.gov/Form990 for instructions and the latest information.
| (i) Name of supported organization | (ii) EIN | (iii) Type of organization (described on lines 1- 10 above (see instructions)) | (iv) Is the organization listed in your governing document? | (v) Amount of monetary support (see instructions) | (vi) Amount of other support (see instructions) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | No | |||||
|
Total |
0 | |||||
Calendar year
(or fiscal year beginning in)
![]() |
(a) 2019 | (b) 2020 | (c) 2021 | (d) 2022 | (e) 2023 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grant.") .. | ||||||
| 2 | Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf .... | ||||||
| 3 | The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge.. | ||||||
| 4 | Total. Add lines 1 through 3 | ||||||
| 5 | The portion of total contributions by each person (other than a governmental unit or publicly supported organization) included on line 1 that exceeds 2% of the amount shown on line 11, column (f) .. | ||||||
| 6 | Public support. Subtract line 5 from line 4. | ||||||
Calendar year
(or fiscal year beginning in)
![]() |
(a) 2019 | (b) 2020 | (c) 2021 | (d) 2022 | (e) 2023 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Amounts from line 4.. | ||||||
| 8 | Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources... | ||||||
| 9 | Net income from unrelated business activities, whether or not the business is regularly carried on.. | ||||||
| 10 | Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part VI.).. | ||||||
| 11 | Total support. Add lines 7 through 10 | ||||||
Calendar year (or fiscal
year beginning in) ![]() |
(a) 2019 | (b) 2020 | (c) 2021 | (d) 2022 | (e) 2023 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") . | 193,718 | 64,290 | 131,750 | 389,758 | ||
| 2 | Gross receipts from admissions, merchandise sold or services performed, or facilities furnished in any activity that is related to the organization's tax-exempt purpose | 746,543 | 752,749 | 1,499,292 | |||
| 3 | Gross receipts from activities that are not an unrelated trade or business under section 513 ..... | 0 | |||||
| 4 | Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf... | 0 | |||||
| 5 | The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge | ||||||
| 6 | Total. Add lines 1 through 5 | 193,718 | 810,833 | 884,499 | 1,889,050 | ||
| 7a | Amounts included on lines 1, 2, and 3 received from disqualified persons | 0 | |||||
| b | Amounts included on lines 2 and 3 received from other than disqualified persons that exceed the greater of $5,000 or 1% of the amount on line 13 for the year. | 0 | |||||
| c | Add lines 7a and 7b.. | 0 | |||||
| 8 | Public support. (Subtract line 7c from line 6.) | 1,889,050 | |||||
Calendar year
(or fiscal year beginning in)
![]() |
(a) 2019 | (b) 2020 | (c) 2021 | (d) 2022 | (e) 2023 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Amounts from line 6... | 193,718 | 810,833 | 884,499 | 1,889,050 | ||
| 10a | Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources.. | 9 | 179 | 5,506 | 5,694 | ||
| b | Unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 taxes) from businesses acquired after June 30, 1975. | 0 | 0 | ||||
| c | Add lines 10a and 10b. | 9 | 179 | 5,506 | 5,694 | ||
| 11 | Net income from unrelated business activities not included on line 10b, whether or not the business is regularly carried on. | ||||||
| 12 | Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part VI.) .. | ||||||
| 13 | Total support. (Add lines 9, 10c, 11, and 12.).. | 1,894,744 | |||||
| Section A - Adjusted Net Income | (A) Prior Year |
(B) Current Year (optional) |
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| 1 | Net short-term capital gain | 1 | ||||
| 2 | Recoveries of prior-year distributions | 2 | ||||
| 3 | Other gross income (see instructions) | 3 | ||||
| 4 | Add lines 1 through 3 | 4 | ||||
| 5 | Depreciation and depletion | 5 | ||||
| 6 | Portion of operating expenses paid or incurred for production or collection of gross income or for management, conservation, or maintenance of property held for production of income (see instructions) | 6 | ||||
| 7 | Other expenses (see instructions) | 7 | ||||
| 8 | Adjusted Net Income (subtract lines 5, 6 and 7 from line 4) | 8 | ||||
| Section B - Minimum Asset Amount | (A) Prior Year |
(B) Current Year (optional) |
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| 1 | Aggregate fair market value of all non-exempt-use assets (see instructions for short tax year or assets held for part of year): | 1 | ||||
| a | Average monthly value of securities | 1a | ||||
| b | Average monthly cash balances | 1b | ||||
| c | Fair market value of other non-exempt-use assets | 1c | ||||
| d | Total (add lines 1a, 1b, and 1c) | 1d | ||||
| e |
Discount claimed for blockage or other factors (explain in detail in Part VI): |
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| 2 | Acquisition indebtedness applicable to non-exempt use assets | 2 | ||||
| 3 | Subtract line 2 from line 1d | 3 | ||||
| 4 | Cash deemed held for exempt use. Enter 0.015 of line 3 (for greater amount, see instructions). | 4 | ||||
| 5 | Net value of non-exempt-use assets (subtract line 4 from line 3) | 5 | ||||
| 6 | Multiply line 5 by 0.035 | 6 | ||||
| 7 | Recoveries of prior-year distributions | 7 | ||||
| 8 | Minimum Asset Amount (add line 7 to line 6) | 8 | ||||
| Section C - Distributable Amount | Current Year | |||||
| 1 | Adjusted net income for prior year (from Section A, line 8, Column A) | 1 | ||||
| 2 | Enter 85% of line 1 | 2 | ||||
| 3 | Minimum asset amount for prior year (from Section B, line 8, Column A) | 3 | ||||
| 4 | Enter greater of line 2 or line 3 | 4 | ||||
| 5 | Income tax imposed in prior year | 5 | ||||
| 6 | Distributable Amount. Subtract line 5 from line 4, unless subject to emergency temporary reduction (see instructions) | 6 | ||||
| Section D - Distributions | Current Year | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Amounts paid to supported organizations to accomplish exempt purposes | 1 | |
|
2
Amounts paid to perform activity that directly furthers exempt purposes of supported organizations, in excess of income from activity |
2 | |
| 3 Administrative expenses paid to accomplish exempt purposes of supported organizations | 3 | |
| 4 Amounts paid to acquire exempt-use assets | 4 | |
| 5 Qualified set-aside amounts (prior IRS approval required - provide details in Part VI) | 5 | |
| 6 Other distributions (describe in Part VI). See instructions | 6 | |
| 7Total annual distributions. Add lines 1 through 6. | 7 | |
|
8
Distributions to attentive supported organizations to which the organization is responsive (provide details in Part VI). See instructions |
8 | |
| 9 Distributable amount for 2023 from Section C, line 6 | 9 | |
| 10 Line 8 amount divided by Line 9 amount | 10 | |
| Section E - Distribution Allocations (see instructions) |
(i) Excess Distributions |
(ii) Underdistributions Pre-2023 |
(iii) Distributable Amount for 2023 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Distributable amount for 2023 from Section C, line 6 | ||||
|
2
Underdistributions, if any, for years prior to 2023 (reasonable cause required-- explain in Part VI).
See instructions. |
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| 3 Excess distributions carryover, if any, to 2023: | ||||
| a From 2018....... | ||||
| b From 2019....... | ||||
| c From 2020....... | ||||
| d From 2021....... | ||||
| e From 2022....... | ||||
| fTotal of lines 3a through e | ||||
| g Applied to underdistributions of prior years | ||||
| h Applied to 2023 distributable amount | ||||
|
i
Carryover from 2018 not applied (see instructions) |
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| j Remainder. Subtract lines 3g, 3h, and 3i from line 3f. | ||||
| 4Distributions for 2023 from Section D, line 7: | ||||
| $ | ||||
| a Applied to underdistributions of prior years | ||||
| b Applied to 2023 distributable amount | ||||
| c Remainder. Subtract lines 4a and 4b from line 4. | ||||
|
5
Remaining underdistributions for years prior to 2023, if any. Subtract lines 3g and 4a from line 2. If the amount is greater than zero, explain in Part VI. See instructions. |
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|
6
Remaining underdistributions for 2023. Subtract lines 3h and 4b from line 1. If the amount is greater than zero, explain in Part VI. See instructions. |
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7 Excess distributions carryover to 2024. Add lines 3j and 4c. |
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| 8 Breakdown of line 7: | ||||
| a Excess from 2019..... | ||||
| b Excess from 2020..... | ||||
| c Excess from 2021..... | ||||
| d Excess from 2022..... | ||||
| e Excess from 2023..... | ||||
| Facts And Circumstances Test |
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| Return Reference | Explanation |
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| Software ID: | 23017509 |
| Software Version: |
| Return Reference | Explanation |
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| Other | PART III, LINE 4: LES is best known for our fun outdoor education summer camps for kids and teens that go beyond a typical summer camp experience. We cultivate a culture at camp that builds community and fosters nature connection to a living earth, teaching kids about themselves, others and the natural world through direct experiences. Our amazing instructors teach skills that relate directly to life - shelter, fire, water, food, awareness of our surroundings - we remind and show kids what is real. We teach kids to love nature by giving them time and experience in nature, without digital diversions or extraneous activities. Everything we do is geared to deepen our connection with each other and with the natural world around us. Beyond just summer, programs at the Living Earth School range from one day workshops, to weekly homeschool classes, weekend expedition trips, and long-term immersive courses for adults. |
| Pt VI, Line 11b | A draft of the Form 990 is presented to the members of the Board of Directors for review prior to filing with the IRS. |
| Pt VI, Line 2 | Hub Knott (Executive Director and Board Member) has a family relationship with Kate Knott (Board Member). |
| Pt VI, Line 19 | Documents are shared with the public upon request. |
| Pt VI, Line 12c | Members of the Board of Directors annually sign a statement confirming that they will comply with the conflict of interest policy. Before decisions are made, any board member with a conflict of interest must disclose it. This is managed and overseen by the Executive Director and the Executive Committee of the Board. |
| Pt III, Line 2 | ARTICLE I: GENERAL 1.1 Purpose A. The Living Earth School (LES) is formed as a not-for-profit organization, established under the Laws of the State of Virginia, promoting charitable purposes within the meaning of 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. B. The principal office of LES shall be located at its principal place of business or such other place as the Board may designate. As of the date of this document, the location of the principal place of business is 101 Rocky Bottom Lane, Afton, Virginia, 22920. 1.2 Mission A. Within a supportive community, the Living Earth School mentors grounded, caring humans in naturalist knowledge, mindfulness, community building, adventure, earth skills, and deep nature connection. ARTICLE II: ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE 2.1 Structure and Size of Board of Directors A. LES will consist of the governing Board of Directors and paid staff as needed to carry out operations with additional help and involvement from unpaid volunteers. B. The Board of Directors will consist of a minimum of three (3) members, not to exceed eleven (11) members. C. Founder Directors: Two seats on the Board are reserved for the founders of LES, Adam Hub Knott and Kate Knott. Founder Directors may serve on the Board regardless of any other paid or volunteer position they hold within the organization. D. Board Vacancy: The Executive Committee of Board Officers will approve and present the slate of qualified candidate(s) to the full board for a subsequent vote. The Executive Committee may designate a nominating committee to develop the slate if desired. The election may be held either at a scheduled meeting or through electronic or voice communications outside of a scheduled meeting with appropriate notations made in the board records by the Story Keeper. No individual may be named or elected as a director without their consent. E. The Board of Directors may add a member to or remove a member from the board by vote at any meeting or special meeting of the Board of Directors. The Board may remove any Director with or without cause, except Founder Directors who may only be removed for cause.The intention is to work to achieve consensus on these decisions, if possible. F. A vacancy that will occur at a specific later date may be filled before the vacancy occurs, but the new Director may not take office until the vacancy occurs. 2.2 Board Qualifications and Selection A. All board members must: 1. Be 18 years or older 2. Have a strong interest in the LES mission 3. Desire to help facilitate the success of LES initiatives 4. Share time, talent, and resources with LES 5. Understand their role as a fiduciary and take on responsibility for the wise and ethical spending of donated or earned funds and property of the organization 6. Stay well informed about the organization 7. Sign and maintain confidentiality and conflict of interest agreements 2.3 Board Term A. The initial set of Directors are elected for staggered terms as provided in 13.1-858 of the Code of Virginia of 1950, as amended. After the expiration of the initial term, Directors will hold office for two (2) year terms. B. Directors may be re-elected by the board to serve a second successive term before they must rotate off the Board for at least one year before becoming eligible to serve on the board again. C. Each board member shall serve until their term ends, the board member resigns, dies, or is removed as a member by the Board of Directors. D. The two Founder Directors, Hub Knott and Kate Knott, are exempt from term limits. 2.4 Compensation A. Directors of the Board serve without pay, though the reasonable expenses of Directors related to their duties may be paid or reimbursed. |
| Other | PART IV, Line 4 continued: 2.5 Director Resignation A. Any director may resign effective upon giving written notice to the Mission Keeper of the Board, but no director may resign if the organization would then be left with no duly elected director in charge of its affairs, except upon notice to the Office of the Attorney General or other appropriate agency of the state of Virginia. 2.6 Committees A. Standing or ad hoc committees may be established under the Board to carry out advisory roles or special tasks. Each committee will have a chairperson designated to communicate back to the board via an assigned sitting Board Director. B. No committee can exercise the authority of the Board. 2.7 Meetings A. The Board will meet at least 4 (four) times per year which includes a meeting designated as an annual meeting. The annual meeting to elect new board members and officers will be held on the 4th Thursday of January each year. B. All meetings can be held in-person, by phone, virtually, or any means of communication so long as all Directors participating can simultaneously hear each other during the meeting and providing that the Story Keeper maintains complete and accurate minutes of all meetings. C. Board members will receive a reminder of each upcoming meeting or notification of any change of schedule or additionally scheduled special meetings at least one week in advance of the meeting. 2.8 Quorum A. A quorum is here defined as 2/3 the number of sitting board members, not including vacant seats. A quorum will be required at any meeting to hold a vote or conduct business. B. Once a quorum requirement has been met, any decision done or made by a majority of the directors present at a meeting is the act of the Board of Directors. 2.9 Action Without a Meeting A. Any vote or action normally taken at a meeting can be taken without a meeting so long as the action is written, voted upon, and documented as minutes of the organization. ARTICLE III: DUTIES OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS 3.1 Board Director Duties A. All Board members will: 1. Perform all duties imposed on them collectively or individually by law, by the articles of incorporation, or by these bylaws. 2. Appoint and remove, employ, and discharge Directors, Officers and Executive Director. 3. Approve the duties and compensation (if any) of all Directors, Officers, and Executive Director. 4. Approve the annual budget and any necessary budget changes throughout the year and provide oversight of its implementation. 5. Provide oversight that all Officers, Directors, and Executive Director of the organization are performing their duties properly. 6. Attend meetings as scheduled. 7. Approve the annual report and 990 Non-profit Tax Return. 8. Participate in a Board evaluation once a year. 9. Other business as needed. |
| Other | PART VI, LINE 4: 3.2 Executive Committee of Board Officer A.The Executive Committee of the Board is comprised of the:1.the Mission Keeper (coincides with the term President in wider culture)2.the Vibe Tender (coincides with the term Vice-President in wider culture)3.the Story Keeper (coincides with the term Secretary in wider culture)4.the Resource Keeper (coincides with the term Treasurer in wider culture)B.Officers are nominated with the prior consent of the nominee and elected by a 2/3 vote at any meeting or special meeting of the Board of Directors. The intention is to work to achieve consensus, if possible.C.The Board will elect the Executive Committee positions promptly after its election each year.D.Officers shall serve a term of one year with terms beginning January 1 and terminating the following December 31. Officers may serve two successive terms, if willing, nominated, and elected.E.Additional officer positions can be created by the board if needed. Officers must be Board members who are then nominated and elected by the Board members.F.Any Officer can be removed with or without cause at any time by a 2/3 vote of the Board.The intention is to work to achieve consensus on these decisions, if possible.G.Succession1.To help assure the succession of leadership and adequate support and training, it is intended that the Vibe Tender becomes the Mission Keeper at the end of the Mission Keepers term.2.The past Mission Keeper is encouraged to mentor and support the new Mission Keeper who comes after him or her. 3.3 Officer Duties A. The Mission Keeper. Presides at meetings. Has the power and authority to sign all bonds, deeds, mortgages, extension agreements, leases, and contracts of the organization. Assures that laws and Board protocols are followed. Attends the overall direction and mission of the organization. B. The Vibe Tender: Performs duties and has powers of the President during the absence of the Mission Keeper. Assists Mission Keeper/President and attends to the overall functioning and distribution of tasks across the board and committees. C. The Story Keeper: Keeps a record of minutes of the meetings including attendance, important discussion points not of a confidential nature, and decisions made, noting the vote count. Maintain updated contact information of Board Directors. D. The Resource Keeper: Reports current financial status at board meetings of all expenses and revenue. Will assure that accurate books of account of the organizations financial transactions are being maintained. Will stay updated on relevant tax laws and ensure tax payments and forms are filed with correct information in a timely manner. 3.4 Signing Authority A. Documents: the Mission Keeper has signing authority on all regulatory documents necessary for doing business as a non-profit corporation, grants, agreements and reporting documents. This power may also be granted by the Board to a staff member in a leadership position with the organization when prudent. B. Bank Accounts: The Resource Keeper and one other designated Board Member will have signing authority on LES bank accounts. This power shall also be designated by the Board to certain staff members when prudent. |
| Other | PART VI, LINE 4 CONTINUED: ARTICLE IV: NON LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS 4. 1 Non Liability A. The Directors shall not be personally liable for the debts, liabilities, or other obligations of the corporation. The Directors and Officers of the corporation shall be protected from legal liability by the organization to the fullest extent permissible under the laws of Virginia. ARTICLE V: FISCAL YEAR 5. 1 Fiscal Year a. The LES Fiscal year will begin on January 1 and end on December 31. |
| Other | PART VI, LINE 4 CONTINUED: ARTICLE VI: LIQUIDATION 6. 1 Liquidation A. If the organization is dissolved, the assets remaining after the payment of obligations, including promissory notes, shall be donated to another charitable cause or tax-exempt organization as specified in 501(c)(3) of the Code. The Board will select the recipient(s) of the assets by majority vote. Article VII: Amendments A. These bylaws may be amended at any regular meeting by a 2/3 vote at any meeting or special meeting of the Board of Directors. The intention is to work to achieve consensus on these decisions, if possible. |
| Form 990, Part III, Line 4d | MISCELLANEOUS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (SEE SCHEDULE O) 133034. 0. 68485. |
| Software ID: | 23017509 |
| Software Version: |