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 | |||||
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Total |
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Calendar year
(or fiscal year beginning in)
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(a) 2020 | (b) 2021 | (c) 2022 | (d) 2023 | (e) 2024 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grant.") .. | 3,052,032 | 7,804,556 | 2,373,356 | 7,903,771 | 4,881,697 | 26,015,412 |
| 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 | 3,052,032 | 7,804,556 | 2,373,356 | 7,903,771 | 4,881,697 | 26,015,412 |
| 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) .. | 3,757,274 | |||||
| 6 | Public support. Subtract line 5 from line 4. | 22,258,138 | |||||
Calendar year
(or fiscal year beginning in)
![]() |
(a) 2020 | (b) 2021 | (c) 2022 | (d) 2023 | (e) 2024 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Amounts from line 4.. | 3,052,032 | 7,804,556 | 2,373,356 | 7,903,771 | 4,881,697 | 26,015,412 |
| 8 | Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources... | 7,447 | 12,340 | 27,324 | 186,108 | 201,999 | 435,218 |
| 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 | 26,450,630 | |||||
Calendar year (or fiscal
year beginning in) ![]() |
(a) 2020 | (b) 2021 | (c) 2022 | (d) 2023 | (e) 2024 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") . | ||||||
| 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 | ||||||
| 3 | Gross receipts from activities that are not an unrelated trade or business under section 513 ..... | ||||||
| 4 | Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf... | ||||||
| 5 | The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge | ||||||
| 6 | Total. Add lines 1 through 5 | ||||||
| 7a | Amounts included on lines 1, 2, and 3 received from disqualified persons | ||||||
| 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. | ||||||
| c | Add lines 7a and 7b.. | ||||||
| 8 | Public support. (Subtract line 7c from line 6.) | ||||||
Calendar year
(or fiscal year beginning in)
![]() |
(a) 2020 | (b) 2021 | (c) 2022 | (d) 2023 | (e) 2024 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Amounts from line 6... | ||||||
| 10a | Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources.. | ||||||
| b | Unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 taxes) from businesses acquired after June 30, 1975. | ||||||
| c | Add lines 10a and 10b. | ||||||
| 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.).. | ||||||
| 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 2024 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-2024 |
(iii) Distributable Amount for 2024 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Distributable amount for 2024 from Section C, line 6 | ||||
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2
Underdistributions, if any, for years prior to 2024 (reasonable cause required-- explain in Part VI).
See instructions. |
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| 3 Excess distributions carryover, if any, to 2024: | ||||
| a From 2019....... | ||||
| b From 2020....... | ||||
| c From 2021....... | ||||
| d From 2022....... | ||||
| e From 2023....... | ||||
| fTotal of lines 3a through e | ||||
| g Applied to underdistributions of prior years | ||||
| h Applied to 2024 distributable amount | ||||
|
i
Carryover from 2019 not applied (see instructions) |
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| j Remainder. Subtract lines 3g, 3h, and 3i from line 3f. | ||||
| 4Distributions for 2024 from Section D, line 7: | ||||
| $ | ||||
| a Applied to underdistributions of prior years | ||||
| b Applied to 2024 distributable amount | ||||
| c Remainder. Subtract lines 4a and 4b from line 4. | ||||
|
5
Remaining underdistributions for years prior to 2024, 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 2024. 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 2025. Add lines 3j and 4c. |
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| 8 Breakdown of line 7: | ||||
| a Excess from 2020..... | ||||
| b Excess from 2021..... | ||||
| c Excess from 2022..... | ||||
| d Excess from 2023..... | ||||
| e Excess from 2024..... | ||||
| Facts And Circumstances Test |
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| Return Reference | Explanation |
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| Software ID: | |
| Software Version: |
| Return Reference | Explanation |
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| FORM 990, PART III, LINE 1, DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATION MISSION: | CALIFORNIA FARMLINK (FARMLINK), A CALIFORNIA NONPROFIT PUBLIC BENEFIT CORPORATION, WAS FORMED IN 1999. AS A COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FINANCIAL INSTITUTION, ITS MISSION IS TO INVEST IN THE PROSPERITY AND WELL-BEING OF FARMERS, RANCHERS, AND FISHERS WHO HAVE LIMITED ACCESS TO FINANCIAL RESOURCES. FARMLINK'S PROGRAMS PROMOTE JUST AND RESILIENT ECONOMIES AND NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION. FARMLINK OFFERS FAIR FINANCING, BUSINESS EDUCATION, AND SUPPORT FOR OWNING OR MANAGING AGRICULTURAL LAND. FARMLINK WORKS THROUGHOUT CALIFORNIA, WITH PARTICULAR FOCUS ON THE CENTRAL COAST AND IN THE SACRAMENTO AND SAN JOAQUIN VALLEYS, AND THE NORTH BAY REGION OF CALIFORNIA. FARMLINK'S WORK IS ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH A LENDING PROGRAM AND LAND AND BUSINESS PROGRAM. |
| FORM 990, PART III, LINE 2 | FARMLINK'S BUSINESS AND INNOVATION PROGRAM HOUSES NEW AND EMERGING PROGRAMS. SOLARFRESCO IS A NEW PROGRAM TO HELP SMALL-SCALE FARMERS AND FARMERS OF COLOR TO LEAD THE TRANSITION TO CLIMATE-SMART COOLING. THE SOLARFRESCO PROGRAM HELPS LOW-INCOME FARMERS ACQUIRE LOW, OR NO-COST SOLAR-POWERED COOLERS TO BUILD WEALTH, PROFITABILITY, AND SUSTAINABILITY, WHILE LOWERING THEIR CARBON FOOTPRINT. THESE INVESTMENTS STRENGTHEN FOOD SYSTEMS BY HELPING FARMERS REDUCE FOOD WASTE AND RELIANCE ON CONVENTIONAL POWER, BUILD EQUITY IN REAL ASSETS, AND SELL IN MORE PROFITABLE AND SUSTAINABLE MARKETS. BUSINESS SKILLS DEVELOPMENT: IN 2024, FARMLINK ESTABLISHED THE BUSINESS SKILLS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM TO FACILITATE ONE-ON-ONE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR LOAN READINESS AND ONGOING COMPLIANCE WITH LOAN CONDITIONS, INCLUDING EDUCATION ON SMALL BUSINESS TAX PREPARATION AND BOOKKEEPING ASSISTANCE. |
| FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4A: | LENDING PROGRAM. THE LENDING PROGRAM PROVIDES FLEXIBLY STRUCTURED FINANCING TO UNDERSERVED, LOW-INCOME, BEGINNING FARMERS, RANCHERS AND FISHERS ACROSS CALIFORNIA FOR OPERATING, EQUIPMENT, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND LAND PURCHASE LOANS. THIS PROGRAM BEGAN IN 2005 WHEN FARMLINK IDENTIFIED A LACK OF ACCESS TO FINANCING AS ONE OF THE TOP OBSTACLES FACED BY SMALL-SCALE AND LOW-INCOME FARMERS. THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS WITH LENDERS, FARMLINK INITIALLY DEVELOPED A FARM LOAN FUND TO PROVIDE FINANCING TO UNDERSERVED GROWERS. DURING THE FIRST FIVE YEARS OF THE PROGRAM, FARMLINK RAISED LENDING CAPITAL AND LENT IT TO PARTNERING LENDING INSTITUTIONS WHO ACTED AS THE LENDER OF RECORD TO MAKE LOANS TO SMALL FARMERS. FARMLINK OBTAINED ITS LENDING LICENSE FROM THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CORPORATIONS AT THE END OF 2010 AND SECURED GUARANTEED LENDER STATUS FROM THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) FARM SERVICE AGENCY (FSA) IN 2011. IN 2013, FARMLINK RECEIVED CERTIFICATION FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY AS A COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FINANCIAL INSTITUTION (CDFI). A CDFI IS A SPECIALIZED FINANCIAL INSTITUTION THAT WORKS IN MARKETS THAT ARE UNDERSERVED BY TRADITIONAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS. WITH THIS CERTIFICATION, FARMLINK IS ELIGIBLE TO ACCESS FINANCIAL AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AWARDS FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY'S CDFI FUND. TO MAINTAIN GOOD STANDING UNDER THIS PROGRAM, FARMLINK IS REQUIRED TO MAKE AT LEAST 60% OF ITS ANNUAL LOAN ORIGINATIONS AND DOLLAR VOLUME TO AN ELIGIBLE "TARGET MARKET" OF BUSINESS BORROWERS. IN 2013, FARMLINK IDENTIFIED LOW-INCOME AND LATINE BUSINESS BORROWERS AS ITS TARGET MARKET. FARMLINK'S LENDING PROGRAM SERVES BORROWERS WHO WOULD OTHERWISE HAVE A DIFFICULT TIME SECURING FINANCING DUE TO LIMITED HISTORY AS ENTREPRENEURS, LIMITED TRADITIONAL COLLATERAL, LITTLE OR NO CREDIT HISTORY, SMALL LOAN SIZE, LANGUAGE BARRIERS, OR NON-TRADITIONAL MARKETING AND BUSINESS MODELS. FARMLINK ALSO DIRECTS FARMERS TO OTHER APPROPRIATE SOURCES OF FINANCING SUITED TO THE SCALE AND TYPE OF THE BUSINESS. IN 2024, FARMLINK ORIGINATED 40 LOANS ($13,388,874 IN TOTAL VOLUME) WITH AN AVERAGE SIZE OF $334,721. IN 2023, FARMLINK ORIGINATED 65 LOANS ($10,185,000 IN TOTAL VOLUME) WITH AN AVERAGE SIZE OF $156,984. IN 2024, 80% OF LOAN ORIGINATIONS SERVED ITS TARGET MARKET, COMPRISING 82% OF ANNUAL LOAN VOLUME DEPLOYED. IN 2023, 86% OF LOAN ORIGINATIONS SERVED ITS TARGET MARKET, COMPRISING 82% OF TOTAL LOAN VOLUME. FARMLINK ALSO FOCUSES ON GENERATING PATHWAYS TO OWNERSHIP AND HELPING FARMERS, RANCHERS AND FISHERS PLAN FOR LOWER-INTEREST LAND LOANS AND OTHER MEANS TO ESTABLISH SECURE LONG-TERM LAND TENURE. WITH SECURE LAND TENURE, FARMERS CAN BUILD FINANCIAL EQUITY BY INVESTING IN IMPROVEMENTS TO SOIL HEALTH, FARM INFRASTRUCTURE AND ON-FARM HOUSING. OF THE $7.76 MILLION FARMLINK DEPLOYED IN 12 LAND LOANS TO BUSINESSES IN 2024, 77% SUPPORTED LAND FINANCING LOANS FOR LOW-INCOME FARM BUSINESSES, AND/OR FARM BUSINESSES OWNERS OF COLOR. IN 2021, FARMLINK WAS APPROVED BY THE CALIFORNIA OCEAN PROTECTION COUNCIL TO MANAGE THE "CALIFORNIA FISHERIES FUND." AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2024, FARMLINK WAS SERVICING AN OUTSTANDING PORTFOLIO OF 23 LOANS AND $2,868,746 THROUGH THE PROGRAM. FARMLINK PRIORITIZES LOANS TO BEGINNING, LOW-INCOME AND DISADVANTAGED SMALL-SCALE FISHERS. FISHERS FROM THE COASTAL COMMUNITIES ON THE MONTEREY BAY AND SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PORTS ARE DIVERSE IN ETHNICITY (LATINO, SICILIAN, VIETNAMESE), AND MANY COME FROM MULTI-GENERATIONAL FISHING FAMILIES. SIMILAR TO SMALL-SCALE AGRICULTURE, THE AVERAGE AGE OF FISHERS IS 55-60, THERE ARE CONSIDERABLE BARRIERS TO STARTING A BUSINESS, A COMPLEX REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT, AND A CHALLENGE TO RETAIN THESE BUSINESSES FOR THE NEXT GENERATION. IN 2024, FARMLINK DEPLOYED $944,093 THROUGH 7 LOANS, AND IN 2023 IT DEPLOYED $523,000 THROUGH 6 LOANS TO SMALL SCALE FISHERS. |
| FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4B: | LAND AND BUSINESS (LAB) PROGRAMS. THERE ARE THREE RELATED LAND AND BUSINESS PROGRAMS: EQUITY AND CONSERVATION ON WORKING LANDS (ECWL), RESILIENCE AND WEALTH BUILDING (RWB), AND BUSINESS AND INNOVATION (B&I). IN 2024, FARMLINK STAFF PROVIDED DIRECT, INDIVIDUALIZED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO 313 FARMERS AND RANCHERS ACROSS THESE PROGRAMS. THROUGHOUT ITS PROGRAMMING, FARMLINK EMPLOYS THE "CLIENT JOURNEY," A CLIENT-CENTRIC SERVICE PHILOSOPHY TO HARNESS THE ORGANIZATIONAL PILLARS OF LAND, CAPITAL AND EDUCATION TOWARD THE OVERALL GOAL OF BUSINESS STABILITY, OPERATIONAL ADVANCEMENT, AND OVERALL RISK MANAGEMENT OF THE ORGANIZATION'S GROWING OUTSTANDING LOAN PORTFOLIO. EQUITY AND CONSERVATION ON WORKING LANDS: LAND ACCESS: FARMLINK INCREASES OPPORTUNITIES FOR CALIFORNIA'S SMALL-SCALE AND BEGINNING FARMERS TO OBTAIN SECURE, AFFORDABLE, LONG-TERM ACCESS TO FARMLAND THROUGH LEASE OR PURCHASE. FARMLINK APPLIES PROVEN STRATEGIES TO HELP LANDHOLDERS WORK WITH BEGINNING AND SMALL-SCALE FARMERS, INCLUDING WAYS TO IDENTIFY A QUALIFIED TENANT, HOW TO ASSESS A PROPERTY, AND BEST PRACTICES FOR DEVELOPING AN EQUITABLE LEASE AGREEMENT. FARMLINK'S LAND PORTAL OFFERS A BILINGUAL ONLINE COMMUNITY TO CONNECT QUALIFIED BUSINESSES WITH LAND AVAILABLE FOR LEASE OR SALE, AND STAFF FACILITATE THE DEVELOPMENT AND NEGOTIATION OF STRONG AND EQUITABLE LEASE AGREEMENTS, AND SUPPORT FARMERS WITH FINANCING AND NEGOTIATING LAND PURCHASES. SINCE 2011, FARMLINK STAFF HAVE DEVELOPED 592 SUCCESSFUL LEASES OR PURCHASES TAILORED TO THE NEEDS OF LANDHOLDERS AND GROWERS. CONSERVATION: FARMLINK INCREASES OPPORTUNITIES FOR CALIFORNIA'S SMALL-SCALE AND BEGINNING FARMERS TO PARTICIPATE IN PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO HELP THEM ADOPT PRACTICES THAT PROTECT AND IMPROVE NATURAL RESOURCES, SOIL HEALTH, WATER QUALITY AND BIODIVERSITY. IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF THE WORK INCLUDE DEEPENING PARTNERSHIPS WITH LAND TRUSTS, RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICTS (RCDS) AND OTHER CONSERVATION ORGANIZATIONS, AND ORIGINATING LOANS DESIGNED TO SUPPORT REGENERATIVE FARMING PRACTICES. AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2024, FARMLINK PRODUCED A CONSERVATION BRIDGE LOAN PARTNER GUIDE, AND COLLABORATED WITH RCDS IN CORE LENDING COUNTIES (MONTEREY AND SANTA CRUZ) TO SUPPORT 10 FARM BUSINESSES IN ACCESSING STATE AND FEDERAL CONSERVATION INCENTIVES. SUCCESSION: THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION ESTIMATES THAT CLOSE TO 50,000 ACRES OF CALIFORNIA'S AGRICULTURAL LAND IS TAKEN OUT OF PRODUCTION EACH YEAR, MOST OF IT CONVERTED TO URBAN, HIGHLY DEVELOPED, AND LOW-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL USES. MOST AGRICULTURAL LAND LEAVES AGRICULTURE IN THE YEARS IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF THE PRIMARY OPERATOR, OFTEN BECAUSE THE FAMILY HAS NOT MADE A PLAN TO ENSURE THE LAND WILL REMAIN IN THE FAMILY OR IN AGRICULTURE. "THE REGENERATOR: A YEAR OF FARM SUCCESSION PLANNING," IS DESIGNED TO SUPPORT FARM FAMILIES IN PLANNING TO ENSURE THAT THEIR LANDS CAN REMAIN IN THEIR FAMILY AND CAN REMAIN IN PRODUCTIVE AGRICULTURE. PARTICIPANTS CONVENE MONTHLY TO LEARN FROM PROFESSIONALS, COMPARE NOTES WITH THEIR PEERS, AND WORK STEP-BY-STEP TO PLAN FOR THEIR ESTATE'S FUTURE, AND THE HEALTH AND CONTINUITY OF THEIR WORKING FARMS AND RANCHES. EACH FAMILY RECEIVES SUBSTANTIAL MEDIATION AND FACILITATION SUPPORT FROM THE CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURAL MEDIATION PROGRAM, AND $1,800 TO BE USED FOR LEGAL AND ACCOUNTING FEES. AT THE END OF THE PROGRAM, EACH MEMBER OF THE SENIOR GENERATION IS EXPECTED TO HAVE A CURRENT WILL, TRUST, POWER OF ATTORNEY, AND ADVANCED MEDICAL DIRECTIVE, AND EACH FAMILY HAS A DETAILED PLAN FOR TRANSITIONING KNOWLEDGE, ACCESS AND AUTHORITY IN DAILY OPERATIONS. IN 2024, FARMLINK SUPPORTED 6 FARM FAMILIES WITH SUCCESSION PLANNING, PROTECTING 1,344 ACRES OF FARMLAND. RESILIENCE AND WEALTH BUILDING: FARMLINK'S EDUCATION PROGRAMS ASSIST FARMERS, RANCHERS AND FISHERS IN UNDERSTANDING THE LEGAL AND FINANCIAL STRUCTURE OF THEIR BUSINESSES AND HELP THEM ESTABLISH PRACTICES THAT WILL ENSURE THE FARM, RANCH OR FISHING BUSINESS IS RESILIENT TO FINANCIAL AND LEGAL RISKS, AND ABLE TO REMAIN VIABLE OVER THE LONG-TERM. THE TWO MAIN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS ARE THE ENGLISH-LANGUAGE RESILERATOR AND THE SPANISH-LANGUAGE RESILERADOR. BOTH PROGRAMS ARE COHORT-BASED AND INCLUDE GROUP LEARNING AND ONE-ON-ONE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. THE GOAL IS TO BUILD FINANCIAL STABILITY, INCLUDING THE ABILITY TO RECOVER FROM SHORT-TERM SETBACKS, THE ABILITY TO SAVE FOR RETIREMENT AND THE ABILITY TO PASS WEALTH TO FUTURE GENERATIONS. DURING 2024, A TOTAL OF 44 FARMS, RANCHES AND FISHING BUSINESSES COMPLETED THE TWO PROGRAMS. BOTH THE ENGLISH AND SPANISH LANGUAGE PROGRAMS UTILIZE A COMPREHENSIVE SELF-ASSESSMENT TOOL, THE FARMLINK BUSINESS RESILIENCE SELF-ASSESSMENT, TO HELP PARTICIPANTS SET LEARNING GOALS AND TO ASSIST IN LONG-TERM EVALUATION OF HOW EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING SHAPES FUTURE BUSINESS SUCCESS. FARMLINK ENGAGES LEADERSHIP FROM AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS ADVISORS FROM THE COMMUNITIES FARMLINK SERVES, AS WELL AS PROGRAM ALUMNI SERVING AS PEER-BASED GUEST INSTRUCTORS, TO DESIGN AND DELIVER PROGRAMMING THAT IS RESPONSIVE TO HOW A COHORT OF PARTICIPANTS LEARN NEW SKILLS AND BEHAVIORS. FARMLINK ALSO OFFERS AN ADVANCED BUSINESS EDUCATION PROGRAM CALLED THE EMPLOYMENT RESILERATOR. THE EMPLOYMENT RESILERATOR IS A COHORT-BASED PROGRAM AVAILABLE TO GRADUATES OF THE RESILERATOR. PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE TEN WEEKS OF INSTRUCTION ON LABOR MANAGEMENT FOR FARM BUSINESS EMPLOYERS AS WELL AS FINANCIAL INCENTIVES TO HELP THEM ADOPT NEW PRACTICES. THE PROGRAM IS DESIGNED WITH AN EMPHASIS ON HELPING PARTICIPANTS TO BECOME HIGH-QUALITY EMPLOYERS AND TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS IN THE WORKPLACE TO CREATE HIGH QUALITY JOBS. THE COURSE SERVED 15 BUSINESSES IN 2024 AND 18 IN 2023. FARMLINK IS FUNDED TO DEVELOP A SPANISH-LANGUAGE VERSION OF THE PROGRAM DURING 2025 FOR DELIVERY IN 2026. BUSINESS AND INNOVATION: FARMLINK'S BUSINESS AND INNOVATION PROGRAM HOUSES NEW AND EMERGING PROGRAMS. SOLARFRESCO IS A NEW PROGRAM TO HELP SMALL-SCALE FARMERS AND FARMERS OF COLOR TO LEAD THE TRANSITION TO CLIMATE-SMART COOLING. THE SOLARFRESCO PROGRAM HELPS LOW-INCOME FARMERS ACQUIRE LOW, OR NO-COST SOLAR-POWERED COOLERS TO BUILD WEALTH, PROFITABILITY, AND SUSTAINABILITY, WHILE LOWERING THEIR CARBON FOOTPRINT. THESE INVESTMENTS STRENGTHEN FOOD SYSTEMS BY HELPING FARMERS REDUCE FOOD WASTE AND RELIANCE ON CONVENTIONAL POWER, BUILD EQUITY IN REAL ASSETS, AND SELL IN MORE PROFITABLE AND SUSTAINABLE MARKETS. AFFORDABLE SOLAR COOLERS FREE FARMERS FROM RELIANCE ON COOLERS OWNED BY OTHERS, ALLOWING THEM TO DECREASE COSTS, REALIZE HIGHER PRICES, AND MANAGE TIME MORE EFFICIENTLY. SOLAR COOLERS ALSO LOWER A FARM'S CARBON FOOTPRINT BY REDUCING FOOD WASTE AND DECREASING RELIANCE ON CONVENTIONAL ENERGY. THE SOLARFRESCO PROGRAM INCLUDES ACCESS TO SUBSTANTIAL EDUCATION AND OTHER DIRECT SUPPORT TO HELP FARMERS MANAGE THE COOLERS AS STRATEGIC ASSETS TO IMPROVE LONG-TERM OPERATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY AND PROFITABILITY. FARMLINK WILL EXPAND AND SUSTAIN THE PROGRAM UTILIZING INVESTMENTS AND GRANT FUNDS FROM FOUNDATIONS, THE USDA RURAL ENERGY FOR AMERICA PROGRAM (REAP), AND REFUNDABLE FEDERAL TAX CREDITS. AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2024, TWO COOLERS WERE INSTALLED ON FARMS AND UNDER OPERATION, AND TWO MORE WERE CONSTRUCTED AND AWAITING DELIVERY DISASTER RESPONSE AND PREPAREDNESS: BETWEEN 2023 AND 2024, FARMLINK DIRECTLY SUPPORTED 42 FARM BUSINESSES TO APPLY FOR FEDERAL, STATE AND PRIVATE DISASTER ASSISTANCE RELATED TO EMERGENCY DECLARATIONS AND STORM AND DROUGHT RESPONSE IN CALIFORNIA, AND DIRECTLY PROVIDED SUPPORT IN ACCESSING RELIEF GRANTS TO 27 BUSINESSES INELIGIBLE FOR PUBLIC PROGRAMS, IN COLLABORATION WITH LOCAL COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS. BUSINESS SKILLS DEVELOPMENT: IN 2024, FARMLINK ESTABLISHED THE BUSINESS SKILLS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM TO FACILITATE ONE-ON-ONE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR LOAN READINESS AND ONGOING COMPLIANCE WITH LOAN CONDITIONS, INCLUDING EDUCATION ON SMALL BUSINESS TAX PREPARATION AND BOOKKEEPING ASSISTANCE. CENTRAL TO THIS APPROACH ARE NEWLY DEVELOPED MATERIALS CALLED PASO A PASO. PASO A PASO IS DESIGNED PRIMARILY FOR SPANISH-SPEAKING CLIENTS WHO NEED ADDITIONAL SUPPORT IN DEVELOPING FOUNDATIONAL BUSINESS SKILLS SUCH AS USING A DEDICATED BUSINESS BANK ACCOUNT, KEEPING RECEIPTS WITH APPROPRIATE CONTEMPORANEOUS NOTATIONS, AND WORKING WITH A BOOKKEEPER TO REGULARLY SUMMARIZE BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS INTO A STANDARD AND USEFUL FORMAT. THE PROGRAM UTILIZES A BUSINESS ADVISING APPROACH, WITH FARMLINK STAFF SERVING AS A LIAISON BETWEEN THE CLIENT, APPLICABLE FARMLINK PROGRAMS AND SPECIALIZED SERVICE PROVIDERS TO READY CLIENTS TO ACCESS LOANS, GRANTS, AND OTHER PROGRAMS AND SERVICES BOTH WITHIN AND OUTSIDE OF FARMLINK ALL WHILE ADHERING TO FARMLINK POLICIES AND PROCEDURES IN A WAY THAT IS BOTH TRANSPARENT, CONSISTENT, AND COLLABORATIVE. IN 2024, FARMLINK SUPPORTED 45 FARM BUSINESSES IN DEVELOPING NEW BUSINESS SKILLS TO SUPPORT THEIR ABILITY TO USE FINANCIAL RECORDS TO ACTIVELY PLAN AND MANAGE A SUCCESSFUL FARM BUSINESS. |
| FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4B | IN DEVELOPING A GROWING ECOSYSTEM OF BUSINESS SUPPORT TO SERVE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES ACROSS THE STATE, FARMLINK CONVENED TWO COHORTS OF 39 SERVICE PROVIDERS AND PROFESSIONALS IN 2024 TO LEARN HOW TO BEST SUPPORT FARMING AND FISHING ENTREPRENEURS ACROSS BUSINESS MANAGEMENT TOPICS. PARTICIPANTS LEARN HOW TO ADDRESS COMMON QUESTIONS AND WHAT QUESTIONS TO ASK IN ORDER TO DIG DEEPER INTO A CLIENT'S UNIQUE SITUATION. THIS SERIES ADDRESSED BUSINESS STRUCTURES, ACCOUNTING AND BOOKKEEPING, TAXATION, CASH FLOW MANAGEMENT, LABOR AND INSURANCE, AND ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION. FOR A DETAILED DISCUSSION OF FARMLINK'S BUSINESS MODEL, PLEASE SEE THE PUBLICATION "WHAT IS AN AGRICULTURAL CDFI?" ON FARMLINK'S WEBSITE. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 3 | CALIFORNIA FARMLINK CONTRACTS WITH JONATHAN HARRISON TO PERFORM THE DUTIES OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AT APPROXIMATELY 10 HOURS PER WEEK. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 11B | THE PROCESS TO PREPARE AND REVIEW FORM 990: IN SEPTEMBER OF 2025, CALIFORNIA FARMLINK CONDUCTED AN INTERNAL REVIEW OF 2024'S FORM 990. REVIEWERS INCLUDED THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, CONTROLLER, AND THE COMPLIANCE MANAGER. THEN, A DRAFT COPY WAS DISTRIBUTED TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR THEIR REVIEW PRIOR TO FILING. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 12C | THE PROCESS TO MONITOR CONFLICT OF INTEREST: CALIFORNIA FARMLINK'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STAFF ARE SUBJECT TO LEGAL REQUIREMENTS AS OUTLINED IN FARMLINK'S CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY. BOARD AND STAFF ARE TO PROMPTLY DISCLOSE ANY AFFILIATIONS OR OTHER MATTERS THAT MAY CONSTITUTE A CONFLICT OF INTEREST. THESE PARTIES ARE SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATE DISCIPLINARY AND/OR CORRECTIVE ACTIONS FOR FAILURE TO DISCLOSE ACTUAL OR POSSIBLE CONFLICTS OF INTEREST. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 15A | THE PROCESS FOR DETERMINING THE CEO'S COMPENSATION: A COMPENSATION ANALYSIS WAS PREPARED BY OUR HUMAN RESOURCES GENERALIST, UTILIZING CONTEMPORANEOUS SALARY SURVEYS AND DATA FROM SIMILAR NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS, REVIEWED BY AN INDEPENDENT HUMAN RESOURCE PROFESSIONAL, AND SUBMITTED TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL. DELIBERATIONS ARE DOCUMENTED IN CALIFORNIA FARMLINK'S BOARD MINUTES. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 19 | AVAILABILITY OF GOVERNING DOCUMENTS, CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY, AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: THESE DOCUMENTS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. AUDITED FINANCIALS ARE POSTED ON OUR WEBSITE. |
| FORM 990, PART IX, LINE 11G | PROFESSIONAL FEES: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 1,015,525. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 78,735. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 60,874. TOTAL EXPENSES 1,155,134. |
| FORM 990, PART XII, LINE 2C: | RESPONSIBILITY FOR OVERSIGHT OF AUDIT AND SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS: CALIFORNIA FARMLINK'S AUDIT COMMITTEE WAS ESTABLISHED AS AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, AND IS RESPONSIBLE FOR OVERSIGHT OF THE AUDIT AND AUDITOR SELECTION PROCESS. |
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