irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2025
What they reported doing
- #1 primary $0EDUCATIONAL-CONFERENCES DURING THE YEAR AND TO AID MEMBERS IN TRAINING FOR PLANTING, HARVESTING, USE OF CHEMICALS AND OTHER HEALTHY ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES.
- #2 $0PUBLISH AND DISTRIBUTE PAMPLETS TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT PROVIDE INFORMATION CONCERNING PROPER CARE AND SAFETH USE OF CHRISTMAS TREES.
named programs · 4 · from sources
What they call their work
Annual Conventions and Summer Farm Tour
Hosts professional gatherings featuring guest speakers, field demonstrations, equipment exhibitors, and pesticide recertification sessions for member growers.
Public Education Campaign
Produces and distributes informational materials about the environmental and economic benefits of real Christmas trees versus artificial ones.
Scholarship Program
Offers scholarships to high school graduates who are family members or employees of member tree farms to support youth education.
Tree Variety Information Guide
Provides detailed descriptions and images of different Christmas tree species grown in New York to help consumers make informed choices.
activities · 6 groups
What they do
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Industry-Specific Student Scholarships and Competitions 1 activity
- Administering scholarship program for tree farm familiesFunds and administers a scholarship program for high school graduates who are family members or employees of Christmas tree farms in New York.
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Industry Trade Association Services 1 activity
- Advocacy for environmental protection and economic growthAdvocates for policies and practices that protect the environment and strengthen the economic contributions of the Christmas tree industry in New York State.
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Local Food Systems Development 1 activity
- Maintaining a farm locator tool for consumersOperates a farm locator tool that helps the public find Christmas tree farms in New York State, supporting direct consumer access to local farms.
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Holiday and Seasonal Essentials Distribution 1 activity
- Participation in Trees for Troops programParticipates in the National Trees for Troops program by contributing farm-grown Christmas trees for distribution to U.S. military service members and their families, including participation in 2019.
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Horticultural Education and Community Gardening 1 activity
- Providing educational resources and guidance to growers and the publicOffers educational materials including presentations, activities, and pamphlets on best practices in Christmas tree cultivation and proper care of trees; provides guidance on species-specific planting conditions such as for Turkish firs.
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Uncategorized 4 activities
- Organizing educational conferences and summer meetings for growersHosts two annual educational conferences and an annual summer meeting for Christmas tree growers to share knowledge on planting, harvesting, chemical use, and environmentally healthy practices.
- Promoting environmental benefits of Christmas tree farmingHighlights the environmental impact of Real New York Christmas tree farming, including carbon dioxide removal (over 500 pounds per acre annually and 2.125 tons total), oxygen production (5,740 tons annually), and sustainable replanting practices (two to three seedlings planted per tree harvested).
- Public education and promotion of real Christmas treesConducts public outreach to promote the purchase and proper care of farm-grown real Christmas trees, emphasizing environmental benefits, family traditions, and safe use.
- Supporting family-friendly farm experiencesPromotes and supports Christmas tree farms that offer family-oriented activities such as visits from Santa, reindeer displays, and refreshment shops to enhance the holiday experience.
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financials · form 990 · fy2025
revenue
Total revenue$87K
Contributions & grants$64K73%
Program service revenue$23K27%
Investment income$00%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$65K
Program expenses56%
Admin / overhead44%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$22K
Grants paid out$500
Largest expense lineFacilities
balance sheet
Total assets$65K
Cash$64K
Investments$0
Liabilities$256
Net assets$64K
Liquid reserves11.8 mo
6 years on record · 2020–2025 · YoY revenue +105.2%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2025
Who runs it
paid leadership · 2
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAVID HICKS | VICE PRESIDENT | 10 | $7K |
| MARCIA HICKS | TREASURER | 15 | $7K |
board members · 8
- BRIAN SKEVAL — DIRECTOR
- DON GRIFFING — DIRECTOR
- JERRIANNE SCHEIDERICH — DIRECTOR
- MICHAEL NACCARATO — PRESIDENT
- NATE BRUGGE — DIRECTOR
- PATRICK BARCZYS — DIRECTOR
- PETER SWEET JR — DIRECTOR
- TRAVIS DREXLER — DIRECTOR
relationships · 5
Who they work with
- Christmas SPIRIT Foundation Partner — Partner organization through which the Christmas Tree Farmers Association of New York participates in the Trees for Troops program.
- Christmas Tree Farmers Association of New York Network — Organization representing Christmas tree farmers across New York state.
- Cornell Agritech Center Partner — Hosts the organization's annual summer meeting.
- Farm Progress Partner — Collaborates on educational content about planting Turkish firs.
- National Trees for Troops Partner — Collaborates with the National Trees for Troops program to provide Christmas trees to military service members.
strategies · 3
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Consumer-Farmer Connection to Drive Local Engagementmethodology: consumer-farmer_connection_via_digital_locatorBy connecting consumers directly with local Christmas tree farms—through tools like a farm locator map and programs that promote on-farm experiences—the organization drives visitation and sales to member farms because direct access increases convenience and strengthens emotional investment in local agriculture.
- Demand Generation via Public Education and Environmental Messagingmethodology: public_education_and_demand_generationBy educating the public about the environmental, economic, and experiential benefits of real Christmas trees, the organization increases demand for locally grown trees because consumers are more likely to choose real trees when they understand their positive impact compared to artificial alternatives.
- Member Support and Industry Strengthening through Educationmethodology: member_support_and_capacity_buildingBy providing Christmas tree farmers with education, resources, and professional development opportunities, the organization strengthens the real Christmas tree industry in New York because informed and connected growers are better equipped to produce high-quality trees and sustain their operations.