Give.org logo
Support Give.org
Support Give.org
CHARITY REVIEW
Issued: June 2026 Expires: June 2028

Rails to Trails Conservancy

Accredited Charity
Accredited Charity

Meets Standards
(202) 331-9696
2445 M Street Northwest, Suite 650
Washington, DC, 20037
https://railstotrails.org/
📄 Full Report 🖨️ Print 📋 BBB Charity Standards

Standards For Charity Accountability

Governance

  1. Board Oversight
  2. Board Size
  3. Board Meetings
  4. Board Compensation
  5. Conflict of Interest

Measuring Effectiveness

  1. Effectiveness Policy
  2. Effectiveness Report

Finances

  1. Program Expenses
  2. Fundraising Expenses
  3. Accumulating Funds
  4. Audit Report
  5. Detailed Expense Breakdown
  6. Accurate Expense Reporting
  7. Budget Plan

Fundraising & Info

  1. Truthful Materials
  2. Annual Report
  3. Website Disclosures
  4. Donor Privacy
  5. Cause Marketing Disclosures
  6. Complaints

Rails to Trails Conservancy meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.

Stated Purpose:
"to build a nation connected by trails, reimagining public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike and be active outdoors."

Year, State Incorporated:
1985, DC

Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) states that it builds, connects, promotes, and protects rail-trails across the United States to support healthier lifestyles, stronger local economies, increased tourism, and a cleaner environment by making active transportation a viable option. RTC reports that it transforms former rail corridors into safe pathways for walking, biking, riding, and other outdoor activities, while partnering with community organizations, trail groups, and local governments to create a network of trails nationwide. In collaboration with diverse partners, the organization's work includes helping communities plan and develop successful multi-use pathways; providing trail-building services and technical support; advocating for supportive state and federal policies and funding for trail development and walking and biking infrastructure; advancing legal protections; leading research on the impact of trails and walking and biking infrastructure; mapping and analyzing trail systems through GIS; commemorating people, places, and events that influenced the development of the nation with trailhead signs; and investing in communities where trails can make a positive impact. In 2024, RTC reports that it received over $35 million for projects along the 3,700-mile Great American Rail-Trail, a cross-country multiuse trail. Some ($1,017,209 or 9%) of RTC's program activities is carried out in conjunction with fundraising appeals.

For the year ended September 30, 2025, Rails to Trails Conservancy's program expenses were:

Trail development $6,008,442
Public information and events $3,704,498
Trail policy $1,928,995
Research $131,633
Total Program Expenses $11,773,568

Chief Executive
Ryan Chao, President

Compensation*
$365,031

Chair of the Board
Edward Chang

Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
Chief Operating Officer, Varlo

Board Size
18

Paid Staff Size
50

*2024 compensation includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.

Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Grant proposals, Internet, Planned giving arrangements, Membership appeals, Workplace Giving

Rails to Trails Conservancy incurred joint costs of $2,592,566 for informational materials and activities that included fundraising materials. Of those costs $1,363,919 was allocated to fundraising expenses, $1,017,209 was allocated to program expenses, and $211,438 was allocated to administrative expenses.

Fundraising costs were 17% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $13,435,814, are donations received as a result of fundraising activities.)

This organization is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes.

The following information is based on Rails to Trails Conservancy's audited financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2025.

Source of Funds
Contributions $7,661,601
Membership $3,030,866
In-kind contributions $1,807,637
Investment income, net $1,548,205
Grants $689,193
Digital and print products and subscriptions $666,078
Contracts $237,028
Workplace giving $146,401
Corporate sponsorships $100,116
Other income $97,328
Total Income $15,984,453

Programs: 74% Fundraising: 15% Administrative: 7%

Total Income $15,984,453
Total expenses: $15,885,886
  Program expenses $11,773,568
  Fundraising expenses $2,339,521
  Administrative expenses $1,146,546
  Other expenses $626,521
Income in Excess of Expenses $98,567
Beginning Net Assets $16,738,582
Other Changes In Net Assets $0
Ending Net Assets $16,837,149
Total Liabilities $6,207,143
Total Assets $23,044,292

Note 1: As noted in the above financial section, "other expenses" refers to member programs.

Note 2: According to the organization's audited financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2025, RTC received in-kind contributions totaling $1,807,637 in the form of legal services ($966,297), advertising ($540,603), technology ($292,337), and rent ($8,400).

An organization may change its practices at any time without notice. A copy of this report has been shared with the organization prior to publication. It is not intended to recommend or deprecate, and is furnished solely to assist you in exercising your own judgment. If the report is about a charity and states the charity meets or does not meet the Standards for Charity Accountability, it reflects the results of an evaluation of information and materials provided voluntarily by the charity. The name Better Business Bureau is a registered service mark of the International Association of Better Business Bureaus.

This report is not to be used for fundraising or promotional purposes.

RELATED CONTENT

Report completed by:
BBB Wise Giving Alliance