Skip to the page content
Your donations
Passes our checks

Stanwood Wildlife Sanctuary

EIN 01-0277845 · Ellsworth, ME

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong93 out of 100GovernanceWeak47 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Operate a wildlife sanctuary and museum to perpetuate the memory spirit works and teachings of Cordelia J. Stanwood. Exhibits include historic and photographic plant life wildlife forestry and birds.

Income
$226,836
Spending
$96,706
Spent on programs
64%
Reserves
Over 10 years of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 76%
Employees
1
Volunteers
5
Highest pay
$45,000, executive director

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 82% of charities in its peer group (animals, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover more than ten years of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 57% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 111% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    8 of 15

    64% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Weak: 47 out of 100. Higher than 34% of charities in its peer group (animals, under $250k).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    18 of 19 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    0 of 15

    Reports no written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    0 of 7

    Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    0 of 10

    Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (3)
  1. $22,330 spent. Fostering a greater appreciation and sensitivity to nature through experiential learning inspired by the scientific works of pioneer ornithologist Cordelia Stanwood the Stanwood Wildlife Sanctuary offers educational programs with non-releasable wildlife ambassadors to highlight migratory bird ecology biology and conservation. Caring for our resident ambassador hawks owls and vultures and maintaining their homes requires great effort and dedication to engage each bird as active educational participants inspiring visitors school groups and community organizations in on-site and traveling educational programs. Estimate 6,000 viewers.
  2. $24,958 spent. The two hundred acre Sanctuary is available year round free of charge for walking skiing snowshoeing and photography on nature trails set amidst and preserving various pristine habitats for birds wildlife and the enjoyment of people easily accessible within the heart of Ellsworth. Many of these historic trails Cordelia J. Stanwood created in the early 20th century forming the first professional female ornithologist photographers outdoor laboratory, where she researched photographed and popularized her findings in magazines for 50 years. Maintaining over 4 miles of trails markers historic and educational signage building bridges while annually removing windfall and pruning new growth is a constant labor of love to preserve a healthy forest in multiple stages of growth supporting Maines wildlife for visitors and children. Estimate 3,000 walkers.
  3. $14,214 spent. Stated within the Certificate of Organization the purpose of the Stanwood Wildlife Sanctuary is to preserve and promote Cordelia J. Stanwoods life and legacy shared through opening the doors of her 19th century Homestead to the public. Daily tours are available free to visitors and scheduled groups from May to October. As the Homestead is free to the public we estimate attendance at 2,000. The Nature Center offers a variety of educational nature displays to school groups service and community organizations Audubon and conservation organizations as well as daily visitors from May to November. Rainy days cause outdoor activities to move into the Nature Center. Estimate 5,000 visitors

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since March 1967.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.