Friends of Huddart & Wunderlich Parks
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- It reported an excess benefit transaction with an insider.
- Only 50% of its spending went to programs.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
The Friends of Huddart and Wunderlich Parks is a group of park enthusiasts and stewards who provide a wide range of programs and events in two historic redwood parks in the heart of the Bay Area. We lead hikes, provide environmental education, showcase local history, and celebrate the unique horse heritage of San Mateo County.
- Income
- $210,452
- Spending
- $190,012
- Spent on programs
- 50%
- Reserves
- 14.8 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 73%
- Employees
- 1
- Volunteers
- 80
- Highest pay
- $85,000, executive program director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending March 31, 2026, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 75 out of 100. Higher than 44% of charities in its peer group (environment, under $250k).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 14.8 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 10% of income.
Income trend
5 of 15Income fell 19% on the year before.
Spending floor
0 of 1550% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 20 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending March 31, 2026, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Fair: 59 out of 100. Higher than 35% of charities in its peer group (environment, under $250k).
Independent board
25 of 2511 of 11 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
0 of 7Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
0 of 10Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
No reported misuse
0 of 10Reports at least one of: diversion of assets, excess benefits, loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending March 31, 2026, 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)
- $11,400 spent. We enhance youth science education for students in grades K=5 by providning nature-based experienital science education field trips for schools and community-based youth service organizations. This year we served 875 students across 34 trips thanks to the support of our donors and hard work of our naturalists. During the hike, Friends lead small groups of students through the forest. Many discoveries can be found: coyote scat, woodrate houses , turret spider colonies, mother redwood trees. Through their senses, they may experience the smell of bay laurel, the feel of hazelnut leaves, or glimpse a skittish western fence lizard. Naturlists help students connect what the experience to what they are learning in the classroom.
- $4,440 spent. Another audience for our brand of nature programming are senior groups. This year we partnered w/ San Mateo County Health to host four events with senior centers. Friends offered activities that could cater to different mobility or accessibility needs from adapated nature walks, tours of the Carriage Room Museum or nature themed arts and craafts. This audience is eager to be out in nature and these activities seeemed to reduce the felings of isolation .
- $8,962 spent. Our Meet-a-Mini prgram introduces kids to horses in a safe and approachable horsemanship lesson. During this program, children learn how to groom and walk our mini, then tour his stall and outdoor paddock. Mini horses are unique equine park ambassadors, teaching the gneral public about horses.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending March 31, 2026, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
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.
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.
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.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending March 2026.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since August 2002.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
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.