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Inter District Committee for Project Oceanology

EIN 06-0896672 · Groton, CT

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair67 out of 100GovernanceFair50 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Project Oceanology is a year-round marine science and environmental education organization with a mission to nurture interest and inspire enthusiasm for science and our planet's marine environment.

Income
$1.5 million
Spending
$1.7 million
Spent on programs
85%
Reserves
6.4 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 59%
Employees
31
Volunteers
3
Highest pay
$135,660, executive dir.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Fair: 67 out of 100. Higher than 40% of charities in its peer group (science, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 6.4 months of spending.

  • Debt

    10 of 20

    It owes 43% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    4 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 12% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 6% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    85% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 15 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Fair: 50 out of 100. Higher than 9% of charities in its peer group (science, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    5 of 25

    4 of 17 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

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

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

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 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 (1)
  1. $1.4 million spent. Summer Camps:We enhanced the educational value of our summer camps by refining the themed content offered each week, ensuring unique learning opportunities for both new and returning participants (with approximately 33% of campers returning annually). We also strengthened staff preparation by expanding behavior management training, delivered during both pre-season and mid-season sessions. Camp participation remained strong, with approximately 440 campers, maintaining the increased attendance levels achieved in prior years.School-Year Programs:We expanded our K12 programming by strengthening partnerships and successfully competing for grants that enhance our educational offerings and resources. Our curriculum continues to be updated and aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards to ensure high-quality, standards-based learning. Despite operating with one organizational research vessel instead of two, we maintained service levels comparable to prior years by contracting an additional vessel and increasing the number of licensed captains on staff. These investments improved our capacity to meet growing program demand during both the school year and summer months. Research, Policy, and Community Engagement:We advanced authentic science and environmental education by engaging federal, state, and local policymakers and supporting community-based initiatives. Through a statewide coalition, we secured a subaward to continue removing abandoned and lost lobster traps from Long Island Sound, contributing to peer-reviewed research on marine debris, invasive species, and ecosystem impacts. We deepened our role in regional stewardship by participating in watershed committees, formalizing our membership in the Long Island Sound Partnership Citizens Advisory Committee, and increasing high school internship opportunities in aquaria maintenance. Additionally, we empowered youth voices in ocean policy by leading a second annual delegation to Capitol Hill Ocean Week in Washington, DC, where students shared their perspectives directly with policymakers.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 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 November 6, 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 June 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 February 1974.

    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 November 4, 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.