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The Bhutan Foundation

EIN 13-3376290 · Washington, DC

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong93 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To support the people of Bhutan to reach their full potential by developing local capacity and facilitating global support.

Income
$6.2 million
Spending
$5.4 million
Spent on programs
84%
Reserves
9.5 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 91%
Employees
8
Highest pay
$222,124, executive director

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

Strong: 93 out of 100.

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 9.5 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 15% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 12% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 44% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    84% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 5 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

Strong: 100 out of 100.

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    16 of 17 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a 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 (4)
  1. $2.0 million spent. Good Governance - The Bhutan Foundations Good Governance program, particularly through Project Mikhung (Project Citizenship), addresses the ongoing transition from monarchy to a democratic constitutional monarchy. Recognizing the vital need for strategic interventions in fostering active citizenship, this project encompasses a three-year plan that employs a whole school approach. By involving faculty, parents, students, and community members, it aims to develop news literacy and enhance participation within a democratic framework.
  2. $1.6 million spent. Conservation of the Environment - This area focuses on protecting Bhutans biodiversity through various initiatives. Key projects include Snow Leopard Conservation aimed at safeguarding this endangered species and promoting eco-tourism with events like the Jomolhari Mountain Festival and community homestays. Additionally, ventures such as the River Guides in Pangbang and the Katsho Eco-Camp in Haa create sustainable tourism opportunities that support local economies while fostering environmental stewardship. These efforts reflect the Foundations commitment to balancing ecological preservation with community engagement.
  3. $580,202 spent. Sustainable & Equitable Socio-Economic Development - This area aims to ensure that services and opportunities are accessible to all individuals in Bhutan. Key initiatives include STEM development, which fosters education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, as well as programs in special education and public health that cater to diverse community needs. The Foundation also focuses on Emergency Medicine programs, food security projects and small grants that empower local businesses. Through these comprehensive efforts, the Foundation promotes inclusive growth and equitable development, ensuring that all Bhutanese can participate in and benefit from the countrys progress.
  4. $375,070 spent. Preservation of Culture - The Bhutan Foundations Preservation of Culture program is dedicated to safeguarding Bhutans rich cultural heritage through significant initiatives. Notably, the Wangduechhoeling Palace Restoration project aims to restore this historical landmark, fostering community pride and cultural identity. The Traditional Medicine program integrates Bhutanese healing practices into health education, ensuring their accessibility for future generations. Additionally, the documentation of heritage sites helps catalog and protect Bhutans unique traditions, promoting awareness and appreciation. Through these efforts, the Foundation actively strengthens Bhutans cultural identity while contributing to sustainable community development and resilience.

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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 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 September 7, 2026.

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

    Recognized by the IRS since January 1992.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 7, 2026.

  7. Could it be confused with another charity? Worth knowing.

    A much larger organization has a similar name: The Foundation (Houston, TX), EIN 92-0742101. If that is the one you meant, check the EIN before giving.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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.