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Passes our checks

Raptor Research Foundation Inc

EIN 23-7037266 · Topeka, KS

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood89 out of 100GovernanceWeak22 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The Raptor Research Foundation (RRF) is an international scientific societywhose primary goal is the accumulation and dissemination of sceentificinformation abou raptors

Income
$401,866
Spending
$436,125
Spent on programs
100%
Reserves
18.3 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 71%
Employees
0

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

Good: 89 out of 100. Higher than 67% of charities in its peer group (animals, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 18.3 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    4 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 9% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 43% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    100% 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: 22 out of 100. Higher than 2% of charities in its peer group (animals, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    5 of 25

    0 of 20 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

    0 of 5

    Reports that it does not keep 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.

  • Independent check of accounts

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed 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 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 (1)
  1. $436,125 spent. Form 990 - Organization's Mission or Most Significant Activities The Raptor Research Foundation (RRF) is the worlds largest professional society for raptor researchers and conservationists. Founded in 1966 as a non-profit organisation, our primary goal is the accumulation and dissemination of scientific information about raptors. We also promote an awareness and appreciation of raptors amongst the General public. Our 950+ membership spans 50 countries on six continents, forming a global network of raptor experts. The worlds leading raptor researchers are members of RRF, along with other professional scientists, wildlife managers, educators, conservationists, students and amateur raptor enthusiasts. Form 990, Part VI, Line 7a - Election of Members and Their Rights Voting for Directors shall be by written ballot by mail, and voting by proxy shall be prohibited. A plurality of all votes cast for a particulardirectorship shall be required for election to that position. The Board of Directors shall have full control and supervision of the affairs of the Foundation; shall have full authority to make rules and regulations for the administration of the Foundation, consistent with the Articles of Incorporation and By Laws; and, through the President, shall beresponsible to the Regular Membership for the effective and efficient operation of the Foundation. Within the discretion of the Board of Directors, it may delegate to the President or other Director such authority as it deems necessary.Form 990, Part VI, Line 7b - Decisions Subject to Approval of Members Within the discretion of the Board of Directors, any matter may be submitted to the Regular Membership for vote by mail. Upon the written petition of at least 5 percent of the Regular Membership eligible to vote any such matter shall be submitted to the Membership eligible to vote for vote by mail. Within 15 days following receipt of such petition, the Board of Directors shall submit the matter to the voting Membership for vote. Form 990, Part VI, Line 11b - Organization's Process to Review Form 990Form 990 is reviewed and signed by the Treasurer on behalf of theOrganization. After it is filed, the 990 Form and associated documentationis made available to the Board of Directors and the membership for their review.orm 990, Part VI, Line 19 - Governing Documents Disclosure Explanation Some documents are on our website (raptorresearchfoundation.org); others are available upon request from the Secretary or Treasurer and would be transmitted electronically.

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 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 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 November 1970.

    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.

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

    A much larger organization has a similar name: Purdue Research Foundation (West Lafayette, IN), EIN 35-1052049. If that is the one you meant, check the EIN before giving.

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