Raptor Research Foundation Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
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 35Spendable reserves would cover 18.3 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
4 of 15Spending exceeded income by 9% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 43% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 15100% 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 250 of 20 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
0 of 15Reports no 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
0 of 5Reports that it does not keep minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
0 of 10Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Independent check of accounts
6 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports 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)
- $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
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 November 6, 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 December 2025.
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 November 1970.
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 November 4, 2026.
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.