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Friends of the Oregon Caves and Chateau

EIN 26-2620939 · Grants Pass, OR

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong93 out of 100GovernanceWeak39 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The Friends of the Oregon Caves and Chateau was formed in 2008, in cooperation with the National Park Service, to preserve, protect and improve the cultural and natural resources of the Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve.

Income
$285,753
Spending
$223,125
Spent on programs
61%
Reserves
16.9 months of spending
Largest source of income
government grants, 74%
Employees
0
Volunteers
0
Highest pay
$41,750, executive director

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

Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 78% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 16.9 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 22% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 45% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    8 of 15

    61% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 5 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: 39 out of 100. Higher than 8% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    18 of 25

    4 of 4 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

    0 of 10

    Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • 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 (3)
  1. $13,539 spent. The Friends have created a Historic Furnishings Plan (HFP) to document the restoration of the National Historic Landmark (NHL) Chateau. An HFP is a required part of the proper restoration of an NHL. This assures that the designation is retained and maintained when a concessioner is chosen to operate the lodge. This is a multi-phase plan that will culminate in a Maintenance Plan. The Chateau was built in 1934 by the Oregon Caves Company, group of local investors. The design of the buildings, using local material in a rustic fashion is in keeping with most of the historic lodges found in the National Parks. Grants Pass builder and self taught architect designed and built the Chateau. The bark siding is from native Port Orford cedar trees. The building's massing proportion, 6 stories, 28,000 square feet, with 25 rooms, 2 restaurants and sited within a canyon at the head of the ravine, allows it to be less intrusive and makes it a remarkable asset to the region and the National Park Service. Visitors come from all over the US and many foreign countries.
  2. $33,848 spent. The Friends are restoring the Monterey furniture collection, original to the Chateau and have received many pieces as donations to fill out the collection. This will be the largest single public collection of this iconic furniture and the Chateau will be the only lodge in the NPS with it's original furniture in the guest rooms. Wildly popular when it was manufactured from 1929 to 1941 by the Mason Manufacturing Company in Los Angeles. The Spanish Revival style is hand crafted from Oregon Alder, and many pieces include wrought iron accents. There are several styles, some painted with a floral design and others with a Spanish motif. The furniture is authentically branded with a horseshoe and the word Monterey.
  3. $88,004 spent. In 2025 the Oregon Caves Chateau was designated as one of the 11 Most Endangered Historic Properties in the US by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This designation brought national attention to the need for restoration and a partnership with the National Trust. Also, the Friends have formed a Blue-Ribbon Committee to work with the Board to assist with the fundraising to assist the NPS to secure the funding needed to complete the full historic restoation of thee Chateau.

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 February 2009.

    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.