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Ecovivarium

EIN 27-0492101 · Escondido, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak20 out of 100GovernanceFair63 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

Points to look into

  • It reported loans to or from officers, directors or other insiders.
  • It owes more than it owns.

These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.

What it says it does

Inspire, Empower, Educate: Through live animal interactions and discussions at our museum, at school and community programs and through our literacy program EcoVivarium combines an understanding of nature with a passion for learning to the betterment of the individual, the environment and the community. We also serve as an animal rescue and sanctuary for the Southern California community.

Income
$294,999
Spending
$403,796
Spent on programs
76%
Reserves
-13 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 47%
Employees
7
Volunteers
5
Highest pay
$18,515, employee representative

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Weak: 20 out of 100. Higher than 1% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    0 of 35

    Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.

  • Debt

    0 of 20

    It owes 342% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 37% of income.

  • Income trend

    5 of 15

    Income fell 14% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    76% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 16 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Fair: 63 out of 100. Higher than 37% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    7 of 7 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no 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

    0 of 10

    Did not give 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

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    0 of 10

    Reports at least one of: diversion of assets, excess benefits, loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2024, 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 (5)
  1. $10,707 spent. Field Trip Programs for Grades TK-12 - On-site, Hands-on tours of the museum studying habitats, adaptations and environmental impact of invasive and endangered species. Labs focus on life sciences and cultural implications of Animal Ambassador species worldwide.
  2. $97,896 spent. School Programs: Native Species Awareness and Rattlesnake Safety Protocols for children TK - Grade 5; Animal Adaptations - Grades 1 - 3; Sharing Habitats with Reptiles, Amphibians and Arthropods for Grades 3 - 8.
  3. $1,530 spent. Community "STEAM" Outreach in Underserved Communities: Heavy focus on reaching out to students of all ages that do not typically have the opportunity for hands-on learning about Reptiles, Amphibians and Arthropods locally and globally. Additional focus is placed on career opportunities working with animals, the environment and other STEM-related fields. Due to COVID closures these programs were severely restricted.
  4. Reading with Dragons: A monthly outreach program run through the Escondido Public Library allows underserved community members to interact with and learn about Bearded Dragons while practicing their reading skills in a positive and fun environment. Several neurodivergent and other disabled students participate in this program.
  5. $195,793 spent. Museum Operations and Other Programs. Due to COVID closures these programs were severely restricted.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2024, 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? Worth knowing.

    Status was revoked on November 15, 2022 for not filing returns for three years, and reinstated on November 15, 2022.

    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 2024.

    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 2023.

    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.