Indiana Karst Conservancy
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The Indiana Karst Conservancy is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and preservation of caves and karst features in Indiana and other areas of the world. The Conservancy encourages research and promotes education related to karst and its proper, environmentally compatible use.
- Income
- $71,877
- Spending
- $21,968
- Spent on programs
- 100%
- Reserves
- Over 10 years of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 72%
- Employees
- 0
- Volunteers
- 50
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
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Fair: 62 out of 100. Higher than 40% of charities in its peer group (environment, under $250k).
Independent board
25 of 2515 of 15 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
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
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 (4)
- $4,543 spent. Educational Services - The IKC has many volunteers who provide educational services to school groups, conservation groups, youth groups (e.g., Scout troops, developers, government agencies, and the general public who live in karst areas). In 2025 volunteers organized or presented at a number of events. In addition to our direct outreach, we have participated in authoring newspaper articles, have educational materials on our website, and have provided educational opportunities through our property holdings. The IKC's seven properties provide visitors with various opportunities including "wild" caving experiences, interpretive hiking on trails, and easy access to a large karst spring/resurgence. We also publish a quarterly newsletter to promote karst education opportunities and report on accomplishments. This newsletter is distributed for free to our members, supporters, and regional/national organizations and government agencies. It is also available (along with all back issues) on our public website.
- $11,169 spent. Land Stewardship - The Indiana Karst Conservancy over the years has acquired seven conservation properties and one conservation easement to protect and promote karst education. In 2025, we continued to expended resources (funds and volunteer labor) at our various preserves, including trail maintenance, tree planting, invasive plant control, and the restoration and maintenance of our preserves. This year we also made capital investments in a brush mower and other stewardship tools, partially funded by a wildlife habitat grant.
- $2,304 spent. Training - The IKC sponsored a two-day Wilderness First Aid course in 2025 with approximately 25 participants. There was a participation fee that covered the expenses.
- $3,952 spent. Other program expenses including liability insurance, property taxes, and support for the Indiana Land Protection Alliance.
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 October 13, 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 December 1986.
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 October 21, 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.