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Ecological Marine Adventures

EIN 33-1658227 · Surf City, NC

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair52 out of 100GovernanceFair56 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The organization provides hands-on marine science education and conservation programming that builds understanding of marine ecosystems and promotes environmental stewardship through immersive learning opportunities.

Income
$441,802
Spending
$414,916
Spent on programs
69%
Reserves
0.8 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 99%
Employees
32
Volunteers
1
Highest pay
$49,000, 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

Fair: 52 out of 100. Higher than 16% of charities in its peer group (environment, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    4 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 0.8 months of spending.

  • Debt

    10 of 20

    It owes 46% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 6% of income.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    69% 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

Fair: 56 out of 100. Higher than 19% of charities in its peer group (environment, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    5 of 25

    0 of 4 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

    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

    10 of 10

    Gave 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

    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. $129,558 spent. Marine Science Education Camps & Classes: Ecological Marine Adventures provides hands on, immersive marine science education through camps and structured classes designed for children and youth. These programs introduce participants to marine science, conservation, and ocean stewardship through field exploration, experiments, touch tanks, data collection, and aquarium based activities. By learning through direct experience, participants develop scientific knowledge, critical thinking skills, and a lifelong connection to the ocean and marine ecosystems. During the year, this program served 1,569 participants and conducted 138 instructional sessions.
  2. $129,557 spent. School, Homeschool & Youth Educational Outreach: Ecological Marine Adventures delivers interactive, curriculum aligned marine science education to homeschool students, schools, and youth groups through homeschool classes, field trips, school visits, and related outreach programs. Students engage in hands on activities such as experiments, live animal encounters, touch tanks, guided exploration, and data collection that reinforce academic concepts while fostering curiosity, conservation awareness, and a deeper understanding of ocean ecosystems. During the year, these outreach programs served a total of 2,343 participants, consisting of 147 homeschool students and 2,196 students through field trips and school visits, provided 249 program days, and held 249 educational sessions.
  3. $28,791 spent. Public Marine Education, Eco Tours & Community Engagement: Ecological Marine Adventures provides public marine education and community engagement opportunities through guided eco tours, shoreline and marsh exploration programs, community classes, and educational group experiences. These programs are designed to educate the general public about marine wildlife, coastal ecosystems, and environmental stewardship through hands on, field based learning and guided interpretation. By making marine science accessible to a broad audience, these activities promote conservation awareness and responsible interaction with marine environments.

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 October 13, 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 August 2025.

    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 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.