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Friends of the White River Inc

EIN 35-1658122 · Indianapolis, IN

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak49 out of 100GovernanceFair65 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The Friends of the White River exists to protect, preserve, and promote our vital resource for communities in Central Indiana by connecting people to the White River.

Income
$176,679
Spending
$200,808
Spent on programs
69%
Reserves
2.1 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 58%
Employees
6
Volunteers
520
Highest pay
$74,788, executice director, feb-dec 2025

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

Weak: 49 out of 100. Higher than 14% of charities in its peer group (environment, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 2.1 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    4 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 14% of income.

  • Income trend

    0 of 15

    Income fell 43% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    69% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 26 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: 65 out of 100. Higher than 51% of charities in its peer group (environment, under $250k).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    10 of 10 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

    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.

  • 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. $51,225 spent. River Cleanup Program (Environmental Justice): Friends of the White River's River Cleanup Program is dedicated to preserving the health and beauty of the White River through regular volunteer-driven efforts to remove litter and illegally dumped debris from the waterway and its banks. These cleanups prevent pollution, protect aquatic ecosystems, and enhance the river's recreational value, while also addressing issues like illegal dumping. In 2025, over 500 volunteers and participants joined our cleanup efforts, demonstrating strong community commitment to a cleaner, healthier river. Through this hands-on engagement, the program fosters a shared sense of stewardship for this vital natural resource.
  2. $47,949 spent. Outdoor Education: Friends of the White River's Outdoor Education Program connects youth and community members to the White River through immersive, hands-on learning experiences. Through programs like River School and Water Connection Camp, participants explore local ecology, paddling skills, water quality, and environmental history while building leadership and stewardship values. Guided rafting trips and restoration activities turn the river into a living classroom, fostering a deeper connection to nature and conservation. These experiences empower the next generation to become informed advocates and caretakers of Indiana's waterways. In 2025, we served 570 individuals through our Outdoor Education Program which included being the 6th grade experience for Riverside Intermediate school.
  3. $40,094 spent. Watershed Restoration Program: Friends of the White River's Watershed Restoration Program improves the health of the White River by reducing soil erosion and sediment pollution through invasive species removal and technical support. This work prepares sites for long-term restoration and helps stabilize streambanks. Educational demonstration zones along River School routes engage participants in the differences between active and passive land management, turning restoration sites into hands-on learning environments. FOWR also partners with landowners to ensure lasting impact, with over 50 participants joining our Stream Stewards workshops in 2025.

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 March 1986.

    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.