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National Indian Education Association

EIN 41-0976048 · Washington, DC

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood73 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

See Schedule O

Income
$4.6 million
Spending
$6.4 million
Spent on programs
86%
Reserves
9.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 66%
Employees
26
Volunteers
10
Highest pay
$175,809, former executive director

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 73 out of 100. Higher than 57% of charities in its peer group (education, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 9.2 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 13% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 40% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 9% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    86% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 2 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 74% of charities in its peer group (education, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    11 of 11 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a 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

    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

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited 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, 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 (3)
  1. $3.5 million spent. Education Reform: The National Indian Education Association (NIEA) is committed to advancing educational reform by equipping all educators with the knowledge, resources, and tools necessary to support Native students in achieving their full potential, both in the classroom and beyond. As a leading member organization, NIEA fosters meaningful partnerships among educators, policymakers, and advocacy leaders at local, state, and national levels. Through these collaborations, NIEA strengthens federal, state, and national policies to ensure equitable access to culturally responsive education. Serving as a critical bridge between Native communities and educational institutions, NIEA works to transform education systems better to serve Native students from early childhood through lifelong learning.
  2. $1.2 million spent. Conventions: NIEAs annual convention serves as a cornerstone for bringing educators, advocates, and community leaders together to share best practices and build a collaborative educational community that supports all students. Hosted in various regions across the U.S., the convention ensures broad representation of Native and non-Native educators, school leaders, parents, students, tribal leadership, researchers, and allies. Through dynamic discussions, networking opportunities, and the exchange of innovative strategies, attendees engage in meaningful conversations on education, culture, and language. By fostering connections and strengthening collective efforts, NIEAs convention empowers educators with the tools and knowledge necessary to create inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments for Native students.
  3. $868,320 spent. Other Program Services: NIEA is deeply committed to strengthening Native education through impactful programs that directly support schools, educators, and tribal communities. Through our national resource center, NIEA collaborates with schools, teachers, administrators, and researchers to provide professional development opportunities, capacity-building initiatives, and strategic guidance designed to equip Native youth with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in college, careers, and life. A key component of our work includes supporting Tribal Communities in Schools and ensuring that Native students receive culturally responsive education that reflects their heritage, language, and traditions. By working directly with tribal leadership and local educators, NIEA helps integrate Indigenous perspectives into classrooms, creating learning environments where Native students thrive. Additionally, NIEA invests in professional development by offering advocacy training, technical assistance, webinars, and fact sheetsensuring that educators and advocates have the tools they need to drive meaningful change. Rooted in our founding principles, NIEA remains a trusted resource in convening educators, promoting the preservation of Native languages and cultures, and advancing policies that strengthen Native education systems. With the support of our communities and funding partners, NIEA continues to deliver high-impact programs that empower educators, uplift Native students, and shape the future of Indigenous education.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 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? 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 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 April 1973.

    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.