Passes our checks

Wild Orca

EIN 46-4936308 · Seattle, WA

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

What it says it does

Translating science into action to save Southern Resident killer whales from extinction.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending February 28, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Fair: 63 out of 100. Higher than 33% of charities in its peer group (animals, under $250k).

Reserves
28 of 35
Spendable reserves would cover 11.9 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20
It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
0 of 15
Spending exceeded income by 64% of income.
Income trend
0 of 15
Income fell 43% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 15
90% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 3 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending February 28, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Strong: 91 out of 100. Higher than 90% of charities in its peer group (animals, under $250k).

Independent board
18 of 25
3 of 3 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.
No reported misuse
10 of 10
Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending February 28, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (3)

$34,932 spent. Strategic Advocacy - We make conservation science accessible, digestible, and actionable by translating science and providing opportunities for individuals, organizations, and management agencies to engage with policymakers in an effort to create change and accountability. We believe everyone has a unique role to play and action to take.
$321,030 spent. Conservation Research - Wild Orca's high-impact conservation research program utilizes one-of-a-kind non-invasive methods to reveal a near real-time picture of the health of endangered Southern Resident killer whales. We collaborate with the most respected names in wildlife conservation research and provide timely data to the public and management agencies used to understand and address the causes of population decline.
$15,221 spent. Policy Engagement: To recover Southern Resident killer whales, public policy and regulation must be rooted in accurate and timely science. We work directly with stakeholders, organizations, and management agencies to ensure that decisions are made based on the best available science and an understanding of the urgency required for recovery.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending February 28, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

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? Worth knowing.
Status was revoked on July 15, 2017 for not filing returns for three years, and reinstated on July 15, 2017.
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 February 2026.
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 June 2018.
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.