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Bonobo Conservation Initiative

EIN 52-2146443 · Washington, DC

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair55 out of 100GovernanceStrong97 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

PROTECT ENDANGERED BONOBOS,PRESERVE THE TROPICAL RAINFOREST HABITAT, EMPOWER COMMUNITIES IN THE CONGO BASIN. WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES, BCI IS SAFEGUARDING BONOBOS, PRESERVING LARGE TRACTS OF RAINFOREST, BENEFITTING PEOPLE THROUGH LIVELIHOOD AND EDUCATION

Income
$414,584
Spending
$412,328
Spent on programs
68%
Reserves
-0.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 100%
Employees
2
Highest pay
$57,750, program manager

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

Fair: 55 out of 100. Higher than 14% of charities in its peer group (animals, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    0 of 35

    Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 13% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    12 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 1% of income.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    68% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 5 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: 97 out of 100. Higher than 96% of charities in its peer group (animals, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    7 of 8 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

    12 of 15

    Its accounts were reviewed or compiled by an independent accountant, but not audited.

  • 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. $192,105 spent. The Bonobo Peace Forest: a network of community-managed reserves, spanning a vast area of rainforest habitat. Includes two nationally gazetted nature reserves: Kokolopori Bonobo Reserve & Sankuru Nature Reserve, together encompasing 9 million acres, plus five additional community forests preparing for legal protection, where bonobos are protected. Working with The Nature Conservancy, Wild Forests & Fauna,and other partners to scale up conservation activities and achieve official protection for Lilungu, a strategic site that links a critical conservation corridor. Three additional community conservation areas have completed participatory mappinga key step in the process of obtaining legal protection of their lands. In-situ activities include reserve management, wildlife protection, sustainable livelihood initiatives, as well as ongoing education. Long-term bonobo research program at Kokolopori entered its ninth year, under the auspices of Harvard University.
  2. $84,560 spent. REDD Carbon Credit / Nature-Based Solutions Financing: To ensure sustainable, long-term support for the Bonobo Peace Forest, BCI is actively developing REDD (Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation) carbon credit and NBS financing to benefit local and indigenous communities, wildlife, and the rainforest. REDD projects at Sankuru and Kokolopori are midway through the process of validation, however progress was stalled due to a readjustment in the market and the subsequent development of improved methodologies. Investment that had been expected was halted as a result of the shake-up. As such, BCI focused its efforts on exploring strategic partnerships and potential investors, applying for accelerator programs, and preparing for the renewal of activities. BCI and partners have conducted extensive field work and consultations with local communities. Benefit-sharing plans are in developmemnt with all stakeholders, notably local communities.
  3. $3,200 spent. Awareness & Education: BCI launched a new, updated website this year (www.bonobo.org) and upgraded communication systems. In addition, BCI founder and president Sally Coxe presented a TEDx talk in an effort to raise global awareness of bonobos and gain more support for their protection. (While not listed as program expenses, these activities are central to BCIs mission.) BCI also continued outreach and education via DRC partner networks and social channels.

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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 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 September 7, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since April 1999.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 7, 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.