High Plains Indians Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Economic Development, Cultural, Historical, Educational
- Income
- $542,461
- Spending
- $489,519
- Spent on programs
- 99%
- Reserves
- 12.2 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- government grants, 50%
- Employees
- 4
- Volunteers
- 50
- Highest pay
- $66,966, board member
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
Strong: 90 out of 100. Higher than 76% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 12.2 months of spending.
Debt
10 of 20It owes 33% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 10% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 14% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1599% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 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
Fair: 58 out of 100. Higher than 30% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
5 of 250 of 9 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
0 of 5Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.
Independent check of accounts
6 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports 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 (5)
- $275,339 spent. Historical/Educational Program: The Sappony Sovereign Continuity Project was funded by the Administration for Native Americans. This project completed was completed in 3Q 2024. Objectives were to collect, organize, and centrally archive the tribal historical documents and artifacts. The information gathered will be available to the tribal members and provide a resource for future generations. (4 employees/5 contractors/community members) Another archival project began in 2024 4th qtr funded by the NC Dept of Natural and Cultural Resources (State Library of NC). These funds will allow for the setup of an onsite archival station, with software to index and preserve the records according to industry standards for tribal records. (2 employees/2 contractors/community members)
- $33,811 spent. Cultural Heritage Youth/Outreach Programs: The organization sponsors a weeklong camp for youth from ages 9 to 17. The mission of the camp is to expose the youth to their heritage and culture as well as healthy lifestyles, community service, and leadership. 2024 highlighted the importance of connecting the youth with the elders, along with language lessons. (70 Participants, Volunteers) The community outreach program provides meals to elders and those homebound. (40 participants,Volunteers)
- $147,108 spent. Economic and Community Development Programs: The organization's objective for economic and community development within the community and its members continues with the development of business opportunities. The skills and experience gained through this exercise allows the organization to bring awareness and self-sufficiency , self-promotion to the community. The tribe works with the local chambers of commerce, local businesses, local govt and civic organizations to promote the projects. (40 Tribal Volunteers and Other Specialists)
- $1,588 spent. Postsecondary Education, General/Other: The organization sponsors secondary scholarships. The scholarship is awarded based on merit, achievement, and community involvement. (3 Recipients)
- $25,968 spent. Cultural & Ethnic Awareness Programs: The organization conducts numerous presentations to schools, museums, civic groups, and awareness programs. The presentations inform and educate the public regarding the American Indian culture, specifically the Sappony tribe and other NC/VA tribes. This work involves 100% volunteers. The tribe sponsors an annual Art exhibit in November in partnership with the Person County Arts Parks and Recreation Department. The tribe participates in annual events to promote AI cultural throughout the State of NC and VA. The organization maintains a website for historical information and tribal information. (1000 Area School Teachers, Students & Public)
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since March 1997.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 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.