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Dunwoody Nature Center Inc

EIN 58-2009823 · Dunwoody, GA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong93 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Inspires the love of nature and cultivates environmental understanding and stewardship by: (1)Conserving and enhancing Dunwoody Park (2)Educating children, families and adults of all ages about the natural world and our place in it(3)Motivating environmental awareness and responsible action.

Income
$1.6 million
Spending
$1.2 million
Spent on programs
72%
Reserves
7.8 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 48%
Employees
54
Volunteers
2,000
Highest pay
$118,133, executive dir.

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

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 7.8 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 5% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 27% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 17% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    72% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 24 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 60% of charities in its peer group (environment, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    24 of 24 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 (5)
  1. $479,609 spent. Environmental Education - At the Dunwoody Nature Center, we feature 22 acres and four distinct habitats that allow children to explore nature in a structured environment. By combining play and learning, children are able to grow and develop at their own pace and better understand how they are a part of the natural world. In 2024, the Nature Center served thousands of children through our popular nature camps.
  2. $283,325 spent. Other Activities - In addition to our well regarded childrens and family programming, we developed more innovative adult programming during 2024 including health and wellness programs, beekeeping, book clubs and classes focused on the natural world. Our facility rental program continues to be an important part of our income. Adult & Community ProgramsWe offer an expanding program of classes and nature-based gatherings which seek to enhance the education, enjoyment and wellbeing of all participants. These include beekeeping, gardening, painting, fitness and more. Birthday PartiesVia various nature themes, children play games and hike the trails of the Nature Center. Childrens ProgramsWe seek to develop citizen-scientists through programs such as Backyard Scientists (for home schooled children) and, for our very youngest constituents, My Chickadee & Me Classes. Health & Wellness We offer yoga, tai chi, sound baths, forest bathing, bird walks, corporate team building and more throughout our 22 acres which includes an old growth forest.
  3. $51,426 spent. Festivals - Over the course of two days we hosted the Butterfly Experience with over 3,000 participating. Timed tickets were sold which enabled visitors to enter one of three butterfly tents and enjoy a unique encounter with these lovely creatures. Also included were educational programs, crafts and activities, concessions and live music.
  4. $22,828 spent. Field Trips - classes move through the meadow and trails of our park led by our highly trained staff of experienced educators for a hands-on learning experience that reinforces and brings to life the concepts that they are taught in the classroom.In 2024, 6,460 students participated from all over Metro Atlanta - of which - 51% are from Title 1 schools.
  5. $7,545 spent. Scout Programs - helped troops earn patches, badge, try-its, and awards with many programs and service opportunities. All of our programs are designed to meet scouting requirements as outlined in project handbooks.

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 October 13, 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 May 1993.

    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 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.