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Houston Advanced Research Center

EIN 76-0038315 · Spring, TX

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair62 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To use independent research in air, water, climate and equity issues, developing sustainable solutions to improve the quality of life for generations to come. Continued on Schedule O.Our Mission: HARC applies science to drive energy, air, water, and resilience solutions for a sustainable and equitable future. Our Vision: HARC envisions a world where:- Natural resources are sustainably used and equitably distributed;- The economy is viable and ensures the well-being of current and future generations;- Society is fully engaged in the stewardship and enrichment of nature; and- Effective action is consistently taken to ensure all communities thrive.

Income
$7.8 million
Spending
$7.8 million
Spent on programs
65%
Reserves
0 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 53%
Employees
45
Volunteers
152
Highest pay
$419,758, president & ceo

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: 62 out of 100. Higher than 32% of charities in its peer group (science, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    4 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 0.0 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 12% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 0% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 14% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    65% 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: 100 out of 100. Higher than 68% of charities in its peer group (science, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    11 of 12 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. $2.8 million spent. Strong, Engaged, and Resilient Communities: Our greatest challenges are connected, which is why HARC applies a systems approach to all of its work. This is especially true of HARC's resilience research, which brings together air, energy, and water expertise to provide practical, science-based solutions to mitigate risk, strengthen and increase communities' ability to bounce back from extreme events, and sustain a healthy economy. HARC works with communities and leaders to co-create and implement economic, environmental, and social solutions, grounded in research and people's lived experiences, that strengthen communities, generate good jobs, improve health outcomes, and expand opportunity.
  2. $1.7 million spent. Clean, Reliable, and Affordable Energy: Energy drives the economy, especially in Texas, and the energy choices we all make directly impact the environment, our health, and the economy. HARC provides research, planning services, tools and technical assistance on the implementation of energy technologies and policies that generate economic development and mitigate environmental risks.
  3. $660,435 spent. Clean & Accessible Water: HARC provides in-depth water research analysis to policymakers, communities, and local governments. HARC emphasizes the protection of watersheds, a holistic approach to water management, nature-based infrastructure solutions, and the importance of healthy coastal ecosystems.

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 July 1983.

    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.