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The Matagorda Bay Foundation

EIN 76-0491491 · Brazoria, TX

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood75 out of 100GovernanceStrong93 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

MBF strives to ensure vital ecosystems of coastal central Texas remain thriving and resilient for generations through collaboration, education, advocacy and innovative conservation practices.

Income
$1.1 million
Spending
$1.0 million
Spent on programs
94%
Reserves
2.3 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 76%
Employees
3
Volunteers
25
Highest pay
$97,917, executive director

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

Good: 75 out of 100. Higher than 45% of charities in its peer group (environment, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 2.3 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 3% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 6% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 115% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    93% 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

Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 49% of charities in its peer group (environment, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    6 of 6 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

    0 of 7

    Reports no 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. $356,548 spent. The Matagorda Bay Bathymetry Study is a comprehensive effort to map and characterize the bay bottom of West Matagorda Bay with a focus on areas not yet surveyed. The Bay is home to some of the most ecologically vital nursery habitats along the Texas Gulf Coast. Its reefs, wetlands, and open bay areas support an intricate food web, from plankton to redfish, sea turtles, and shorebirds, all the way to people who rely on these waters for recreation, sustenance and economic livelihood. The bathymetric survey enables scientists and decision-makers to prioritize areas for protection, restoration and sustainable use.
  2. $204,615 spent. The Oliver Point Project is a vital initiative to restore and protect over 700 acres of estuarine tidal marsh and shallow bay habitats, along with nearly 50 acres of oyster reef habitat. Located just south of Palacios, Texas at the confluence of Tres Palacios and Matagorda Bays, this area showcases a rich diversity of estuarine environments. The project seeks to rehabilitate these critical habitats and safeguard the nesting and foraging grounds for various bird species such as Black Skimmers, American Oystercatchers, Brown Pelicans, terns, gulls and coastal wading birds. By implementing shoreline protections and restoring oyster reefs, water quality is enhanced, erosion is reduced, and the resilience of the coastal ecosytem is bolstered.
  3. $413,238 spent. MBF has several projects and initiatives that include: advancing a living shoreline at Redfish Lake to stabilize the area and reduce habitat losses, developing programs to improve conservation planning, public awareness and science-backed information to protect the Colorado-Lavaca Estuary including West Matagorda Bay, protecting the LCRA Nature Park dune system on Matagorda Beach which is a nesting habitat for coastal birds and supporting a nursery development at Turtle Creek to aid the growth and establishment of coastal aquatic plants, creation of wetlands, and produce over 30,000 plants for habitat restoration.

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? Worth knowing.

    Status was revoked on May 15, 2010 for not filing returns for three years, and reinstated on May 15, 2010.

    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 February 2013.

    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.