River Mist Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Early Childhood Education Center
- Income
- $390,662
- Spending
- $394,188
- Spent on programs
- 100%
- Reserves
- 0.3 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 100%
- Employees
- 10
- Highest pay
- $84,350, executive director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Weak: 40 out of 100. Higher than 10% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
4 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 0.3 months of spending.
Living within its means
8 of 15Spending exceeded income by 1% of income.
Income trend
5 of 15Income fell 11% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 15100% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Fair: 51 out of 100. Higher than 23% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
25 of 255 of 5 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
0 of 15Reports no written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
0 of 7Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
0 of 10Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
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, 2025, 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 (1)
- $394,188 spent. Families, primarily w/2 wage earners, depend on River Mist to provide a safe & healthy place for young children whom may or may not have developed language. River Mist is located on 4.5 acres w/ several different micro ecosystems (an orchard, a river). WE utilize our outdoor space daily. In summer, various outdoor spaces for the children. Using creative curriculum to ensure supportive development with Teaching strategies GOLD for assessment. Our trained staff use NAEYC & Colorado Shines standards. River Mist operated a preschool program providing high quality care and education for children ages 3-5 years old in a rural environment w/ focus on whold child development. Our 3-5 year program ultimately prepares children to be successful in kindergarten and beyond. We utilize our various outdoor environments to enhance themed units in Creative Curriculum, (trees, gardening, insects, ETC) It creates exciting hands on exciting approach for children, enhancing learning. River Mist uses Teaching Strageties GOLD for assessment and are in constant contact w/ parents and progress. River Mist Inc is unique amount preschools, we intergrate a traditional preschool program w/ outdoor education. During the pandemic, River Mist invested in tents, outdoor furniture and toys. Enjoying as much time outdoors in the summer as possible. This practice continues. The natural world and integrated activities, including a large garden teaches the children many skills. We feed the children food from the garden, bringing a natural process of seed to table food education.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, 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 October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Worth knowing.
Status was revoked on May 15, 2019 for not filing returns for three years. The IRS now lists it as tax-exempt again.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since May 2015.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 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.