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Headwaters Alliance

EIN 81-4405786 · Creede, CO

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak39 out of 100GovernanceNot ratedThe short tax form does not cover thisImpact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The Headwaters Alliance seeks to foster a sustainable environmental and economic future for the URG basin in Southern Colorado through education, stewardship, and resource conservation

Income
$133,412
Spending
$132,421
Reserves
1.8 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 100%

Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Weak: 39 out of 100. Higher than 7% of charities in its peer group (environment, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 1.8 months of spending.

  • Debt

    5 of 20

    It owes 51% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    12 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 1% of income.

Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.

Source: Form 990EZ 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. $83,529 spent. Watershed Restoration:Watershed work involves the sampling and monitoring of water and soil to guide the development of construction projects that improve water quality and water quantity and alleviate exposure to mine wastes in Mineral County. This program serves the community of Mineral County (700) and the downstream water users on the Rio Grande (unknown). This program is accomplished by working with professionals, local, state and federal government, community stakeholders, volunteers, and funders.
  2. $25,701 spent. Leadership & VolunteerismThis work includes hosting a multitude of stewardship projects ranging from hosting vital community meetings with regulator entities regarding cornerstone environmental issues, to volunteer activities such as planting willows and trees, to educational events to better inform our community to the challenges of our region, to connecting adults and children with the natural world through environmental education. Through community partnerships, we welcome new participants and volunteers to experience the hands-on satisfaction of participating in community led stewardship planning and ecological restoration. We worked with more than 60 volunteers in 2022, including students, teachers, senior citizens and others.
  3. $19,276 spent. Education:Environmental education is the central thread to everything we do. We actively share information and resources with our community via articles, social media and events to facilitate informed participation by our community. Additionally, we host a rigorous youth science camp for local students to cultivate youth participation and voice within this work. Annual youth events impact up to 25 students and their families.

Source: Form 990EZ 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 2017.

    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.