Wildfire International
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The American Wildfire Experience is a nonprofit organization that supports wildland firefighters and the communities they serve through training, certification, leadership development, and storytelling.
- Income
- $189,723
- Spending
- $140,150
- Reserves
- 5.2 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
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
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 (1)
- $140,150 spent. Backbone Scholarship Program: In 2024, the organization awarded 11 scholarships to support wildland firefighters and their partners in pursuing advanced training and professional development. The program reduced financial barriers for participants and strengthened workforce capacity in wildfire management. Scholarships supported tuition, travel, and course costs, with awards ranging up to $1,000 each. These scholarships are not paid directly to institutions, rather directly to the recipients, so they are treated like individual grants. Total expenses: $11,018. Fee-for-service income: $0.The Smokey Generation: The Smokey Generation oral history project preserved the stories and experiences of wildland firefighters by recording, digitizing, and sharing narratives from individuals across the U.S. and abroad. In 2024, the project did not add new interviews to its publicly accessible online archive, but rather transferred the archive to a new host. The project continues to serve as a resource for education, cultural preservation, and workforce inspiration. Total expenses: $1123.13. Fee-for-service income: $0.Thought Leadership Speaking Engagements and Convenings: The organization advanced global thought leadership in wildland fire management through keynote addresses and presentations in Bolivia and Canada. These engagements reached audiences of more than 600 practitioners, policymakers, and community leaders, promoting innovative approaches to resilience, inclusive leadership, and international collaboration. We also hosted a convening of board members and attendees from Canada in Kyburz. By sharing U.S. and international lessons learned, the organization influenced wildfire policy and practice across borders. Total expenses: $1920. Fee-for-service income: $0.Wildland Fire Digital Storytelling Micro-Grants: In 2024, we paused our micro-grants to wildland fire practitioners and creatives to support digital storytelling projects in order to reimagine the program and launch again in 2026. These micro-grants enable the production of short films, photo essays, and digital narratives highlighting the cultural and ecological dimensions of wildfire. The program expands public understanding of fires role in ecosystems while elevating diverse voices within the fire community. Total expenses: $0. Fee-for-service income: $0The Chainsaw Project: The Chainsaw Project provided women and community members with hands-on training in chainsaw use, emphasizing technical skills, empowerment, and safety. In 2024, the program trained 5 participants during a free workshop in safe operation, maintenance, and field application of chainsaws. By equipping new users with both skills and confidence, the project contributed to workforce development and community resilience in wildfire-prone regions. Total expenses: $0. Fee-for-service income: $0.
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
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? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 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 2024.
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 2017.
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 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.