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Natural History Institute

EIN 82-1871782 · Prescott, AZ

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood78 out of 100GovernanceGood76 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Natural History Institute is organized to provide leadership and resources for a revitalized practice of natural history that integrates art, science, and humanities to promote the health and well-being of humans and the rest of the natural world.

Income
$391,197
Spending
$381,157
Spent on programs
62%
Reserves
4.9 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 78%
Employees
4
Volunteers
9
Highest pay
$99,876, executive dir.

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: 78 out of 100. Higher than 53% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 4.9 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 3% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 6% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    8 of 15

    62% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 23 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

Good: 76 out of 100. Higher than 57% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    7 of 7 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no 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

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed 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 (4)
  1. $229,545 spent. Community Nature Education Inspiring Stewardship Through LearningThis program advances NHI's mission by connecting people with nature through hands-on experiences and expert-led lectures. In 2024, the Speaker Series and community workshops served 533 individuals through 38 programs, with a total in-person attendance of 1,888, including adults, senior citizens, and 2 lifelong learners. Activities included in-person talks, field studies, and interactive workshops designed to foster environmental literacy and inspire stewardship of the Mogollon Highlands. Each presentation was live-streamed and recorded, reaching a national audience with 91,300 views on YouTube.
  2. $4,679 spent. Art Gallery and Exhibitions Blending Art and NatureThe NHI Art Gallery presented four free contemporary exhibitions in 2024, each featuring one public artist talk and one hands-on workshop. 4th Friday Art Walks provided additional opportunities for the public to meet artists and engage with artwork. Open five days a week, the gallery attracts hundreds of visitors and integrates artistic and scientific perspectives to educate the public about regional ecology and culture, providing free access to high-quality exhibitions and creative experiences.
  3. $2,760 spent. Mogollon Highlands Science Initiative Research, Collections, and ConservationThis initiative advances scientific understanding and conservation of the Mogollon Highlands ecoregion. In 2024, NHI conducted research, educational programming, and community engagement around the Wild and Scenic Upper Verde River, Walnut Creek Center for Education and Research, and other critical habitats. Activities included field studies, ecological monitoring, and scientific collections. The initiativepromotes evidence-based stewardship and long-term protection of regional ecosystems.
  4. Other Program Services Nature Nios CollaborationNHI participated in 12 Nature Nios events, a community collaboration providing free nature education to children and families.

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 August 2018.

    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.