Science Moab Engagement Initiative
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The mission of the Science Moab Engagement Initiative Science Moab is to make place-based science accessible to all. We envision communities across the Colorado Plateau thriving from a deeper engagement with science and place-based knowledge. To achieve this goal we are incubating science-based economic opportunities that cherish intact healthy ecosystems while sustaining the local community through three key programs: Outreach science podcast and live event series School to Science science mentorship for underserved high school students and Science Certified innovative science communication training for outdoor recreation guides.
- Income
- $157,042
- Spending
- $88,221
- Reserves
- 28.7 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 92%
- Highest pay
- $29,700, executive director
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending May 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 82% of charities in its peer group (education, under $250k).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 28.7 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 2% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 44% of income.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending May 31, 2025, 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 May 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 (3)
- $21,278 spent. The Outreach program comprises our free community science outreach programs and offerings including a science radio show podcast science live event series and other media. Some of the audience the program currently engages includes: 1,000+ podcast listeners month; 5,000+ social media followers; 900+ newsletter subscribers; 10,000+ newspaper readers; and hundreds of live event attendees year.
- $21,237 spent. The School to Science program pairs local high school students with scientists working in the field the lab and museums for hands-on science mentorship. Exposure to scientific careers is almost non-existent for most students in this community 77% of whom lack science proficiency and 45% whom are at risk of poverty in adulthood so such opportunities are powerful for students scholastic career and personal development. Since the program launched in August 2021 40 scientist mentors have hosted over 70 students for internships job shadows and field trip series. 99% of participating students report increased scientific literacy 95% of participating students report increased college or career readiness and 93% of participating students report increased interest in science or STEM careers.
- $9,490 spent. Science Certified is-to our knowledge-the only program of its kind in the western US or elsewhere.With some three million visitors recreating on public lands around Moab Utah each year this unique fragile desert environment is under constant and increasing duress from intense use and harmful behavior stemming from lack of knowledge. By providing science communication training to outdoor guides who can in turn educate tens of thousands of visitors each year our Science Certified program increases visitors environmental awareness understanding and responsible behavior while recreating on public lands. Since the program launched in November 2021 weve trained over 425 guides from over 25 organizations businesses. Program participants report an average 2-point increase in scientific knowledge on a 7-point scale and 95% report feeling more comfortable more confident and more likely to communicate science with their clients after completing our training.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending May 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? 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 May 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 February 2020.
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.