Hopa Mountain Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Hopa Mountain invests in rural and tribal citizen leaders, adults and youth who areimproving education, ecological health, and economic development. Hopa Mountainprovides these leaders with training, mentoring, network opportunities, andfinancial resources to help them create opportunities for advancing in theircommunities.
- Income
- $1.2 million
- Spending
- $1.4 million
- Spent on programs
- 88%
- Reserves
- 17.1 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 44%
- Employees
- 17
- Volunteers
- 100
- Highest pay
- $110,169, 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: 74 out of 100. Higher than 51% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 17.1 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 2% of what it owns.
Living within its means
4 of 15Spending exceeded income by 14% of income.
Income trend
0 of 15Income fell 62% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1588% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 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
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 68% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 258 of 8 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave 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
15 of 15Its accounts were audited 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, 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)
- $534,506 spent. Strengthening the Circle(STC):Strengthening the Circle is a Native nonprofit leadership program that is designed to: (1) expand year-round capacity-building training and technical assistance services to Native nonprofits focusing on education and asset development; (2) provide Native nonprofit leaders with organizational development assistance to establish strategic plans and procedures for measuring progress and improving performance towards intended outcomes leading to community impact; (3) develop culturally appropriate training materials; and (4) invite foundation participation in STC and Native community-based initiatives to support and sustain this work. Forty-five Native nonprofit leaders were served through this program.
- $315,100 spent. Local Food for Local Families:The purpose of the cooperative Local Food for Local Families initiative is to expandaccess to Montana grown food by increasing processing, distribution, and storagecapacity in local and regional food hubs and rural and tribal food pantries to meetthe needs of Montana families. Local Food for Local Families supports and connectsproducers, food hubs, food pantries and others to increase access to Montana grownand processed agricultural products. The goal of this initiative is to develop a more strategic, equitable and sustainable food system model statewide.
- $231,520 spent. Hopa Mountain Scholars of Promise program:The Indigenous Scholars of Promise program is a college preparation program thatprovides students with training, mentoring, and support services to help themprepare to apply to the schools of their choice. High school sophomores, juniorsand seniors who currently have a 3.0 GPA or above and are considering applying thecolleges and universities are invited to apply to the program.Connecting with our Homelands is a grant opportunity specifically for Indigenousorganizations and schools. Funds are provided by the National Park Service that are regranted through a competitive application process to organizations and schools that want to bring youth ages 5 -18 and elders to a National Park to share Indigenous knowledge, cultural heritage, and traditions. A limited number of travelgrants of up to $2,500 are available to Indian Tribes, Alaskan Natives, and Native Hawaiian organizations. Eligible candidates include tribal programs, schools, and nonprofit organizations. Funds can only be used for direct costs for a trip, such as bus travel, lodging, and meals. Only one travel grant will be awarded per organization or tribe in order to allow as many youth as possible an opportunity to visit a park.Native Science Fellows(NSF):The Native Science Fellows program is effectively increasing the number of NativeAmerican students (ages 15-35) who are engaged in community-based geosciences education, field experiences and careers by: (1) providing role models and work experience for Native American tribal college and university students interested inthe geosciences; (2) developing an annual Fellows gathering with peer networks ofNative college students who are interested in pursuing geosciences careers; and (3)building a network of community-based science professionals who are committed tothe success of Native students and provide on-going support for personal, academicand professional success.
- $132,784 spent. Hopa Mountain's StoryMakers and HealthMakers Programs:Hopa Mountain's StoryMakers and HealthMakers programs offer parents of children ages0-8 with high-quality books and early learning resources to support children's health and early literacy; child development information and book-sharing ideas; andpersonal encouragement for parents and caregivers as they support their children'slearning and health habits every day.
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
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 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 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 October 2004.
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.