Healing Waters Wilderness Adventures
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Healing Waters seeks to enrich lives and empower people by providing safe, inclusive, and nonjudgmental outdoor wilderness experiences supported by a community of passionate volunteers. Founded in 1996 to serve those affected by HIV and AIDS, Healing Waters mission is to inspire and enrich the lives of people impacted by chronic health, economic, or social disadvantage. To provide access to the healing properties of nature through wilderness experiences in a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment. And to foster a working community among participants and volunteers.
- Income
- $180,669
- Spending
- $183,171
- Reserves
- 2.8 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 62%
- Highest pay
- $50,400, director
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Fair: 54 out of 100. Higher than 27% of charities in its peer group (human services, under $250k).
Reserves
10 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 2.8 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 13% of what it owns.
Living within its means
8 of 15Spending exceeded income by 1% of income.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 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 December 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)
- $12,724 spent. General Programs: Community events and activities such as creek clean ups, working the booth at SF Pride, and other community building activities for Healing Waters Volunteers.
- $61,417 spent. Camping & rafting trips: Held eleven weekend camping trips, three mid-week youth trips, and four one-day mid week trips. Serving a total of 430 participants from youth to adults. Participants served are living or dealing with chronic illness and or in recovery. Trips are designed provide a healing environment through nature activities. Trips are led by Healing Waters volunteers. Healing Waters provides rafting and camping supplies, meals and transportation.
- $8,655 spent. Held two, two-day swift water rescue trainings for 28 river guides. All river guides were certified through the training. Held three CPR and first aide trainings for 36 future Healing Waters volunteers that would allow them to be cook, hosts or river guides.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 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 December 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 August 2006.
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.