Friends of Avi Kwa Ame
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Friends of Avi Kwa Ame help ensure protection of the ecological, cultural, historic, and recreational resources of the Monument area through community engagement, advocacy, interpretive & educational programming, support of academic research, site stewardship, and restoration efforts.
- Income
- $116,603
- Spending
- $102,315
- Reserves
- 4 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 63%
- Highest pay
- $17,720, graphic design
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending October 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 79 out of 100. Higher than 55% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).
Reserves
20 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 4.0 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 1% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 12% of income.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending October 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 October 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)
- $2,600 spent. Desert Delights provided an opportunity to connect the community with the unique natural and cultural resources of Avi Kwa Ame National Monument through a welcoming, family-friendly public event. Hosted at historic Walking Box Ranch, the program brings together education, art, storytelling, and hands-on activities that encourage participants to learn about the Mojave Desert and its values. The event helps introduce new audiences to the monument while strengthening community connections to public lands and inspiring continued interest in their protection and stewardship.
- $7,750 spent. Programs at the Mystery Ranch provided opportunities for participants to experience the desert landscape in a more immersive setting while learning about the areas ecological, cultural, and historical significance. The programs supported hands-on environmental education, outdoor recreation, engagement, and community science while encouraging participants to develop a stronger connection to the landscape.
- $17,460 spent. Gold Beam serves as an ongoing educational and outreach resource that extends the reach of Friends of Avi Kwa Ames programs beyond individual events. The magazine shares stories, photography, artwork, conservation information, oral histories, and updates about Avi Kwa Ame National Monument, helping readers better understand and appreciate the landscape and the communities connected to it.As a lasting and shareable resource, Gold Beam provides a platform for local voices and partners while creating greater awareness of conservation efforts, upcoming programs, and opportunities for public engagement.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending October 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 October 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.