Native Plant Society of New Mexico
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The Native Plant Society of New Mexico strives to educate the public about native plants by promoting knowledge of plant identification, ecology, and uses; fostering plant conservation and the preservation of natural habitats; supporting botanical research; and encouraging the appropriate use of native plants to conserve water, land, and wildlife.
- Income
- $293,634
- Spending
- $113,331
- Spent on programs
- 80%
- Reserves
- 68.5 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 58%
- Employees
- 0
- Volunteers
- 75
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
Strong: 100 out of 100.
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 68.5 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 61% of income.
Spending floor
15 of 1580% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 5 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: 73 out of 100.
Independent board
25 of 256 of 6 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
0 of 7Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
0 of 10Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Independent check of accounts
6 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed 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 (1)
- $90,453 spent. In January, 2024, the Native Plant Society of New Mexico (NPSNM, doing business as the Carter Conservation Fund) awarded 7 grants through our Carter Conservation Fund in a competitive process, totaling $11,600. The grants were spread widely around our New Mexico and Western Texas service area and represented a diverse group of projects. In addition, we gave $3000 ($600 each) to 5 regional herbaria, gave a $500 Teacher of the Year Award, and in the summer, gave a $500 Conservation Champion Award. The Gila Chapter (Silver City) received a grant for $49,865 for implementation of phase one of their Master Plan for the Silva Creek Botanical Garden. This is a native plant botanical garden in Silver City. The money is to be used over a two-year period. Our state has recently become a part of the Oregon State University Extension Master Melittologist Program. In cooperation with that program, and because pollination is essential for native plants, NPSNM designed and offered a week-long workshop called, "New Mexico's Native Bees: Exploring Ecosystem Services, Ecology, and Identification." The workshop was taught by Olivia Carril, an independent melittologist, in Santa Fe. The workshop was attended by members from five of our seven chapters as well as some additional professionals from the broader community of native plant enthusiasts. Our Conservation Committee submitted 5 comment letters on behalf of our organization, as well as a letter of support for a sister organization seeking a grant. Our Taos chapter held our annual conference, in Taos, July 25-28, 2024, which drew participants from across New Mexico and Western Texas. Knowledgeable presenters, a student poster session, field trips and social events all helped to spread our mission. Four NPSNM chapters (Gila, Taos, Otero and El Paso) run annual native plant sales that offer quality native plants, some of which are hard to find in the commercial market. These native plant sales are open to the public, which also helps to spread the mission of NPSNM. Throughout the year, our seven chapters hold many quality programs and field trips open to our members as well as the general public.
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 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 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 June 1977.
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.