Skip to the page content
Your donations
Passes our checks

Vital Impacts

EIN 87-1543337 · Missoula, MT

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair59 out of 100GovernanceStrong95 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Vital Impacts is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support communities and grassroots organizations who are protecting people, wildlife and habitats.

Income
$531,255
Spending
$625,790
Spent on programs
90%
Reserves
11.9 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 51%
Employees
2
Volunteers
0
Highest pay
$77,775, chief operations officer

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

Fair: 59 out of 100. Higher than 28% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 11.9 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 17% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 18% of income.

  • Income trend

    0 of 15

    Income fell 26% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    90% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 2 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: 95 out of 100. Higher than 86% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    4 of 5 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports 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 (3)
  1. $323,354 spent. Vital Impacts annual print and film sales serve as a direct force for conservation, empowering artists while generating crucial funding. By collaborating with over 100 renowned and emerging photographers, we raise both awareness and financial support for urgent environmental causes, creating a sustainable model that benefits conservation efforts and creative expression alike. In 2024, proceeds enabled us to make a $24,188 donation to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, supporting the release of 13 orphaned elephants and their Milk-to-Market Program, benefiting over 1,280 women in the local community. We also donated $73,115 to the Jane Goodall Institute Roots & Shoots program, fostering future environmental leaders. Additionally, we launched Saving the Monarchs, raising funds for Monarch Watch and FOCEN to protect Monarch Butterfly habitats. Our impact continues to grow, combining art with advocacy to drive global change.
  2. $114,020 spent. Vital Impacts Grants and Mentorship Program supports local storytellers in communities most affected by environmental challenges, equipping them with tools, networks, and opportunities to inspire change. In 2024, we awarded seven grants totaling $50,000 to empower local photographers who document environmental issues and solutions within their communities. Their storytelling highlights resilience and drives meaningful change. Our mentoring program paired 10 emerging environmental photographers with journalists and editors from leading media outlets, including National Geographic, Smithsonian, and The Washington Post, resulting in 175 articles published. Additionally, our monthly online mentorship series engaged 884 local journalists from 79 countries, fostering a global network of environmental communicators, expanding publishing opportunities, and enhancing media innovation.
  3. $122,852 spent. Vital Impacts Student Speaker Series brings compelling environmental stories into classrooms nationwide. Led by renowned scientists and storytellers, these live sessions engage students in grades 5 to 9, aligning with national science standards to enhance environmental education. In 2024, the program reached over 25,000 students across 30 U.S. markets, providing real-world examples of conservation efforts. These interactive sessions not only inspire young minds but also offer tailored educational resources that bridge classroom learning with urgent environmental challenges. Additionally, 1,000 students were introduced to local environmental volunteer organizations, fostering hands-on involvement and community engagement. By connecting young learners to real conservation action, the series cultivates future environmental leaders.

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

  1. 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 September 7, 2026.

  2. 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 September 30, 2026.

  3. 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 September 10, 2026.

  4. 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 September 7, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since March 2022.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  6. 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 7, 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.