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Friends of Black Rock High Rock Inc

EIN 88-0437464 · Gerlach, NV

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood85 out of 100GovernanceGood79 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

FRIENDS INSPIRES PUBLIC LAND STEWARDSHIP IN THE BLACK ROCK DESERT REGION THROUGH CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION. FOUNDED IN 1999 FRIENDS BRINGS TOGETHER NEIGHBORS VISITORS AND CONCERNED CITIZENS TO PRESERVE AND PROMOTE APPRECIATION FOR THE AREAS HISTORICAL ECOLOGICAL AGRICULTURAL RECREATIONAL AND SCENIC RESOURCES WITHIN THE BLACK ROCK DESERT AND HIGH ROCK CANYON EMIGRANT TRAILS NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA. FRIENDS PROVIDES CRITICAL SUPPORT VOLUNTEERS AND EXPERTISE TO THE BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT TO HELP PROTECT THIS WILD AND IRREPLACEABLE LANDSCAPE.

Income
$269,445
Spending
$206,706
Spent on programs
69%
Reserves
5 months of spending
Largest source of income
government grants, 72%
Employees
3
Volunteers
180
Highest pay
$10,500, former director

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: 85 out of 100. Higher than 57% of charities in its peer group (environment, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 5.0 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 23% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 47% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    69% 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

Good: 79 out of 100. Higher than 50% of charities in its peer group (environment, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    7 of 7 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

    0 of 7

    Reports no 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

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed 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 (4)
  1. $69,727 spent. 3D Destination Development Grant Travel Nevada- Administered a federal grant to support stewardship visitor engagement and responsible recreation in the Black Rock High Rock area. Activities included planning consultant-led assessments and public outreach through a dedicated website and marketing efforts. In 2024 Friends of Black Rock High Rock advanced conservation education and ecotourism programs. We developed a long-term fundraising plan with Blueprint Collaborative and enhanced branding and outreach with Chainsaw Communications launching a new website that boosted social media reach. We introduced new outdoor programs expanded e-bike tours and held certified interpretive guide training. The 3D Project and mural initiative launched alongside community tours and stewardship events. We strengthened fiscal planning created a grants calendar and supported local economic impact by engaging regional artists contractors and businesses positioning Gerlach as a growing sustainable tourism destination.
  2. $50,958 spent. The Bureau of Land Management - Friends of Black Rock High Rock organized a variety of events and tours to engage the community and promote the appreciation of public lands. Activities included hosting an Artist in Residence program organizing the Black Rock Rendezvous campout participating in National Public Lands Day and National Trails Day events and conducting site stewardship initiatives throughout the year. Additionally the staff dedicated efforts to manage and operate a visitor center located in Gerlach Nevada to provide information and support to visitors exploring the areas natural beauty and resources.
  3. $8,750 spent. Fly Ranch Nature Walks - Public Education and Interpretation Programs: Guided educational tours were conducted at the Fly Ranch property to raise awareness of the Black Rock Desert region and its conservation values. The Fly Ranch Nature Walking Tours organized and led by Friends staff and volunteers take place weekly at the scenic Fly Ranch property owned by Burning Man located north of Gerlach. Participants have the opportunity to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the area while learning about its unique ecosystems and wildlife. These tours provide an educational and interactive experience that promotes environmental awareness and a greater appreciation for the environment.
  4. $12,886 spent. THROUGH A WASHOE COUNTY GRANT FRIENDS WAS ABLE TO ACQUIRE ELECTRIC BIKES PROVIDING AN ECO FRIENDLY AND ACCESSIBLE TRANSPORTATION OPTION TO SUPPORT TOURISM. ADDITIONALLY THROUGH THIS PROGRAM GRANT FRIENDS WAS ABLE TO CONDUCT COMPREHENSIVE TOUR GUIDE TRAINING EQUIPPING GUIDES WITH SUBSTANTIAL KNOWLEDGE AND RESOURCES TO LEAD ENGAGING AND INFORMATIVE TOURS OF THE BLACK ROCK DESERT AND SURROUNDING NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREAS. THROUGH THIS GRANT INITIATIVE FRIENDS IS FURTHER ABLE TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL PRACTICES AND ENHANCE VISITOR EXPERIENCES IN THE REGION.

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 February 2000.

    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.