Big Bad Project
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The Big Bad Project promotes coexistence between people and wildlife through storytelling research and education that reshape public perception inform decision making and support more sustainable relationships with wild species and ecosystems.
- Income
- $67,098
- Spending
- $36,489
- Spent on programs
- 80%
- Reserves
- 0.3 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 98%
- Employees
- 0
- Volunteers
- 7
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 91 out of 100. Higher than 90% of charities in its peer group (animals, under $250k).
Independent board
18 of 254 of 4 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
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
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, 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)
- $27,237 spent. Aerial Allies Program: The Big Bad Project supports nonlethal wildlife conflict mitigation by funding and advancing research on drone-based hazing techniques in partnership with USDA Wildlife Services. The program supports field research data collection and evaluation of unmanned aerial systems as deterrents to reduce livestock predation. Through financial support and program coordination Aerial Allies contributes to evidence-based strategies that reduce conflict while minimizing harm to wildlife. During the reporting period the organization raised 60,000 for this program; funds have been committed through a formal service agreement with USDA Wildlife Services and are drawn down by the agency as approved expenses are incurred.
- $937 spent. Rewriting the Wild Program: The Big Bad Project is developing Rewriting the Wild a storytelling and education program designed to reshape how wildlife particularly predators are portrayed and understood through narrative. The program engages students and writers in critical analysis and creative writing to challenge harmful or outdated representations and promote more accurate coexistence-focused perspectives. The program is currently in development with an official launch planned for 2026 to 2027. During the reporting period pilot activities and expert consultation were conducted to refine program structure curriculum and delivery for greater impact. The organization was awarded 5,000 in late 2025 to support program implementation with funds designated for use during the 2026 program year.
- $1,142 spent. Community Education and Outreach: The Big Bad Project conducts community education and outreach activities to increase public understanding of wildlife and promote coexistence. These efforts include participation in community events tabling engagements and informal educational programming designed to engage diverse audiences. Through direct public interaction the organization provides accessible evidence-based information about wildlife addresses common misconceptions and fosters informed responsible perspectives on human and wildlife interactions.
Source: Form 990 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 November 2022.
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.