Sovereign Energy
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Sovereign Energy builds the individual and collective power of Southwest Pueblos and Tribes to lead the way toward a just, interdependent, and sustainable energy future.
- Income
- $949,057
- Spending
- $450,510
- Spent on programs
- 71%
- Reserves
- 14.3 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 98%
- Employees
- 5
- Volunteers
- 0
- Highest pay
- $149,542, executive 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
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 85% of charities in its peer group (environment, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 14.3 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 5% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 53% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 298% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1571% 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: 84 out of 100. Higher than 61% of charities in its peer group (environment, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
18 of 253 of 3 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.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
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 (3)
- $194,158 spent. Energy Deployment. The Energy Deployment Program provides Southwest Pueblos and Tribes with curated tools, knowledge, and resources to help shape their own energy futures. By supporting Tribally-led, decentralized energy solutions, we help Tribal Nations design, implement, and manage energy systems that reflect their cultural values and long-term sustainability goals. Our work strengthens Tribal autonomy from external utilities, reduces energy costs, and builds resilient infrastructure to serve both present and future generations.
- $68,903 spent. Tribal Capacity Building. Many Tribal Nations face considerable barriers to energy development, such as limited technical staff, complex regulatory environments, and inadequate access to funding. The Tribal Capacity Building Program addresses these challenges by providing Southwest Pueblos and Tribes with the legal, technical, and financial resources necessary to successfully manage, implement, and sustain energy projects. Sovereign Energy supports Tribes by offering strategic guidance, technical resources, and valuable connections to industry partners. Our goal is to equip Tribal Nations with the expertise and tools required to lead and sustain their own energy projects, building long-term capacity and resilience in the energy sector.
- $58,782 spent. Policy & Regulatory Advocacy. Sovereign Energy provides strategic support, resources, and connections to help Tribes effectively engage in legislative, administrative, and regulatory processes. Our goal is to create a policy landscape where Tribal-led energy solutions, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship are central to decision-making at all levels of government.
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 2024.
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.