The Pulp
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The Pulp is dedicated to publishing accurate and relevant news and information that informs and engages the people of Missoula and western Montana. Through our journalism we aim to promote discourse, foster civic engagement and create community.
- Income
- $260,024
- Spending
- $257,560
- Spent on programs
- 79%
- Reserves
- 0.7 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 81%
- Employees
- 2
- Highest pay
- $80,000, co-publisher
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: 55 out of 100. Higher than 23% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
4 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 0.7 months of spending.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 20% of what it owns.
Living within its means
12 of 15Income exceeded spending by 1% of income.
Spending floor
15 of 1579% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 4 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: 86 out of 100. Higher than 73% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
25 of 253 of 5 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
0 of 5Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.
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)
- $204,315 spent. The Pulp is an independent, nonprofit, local news organization in Missoula, Montana. In furtherance of its tax-exempt purposes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, The Pulp is dedicated to publishing accurate and relevant news and information that informs and engages the people of Missoula and western Montana. Through our journalism we aim to promote discourse, foster civic engagement and create community.The primary activity of The Pulp is to gather, investigate, and report on local news and events, and to publish that work in the form of written articles and other media free of charge. This includes reporting on local government and the elected officials representing Missoula and western Montana; housing and homelessness; education; local business; environmental issues; and issues relating to law, justice and equity. It also includes reporting on local arts and culture, history, social justice and social change.In 2024, The Pulp published more than 100 news articles while also building its fundraising capacity. The organization is supported by donations, sponsorships and grants. Donations come from individuals, most of whom contribute small amounts on a monthly or annual basis. Sponsorships are provided by local businesses and other organizations. Grants are awarded by foundations and other journalism-supporting entities.
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 February 2025.
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.