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Friends of South Slough Reserve Inc

EIN 94-3096844 · Charleston, OR

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthNot ratedToo small or too little detailGovernanceFair62 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To support protection and stewardship of estuaries by being a trusted voice on estuary policy and by enhancing the work of South Slough Reserve.

Income
$43,182
Spending
$48,346
Spent on programs
83%
Reserves
Over 10 years of spending
Largest source of income
government grants, 45%
Employees
0
Volunteers
10

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

Fair: 62 out of 100.

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    5 of 5 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    0 of 15

    Reports no written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no 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.

  • 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, 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 (5)
  1. $17,584 spent. Science Research. The Organization is committed to protecting and enhancing the ecological health, functions, and natural processes of estuaries while advancing the mission of the South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve. Through collaborative science and conservation initiatives, the Organization supports projects such as upland forest restoration, habitat enhancement, water quality monitoring, and the collection of environmental samples for environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis. These efforts contribute to a greater scientific understanding of coastal ecosystems and help preserve the Reserves diverse habitats and native species for future generations.
  2. $16,548 spent. Internship Program & Public Involvement. The Organization provides meaningful opportunities for students, interns, volunteers, and community members to actively participate in coastal science, stewardship, and environmental education. Interns assist with field research, ecological monitoring, data collection, habitat restoration, and public outreach activities while gaining valuable hands-on experience in environmental science and conservation. Public involvement initiatives foster community engagement, promote environmental awareness, and strengthen connections between people and the unique natural resources of the South Slough Reserve.
  3. $3,658 spent. Education & Interpretive Programs. The Organization sponsors and supports a wide variety of educational and interpretive programs designed to inspire appreciation, understanding, and stewardship of coastal ecosystems. Programs include classes and guided experiences focused on topics such as estuaries, tides, clamming, birding, bat habitats, mushroom identification, and other aspects of the Reserves natural and cultural history. The Organization also supports summer camps, hiking and nature walks, kayaking and paddling excursions, and other outdoor learning opportunities that encourage visitors of all ages to explore and experience the South Slough Reserve firsthand.
  4. $2,386 spent. Reserve Enhancement. The Organization supports projects and improvements that enhance visitor access, safety, and enjoyment of the South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve while protecting its natural resources. Efforts may include trail and facility improvements, accessibility enhancements, interpretive signage, habitat restoration, and infrastructure projects that improve public access to educational and recreational opportunities. These enhancements help ensure the Reserve remains an accessible, welcoming, and sustainable destination for research, learning, and outdoor recreation.
  5. Part III Other Program Services. The Organization supports projects and improvements that enhance visitor access, safety, and enjoyment of the South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve while protecting its natural resources. Efforts may include trail and facility improvements, accessibility enhancements, interpretive signage, habitat restoration, and infrastructure projects that improve public access to educational and recreational opportunities. These enhancements help ensure the Reserve remains an accessible, welcoming, and sustainable destination for research, learning, and outdoor recreation.

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

  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 2025.

    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 June 1989.

    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.