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Poppy Reserve Mojave Desert Interpretive Association

EIN 95-3805569 · Lancaster, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthNot ratedToo small or too little detailGovernanceNot ratedThe short tax form does not cover thisImpact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To support activities in 5 California State Parks

Income
$49,288
Spending
$34,836
Reserves
96.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 60%

Source: Form 990EZ 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 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.

Source: Form 990EZ 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 (14)
  1. $339 spent. Printed brochures and bookmarks for Poppy Reserve for handing out to visitors. Installed trail markers at Mitchell Caverns.
  2. $3,388 spent. Paid for the cost to provide a virtual cell phone tour at the Poppy Preserve.
  3. $762 spent. Provided training, materials, supplies for docents; meeting room fee for Tomo Kahni for training; docent recognition expenses.
  4. $982 spent. Newsletter - Mailed to members and others including govt. officials and institutions (contains interpretive information).
  5. $173 spent. Purchased cameras and flashlights at Mitchell Caverns. Purchased new TV and equipment to watch video at Poppy Reserve.
  6. $15,600 spent. Contingency Fund for State Aides - Donated monies to park contingency fund for Poppy Preserve and Saddleback Butte. Funds are to be used hire/employ state park aides for the visitors centers there.
  7. $688 spent. Website Fees - Paid hosting fees to maintain www.prmdia.org for 3 years.
  8. $267 spent. Purchased Reference Material - Purchased historical documents regarding Mitchell Caverns for archives at site.
  9. $108 spent. Resource Protection - Provided hydrogen peroxide wipes to wipe visitor shoes to prevent diseases from being introduced in the caves, particularly fungus that affects bats.
  10. $406 spent. Supplies for events - ie. coffee pot, food, etc.
  11. $164 spent. Interpretive Displays
  12. $1,080 spent. Facilities Improvements - Purchased postcard rack at Mitchell Caverns. Posters for Saddle Back Butte.
  13. $61 spent. Document Protection - Purchased protective storage containers
  14. $155 spent. Community Outreach - Costs of activity to engage community interest

Source: Form 990EZ 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 October 13, 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 November 6, 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 October 13, 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 October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since November 1983.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 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.