River Project
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- It owes more than it owns.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
To realize a regenerative, equitable, just, and climate-resilient Los Angeles through radical curiosity, evidence-based watershed planning, and positive action. Through our work we provide local government and communities with the tools to safely adapt to rapidly changing conditions and co-create a climate-resilient future.
- Income
- $59,378
- Spending
- $47,545
- Reserves
- -1 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 83%
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending June 30, 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 June 30, 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 June 30, 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)
- The River Project serves as an ongoing resource for local government, academia, organizations, and community members interested in watershed management, native habitats, land use, and climate resiliency. We participated in the City's Community Plan Updates,the Local Hazards Mitigation Plan, and the Safety Element of the City's General Plan, as well as the County Climate Adaptation Plan, and the US Army Corps LA River Disposition Study. We served on numerous technical advisory and steering committees, including: the California Biodiversity Network's Systematic Convservation and Stewardship working groups; the Southland 30X30 Regional Advisory Group; the Advisory Committee for the City's Biodiversity Index; the Steering Committee for the Upper Los Angeles River Watershed's Integrated Regional Water Management Group; the Science Advisory Board of Woodbury Univeristy; the Technical Advisory Committee for Taylor Yard's Parcel G2; the Policy Committee of the Green LA Water Group; the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Areas Steering Committee; the Neighborhood Council Sustainability Alliance; and the Urban Waters Federal Partnership for the Los Angeles River. The River Project continues to provide guest lectures for local university cohorts studying various aspects of the river, including policy, history, climate impacts, art, hydrology, and public health.
- $825 spent. The River Project continued to serve as Fiscal Sponsor for the development of creative and visual assets for nonviolent climate actions by Extinction Rebellion Los Angeles.
- Studio City Greenway: The River Project continued to maintain relationships with and field questions from stakeholders, and participate in meetings between local government and others to determine a path forward.
- Spatial Dataset and Concept Development for the Tributaries of the Mid/Upper San Gabriel River: The River Project collaborated with Balance Hydrologics on a project for the Watershed Conservation Authority to develop an original hydrologic-focused spatial database providing a contextual overview of historical and exisiting conditions and establishing priority areas where hydrologic and geomorphic restoration or management actions could be implemented to protect or improve existing (or future) creek functions and values. We performed spatial analysis that resulted in new quantitative and qualitative data to help identify and prioritize restoration potential at sub-watershed to neighborhood scales (e.g., "daylighting" creek reaches, stormwater capture at residential-to-neighborhood scales, floodplain reconnections, water quality improvements via riparian connectivity, etc.), and provided insight into patterns within and between sub-watersheds and neighborhoods, and contributed to the final report.
- Wind Down of Operations - Our Founder and President, Melanie Winter, passed away in October of 2025. She was the driving force of the Organization and there is no one left to take over for her. We are in the process of closing down all projects and expect to cease operations by the end of the next fiscal year.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending June 30, 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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since February 2004.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 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.