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Academy of the Lost Arts Inc

EIN 99-0967978 · Westminster, MD

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthNot ratedToo small or too little detailGovernanceStrong91 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Academy of the Lost Arts Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering a deep connection between individuals and the natural world through immersive, nature-based education and experiences. Our year-round, nature-based preschool will serve as a space for children to develop curiosity, creativity, and environmental stewardship through outdoor, play-based learning. In addition, our retreat center will provide a serene environment for individuals and groups to pause, reflect, and rejuvenate. Through these educational and community-focused activities, we aim to cultivate a future generation that values and protects the environment, while also offering a restorative space for people of all ages to connect with nature.

Income
$11,971
Spending
$45,518
Spent on programs
92%
Reserves
36.1 months of spending
Largest source of income
other income, 100%
Employees
0
Volunteers
3

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

Strong: 91 out of 100. Higher than 83% of charities in its peer group (human services, under $250k).

  • Independent board

    18 of 25

    3 of 3 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a 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 (2)
  1. Nature-Based Preschool: This program will eventually provide year-round early childhood education using outdoor, nature-immersive, and play-based learning. 2025 Accomplishments: In 2025, the organization purchased the real estate that will become the future home of the nature-based preschool. It also engaged an architect to design the main Learning Center building, maintained the property, and paid all associated taxes and fees related to the property acquisition and planning process.
  2. $41,664 spent. Retreat Facility: This program will eventually operate as a weekend retreat facility focused on nature connection, wellness, and environmental education for adults and families. It will offer workshops, seasonal gatherings, and overnight retreats on the same site as the nature-based preschool. 2025 Accomplishments: In 2025, the organization purchased and maintained the real estate that will host both the preschool and the retreat facility. It began architectural planning for shared-use spaces, and paid property-related taxes and fees. These activities laid the groundwork for dual use of the site for educational and retreat programming. No expenses are shown because all expenses are shared under the Nature-Based Preschool)

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 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 October 13, 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 March 2024.

    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 October 21, 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.