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Institute for Accountable Ocean Governance

EIN 99-2539322 · Richmond, VA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthNot ratedToo small or too little detailGovernanceWeak39 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

THE INSTITUTE FOR ACCOUNTABLE OCEAN GOVERNANCE ADVANCES TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND SUSTAINABILITY AS THE FOUNDATIONS OF JUST AND EFFECTIVE OCEAN MANAGEMENT.

Income
$233,422
Spending
$49,849
Spent on programs
96%
Reserves
44.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 100%
Employees
0
Volunteers
3
Highest pay
$40,000, chief execut

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

Weak: 39 out of 100. Higher than 12% of charities in its peer group (environment, under $250k).

  • Independent board

    18 of 25

    3 of 3 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

    0 of 10

    Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • 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 (1)
  1. $47,778 spent. CURRENT OCEAN GOVERNANCE SYSTEMS ARE SYSTEMICALLY FLAWED, PERPETUATING INEQUITIES AND BIODIVERSITY LOSS. WE BELIEVE THAT A VISION FOR A NEW OCEAN IS POSSIBLE. ONE WHERE MANAGEMENT IS HOLISTIC, SCIENCE-BASED, AND ADAPTIVE, WITH EXPLOITATION LIMITED TO NATIONAL WATERS UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF COASTAL STATES. WITH THE SOVEREIGNTY OF COASTAL STATES AS THE PRIMARY CUSTODIANS OF OCEAN RESOURCES, INTERNATIONAL FISHERIES MANAGEMENT CAN BE TRANSFORMED FROM A SYSTEM OF OPEN ACCESS TO SHARED STEWARDSHIP. - PROTECTING MARINE BIODIVERSITY - STRENGTHENING OCEAN RESILIENCE - ENSURING FAIR ACCESS AND BENEFITS FOR COASTAL AND ISLAND STATES.

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 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 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 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.