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Nature Friends

EIN 99-5127286 · Las Cruces, NM

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthNot ratedToo small or too little detailGovernanceWeak41 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

At Nature Friends, our mission is to inspire a lifelong connection to the natural world through outdoor education, creativity, and environmental stewardship. Through exploration and hands-on learning, we hope your child gains curiosity, confidence, and a deeper appreciation for the natural systems that make our region so unique.

Income
$35,827
Spending
$19,601
Spent on programs
78%
Reserves
5 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 98%
Employees
2
Volunteers
5
Highest pay
$1,166, director

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

Governance

Weak: 41 out of 100. Higher than 22% of charities in its peer group (youth development, under $250k).

  • Independent board

    5 of 25

    0 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

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending August 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 (3)
  1. $12,000 spent. Outdoor Education & Environmental Literacy: Nature Friends provides year-round outdoor education programs for K-8 youth in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Activities include nature hikes, environmental science lessons, and hands-on workshops in wildlife, STEM, and ecology. In our first financial year, over 100 youth participated in programs that foster curiosity about the natural world and encourage stewardship through place-based learning
  2. $3,224 spent. Conservation & Community Projects: Youth participants engage in conservation initiatives that benefit local ecosystems and wildlife. In 2025, children planted native agaves at a local park, worked at a farm to donate all products, created recycled art projects, made natural cat toys for the cat shelter, and conducted monthly cleanups at an adopted park. These projects teach sustainability and empower youth to take part in real-world environmental action.
  3. Nature Friends engages children in environmental education, conservation, and sustainable agriculture through outdoor programs, local partnerships, and field trips. All activities align with the organization's mission to inspire youth to connect with nature and become responsible environmental stewards alongside their parents/guardians.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending August 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 August 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 October 2024.

    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.