Accountability

Transparent
from day one.

We are an early-stage organization. This page documents exactly where we are, what we've established, and what's coming. No varnish.

Federal recognition

IRS
Determination

Issued by the Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service, Tax Exempt and Government Entities division. Letter 947 (Rev. 2-2020).

Confirmed exempt
IRC Section 501(c)(3)
OrganizationThe Blue Duck Foundation
Employer ID (EIN)41-4361489
Effective dateFebruary 18, 2026
IRS letter dateMarch 25, 2026
Public charity status170(b)(1)(A)(vi)
Accounting periodDecember 31
990 filing requiredYes — annually
Contribution deductibilityYes
AddendumNo
IRS contactMs. Stinson · 877-829-5500
IRS ID number3913317
Address on file1203 S College Street, McKinney TX 75069

"We're pleased to tell you we determined you're exempt from federal income tax under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501(c)(3). Donors can deduct contributions they make to you under IRC Section 170."

— Stephen A. Martin, Director, Exempt Organizations Rulings and Agreements, IRS

Honest assessment

Where we
are right now

The Blue Duck Foundation launched in early 2026. We are an early-stage organization with federal recognition, a working donation and membership system, and programs in active development. We believe in saying exactly where we are rather than overstating our maturity.

Established

Texas incorporation, IRS 501(c)(3) determination, EIN issued

Donation infrastructure

Stripe-powered, IRS-compliant receipts, live at theblueduck.org/donate

Membership system

Four tiers (Playa, Marsh, Flyway, Sentinel), monthly and annual recurring

Forever 44 Scholarship

Established and accepting applications through theblueduck.org/scholarship

Conservation Watch

Live news feed, updated every 30 minutes from major conservation sources

Board of DirectorsActive

DJ Morgan (Exec. Director), Cameron Francis, Jeramiah Sullivan — 2 seats open

First 990 filing2027

First full accounting year ends December 31, 2026. 990 due by May 2027.

Published financial reportsQ4 2026

First annual impact report planned for Q4 2026 covering launch year activity

Independent auditYear 2

Planned for the second full operating year as the Foundation scales

Active field programsIn dev

Conservation and research partnerships in active development

Commitments

Our financial
commitments

01

Annual 990 filing

We will file Form 990 annually with the IRS as required. The 990 is a public document — we will link it here when filed.

02

Annual impact report

Every year we will publish a plain-language report showing what money came in, where it went, and what it accomplished.

03

Project-level budgets

Every funded program will have a public budget showing how money was allocated and spent.

04

Independent audit

As the Foundation scales, we are committed to third-party financial audits and will publish the results.

05

Open IRS filings

All IRS correspondence and governing documents will be accessible. The determination letter is on file and available on request.

06

Public board disclosure

All board members and advisors are publicly named. Board meeting decisions affecting programs or finances will be summarized annually.

Governance

Governing
documents

The Blue Duck Foundation operates under Articles of Incorporation filed with the Texas Secretary of State (File #806451017) and IRS-approved bylaws. These documents govern the Foundation's operations, board structure, and financial controls.

Texas SOS File #806451017
Entity typeTexas Nonprofit Corporation
IRS classification501(c)(3) Public Charity — IRC 170(b)(1)(A)(vi)
Accounting year endDecember 31
Governing documentsAvailable on request — email info@theblueduck.org
IRS determination letterOn file — issued March 25, 2026, effective February 18, 2026

To request governing documents, financial records, or the IRS determination letter, contact us directly. We respond to all document requests within 5 business days.

Request documents →

Questions about our
governance or financials?

We welcome questions from donors, partners, journalists, and the public. Transparency is the foundation — not a feature.