Form990


Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue Service
Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax
Under section 501(c), 527, or 4947(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code (except private foundations)
Do not enter social security numbers on this form as it may be made public.
Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for instructions and the latest information.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2024
Open to Public Inspection
A For the 2024 calendar year, or tax year beginning 07-01-2024 , and ending 06-30-2025
BCheck if applicable:
CName of organization
THE SONORAN INSTITUTE INC
 
 
Doing business as
 
 
Number and street (or P.O. box if mail is not delivered to street address)
5049 E BROADWAY BLVD STE 127
 
Room/suite
City or town, state or province, country, and ZIP or foreign postal code
TUCSON, AZ85711
D Employer identification number

86-0684610
E Telephone number

G Gross receipts $ 5,032,354
F Name and address of principal officer:
DAN KIMBALL
5049 E BROADWAY BLVD STE 127
TUCSON,AZ85711
I
Tax-exempt status: (   ) (insert no.) or
J
Website:
WWW.SONORANINSTITUTE.ORG
H(a)
Is this a group return for
subordinates?
H(b)
Are all subordinates
included?
If "No," attach a list. See instructions.
H(c)
Group exemption number  
K Form of organization:  
L Year of formation: 1990
M State of legal domicile: AZ
Part I
Summary
Activities & Governance 1 Briefly describe the organization’s mission or most significant activities: SEE SCHEDULE O
2 Check this box
3 Number of voting members of the governing body (Part VI, line 1a) ........ 3 23
4 Number of independent voting members of the governing body (Part VI, line 1b) ..... 4 23
5 Total number of individuals employed in calendar year 2024 (Part V, line 2a) ...... 5 22
6 Total number of volunteers (estimate if necessary) ............. 6 23
7a Total unrelated business revenue from Part VIII, column (C), line 12 ........ 7a 0
b Net unrelated business taxable income from Form 990-T, Part I, line 11 ......... 7b  
Revenues Prior Year Current Year
8 Contributions and grants (Part VIII, line 1h) ......... 2,484,527 3,031,354
9 Program service revenue (Part VIII, line 2g) ......... 1,376,480 1,515,803
10 Investment income (Part VIII, column (A), lines 3, 4, and 7d ) .... 88,119 162,994
11 Other revenue (Part VIII, column (A), lines 5, 6d, 8c, 9c, 10c, and 11e) 37,220 -10,435
12 Total revenue—add lines 8 through 11 (must equal Part VIII, column (A), line 12) 3,986,346 4,699,716
Expenses; 13 Grants and similar amounts paid (Part IX, column (A), lines 1–3 )... 72,500 123,891
14 Benefits paid to or for members (Part IX, column (A), line 4).....   0
15 Salaries, other compensation, employee benefits (Part IX, column (A), lines 5–10) 2,086,745 2,250,246
16a Professional fundraising fees (Part IX, column (A), line 11e) .....   0
b Total fundraising expenses (Part IX, column (D), line 25) 304,122    
17 Other expenses (Part IX, column (A), lines 11a–11d, 11f–24e).... 2,176,521 2,603,346
18 Total expenses. Add lines 13–17 (must equal Part IX, column (A), line 25) 4,335,766 4,977,483
19 Revenue less expenses. Subtract line 18 from line 12....... -349,420 -277,767
Net Assets or Fund Balances; Beginning of Current Year End of Year
20 Total assets (Part X, line 16)............. 4,849,731 4,430,981
21 Total liabilities (Part X, line 26)............. 1,259,577 1,074,549
22 Net assets or fund balances. Subtract line 21 from line 20..... 3,590,154 3,356,432
Part II
Signature Block
Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this return, including accompanying schedules and statements, and to the best of my knowledge and belief, it is true, correct, and complete. Declaration of preparer (other than officer) is based on all information of which preparer has any knowledge.
Sign Here
Signature of officer Date
Type or print name and title
Paid Preparer Use Only
Print/Type preparer's name
Preparer's signature
Date
PTIN
Firm's name

Firm's EIN
Firm's address



Phone no.
May the IRS discuss this return with the preparer shown above? See Instructions. ..........
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the separate instructions.
Cat. No. 11282Y Form 990 (2024)
Form 990 (2024)
Page 2
Part III
Statement of Program Service Accomplishments
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part III..............
1
Briefly describe the organization’s mission: THE SONORAN INSTITUTE'S MISSION IS TO CONNECT PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES WITH THE NATURAL RESOURCES THAT NOURISH AND SUSTAIN THEM. WE WORK AT THE NEXUS OF COMMERCE, COMMUNITY, AND CONSERVATION TO HELP PEOPLE IN THE NORTH AMERICAN WEST BUILD THE COMMUNITIES THEY WANT TO LIVE IN WHILE PRESERVING THE VALUES WHICH BROUGHT THEM HERE. WE ENVISION A WEST WHERE CIVIL DIALOGUE AND COLLABORATION ARE HALLMARKS OF DECISION MAKING, WHERE PEOPLE AND WILDLIFE LIVE IN HARMONY, AND WHERE CLEAN WATER, AIR, AND ENERGY ARE ASSURED.
2
Did the organization undertake any significant program services during the year which were not listed on
the prior Form 990 or 990-EZ? .....................
If "Yes," describe these new services on Schedule O.
3
Did the organization cease conducting, or make significant changes in how it conducts, any program
services? ...........................
If "Yes," describe these changes on Schedule O.
4
Describe the organization’s program service accomplishments for each of its three largest program services, as measured by expenses. Section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations are required to report the amount of grants and allocations to others, the total expenses, and revenue, if any, for each program service reported.
4a (Code:   ) (Expenses $ 2,836,100 including grants of $   ) (Revenue $ 1,054,243 )
COLORADO RIVER DELTA PROGRAM OUR VISION FOR THE COLORADO RIVER IS A RIVER THAT FLOWS CONTINUOUSLY TO THE SEA, SUPPORTING BOTH HEALTHY ECOSYSTEMS AND THRIVING COMMUNITIES. THE OVERALL GOAL OF THE PROGRAM IS TO RESTORE A FUNCTIONAL CORRIDOR IN THE COLORADO RIVER DELTA BY CREATING A NETWORK OF RIPARIAN AND ESTUARINE HABITAT SITES THAT WILL SUSTAIN BIODIVERSITY AND FACILITATE CONNECTIVITY OF RIVER FLOWS TO THE ESTUARY. IN FISCAL YEAR 2025, WE EVALUATED PROGRESS TOWARDS ACHIEVING OUR GOALS AND OUTCOMES OUTLINED IN OUR CURRENT FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN. GOAL 1: THE COLORADO RIVER CONNECTS TO THE SEA; WITH WATER FOR BOTH HEALTHY LANDSCAPES AND THRIVING COMMUNITIES. OUR TARGET WAS TO INCREASE SUPPLY OF WATER IN THE COLORADO RIVER TO 220 DAYS OF FLOW PER YEAR. THE BASELINE WAS 147 DAYS IN 2020. IN FY25 WE ACCOMPLISHED AN AVERAGE OF 207 DAYS OF CONNECTIVITY BETWEEN 2020-2024, REPRESENTING 94% OF OUR TARGET. GOAL 2: RESTORE 2,860 ACRES OF ESTUARINE HABITAT. FROM A BASELINE IN 2021 OF 1,861 ACRES, WE ACHIEVED 5,842 ACRES BY 2025, REPRESENTING 140% OF THE TARGET. FOR LAGUNA GRANDE RESTORATION AREA, OUR TARGET WAS TO RESTORE 779 ACRES. BY 2025 WE ACCOMPLISHED 838 ACRES, REPRESENTING 107% OF OUR TARGET. IN FY25, EIGHT SMALL SITES TOTALING 11.4 ACRES IN LAGUNA GRANDE RESTORATION AREA WERE SELECTED AND PREPARED TO RECEIVE IN CHANNEL FLOWS FROM FEBRUARY TO SEPTEMBER IN 2025 AS PART OF MINUTE 323. WE ALSO MAINTAINED AND ENHANCED 838 ACRES OF RESTORED HABITAT, INCLUDING THE DELIVERY OF APPROXIMATELY 3,200 ACRE-FEET OF WATER FOR IRRIGATION OF RESTORED SITES. IN TERMS OF INSTREAM FLOWS, WE ACHIEVED THE ANNUAL TARGET VOLUME: DELIVERED 10,382 ACRE-FEET OF TREATED WASTEWATER TO THE HARDY RIVER AND UPPER ESTUARY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION. AS PART OF THE BINATIONAL AGREEMENT MINUTE 323, WATER DELIVERIES BEGAN ON MARCH 21, 2025, AND CONTINUED THROUGH OCTOBER 3RD. TOTAL VOLUME TO BE DELIVERED WAS 19,482 ACRE FEET OVER THAT PERIOD, AND APPROXIMATELY 70% OF THAT WAS DELIVERED BY JUNE 30,2025 IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DELIVERY PLAN. AS THE PREVIOUS YEAR, LONGITUDINALLY CONNECTIVITY WAS APPROXIMATELY 31 MILES PROMOTING THE EXPANSION OF OPEN WATER HABITAT FOR WILDLIFE, AND THE REDUCTION OF SALINITY IN FLOODED AREAS OF THE MAIN CHANNEL AND IN THE UPPER ESTUARY. FEDERAL WATER DELIVERIES SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED GROUNDWATER LEVELS ALONG 31 RIVER MILES UP TO 1.5 METERS IN SOME AREAS SHOWING SUSTAINED IMPROVEMENTS EVEN AFTER THE WATER DELIVERY PERIOD ENDED. AS PART OF THE BINATIONAL AGREEMENT MINUTE 323, PREPARED A PLAN TO DELIVER 22,866 ACRE-FEET OF WATER TO THE COLORADO RIVER IN CALENDAR YEAR 2026. THE SELECTED 2026 HYDROGRAPH WILL DELIVER 1.8 M/S FOR 155 DAYS FROM MARCH 21 THROUGH AUGUST 22, AND IS PROJECTED TO GENERATE FLOWS OF APPROXIMATELY 1 M/S AT THE UPPER ESTUARY, COMMUNITY OUTREACH: DURING FY25, WE CONDUCTED A TOTAL OF 15 GUIDED TOURS AT THE LAGUNA GRANDE RESTORATION SITE, REACHING 244 ATTENDEES, INCLUDING LOCAL FAMILIES FROM MEXICALI AND ITS VALLEY, YOUTH FROM HIGH SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES, AND VISITORS FROM OTHER PARTS OF THE MEXICO, USA, AND OTHER COUNTRIES. THROUGH TALKS, WORKSHOPS, EXPOS, AND EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS, WE REACHED AN ADDITIONAL 2,560 STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS WITH TOPICS SUCH AS WETLAND CONSERVATION, BIRD WATCHING, RIVER RESTORATION, COMPOSTING, AND CLIMATE CHANGE. IN ADDITION, OUR ONLINE WASTE MANAGEMENT AND RECYCLING COURSE HAS REACHED 215 STUDENTS TO DATE. THROUGH OUR PARTICIPATION WITH OUR RAISE THE RIVER PARTNERS IN EVENTS SUCH AS THE ANNUAL AGROBAJA EXPO AND RAISE THE RIVER FESTIVAL, AN ADDITIONAL 2,237 MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY LEARNED ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF OPEN RIPARIAN HABITAT AND THE IMPORTANCE OF RESTORING RIVERS, WETLANDS, RIPARIAN HABITATS, AND NATIVE SPECIES. AS PART OF THE WORK OF MEXICALI FLUYE, 31 PUBLIC MEETINGS WERE HELD AS OPEN SPACES FOR COMMUNITY DIALOGUE AND INFORMATION SHARING. APPROXIMATELY 280 RESIDENTS AND LOCAL LEADERS PARTICIPATED IN THESE MEETINGS, LATER BECOMING ACTIVE ALLIES OF THE PROJECT. IN ADDITION, 53 WORKSHOPS WERE CONDUCTED, FOCUSED ON PRACTICAL TRAINING. THESE WORKSHOPS ENGAGED 1,178 COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND 1,002 STUDENTS IN ACTIVITIES SUCH AS TRASH COLLECTION, TREE PLANTING, BIRD WATCHING, WASTE MANAGEMENT TRAINING, WETLAND AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES EDUCATION, AS WELL AS THE DETECTION AND REPORTING OF ILLEGAL DUMPING. GOAL 3: THE COLORADO RIVER DELTA HAS PERMANENT PROTECTION. THE ORIGINAL PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH 70,000 ACRES AS A STATE PROTECTED AREA HAD TO BE RECONSIDERED TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL TIME FOR BROADER PARTICIPATION FROM THE NATIVE CUCAPAH TRIBE. AIMING TO ENGAGE THE NATIVE CUCAPAH COMMUNITY, THE RAISE THE RIVER ALLIANCE PARTNERS DEVELOPED A SPECIFIC OUTREACH STRATEGY TO PROPERLY ENGAGE THE CUCAPAH. IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS STRATEGY BEGAN IN 2025 AND WILL CONTINUE THROUGH 2026. MEXICALI FLUYE: IN FY2025 WE CONTINUED IMPLEMENTATION OF ACTIVITIES ALONG THE NEW RIVER, THROUGH OUR MEXICALI FLUYE PROJECT. THE GOAL OF THE MEXICALI FLUYE PROJECT IS TO IMPROVE COMMUNITY QUALITY OF LIFE THROUGH IMPLEMENTING NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS IN MEXICALI URBAN WETLANDS THAT IMPROVE RIVER'S WATER QUALITY AND THE URBAN LANDSCAPE. FOUR COMMUNITY GREEN CORRIDORS CURRENTLY UNDERGOING REHABILITATION: SOLIDARIDAD, MISIN DEL NGEL, EL DORADO, AND CAMINO REAL. WE HAVE COMPLETED REFORESTATION OF 6 HECTARES WITH 741 TREES PLANTED OF NATIVE SPECIES: MESQUITE, POPLAR, AND PALO VERDE. WE REMOVED 2,000 TONS OF WASTE. CLEANING INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE RIVERBED (CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS, TIRES, MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE, INVASIVE VEGETATION. WE INSTALLED BASIC INFRASTRUCTURE SUCH AS FENCING, TRAILS, 3 BIRDWATCHING PLATFORMS, IRRIGATION SYSTEM, AND RECREATIONAL AREAS FOR THE COMMUNITY (COMMUNITY GARDEN, SOCCER FIELD, MINI GOLF).
4b (Code:   ) (Expenses $ 743,429 including grants of $ 119,703 ) (Revenue $ 299,945 )
GROWING WATER SMART PROGRAM: THE GROWING WATER SMART PROGRAM ADDRESSES THE CHALLENGES OF AN OVER- APPROPRIATED COLORADO RIVER AND SURROUNDING AQUIFERS, AS WELL AS THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE THAT DO NOT LEAVE WATER FOR BOTH HEALTHY LANDSCAPES (ENVIRONMENT) AND THRIVING COMMUNITIES (PEOPLE). THE GROWING WATER SMART PROGRAM, OFFERED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE BABBITT CENTER FOR LAND AND WATER POLICY, A CENTER OF THE LINCOLN INSTITUTE OF LAND POLICY, PROVIDES TRAINING AND ASSISTANCE TO COMMUNITIES AND WATER PROVIDERS TO ESTABLISH PLANS, POLICIES AND PROGRAMS THAT CONSERVE MUNICIPAL WATER AND USE IT SUSTAINABLY IN COMMUNITIES ACROSS ARIZONA, COLORADO, CALIFORNIA, UTAH AND THE US-MEXICO BORDER REGION. IN OUR GROWING WATER SMART WORKSHOPS AND FOLLOW-UP ASSISTANCE, AN INTERDISCIPLINARY TEAM OF LAND-USE PLANNERS, WATER PROVIDERS, AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ASSESS THEIR COMMUNITY'S WATER CHALLENGES, AND IDENTIFY AND IMPLEMENT STRATEGIES TO REDUCE WATER DEMAND IN NEW AND EXISTING DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGE WATER SUSTAINABLY AND HOLISTICALLY INTO THE FUTURE. 1. HELD GROWING WATER SMART WORKSHOP IN COLORADO ON SEPTEMBER 9-11, 2024. SIX COMMUNITIES PARTICIPATED: CITY OF FORT LUPTON, TOWN OF MEAD AND LITTLE THOMPSON WATER DISTRICT, CITY OF LAFAYETTE, LARIMER COUNTY, CITY OF FORT COLLINS, AND TOWN OF JOHNSTOWN. 2. HELD GROWING WATER SMART WORKSHOP IN MEXICALI, BAJA CALIFORNIA ON NOVEMBER 11-13, 2024. REGIONAL FOCUS WITH REPRESENTATION FROM MEXICALI, BAJA CALIFORNA AND IMPERIAL COUNTY, CA. 3. HELD GROWING WATER SMART WORKSHOP IN COLORADO ON APRIL 21-23, 2025. SIX COMMUNITIES PARTICIPATED: CITY OF CORTEZ WITH UTE MOUNTAIN UTE TRIBE, TOWN OF NORWOOD, TOWN OF PALISADE, TOWN OF OPHIR, CITY OF DURANGO, MIDDLE COLORADO WATERSHED COUNCIL 4. HELD GROWING WATER SMART WORKSHOP IN ARIZONA FROM JANUARY 22-24, 2025, IN CLARKDALE. THE FOLLOWING COMMUNITY TEAMS PARTICIPATED: CAMPE VERDE, CHINO VALLEY, CLARKDALE, JEROME, PRESCOT VALLEY, AND YAVAPAI COUNTY. 5. HELD A BORDER GROWING WATER SMART WORKSHOP JUNE 12, 2025, IN DOUGLAS, ARIZONA FOR THE CITIES OF DOUGLAS, ARIZONA, AND AGUA PRIETA, SONORA. 6. WATER AND LAND USE METRICS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WITH THE CITY OF THORNTON, COLORADO, AND LITTLE THOMPSON WATER DISTRICT AND OUR CONSULTANT BRENDLE GROUP. -THE CITY OF THORNTON CREATED A MICROSOFT EXCEL-BASED TOOL FOR INPUTTING WATER DATA AND IRRIGATED AREA DATA. THE TOOL EXPORTS KEY METRICS, INCLUDING AVERAGE ANNUAL WATER USE, AVERAGE IRRIGATION WATER USE, AND (ONLY FOR ACCOUNTS WITH INPUT IRRIGATED AREA DATA) WATER USE INTENSITY. -LITTLE THOMPSON WATER DISTRICT CREATED A MICROSOFT EXCEL-BASED TOOL FOR INPUTTING WATER DATA AND IRRIGATED AREA DATA. THE TOOL EXPORTS KEY METRICS, INCLUDING AVERAGE ANNUAL WATER USE, AVERAGE IRRIGATION WATER USE, AND (ONLY FOR ACCOUNTS WITH IRRIGATED AREA DATA) WATER USE INTENSITY. 7. HELD 2 GROWING WATER SMART PEER NETWORK WEBINARS: -DECEMBER 12, 2024: HOW TO MAINTAIN MOMENTUM FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF WATER AND LAND USE POLICIES. -FEBRUARY 12, 2025: DATA-DRIVEN WATER AND LAND USE PLANNING POLICIES AND TOOLS. 8. RESERACHED AND SUBMITTED A REPORT ON HOW TO AND THE IMPORTANCE OF COLLABORATING ACROSS BOUNDARIES FOR WATER RESILIENCE FOR A PEER-REVIEWED JOURNAL. 9. AWARDED 5 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS TO PAST GROWING WATER SMART PARTICIPATING COMMUNITIES: -YAVAPAI COUNTY, AZ: COUNTY-WIDE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT POLICIES -TOWN OF JEROME, AZ: WATER RESILIENT STREET SCAPE DESIGN MANUAL -IMPERIAL COUNTY, CA: NEW WATER ELEMENT IN COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN -SUMMIT COUNTY, CO: COORDINATION WITH REGIONAL WATER PROVIDERS FOR HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT -TOWN OF RIDGWAY, CO: RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE TEMPLATES FOR TURF CONVERSION PROJECTS.
4c (Code:   ) (Expenses $ 590,734 including grants of $   ) (Revenue $ 131,615 )
SANTA CRUZ RIVER PROGRAM SONORAN INSTITUTE'S SANTA CRUZ RIVER PROGRAM'S VISION IS FOR A LIVING, FLOWING RIVER THAT IS THE FOUNDATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH AND PROSPERITY FROM MEXICO TO MARANA. 1. LIVING RIVERS REPORTS WERE LAUNCHED IN 2008, WHEN SONORAN INSTITUTE BEGAN TRACKING CONDITIONS OF THE STRETCH OF THE SANTA CRUZ RIVER IN SANTA CRUZ COUNTY THAT FLOWS YEAR-ROUND. THE EFFORT EXPANDED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PIMA COUNTRY AND THE REGIONAL FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT IN 2012, AND THE CITY OF TUCSON IN 2020, TO REPORT ON CONDITIONS IN THE FLOWING REACHES IN PIMA COUNTY. LIVING REPORTS FOR ARE ONLINE AT WWW.SONORANINSTITUTE.ORG. THIS YEAR: -FOR THE FOURTH YEAR IN A ROW, SONORAN INSTITUTE PUBLISHED OUR LIVING RIVER REPORTS FOR BOTH THE TUCSON AND NOGALES REACHES OF THE SANTA CRUZ RIVER. THE TUCSON REPORT WAS DISTRIBUTED TO NEARLY 12,000 HOUSEHOLDS AND THE NOGALES REPORT WAS DISTRIBUTED TO NEARLY 3,000 HOUSEHOLDS IN DECEMBER 2025 (+1,000 MORE ATTRIBUTABLE TO CROWN FUNDING). 2. OUR 15TH ANNUAL SANTA CRUZ RIVER RESEARCH DAYS SYMPOSIUM TOOK PLACE APRIL 29-30, 2025 WITH A FIELD TRIP ON MAY 1, AT PIMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE'S DOWNTOWN CAMPUS IN TUCSON AND ONLINE AS A HYBRID EVENT. THIS YEAR'S THEME, BUILDING ON SUCCESSES, HIGHLIGHTED THE GROWING MOMENTUM BEHIND RESEARCH, RESTORATION, AND COMMUNITY-DRIVEN WORK ALONG THE SANTA CRUZ RIVER. AS HAS BEEN THE CASE SINCE 2020, WE HAVE CONTRACTED WITH LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS TO PROVIDE OUR IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL ATTENDEES WITH REAL-TIME ENGLISH-SPANISH TRANSLATION, RESULTING IN BROAD PARTICIPATION FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE BORDER. -SANTA CRUZ RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE: IN 2025, THE MULTIYEAR EFFORT TO ESTABLISH THE SANTA CRUZ RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE CONTINUES TO PROGRESS WITH STRONG REGIONAL COMMITMENT. SINCE 2023, SONORAN INSTITUTE HAS CO-LED THE REFUGE'S GRASSROOTS COALITION, WHICH HAS EXPANDED TO INCLUDE MORE THAN 50 ORGANIZATIONS, COMMUNITY LEADERS, LANDOWNERS, AND ELECTED OFFICIALS-ALL WORKING TOWARD PERMANENT FEDERAL PROTECTION FOR THE RIVER CORRIDOR FROM MEXICO TO MARANA. IN 2025, SONORAN INSTITUTE AND THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA EXPANDED ECOLOGICAL STUDIES AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT. A MAJOR MILESTONE WAS REACHED IN EARLY 2025 WITH THE COMPLETION AND U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE APPROVAL OF THE FEDERALLY REQUIRED LANDSCAPE PROTECTION STRATEGY, WHICH OUTLINES THE ECOLOGICAL, CULTURAL, AND COMMUNITY SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROPOSED REFUGE. SONORAN INSTITUTE IS NOW DRAFTING THE COMPANION LAND PROTECTION PLAN, POSITIONING THE PROJECT FOR RAPID ADVANCEMENT WHEN FEDERAL TIMING ALIGNS. 3. SONORAN INSTITUTE BEGAN ADVANCING TWO MAJOR LINES OF INQUIRY THAT ADDRESS LONG-STANDING CONCERNS IN THE NOGALES REACH OF THE SANTA CRUZ RIVER. THE FIRST CENTERS ON RESTORATION POTENTIAL: IDENTIFYING WHERE ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION IS FEASIBLE ALONG THE EXISTING 15 MILES OF FLOWING RIVER AND EVALUATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADDITIONAL RESTORATION SHOULD AN INCREASED OF FLOWS INTO THE SANTA CRUZ RIVER HAPPEN. THE SECOND EFFORT IS AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS DESIGNED TO QUANTIFY THE VALUE OF THE RIVER-ITS ECOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS, ITS SIGNIFICANCE TO NEARBY RESIDENTS AND VISITORS, AND THE POTENTIAL ECONOMIC BENEFITS ASSOCIATED WITH ADDITIONAL FLOW. TO GUIDE THIS WORK, SONORAN INSTITUTE IS ASSEMBLING AN ADVISORY GROUP OF MUNICIPAL PARTNERS, LANDOWNERS, ACADEMIC EXPERTS, AND COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES FROM ACROSS SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. THIS GROUP WILL REVIEW DATA COLLECTED BY SUBCONTRACTING FIRMS EVALUATING CURRENT CONDITIONS AND FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES ALONG THE RIVER CORRIDOR. 4. IMPLEMENTED THE ANNUAL FISH SURVEY ON NOVEMBER 4 & 5, 2024. THE FISH SURVEY HAD STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS SUPPORTING THE PROJECT FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, STATE GOVERNMENT, COUNTY GOVERNMENT, THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA, AND FROM PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS. THE TEAM SURVEYED FISH UP AND DOWN THE SANTA CRUZ RIVER, FROM NOGALES WASH THROUGH MARANA. SURVEYS FOUND 7 SPECIES ACROSS 8 SITES. THE FISH NUMBERS WERE HIGH RELATIVE TO THE PREVIOUS YEAR, EVEN THOUGH TWO SURVEY SITES NEAR NOGALES WERE DRY. GILA TOPMINNOW NUMBERS WERE LOWER IN THE TUCSON AREA THAN PREVIOUS YEAR, THOUGH ARE THRIVING IN THE DOWNTOWN TUCSON SITE. 5. SONORAN INSTITUTE IMPLEMENTED THREE RIVER CLEAN-UP EVENTS: -OCTOBER 12, 2024 WAS HELD IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TUCSON CLEAN AND BEAUTIFUL AND TOOK PLACE AT THE GRANT ROAD CROSSING IN TUCSON, AZ. THIS EVENT DREW 70 VOLUNTEERS AND REMOVED 1,842 POUNDS OF TRASH. -THE DECEMBER 14, 2024, DAYS OF CONNECTION CLEANUP IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TUCSON CLEAN AND BEAUTIFUL TOOK PLACE AT ST. MARY'S ROAD AND REMOVED 2,517 LBS. OF TRASH WITH SUPPORT FROM 125 VOLUNTEERS. -MARCH 15, 2025, DAYS OF CONNECTION CLEANUP WITH TUCSON CLEAN & BEAUTIFUL REMOVED 1,025 LBS. OF TRASH FROM THE SANTA CRUZ RIVER AT VERDUGO PARK IN TUCSON, BRINGING 63 VOLUNTEERS.
(Code:   ) (Expenses $ 28,835 including grants of $ 4,188 ) (Revenue $ 30,000 )
ONE BASIN PROGRAM THE ONE BASIN PROGRAM BRINGS PEOPLE WITH COMPETING INTERESTS, WHO SPEAK DIFFERENT LANGUAGES, AND HAVE DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS TOGETHER TO FIND EQUITABLE, WORKABLE, EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS TO ADDRESS WATER CHALLENGES IN THE COLORADO RIVER BASIN. THE GOAL OF THE PROGRAM IS THAT THE COLORADO RIVER IS MANAGED IN A MORE HOLISTIC, INCLUSIVE, AND ADAPTIVE FASHION TO BENEFIT COMMUNITIES AND WILDLIFE. 1. SUPPORTED THE TRIBAL WATER MANAGERS NETWORK WITH WEBINARS AND IN-PERSON MEETINGS PROVIDING TRIBAL WATER MANAGERS WITH PEER-LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES. 2. REFINED PROPOSALS FOR GOVERNANCE OF A BINATIONAL ENDOWMENT FUND FOR THE COLORADO RIVER DELTA. 3. ENGAGED WITH THE CUCUPA ON OPTIONS FOR PERMANENT PROTECTION OF THE COLORADO RIVER DELTA.
4d Other program services (Describe in Schedule O.)
(Expenses $ 28,835 including grants of $ 4,188 ) (Revenue $ 30,000 )
4e Total program service expenses4,199,098
Form 990 (2024)
Form 990 (2024)
Page 3
Part IV
Checklist of Required Schedules
Yes
No
1
Is the organization described in section 501(c)(3) or 4947(a)(1) (other than a private foundation)? If "Yes," complete Schedule AClick to see attachment
List of Attached Documents:
// Content
.....................
1
Yes
 
2
Is the organization required to complete Schedule B, Schedule of Contributors? See instructions. Click to see attachment
List of Attached Documents:
// Content
...
2
Yes
 
3
Did the organization engage in direct or indirect political campaign activities on behalf of or in opposition to candidates for public office? If "Yes," complete Schedule C, Part I.............
3
 
No
4
Section 501(c)(3) organizations. Did the organization engage in lobbying activities, or have a section 501(h) election in effect during the tax year? If "Yes," complete Schedule C, Part II.........
4
 
No
5
Is the organization a section 501(c)(4), 501(c)(5), or 501(c)(6) organization that receives membership dues, assessments, or similar amounts as defined in Rev. Proc. 98-19? If "Yes," complete Schedule C, Part III..
5
 
No
6
Did the organization maintain any donor advised funds or any similar funds or accounts for which donors have the right to provide advice on the distribution or investment of amounts in such funds or accounts? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part IClick to see attachment
List of Attached Documents:
// Content
.........................
6
 
No
7
Did the organization receive or hold a conservation easement, including easements to preserve open space,
the environment, historic land areas, or historic structures? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part IIClick to see attachment
List of Attached Documents:
// Content
....
7
Yes
 
8
Did the organization maintain collections of works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets? If "Yes,"
complete Schedule D, Part IIIClick to see attachment
List of Attached Documents:
// Content
..............
8
 
No
9
Did the organization report an amount in Part X, line 21 for escrow or custodial account liability; serve as a custodian for amounts not listed in Part X; or provide credit counseling, debt management, credit repair, or debt negotiation services? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part IVClick to see attachment
List of Attached Documents:
// Content
..............
9
 
No
10
Did the organization, directly or through a related organization, hold assets in temporarily restricted endowments, permanent endowments, or quasi endowments? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part VClick to see attachment
List of Attached Documents:
// Content
......
10
Yes
 
11
If the organization’s answer to any of the following questions is "Yes," then complete Schedule D, Parts VI, VII, VIII, IX, or X, as applicable.
a
Did the organization report an amount for land, buildings, and equipment in Part X, line 10? If "Yes," complete
Schedule D, Part VI. Click to see attachment
List of Attached Documents:
// Content
...................
11a
Yes
 
b
Did the organization report an amount for investments—other securities in Part X, line 12 that is 5% or more of its total assets reported in Part X, line 16? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part VIIClick to see attachment
List of Attached Documents:
// Content
.......
11b
 
No
c
Did the organization report an amount for investments—program related in Part X, line 13 that is 5% or more of its total assets reported in Part X, line 16? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part VIIIClick to see attachment
List of Attached Documents:
// Content
.......
11c
 
No
d
Did the organization report an amount for other assets in Part X, line 15 that is 5% or more of its total assets reported in Part X, line 16? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part IXClick to see attachment
List of Attached Documents:
// Content
............
11d
 
No
e
Did the organization report an amount for other liabilities in Part X, line 25? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part XClick to see attachment
List of Attached Documents:
// Content
11e
Yes
 
f
Did the organization’s separate or consolidated financial statements for the tax year include a footnote that addresses the organization’s liability for uncertain tax positions under FIN 48 (ASC 740)? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part XClick to see attachment
List of Attached Documents:
// Content
11f
Yes
 
12a
Did the organization obtain separate, independent audited financial statements for the tax year? If "Yes," complete
Schedule D, Parts XI and XIIClick to see attachment
List of Attached Documents:
// Content
......................
12a
 
No
b
Was the organization included in consolidated, independent audited financial statements for the tax year? If "Yes," and if the organization answered "No" to line 12a, then completing Schedule D, Parts XI and XII is optional Click to see attachment
List of Attached Documents:
// Content
12b
Yes
 
13
Is the organization a school described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii)? If "Yes," complete Schedule E
13
 
No
14a
Did the organization maintain an office, employees, or agents outside of the United States? .....
14a
Yes
 
b
Did the organization have aggregate revenues or expenses of more than $10,000 from grantmaking, fundraising, business, investment, and program service activities outside the United States, or aggregate foreign investments valued at $100,000 or more? If "Yes," complete Schedule F, Parts I and IV.........Click to see attachment
List of Attached Documents:
// Content
14b
Yes
 
15
Did the organization report on Part IX, column (A), line 3, more than $5,000 of grants or other assistance to or for any foreign organization? If “Yes,” complete Schedule F, Parts II and IV.....Click to see attachment
List of Attached Documents:
// Content
15
 
No
16
Did the organization report on Part IX, column (A), line 3, more than $5,000 of aggregate grants or other assistance to or for foreign individuals? If “Yes,” complete Schedule F, Parts III and IV...Click to see attachment
List of Attached Documents:
// Content
16
 
No
17
Did the organization report a total of more than $15,000 of expenses for professional fundraising services on Part IX, column (A), lines 6 and 11e? If "Yes," complete Schedule G, Part I. See instructions. ....Click to see attachment
List of Attached Documents:
// Content
17
 
No
18
Did the organization report more than $15,000 total of fundraising event gross income and contributions on Part VIII, lines 1c and 8a? If "Yes," complete Schedule G, Part II............ Click to see attachment
List of Attached Documents:
// Content
18
Yes
 
19
Did the organization report more than $15,000 of gross income from gaming activities on Part VIII, line 9a? If "Yes," complete Schedule G, Part III...................Click to see attachment
List of Attached Documents:
// Content
19
 
No
20a
Did the organization operate one or more hospital facilities? If "Yes," complete Schedule H....
20a
 
No
b
If "Yes" to line 20a, did the organization attach a copy of its audited financial statements to this return?
20b
 
 
21
Did the organization report more than $5,000 of grants or other assistance to any domestic organization or domestic government on Part IX, column (A), line 1? If “Yes,” complete Schedule I, Parts I and II.....Click to see attachment
List of Attached Documents:
// Content
21
Yes
 
Form 990 (2024)
Form 990 (2024)
Page 4
Part IV
Checklist of Required Schedules (continued)
Yes
No
22
Did the organization report more than $5,000 of grants or other assistance to or for domestic individuals on Part IX, column (A), line 2? If “Yes,” complete Schedule I, Parts I and III........Click to see attachment
List of Attached Documents:
// Content
22
 
No
23
Did the organization answer "Yes" to Part VII, Section A, line 3, 4, or 5, about compensation of the organization’s current and former officers, directors, trustees, key employees, and highest compensated employees? If "Yes," complete Schedule J....................... Click to see attachment
List of Attached Documents:
// Content
23
Yes
 
24a
Did the organization have a tax-exempt bond issue with an outstanding principal amount of more than $100,000 as of the last day of the year, that was issued after December 31, 2002? If “Yes,” answer lines 24b through 24d and complete Schedule K. If “No,” go to line 25a...............
24a
 
No
b
Did the organization invest any proceeds of tax-exempt bonds beyond a temporary period exception?...
24b
 
 
c
Did the organization maintain an escrow account other than a refunding escrow at any time during the year
to defease any tax-exempt bonds? ...............
24c
 
 
d
Did the organization act as an "on behalf of" issuer for bonds outstanding at any time during the year?...
24d
 
 
25a
Section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(29) organizations. Did the organization engage in an excess benefit transaction with a disqualified person during the year? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part I ....
25a
 
No
b
Is the organization aware that it engaged in an excess benefit transaction with a disqualified person in a prior year, and that the transaction has not been reported on any of the organization’s prior Forms 990 or 990-EZ? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part I.......................
25b
 
No
26
Did the organization report any amount on Part X, line 5 or 22 for receivables from or payables to any current or former officer, director, trustee, key employee, creator or founder, substantial contributor, or 35% controlled entity or family member of any of these persons? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part II...........
26
 
No
27
Did the organization provide a grant or other assistance to any current or former officer, director, trustee, key employee, creator or founder, substantial contributor, or employee thereof, a grant selection committee member, or to a 35% controlled entity (including an employee thereof) or family member of any of these persons?
If "Yes," complete
Schedule L, Part III.........................
27
 
No
28
Was the organization a party to a business transaction with one of the following parties (see the Schedule L, Part IV instructions for applicable filing thresholds, conditions, and exceptions):
a
A current or former officer, director, trustee, key employee, creator or founder, or substantial contributor? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part IV......................
28a
 
No
b
A family member of any individual described in line 28a? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part IV.....
28b
 
No
c
A 35% controlled entity of one or more individuals and/or organizations described in line 28a or 28b? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part IV.....................
28c
 
No
29
Did the organization receive more than $25,000 in non-cash contributions? If "Yes," complete Schedule M..
29
 
No
30
Did the organization receive contributions of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets, or qualified conservation contributions? If "Yes," complete Schedule M .................
30
 
No
31
Did the organization liquidate, terminate, or dissolve and cease operations? If "Yes," complete Schedule N, Part I
31
 
No
32
Did the organization sell, exchange, dispose of, or transfer more than 25% of its net assets? If "Yes," complete Schedule N, Part II........................
32
 
No
33
Did the organization own 100% of an entity disregarded as separate from the organization under Regulations sections 301.7701-2 and 301.7701-3? If "Yes," complete Schedule R, Part I............Click to see attachment
List of Attached Documents:
// Content
33
 
No
34
Was the organization related to any tax-exempt or taxable entity? If "Yes," complete Schedule R, Part II, III, or IV, and Part V, line 1.........................Click to see attachment
List of Attached Documents:
// Content
34
Yes
 
35a
Did the organization have a controlled entity within the meaning of section 512(b)(13)?
35a
 
No
b
If ‘Yes’ to line 35a, did the organization receive any payment from or engage in any transaction with a controlled entity within the meaning of section 512(b)(13)? If "Yes," complete Schedule R, Part V, line 2 ...
35b
 
 
36
Section 501(c)(3) organizations. Did the organization make any transfers to an exempt non-charitable related organization? If "Yes," complete Schedule R, Part V, line 2............. Click to see attachment
List of Attached Documents:
// Content
36
 
No
37
Did the organization conduct more than 5% of its activities through an entity that is not a related organization and that is treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes? If "Yes," complete Schedule R, Part VIClick to see attachment
List of Attached Documents:
// Content
37
 
No
38
Did the organization complete Schedule O and provide explanations on Schedule O for Part VI, lines 11b and 19? Note. All Form 990 filers are required to complete Schedule O. ............
38
Yes
 
Part V
Statements Regarding Other IRS Filings and Tax Compliance
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part V...........
Yes
No
1a
Enter the number reported in box 3 of Form 1096. Enter -0- if not applicable ..
1a
23
b
Enter the number of Forms W-2G included on line 1a. Enter -0- if not applicable .
1b
0
c
Did the organization comply with backup withholding rules for reportable payments to vendors and reportable gaming (gambling) winnings to prize winners? ..................
1c
 
 
Form 990 (2024)
Form 990 (2024)
Page 5
Part V
Statements Regarding Other IRS Filings and Tax Compliance (continued)
2a
Enter the number of employees reported on Form W-3, Transmittal of Wage and
Tax Statements, filed for the calendar year ending with or within the year covered by this return ..................
2a
22
b
If at least one is reported on line 2a, did the organization file all required federal employment tax returns?
2b
Yes
 
3a
Did the organization have unrelated business gross income of $1,000 or more during the year?...
3a
 
No
b
If “Yes,” has it filed a Form 990-T for this year? If “No” to line 3b, provide an explanation in Schedule O...
3b
 
 
4a
At any time during the calendar year, did the organization have an interest in, or a signature or other authority over, a financial account in a foreign country (such as a bank account, securities account, or other financial account)? ..
4a
Yes
 
b
If "Yes," enter the name of the foreign country: MX
See instructions for filing requirements for FinCEN Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR).
5a
Was the organization a party to a prohibited tax shelter transaction at any time during the tax year? ..
5a
 
No
b
Did any taxable party notify the organization that it was or is a party to a prohibited tax shelter transaction?
5b
 
No
c
If "Yes," to line 5a or 5b, did the organization file Form 8886-T? ............
5c
 
 
6a
Does the organization have annual gross receipts that are normally greater than $100,000, and did the organization solicit any contributions that were not tax deductible as charitable contributions? ...
6a
 
No
b
If "Yes," did the organization include with every solicitation an express statement that such contributions or gifts were not tax deductible? ......................
6b
 
 
7
Organizations that may receive deductible contributions under section 170(c).
a
Did the organization receive a payment in excess of $75 made partly as a contribution and partly for goods and services provided to the payor? ....................
7a
 
No
b
If "Yes," did the organization notify the donor of the value of the goods or services provided? .....
7b
 
 
c
Did the organization sell, exchange, or otherwise dispose of tangible personal property for which it was required to file Form 8282? .........................
7c
 
No
d
If "Yes," indicate the number of Forms 8282 filed during the year ....
7d
 
e
Did the organization receive any funds, directly or indirectly, to pay premiums on a personal benefit contract?
7e
 
No
f
Did the organization, during the year, pay premiums, directly or indirectly, on a personal benefit contract? ..
7f
 
No
g
If the organization received a contribution of qualified intellectual property, did the organization file Form 8899 as required? ......................
7g
 
 
h
If the organization received a contribution of cars, boats, airplanes, or other vehicles, did the organization file a Form 1098-C? ..........................
7h
 
 
8
Sponsoring organizations maintaining donor advised funds. Did a donor advised fund maintained by the sponsoring organization have excess business holdings at any time during the year? ........
8
 
 
9
Sponsoring organizations maintaining donor advised funds.
a
Did the sponsoring organization make any taxable distributions under section 4966?........
9a
 
 
b
Did the sponsoring organization make a distribution to a donor, donor advisor, or related person?...
9b
 
 
10
Section 501(c)(7) organizations. Enter:
a
Initiation fees and capital contributions included on Part VIII, line 12 ...
10a
 
b
Gross receipts, included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12, for public use of club facilities
10b
 
11
Section 501(c)(12) organizations. Enter:
a
Gross income from members or shareholders .........
11a
 
b
Gross income from other sources. (Do not net amounts due or paid to other sources against amounts due or received from them.) ..........
11b
 
12a
Section 4947(a)(1) non-exempt charitable trusts. Is the organization filing Form 990 in lieu of Form 1041?
12a
 
 
b
If "Yes," enter the amount of tax-exempt interest received or accrued during the year.
12b
 
13
Section 501(c)(29) qualified nonprofit health insurance issuers.
a
Is the organization licensed to issue qualified health plans in more than one state? .........
Note. See the instructions for additional information the organization must report on Schedule O.
13a
 
 
b
Enter the amount of reserves the organization is required to maintain by the states in which the organization is licensed to issue qualified health plans ....
13b
 
c
Enter the amount of reserves on hand ............
13c
 
14a
Did the organization receive any payments for indoor tanning services during the tax year?.....
14a
 
No
b
If "Yes," has it filed a Form 720 to report these payments? If "No," provide an explanation in Schedule O..
14b
 
 
15
Is the organization subject to the section 4960 tax on payment(s) of more than $1,000,000 in remuneration or excess parachute payment(s) during the year? ....................
If "Yes," see the instructions and file Form 4720, Schedule N.
15
 
No
16
Is the organization an educational institution subject to the section 4968 excise tax on net investment income? ..
If "Yes," complete Form 4720, Schedule O.
16
 
No
17
Section 501(c)(21) organizations. Did the trust, or any disqualified or other person engage in any activities that would result in the imposition of an excise tax under section 4951, 4952, or 4953? ..
If "Yes," complete Form 6069.
17
 
 
Form 990 (2024)
Form 990 (2024)
Page 6
Part VI
Governance, Management, and Disclosure. For each "Yes" response to lines 2 through 7b below, and for a "No" response to lines 8a, 8b, or 10b below, describe the circumstances, processes, or changes in Schedule O. See instructions.
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part VI..............
Section A. Governing Body and Management
Yes
No
1a
Enter the number of voting members of the governing body at the end of the tax year
1a
23
If there are material differences in voting rights among members of the governing body, or if the governing body delegated broad authority to an executive committee or similar committee, explain in Schedule O.
b
Enter the number of voting members included in line 1a, above, who are independent
1b
23
2
Did any officer, director, trustee, or key employee have a family relationship or a business relationship with any other officer, director, trustee, or key employee? .................
2
 
No
3
Did the organization delegate control over management duties customarily performed by or under the direct supervision of officers, directors or trustees, or key employees to a management company or other person? .
3
 
No
4
Did the organization make any significant changes to its governing documents since the prior Form 990 was filed? .
4
 
No
5
Did the organization become aware during the year of a significant diversion of the organization’s assets? .
5
 
No
6
Did the organization have members or stockholders? ................
6
 
No
7a
Did the organization have members, stockholders, or other persons who had the power to elect or appoint one or more members of the governing body? ....................
7a
 
No
b
Are any governance decisions of the organization reserved to (or subject to approval by) members, stockholders, or persons other than the governing body? ...................
7b
 
No
8
Did the organization contemporaneously document the meetings held or written actions undertaken during the year by the following:
a
The governing body? .......................
8a
Yes
 
b
Each committee with authority to act on behalf of the governing body? ............
8b
Yes
 
9
Is there any officer, director, trustee, or key employee listed in Part VII, Section A, who cannot be reached at the organization’s mailing address? If "Yes," provide the names and addresses in Schedule O.......
9
 
No
Section B. Policies (This Section B requests information about policies not required by the Internal Revenue Code.)
Yes
No
10a
Did the organization have local chapters, branches, or affiliates? ............
10a
 
No
b
If "Yes," did the organization have written policies and procedures governing the activities of such chapters, affiliates, and branches to ensure their operations are consistent with the organization's exempt purposes?
10b
 
 
11a
Has the organization provided a complete copy of this Form 990 to all members of its governing body before filing the form? ............................
11a
 
No
b
Describe on Schedule O the process, if any, used by the organization to review this Form 990. .....
12a
Did the organization have a written conflict of interest policy? If "No," go to line 13.......
12a
Yes
 
b
Were officers, directors, or trustees, and key employees required to disclose annually interests that could give rise to conflicts? ..........................
12b
Yes
 
c
Did the organization regularly and consistently monitor and enforce compliance with the policy? If "Yes," describe on Schedule O how this was done...................
12c
Yes
 
13
Did the organization have a written whistleblower policy? ...............
13
Yes
 
14
Did the organization have a written document retention and destruction policy? .........
14
Yes
 
15
Did the process for determining compensation of the following persons include a review and approval by independent persons, comparability data, and contemporaneous substantiation of the deliberation and decision?
a
The organization’s CEO, Executive Director, or top management official ...........
15a
Yes
 
b
Other officers or key employees of the organization ................
15b
 
No
If "Yes" to line 15a or 15b, describe the process on Schedule O. See instructions.
16a
Did the organization invest in, contribute assets to, or participate in a joint venture or similar arrangement with a taxable entity during the year? ......................
16a
 
No
b
If "Yes," did the organization follow a written policy or procedure requiring the organization to evaluate its participation in joint venture arrangements under applicable federal tax law, and take steps to safeguard the organization’s exempt status with respect to such arrangements? ............
16b
 
 
Section C. Disclosure
17
List the states with which a copy of this Form 990 is required to be filed
18
Section 6104 requires an organization to make its Form 1023 (1024 or 1024-A, if applicable), 990, and 990-T (section 501(c)(3)s only) available for public inspection. Indicate how you made these available. Check all that apply.
19
Describe in Schedule O whether (and if so, how) the organization made its governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements available to the public during the tax year.
20
State the name, address, and telephone number of the person who possesses the organization's books and records:
THE SONORAN INSTITUTE5049 E BROADWAY BLVD STE 127   TUCSON,AZ85711 (520) 290-0828
Form 990 (2024)
Form 990 (2024)
Page 7
Part VII
Compensation of Officers, Directors,Trustees, Key Employees, Highest Compensated Employees, and Independent Contractors
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part VII..............
Section A. Officers, Directors, Trustees, Key Employees, and Highest Compensated Employees
1a Complete this table for all persons required to be listed. Report compensation for the calendar year ending with or within the organization’s tax year.
RoundBullet List all of the organization’s current officers, directors, trustees (whether individuals or organizations), regardless of amount
of compensation. Enter -0- in columns (D), (E), and (F) if no compensation was paid.

RoundBullet List all of the organization’s current key employees, if any. See the instructions for definition of "key employee."
RoundBullet List the organization’s five current highest compensated employees (other than an officer, director, trustee or key employee)
who received reportable compensation (box 5 of Form W-2, box 6 of Form 1099-MISC, and/or box 1 of Form 1099-NEC) of more than $100,000 from the organization and any related organizations.

RoundBullet List all of the organization’s former officers, key employees, or highest compensated employees who received more than $100,000
of reportable compensation from the organization and any related organizations.

RoundBullet List all of the organization’s former directors or trustees that received, in the capacity as a former director or trustee of the
organization, more than $10,000 of reportable compensation from the organization and any related organizations.

See the instructions for the order in which to list the persons above.
Check this box if neither the organization nor any related organization compensated any current officer, director, or trustee.
(A)
Name and title 		(B)
Average hours per week (list any hours for related organizations below dotted line) 		(C)
Position (do not check more than one box, unless person is both an officer and a director/trustee) 		(D)
Reportable compensation from the organization (W-2/1099-MISC/1099-NEC) 		(E)
Reportable compensation from related organizations (W-2/1099-MISC/1099-NEC) 		(F)
Estimated amount of other compensation from the organization and related organizations
Individual Trustee or Director; Institutional Trustee; OfficerInd; Key Employee; Highest compensated employee; FormerOfcrDirectorTrusteeInd;
(1) MICHAEL ZELLNER......................................................................
CEO
 40.00
.................
  		    X       163,069 0 10,442
(2) KIM EGITA......................................................................
CFAO
 40.00
.................
  		    X       132,028 0 9,854
(3) DAN KIMBALL......................................................................
CHAIR
 1.75
.................
  		X   X       0 0 0
(4) JOE KALT......................................................................
VICE CHAIR
 1.75
.................
  		X   X       0 0 0
(5) LAURINDA OSWALD......................................................................
SECRETARY
 1.75
.................
  		X   X       0 0 0
(6) MATT TEETERS......................................................................
TREASURER
 1.75
.................
  		X   X       0 0 0
(7) KEN ABRAHAMS......................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.75
.................
  		X           0 0 0
(8) DAVID BAUMGARTEN......................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.75
.................
  		X           0 0 0
(9) SKYLAR BEGAY......................................................................
DIRECTOR
 0.30
.................
  		X           0 0 0
(10) ALAN DENNIS......................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.00
.................
  		X           0 0 0
(11) CESAR PONCE GAMEZ......................................................................
DIRECTOR
 0.30
.................
  		X           0 0 0
(12) ANNA HILL PRICE......................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.75
.................
  		X           0 0 0
(13) LINDA FRIAR......................................................................
DIRECTOR
 0.30
.................
  		X           0 0 0
(14) ALLISON GREEN......................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.75
.................
  		X           0 0 0
(15) BARBARA GREEN......................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.75
.................
  		X           0 0 0
(16) LEE LEACHMAN......................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.75
.................
  		X           0 0 0
(17) GABRIELA LUKEN MARCE......................................................................
DIRECTOR
 0.25
.................
  		X           0 0 0
Form 990 (2024)
Form 990 (2024)
Page 8
Part VII
Section A. Officers, Directors, Trustees, Key Employees, and Highest Compensated Employees (continued)
(A)
Name and title 		(B)
Average hours per week (list any hours for related organizations below dotted line) 		(C)
Position (do not check more than one box, unless person is both an officer and a director/trustee) 		(D)
Reportable compensation from the organization (W-2/1099-MISC/1099-NEC) 		(E)
Reportable compensation from related organizations (W-2/1099-MISC/1099-NEC) 		(F)
Estimated amount of other compensation from the organization and related organizations
Individual Trustee or Director; Institutional Trustee; OfficerInd; Key Employee; Highest compensated employee; FormerOfcrDirectorTrusteeInd;
(18) ANNA MURVEIT........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.75
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(19) LORETTA PINEDA........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 0.30
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(20) TIM QUINN........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 0.30
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(21) ROBERTO SALMON........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 0.30
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(22) RICHARD SCHAEFER........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.75
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(23) SHAINA SHAY........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 0.30
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(24) DAVID WEGNER........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.75
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(25) KRISTINE ZEIGLER........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.30
.......................   		X           0 0 0










1b Sub-Total..............
c Total from continuation sheets to Part VII, Section A..
d Total (add lines 1b and 1c)......... 295,097   20,296
2
Total number of individuals (including but not limited to those listed above) who received more than $100,000 of reportable compensation from the organization 2
Yes
No
3
Did the organization list any former officer, director or trustee, key employee, or highest compensated employee on line 1a? If "Yes," complete Schedule J for such individual ..............
3
 
No
4
For any individual listed on line 1a, is the sum of reportable compensation and other compensation from the organization and related organizations greater than $150,000? If "Yes," complete Schedule J for such
individual...........................
4
Yes
 
5
Did any person listed on line 1a receive or accrue compensation from any unrelated organization or individual for services rendered to the organization? If "Yes," complete Schedule J for such person ........
5
 
No
Section B. Independent Contractors
1
Complete this table for your five highest compensated independent contractors that received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization. Report compensation for the calendar year ending with or within the organization’s tax year.
(A)
Name and business address 		(B)
Description of services 		(C)
Compensation
2
Total number of independent contractors (including but not limited to those listed above) who received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization  
Form 990 (2024)
Form 990 (2024)
Page 9
Part VIII
Statement of Revenue
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part VIII.............
(A)
Total revenue 		(B)
Related or
exempt
function
revenue 		(C)
Unrelated
business
revenue 		(D)
Revenue
excluded from
tax under sections
512 - 514
Contributions, Gifts, Grants, and OtherAmt Similar Amounts 1a Federated campaigns..1a  
b Membership dues..1b  
c Fundraising events..1c 32,365
d Related organizations1d  
e Government grants (contributions)1e 2,212,930
f All other contributions, gifts, grants, and similar amounts not included above1f 786,059
g Noncash contributions included in lines 1a - 1f:$ 1g  
h Total. Add lines 1a-1f....... 3,031,354
Program Service RevenueAmt Business Code
2a CONTRACT INCOME 562000 1,515,803 1,515,803    
b
c
d
e
f All other program service revenue.        
g Total. Add lines 2a–2f ..... 1,515,803
OtherAmtRevenueAmt 3 Investment income (including dividends, interest, and othersimilar amounts) ...... 77,265     77,265
4 Income from investment of tax-exempt bond proceeds        
5 Royalties...........        
(i) Real (ii) Personal
6a Gross rents 6a    
b Less: rental expenses 6b    
c Rental income or (loss) 6c    
d Net rental income or (loss).......        
(i) Securities (ii) Other
7a Gross amount from sales of assets other than inventory 7a 374,818  
b Less: cost or other basis and sales expenses 7b 289,089  
c Gain or (loss) 7c 85,729  
d Net gain or (loss)......... 85,729     85,729
8a Gross income from fundraising events (not including $ 32,365of contributions reported on line 1c). See Part IV, line 18 ....
8a  
b Less: direct expenses ... 8b 43,549
c Net income or (loss) from fundraising events.. -43,549   -43,549
9a Gross income from gaming activities.
See Part IV, line 19 ...
9a  
b Less: direct expenses ... 9b  
c Net income or (loss) from gaming activities..        
10a Gross sales of inventory, less
returns and allowances ..
10a  
b Less: cost of goods sold .. 10b  
c Net income or (loss) from sales of inventory..        
OtherRevenueMiscAmt
Business Code
11a OTHER INCOME   33,114     33,114
b            
c            
d All other revenue ....        
e Total. Add lines 11a–11d ...... 33,114
12 Total revenue. See instructions..... 4,699,716 1,515,803   152,559
Form 990 (2024)
Form 990 (2024)
Page 10
Part IX
Statement of Functional Expenses
Section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations must complete all columns. All other organizations must complete column (A).Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part IX..............
Do not include amounts reported on lines 6b,
7b, 8b, 9b, and 10b of Part VIII. 		(A)
Total expenses 		(B)
Program service expenses 		(C)
Management and general expenses 		(D)
Fundraising
expenses
1 Grants and other assistance to domestic organizations and domestic governments. See Part IV, line 21 .... 119,703 119,703
2 Grants and other assistance to domestic individuals. See Part IV, line 22 ...........    
3 Grants and other assistance to foreign organizations, foreign governments, and foreign individuals. See Part IV, lines 15 and 16. ............. 4,188 4,188
4 Benefits paid to or for members .......    
5 Compensation of current officers, directors, trustees, and key employees ........... 336,406 128,430 134,739 73,237
6 Compensation not included above, to disqualified persons (as defined under section 4958(f)(1)) and persons described in section 4958(c)(3)(B) .........        
7 Other salaries and wages........ 1,527,563 1,313,201 110,826 103,536
8 Pension plan accruals and contributions (include section 401(k) and 403(b) employer contributions) .... 36,269 25,077 7,002 4,190
9 Other employee benefits ....... 116,529 95,151 9,599 11,779
10 Payroll taxes ........... 233,479 201,369 18,577 13,533
11 Fees for services (non-employees):        
a Management ......        
b Legal ......... 21,320   21,320  
c Accounting ........... 36,762   36,762  
d Lobbying ...........        
e Professional fundraising services. See Part IV, line 17    
f Investment management fees ...... 20,612   20,612  
g Other (If line 11g amount exceeds 10% of line 25, column (A) amount, list line 11g expenses on Schedule O) 1,939,713 1,837,140 41,434 61,139
12 Advertising and promotion ....        
13 Office expenses ....... 74,981 58,217 6,994 9,770
14 Information technology ......        
15 Royalties ..        
16 Occupancy ........... 42,338 34,829 4,341 3,168
17 Travel ............ 83,716 57,073 20,785 5,858
18 Payments of travel or entertainment expenses for any federal, state, or local public officials .        
19 Conferences, conventions, and meetings .... 131,037 117,375 7,345 6,317
20 Interest ...........        
21 Payments to affiliates .......        
22 Depreciation, depletion, and amortization .. 56,799 56,799    
23 Insurance ... 14,670 6,198 8,472  
24 Other expenses. Itemize expenses not covered above (List miscellaneous expenses in line 24e. If line 24e amount exceeds 10% of line 25, column (A) amount, list line 24e expenses on Schedule O.)
a FIELD SUPPLIES AND MATERI 85,375 84,077 655 643
b DUES AND PUBLICATIONS 44,539 15,213 19,027 10,299
c REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE 20,990 19,907 751 332
d WATER ACQUISITION 16,614 16,614    
e All other expenses 13,880 8,537 5,022 321
25 Total functional expenses. Add lines 1 through 24e 4,977,483 4,199,098 474,263 304,122
26 Joint costs. Complete this line only if the organization reported in column (B) joint costs from a combined educational campaign and fundraising solicitation. Check here if following SOP 98-2 (ASC 958-720).        
Form 990 (2024)
Form 990 (2024)
Page 11
Part X
Balance Sheet
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part IX..............
(A)
Beginning of year 		(B)
End of year
Assets 1 Cash–non-interest-bearing ........ 1,071,310 1 727,888
2 Savings and temporary cash investments ......... 484,095 2 315,543
3 Pledges and grants receivable, net ...... 1,332,546 3 1,353,480
4 Accounts receivable, net ............. 10,888 4  
5 Loans and other receivables from any current or former officer, director, trustee, key employee, creator or founder, substantial contributor, or 35% controlled entity or family member of any of these persons .......
  5  
6 Loans and other receivables from other disqualified persons (as defined under section 4958(f)(1)), and persons described in section 4958(c)(3)(B) ...
  6  
7 Notes and loans receivable, net ...........   7  
8 Inventories for sale or use ............   8  
9 Prepaid expenses and deferred charges ...... 6,726 9 17,682
10a Land, buildings, and equipment: cost or other basis. Complete Part VI of Schedule D 10a 581,414
b Less: accumulated depreciation 10b 447,731 131,670 10c 133,683
11 Investments—publicly traded securities . 1,771,666 11 1,861,548
12 Investments—other securities. See Part IV, line 11 .....   12  
13 Investments—program-related. See Part IV, line 11 ..   13  
14 Intangible assets ...............   14  
15 Other assets. See Part IV, line 11 ........... 40,830 15 21,157
16 Total assets. Add lines 1 through 15 (must equal line 33)... 4,849,731 16 4,430,981
Liabilities 17 Accounts payable and accrued expenses ..... 206,500 17 253,773
18 Grants payable ...   18  
19 Deferred revenue ......... 1,013,995 19 803,154
20 Tax-exempt bond liabilities .........   20  
21 Escrow or custodial account liability. Complete Part IV of Schedule D   21  
22 Loans and other payables to any current or former officer, director, trustee, key employee, creator or founder, substantial contributor, or 35% controlled entity or family member of any of these persons .........
  22  
23 Secured mortgages and notes payable to unrelated third parties ..   23  
24 Unsecured notes and loans payable to unrelated third parties ..   24  
25 Other liabilities (including federal income tax, payables to related third parties, and other liabilities not included on lines 17 - 24). Complete Part X of Schedule D 39,082 25 17,622
26 Total liabilities. Add lines 17 through 25.. 1,259,577 26 1,074,549
Net Assets or Fund Balance Organizations that follow FASB ASC 958, check here and complete lines 27, 28, 32, and 33.
27 Net assets without donor restrictions .......... 1,068,814 27 878,382
28 Net assets with donor restrictions ........... 2,521,340 28 2,478,050
Organizations that do not follow FASB ASC 958, check here right arrow and complete lines 29 through 33.
29 Capital stock or trust principal, or current funds .....   29  
30 Paid-in or capital surplus, or land, building or equipment fund ...   30  
31 Retained earnings, endowment, accumulated income, or other funds   31  
32 Total net assets or fund balances ........... 3,590,154 32 3,356,432
33 Total liabilities and net assets/fund balances ........ 4,849,731 33 4,430,981
Form 990 (2024)
Form 990 (2024)
Page 12
Part XI
Reconcilliation of Net Assets
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part XI..............
1
Total revenue (must equal Part VIII, column (A), line 12) ............
1
4,699,716
2
Total expenses (must equal Part IX, column (A), line 25) ............
2
4,977,483
3
Revenue less expenses. Subtract line 2 from line 1 ..............
3
-277,767
4
Net assets or fund balances at beginning of year (must equal Part X, line 32, column (A)) ..
4
3,590,154
5
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments ...............
5
53,294
6
Donated services and use of facilities .................
6
 
7
Investment expenses .....................
7
 
8
Prior period adjustments .....................
8
 
9
Other changes in net assets or fund balances (explain in Schedule O) ........
9
-9,249
10
Net assets or fund balances at end of year. Combine lines 3 through 9 (must equal Part X, line 32, column (B))
10
3,356,432
Part XII
Financial Statements and Reporting
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part XII.............
Yes
No
1
Accounting method used to prepare the Form 990:  
If the organization changed its method of accounting from a prior year or checked "Other," explain on
Schedule O.
2a
Were the organization’s financial statements compiled or reviewed by an independent accountant?
2a
 
No
If ‘Yes,’ check a box below to indicate whether the financial statements for the year were compiled or reviewed on a separate basis, consolidated basis, or both:
b
Were the organization’s financial statements audited by an independent accountant?
2b
Yes
 
If ‘Yes,’ check a box below to indicate whether the financial statements for the year were audited on a separate basis, consolidated basis, or both:
c
If "Yes," to line 2a or 2b, does the organization have a committee that assumes responsibility for oversight of the audit, review, or compilation of its financial statements and selection of an independent accountant?
2c
Yes
 
If the organization changed either its oversight process or selection process during the tax year, explain in Schedule O.
3a
As a result of a federal award, was the organization required to undergo an audit or audits as set forth in the Uniform Guidance, 2 C.F.R. Part 200, Subpart F?
3a
 
No
b
If "Yes," did the organization undergo the required audit or audits? If the organization did not undergo the required audit or audits, explain why in Schedule O and describe any steps taken to undergo such audits.
3b
 
 
Form 990 (2024)
Form 990 (2024)
Additional Data


Software ID:  
Software Version:  
Form 990, Special Condition Description:
Special Condition Description
SCHEDULE A
(Form 990)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Public Charity Status and Public Support
Complete if the organization is a section 501(c)(3) organization or a section 4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trust.
right arrow Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ.
right arrow Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for instructions and the latest information.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2024
Open to Public
Inspection
Name of the organization
THE SONORAN INSTITUTE INC
 
Employer identification number

86-0684610
Part I
Reason for Public Charity Status (All organizations must complete this part.) See instructions.
The organization is not a private foundation because it is: (For lines 1 through 12, check only one box.)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
a
b
c
d
e
f
Enter the number of supported organizations ...............................  
g
Provide the following information about the supported organization(s).
(i) Name of supported organization (ii) EIN (iii) Type of organization (described on lines 1- 10 above (see instructions)) (iv) Is the organization listed in your governing document? (v) Amount of monetary support (see instructions) (vi) Amount of other support (see instructions)
Yes No
Total
 
   
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for
Form 990 or 990-EZ.
Cat. No. 11285F
Schedule A (Form 990) 2024

Schedule A (Form 990) 2024
Page 2
Part II
Support Schedule for Organizations Described in Sections 170(b)(1)(A)(iv) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi)
(Complete only if you checked the box on line 5, 7, or 8 of Part I or if the organization failed to qualify under Part III. If the organization failed to qualify under the tests listed below, please complete Part III.)
Section A. Public Support
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) right arrow (a) 2020 (b) 2021 (c) 2022 (d) 2023 (e) 2024 (f) Total
1 Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grant.") .. 1,346,121 1,570,737 2,644,722 2,484,527 3,031,354 11,077,461
2 Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf ....            
3 The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge..            
4 Total. Add lines 1 through 3 1,346,121 1,570,737 2,644,722 2,484,527 3,031,354 11,077,461
5 The portion of total contributions by each person (other than a governmental unit or publicly supported organization) included on line 1 that exceeds 2% of the amount shown on line 11, column (f) .. 3,006,940
6 Public support. Subtract line 5 from line 4. 8,070,521
Section B. Total Support
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) right arrow (a) 2020 (b) 2021 (c) 2022 (d) 2023 (e) 2024 (f) Total
7 Amounts from line 4.. 1,346,121 1,570,737 2,644,722 2,484,527 3,031,354 11,077,461
8 Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources... 25,941 51,573 86,392 93,641 77,265 334,812
9 Net income from unrelated business activities, whether or not the business is regularly carried on..            
10 Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part VI.).. 138,155 31,313 36,166 37,220 65,479 308,333
11 Total support. Add lines 7 through 10 11,720,606
12
12
6,639,411
13
First 5 years. If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a section 501(c)(3) organization, check this box and stop here ........................................right arrow
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
14
14
68.860 %
15
15
70.860 %
16a
33 1/3% support test—2024. If the organization did not check the box on line 13, and line 14 is 33 1/3% or more, check this box
and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization .......................right arrow
b
33 1/3% support test—2023. If the organization did not check a box on line 13 or 16a, and line 15 is 33 1/3% or more, check this
box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization ..................... right arrow
17a
10%-facts-and-circumstances test—2024. If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, or 16b, and line 14 is 10% or more, and if the organization meets the "facts-and-circumstances" test, check this box and stop here. Explain in Part VI how the organization meets the "facts-and-circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization ............ right arrow
b
10%-facts-and-circumstances test—2023. If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, or 17a, and line 15 is 10% or more, and if the organization meets the "facts-and-circumstances" test, check this box and stop here. Explain in Part VI how the organization meets the "facts-and-circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization ............ right arrow
18
Private foundation. If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, 17a, or 17b, check this box and see
instructions ..................................................... right arrow
Schedule A (Form 990) 2024

Schedule A (Form 990) 2024
Page 3
Part III
Support Schedule for Organizations Described in Section 509(a)(2)
(Complete only if you checked the box on line 10 of Part I or if the organization failed to qualify under Part II. If the organization fails to qualify under the tests listed below, please complete Part II.)
Section A. Public Support
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) right arrow (a) 2020 (b) 2021 (c) 2022 (d) 2023 (e) 2024 (f) Total
1 Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") .            
2 Gross receipts from admissions, merchandise sold or services performed, or facilities furnished in any activity that is related to the organization's tax-exempt purpose            
3 Gross receipts from activities that are not an unrelated trade or business under section 513 .....            
4 Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf...            
5 The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge            
6 Total. Add lines 1 through 5            
7a Amounts included on lines 1, 2, and 3 received from disqualified persons            
b Amounts included on lines 2 and 3 received from other than disqualified persons that exceed the greater of $5,000 or 1% of the amount on line 13 for the year.            
c Add lines 7a and 7b..            
8 Public support. (Subtract line 7c from line 6.)  
Section B. Total Support
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) right arrow (a) 2020 (b) 2021 (c) 2022 (d) 2023 (e) 2024 (f) Total
9 Amounts from line 6...            
10a Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources..            
b Unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 taxes) from businesses acquired after June 30, 1975.            
c Add lines 10a and 10b.            
11 Net income from unrelated business activities not included on line 10b, whether or not the business is regularly carried on.            
12 Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part VI.) ..            
13 Total support. (Add lines 9, 10c, 11, and 12.)..            
14
First 5 years. If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a section 501(c)(3) organization, check this box and stop here................................................. right arrow
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
15
15
 
16
16
 
Section D. Computation of Investment Income Percentage
17
17
 
18
18
 
19a
33 1/3% support tests-2024. If the organization did not check the box on line 14, and line 15 is more than 33 1/3%, and line 17 is not more than 33 1/3%, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization ....... right arrow
b
33 1/3 % support tests—2023. If the organization did not check a box on line 14 or line 19a, and line 16 is more than 33 1/3% and line 18 is not more than 33 1/3%, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization ..... right arrow
20
Private foundation. If the organization did not check a box on line 14, 19a, or 19b, check this box and see instructions .... right arrow
Schedule A (Form 990) 2024

Schedule A (Form 990) 2024
Page 4
Part IV
Supporting Organizations
(Complete only if you checked a box on line 12 of Part I. If you checked box 12a, of Part I, complete Sections A and B. If you checked box 12b, of Part I, complete Sections A and C. If you checked box 12c, of Part I, complete Sections A, D, and E. If you checked box12d, of Part I, complete Sections A and D, and complete Part V.)
Section A. All Supporting Organizations
Yes
No
1
Are all of the organization’s supported organizations listed by name in the organization’s governing documents?
If "No," describe in Part VI how the supported organizations are designated. If designated by class or purpose,
describe the designation. If historic and continuing relationship, explain.
1
 
 
2
Did the organization have any supported organization that does not have an IRS determination of status under section 509(a)(1) or (2)? If "Yes," explain in Part VI how the organization determined that the supported organization was described in section 509(a)(1) or (2).
2
 
 
3a
Did the organization have a supported organization described in section 501(c)(4), (5), or (6)? If "Yes," answer lines 3b and 3c below.
3a
 
 
b
Did the organization confirm that each supported organization qualified under section 501(c)(4), (5), or (6) and satisfied the public support tests under section 509(a)(2)? If "Yes," describe in Part VI when and how the organization made the determination.
3b
 
 
c
Did the organization ensure that all support to such organizations was used exclusively for section 170(c)(2)(B) purposes? If "Yes," explain in Part VI what controls the organization put in place to ensure such use.
3c
 
 
4a
Was any supported organization not organized in the United States ("foreign supported organization")? If “Yes” and if you checked box 12a or 12b in Part I, answer lines 4b and 4c below.
4a
 
 
b
Did the organization have ultimate control and discretion in deciding whether to make grants to the foreign supported organization? If “Yes,” describe in Part VI how the organization had such control and discretion despite being controlled or supervised by or in connection with its supported organizations.
4b
 
 
c
Did the organization support any foreign supported organization that does not have an IRS determination under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1) or (2)? If “Yes,” explain in Part VI what controls the organization used to ensure that all support to the foreign supported organization was used exclusively for section 170(c)(2)(B) purposes.
4c
 
 
5a
Did the organization add, substitute, or remove any supported organizations during the tax year? If “Yes,” answer lines 5b and 5c below (if applicable). Also, provide detail in Part VI, including (i) the names and EIN numbers of the supported organizations added, substituted, or removed; (ii) the reasons for each such action; (iii) the authority under the organization's organizing document authorizing such action; and (iv) how the action was accomplished (such as by amendment to the organizing document).
5a
 
 
b
Type I or Type II only. Was any added or substituted supported organization part of a class already designated in the organization's organizing document?
5b
 
 
c
Substitutions only. Was the substitution the result of an event beyond the organization's control?
5c
 
 
6
Did the organization provide support (whether in the form of grants or the provision of services or facilities) to anyone other than (i) its supported organizations, (ii) individuals that are part of the charitable class benefited by one or more of its supported organizations, or (iii) other supporting organizations that also support or benefit one or more of the filing organization’s supported organizations? If “Yes,” provide detail in Part VI.
6
 
 
7
Did the organization provide a grant, loan, compensation, or other similar payment to a substantial contributor (defined in section 4958(c)(3)(C)), a family member of a substantial contributor, or a 35% controlled entity with regard to a substantial contributor? If “Yes,” complete Part I of Schedule L (Form 990) .
7
 
 
8
Did the organization make a loan to a disqualified person (as defined in section 4958) not described on line 7? If “Yes,” complete Part I of Schedule L (Form 990).
8
 
 
9a
Was the organization controlled directly or indirectly at any time during the tax year by one or more disqualified persons, as defined in section 4946 (other than foundation managers and organizations described in section 509(a)(1) or (2))? If “Yes,” provide detail in Part VI.
9a
 
 
b
Did one or more disqualified persons (as defined on line 9a) hold a controlling interest in any entity in which the supporting organization had an interest? If “Yes,” provide detail in Part VI.
9b
 
 
c
Did a disqualified person (as defined on line 9a) have an ownership interest in, or derive any personal benefit from, assets in which the supporting organization also had an interest? If “Yes,” provide detail in Part VI.
9c
 
 
10a
Was the organization subject to the excess business holdings rules of section 4943 because of section 4943(f) (regarding certain Type II supporting organizations, and all Type III non-functionally integrated supporting organizations)? If “Yes,” answer line 10b below.
10a
 
 
b
Did the organization have any excess business holdings in the tax year? (Use Schedule C, Form 4720, to determine whether the organization had excess business holdings).
10b
 
 
Schedule A (Form 990) 2024

Schedule A (Form 990) 2024
Page 5
Part IV
Supporting Organizations (continued)
Yes
No
11
Has the organization accepted a gift or contribution from any of the following persons?
a
A person who directly or indirectly controls, either alone or together with persons described on lines 11b and 11c below, the governing body of a supported organization?
11a
 
 
b
A family member of a person described on 11a above?
11b
 
 
c
A 35% controlled entity of a person described on line 11a or 11b above? If “Yes” to 11a, 11b, or 11c, provide detail in Part VI.
11c
 
 
Section B. Type I Supporting Organizations
Yes
No
1
Did the officers, directors, trustees, or membership of one or more supported organizations have the power to regularly appoint or elect at least a majority of the organization’s directors or trustees at all times during the tax year? If “No,” describe in Part VI how the supported organization(s) effectively operated, supervised, or controlled the organization’s activities. If the organization had more than one supported organization, describe how the powers to appoint and/or remove directors or trustees were allocated among the supported organizations and what conditions or restrictions, if any, applied to such powers during the tax year.
1
 
 
2
Did the organization operate for the benefit of any supported organization other than the supported organization(s) that operated, supervised, or controlled the supporting organization? If “Yes,” explain in Part VI how providing such benefit carried out the purposes of the supported organization(s) that operated, supervised or controlled the supporting organization.
2
 
 
Section C. Type II Supporting Organizations
Yes
No
1
Were a majority of the organization’s directors or trustees during the tax year also a majority of the directors or trustees of each of the organization’s supported organization(s)? If “No,” describe in Part VI how control or management of the supporting organization was vested in the same persons that controlled or managed the supported organization(s).
1
 
 
Section D. All Type III Supporting Organizations
Yes
No
1
Did the organization provide to each of its supported organizations, by the last day of the fifth month of the organization’s tax year, (i) a written notice describing the type and amount of support provided during the prior tax year, (ii) a copy of the Form 990 that was most recently filed as of the date of notification, and (iii) copies of the organization’s governing documents in effect on the date of notification, to the extent not previously provided?
1
 
 
2
Were any of the organization’s officers, directors, or trustees either (i) appointed or elected by the supported organization(s) or (ii) serving on the governing body of a supported organization? If "No," explain in Part VI how the organization maintained a close and continuous working relationship with the supported organization(s).
2
 
 
3
By reason of the relationship described in line 2 above, did the organization’s supported organizations have a significant voice in the organization’s investment policies and in directing the use of the organization’s income or assets at all times during the tax year? If "Yes," describe in Part VI the role the organization’s supported organizations played in this regard.
3
 
 
Section E. Type III Functionally-Integrated Supporting Organizations
1
Check the box next to the method that the organization used to satisfy the Integral Part Test during the year (see instructions):
a
b
c
2
Activities Test. Answer lines 2a and 2b below.
Yes
No
a
Did substantially all of the organization’s activities during the tax year directly further the exempt purposes of the supported organization(s) to which the organization was responsive? If "Yes," then in Part VI identify those supported organizations and explain how these activities directly furthered their exempt purposes, how the organization was responsive to those supported organizations, and how the organization determined that these activities constituted substantially all of its activities.
2a
 
 
b
Did the activities described on line 2a, above constitute activities that, but for the organization’s involvement, one or more of the organization’s supported organization(s) would have been engaged in? If "Yes," explain in Part VI the reasons for the organization’s position that its supported organization(s) would have engaged in these activities but for the organization’s involvement.
2b
 
 
3
Parent of Supported Organizations. Answer lines 3a and 3b below.
a
Did the organization have the power to regularly appoint or elect a majority of the officers, directors, or trustees of each of the supported organizations?If "Yes" or "No", provide details in Part VI.
3a
 
 
b
Did the organization exercise a substantial degree of direction over the policies, programs and activities of each of its supported organizations? If "Yes," describe in Part VI. the role played by the organization in this regard.
3b
 
 
Schedule A (Form 990) 2024

Schedule A (Form 990) 2024
Page 6
Part V
Type III Non-Functionally Integrated 509(a)(3) Supporting Organizations
1
Section A - Adjusted Net Income (A) Prior Year (B) Current Year
(optional)
1 Net short-term capital gain 1    
2 Recoveries of prior-year distributions 2    
3 Other gross income (see instructions) 3    
4 Add lines 1 through 3 4    
5 Depreciation and depletion 5    
6 Portion of operating expenses paid or incurred for production or collection of gross income or for management, conservation, or maintenance of property held for production of income (see instructions) 6    
7 Other expenses (see instructions) 7    
8 Adjusted Net Income (subtract lines 5, 6 and 7 from line 4) 8    
Section B - Minimum Asset Amount (A) Prior Year (B) Current Year
(optional)
1 Aggregate fair market value of all non-exempt-use assets (see instructions for short tax year or assets held for part of year): 1
a Average monthly value of securities 1a    
b Average monthly cash balances 1b    
c Fair market value of other non-exempt-use assets 1c    
d Total (add lines 1a, 1b, and 1c) 1d    
e Discount claimed for blockage or other factors
(explain in detail in Part VI):  
2 Acquisition indebtedness applicable to non-exempt use assets 2    
3 Subtract line 2 from line 1d 3    
4 Cash deemed held for exempt use. Enter 0.015 of line 3 (for greater amount, see instructions). 4    
5 Net value of non-exempt-use assets (subtract line 4 from line 3) 5    
6 Multiply line 5 by 0.035 6    
7 Recoveries of prior-year distributions 7    
8 Minimum Asset Amount (add line 7 to line 6) 8    
Section C - Distributable Amount Current Year
1 Adjusted net income for prior year (from Section A, line 8, Column A) 1  
2 Enter 85% of line 1 2  
3 Minimum asset amount for prior year (from Section B, line 8, Column A) 3  
4 Enter greater of line 2 or line 3 4  
5 Income tax imposed in prior year 5  
6 Distributable Amount. Subtract line 5 from line 4, unless subject to emergency temporary reduction (see instructions) 6  
7
Schedule A (Form 990) 2024

Schedule A (Form 990) 2024
Page 7
Part V
Type III Non-Functionally Integrated 509(a)(3) Supporting Organizations(continued)
Section D - Distributions Current Year
1 Amounts paid to supported organizations to accomplish exempt purposes 1  
2 Amounts paid to perform activity that directly furthers exempt purposes of supported organizations, in
excess of income from activity 		2  
3 Administrative expenses paid to accomplish exempt purposes of supported organizations 3  
4 Amounts paid to acquire exempt-use assets 4  
5 Qualified set-aside amounts (prior IRS approval required - provide details in Part VI) 5  
6 Other distributions (describe in Part VI). See instructions 6  
7Total annual distributions. Add lines 1 through 6. 7  
8 Distributions to attentive supported organizations to which the organization is responsive (provide
details in Part VI). See instructions 		8  
9 Distributable amount for 2024 from Section C, line 6 9  
10 Line 8 amount divided by Line 9 amount 10  
Section E - Distribution Allocations (see instructions) (i)
Excess Distributions 		(ii)
Underdistributions
Pre-2024 		(iii)
Distributable
Amount for 2024
1 Distributable amount for 2024 from Section C, line 6  
2 Underdistributions, if any, for years prior to 2024 (reasonable cause required-- explain in Part VI).
See instructions.		  
3 Excess distributions carryover, if any, to 2024:
a From 2019.......  
b From 2020.......  
c From 2021.......  
d From 2022.......  
e From 2023.......  
fTotal of lines 3a through e  
g Applied to underdistributions of prior years  
h Applied to 2024 distributable amount  
i Carryover from 2019 not applied (see
instructions) 		 
j Remainder. Subtract lines 3g, 3h, and 3i from line 3f.  
4Distributions for 2024 from Section D, line 7:
$  
a Applied to underdistributions of prior years  
b Applied to 2024 distributable amount  
c Remainder. Subtract lines 4a and 4b from line 4.  
5 Remaining underdistributions for years prior to
2024, if any. Subtract lines 3g and 4a from line 2.
If the amount is greater than zero, explain in Part VI.
See instructions. 		 
6 Remaining underdistributions for 2024. Subtract
lines 3h and 4b from line 1. If the amount is greater
than zero, explain in Part VI. See instructions. 		 
7 Excess distributions carryover to 2025. Add lines
3j and 4c. 		 
8 Breakdown of line 7:
a Excess from 2020.....  
b Excess from 2021.....  
c Excess from 2022.....  
d Excess from 2023.....  
e Excess from 2024.....  
Schedule A (Form 990) (2024)

Schedule A (Form 990) 2024
Page 8
Part VI
Supplemental Information. Provide the explanations required by Part II, line 10; Part II, line 17a or 17b; Part III, line 12; Part IV, Section A, lines 1, 2, 3b, 3c, 4b, 4c, 5a, 6, 9a, 9b, 9c, 11a, 11b, and 11c; Part IV, Section B, lines 1 and 2; Part IV, Section C, line 1; Part IV, Section D, lines 2 and 3; Part IV, Section E, lines 1c, 2a, 2b, 3a and 3b; Part V, line 1; Part V, Section B, line 1e; Part V Section D, lines 5, 6, and 8; and Part V, Section E, lines 2, 5, and 6. Also complete this part for any additional information. (See instructions).
Facts And Circumstances Test
 
Return Reference Explanation
PART II, LINE 10 OTHER INCOME 308,333
Schedule A (Form 990) 2024


Additional Data


Software ID:  
Software Version:  
Schedule B
(Form 990)
(Rev. January 2025)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Schedule of Contributors

right arrow Attach to Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF.
right arrow Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for the latest information.
OMB No. 1545-0047
Name of the organization
THE SONORAN INSTITUTE INC
 
Employer identification number

86-0684610
Organization type (check one):
Filers of:
Section:
Form 990 or 990-EZ
501(c)( ) (enter number) organization

4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trust not treated as a private foundation

527 political organization


Form 990-PF
501(c)(3) exempt private foundation

4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trust treated as a private foundation

501(c)(3) taxable private foundation
Check if your organization is covered by the General Rule or a Special Rule.  
Note:  Only a section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) organization can check boxes for both the General Rule and a Special Rule. See instructions.
General Rule
For an organization filing Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF that received, during the year, contributions totaling $5,000 or more (in money or other property) from any one contributor. Complete Parts I and II. See instructions for determining a contributor's total contributions.
Special Rules
For an organization described in section 501(c)(3) filing Form 990 or 990-EZ that met the 331/3% support test of the regulations
under sections 509(a)(1) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi), that checked Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ), Part II, line 13, 16a, or 16b, and that received from any one contributor, during the year, total contributions of the greater of (1) $5,000 or (2) 2% of the amount on (i) Form 990, Part VIII, line 1h, or (ii) Form 990-EZ, line 1. Complete Parts I and II.
For an organization described in section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) filing Form 990 or 990-EZ that received from any one contributor,
during the year, total contributions of more than $1,000 exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes, or for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals. Complete Parts I, II, and III.
For an organization described in section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) filing Form 990 or 990-EZ that received from any one contributor,
during the year, contributions exclusively for religious, charitable, etc., purposes, but no such contributions totaled more than $1,000. If this box is checked, enter here the total contributions that were received during the year for an exclusively religious, charitable, etc., purpose. Don't complete any of the parts unless the General Rule applies to this organization because it received nonexclusively religious, charitable, etc., contributions totaling $5,000 or more during the year ......... Right Arrow $  
Caution: An organization that isn't covered by the General Rule and/or the Special Rules doesn't file Schedule B (Form 990,
990-EZ, or 990-PF), but it must answer “No” on Part IV, line 2, of its Form 990; or check the box on line H of its Form 990-EZ
or on its Form 990PF, Part I, line 2, to certify that it doesn't meet the filing requirements of Schedule B (Form 990,
990-EZ, or 990-PF).
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions
for Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF.
Cat. No. 30613XSchedule B (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Schedule B (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025) Page 2
Name of organization
THE SONORAN INSTITUTE INC
  		Employer identification number
86-0684610
Part I
Contributors (see instructions). Use duplicate copies of Part I if additional space is needed.
(a)
No.		 (b)
Name, address, and ZIP + 4		 (c)
Total contributions		 (d)
Type of contribution
RESTRICTED
 
 
 
 
  ,    

$ RESTRICTED


(Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a)
No.		 (b)
Name, address, and ZIP + 4		 (c)
Total contributions		 (d)
Type of contribution
 
 
 
 

$  


(Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a)
No.		 (b)
Name, address, and ZIP + 4		 (c)
Total contributions		 (d)
Type of contribution
 
 
 
 

$  


(Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a)
No.		 (b)
Name, address, and ZIP + 4		 (c)
Total contributions		 (d)
Type of contribution
 
 
 
 

$  


(Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a)
No.		 (b)
Name, address, and ZIP + 4		 (c)
Total contributions		 (d)
Type of contribution
 
 
 
 

$  


(Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a)
No.		 (b)
Name, address, and ZIP + 4		 (c)
Total contributions		 (d)
Type of contribution
 
 
 
 

$  


(Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
Schedule B (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Schedule B (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Page 3
Name of organization
THE SONORAN INSTITUTE INC
  		Employer identification number

86-0684610
Part II
Noncash Property (see instructions). Use duplicate copies of Part II if additional space is needed.
(a)
No. from Part I 		(b)
Description of noncash property given 		(c)
FMV (or estimate)
(See instructions) 		(d)
Date received
 
$    
(a)
No. from Part I 		(b)
Description of noncash property given 		(c)
FMV (or estimate)
(See instructions) 		(d)
Date received
 
$    
(a)
No. from Part I 		(b)
Description of noncash property given 		(c)
FMV (or estimate)
(See instructions) 		(d)
Date received
 
$    
(a)
No. from Part I 		(b)
Description of noncash property given 		(c)
FMV (or estimate)
(See instructions) 		(d)
Date received
 
$    
(a)
No. from Part I 		(b)
Description of noncash property given 		(c)
FMV (or estimate)
(See instructions) 		(d)
Date received
 
$    
(a)
No. from Part I 		(b)
Description of noncash property given 		(c)
FMV (or estimate)
(See instructions) 		(d)
Date received
 
$    
Schedule B (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Schedule B (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Page 4
Name of organization
THE SONORAN INSTITUTE INC
  		Employer identification number

86-0684610
Part III
Exclusively religious, charitable, etc., contributions to organizations described in section 501(c) (7), (8), or (10) that total more than $1,000 for the year from any one contributor. Complete columns (a) through (e) and the following line entry. For organizations completing Part III, enter the total of exclusively religious, charitable, etc., contributions of $1,000 or less for the year. (Enter this information once. See instructions.) $  
Use duplicate copies of Part III if additional space is needed.
(a)
No. from Part I		 (b) Purpose of gift (c) Use of gift (d) Description of how gift is held
 
(e) Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4 Relationship of transferor to transferee
 
 
     
 
(a)
No. from Part I		 (b) Purpose of gift (c) Use of gift (d) Description of how gift is held
 
(e) Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4 Relationship of transferor to transferee
 
 
     
 
(a)
No. from Part I		 (b) Purpose of gift (c) Use of gift (d) Description of how gift is held
 
(e) Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4 Relationship of transferor to transferee
 
 
     
 
(a)
No. from Part I		 (b) Purpose of gift (c) Use of gift (d) Description of how gift is held
 
(e) Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4 Relationship of transferor to transferee
 
 
     
 
Schedule B (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Additional Data


Software ID:  
Software Version:  
SCHEDULE D
(Form 990)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Supplemental Financial Statements
right arrow Complete if the organization answered "Yes," on Form 990,
Part IV, line 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f, 12a, or 12b.
right arrow Attach to Form 990.
right arrow Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for instructions and the latest information.
OMB No. 1545-0047
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
THE SONORAN INSTITUTE INC
 
Employer identification number

86-0684610
Part I
Organizations Maintaining Donor Advised Funds or Other Similar Funds or Accounts. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 6.
(a) Donor advised funds (b) Funds and other accounts
1 Total number at end of year .........    
2 Aggregate value of contributions to (during year)    
3 Aggregate value of grants from (during year)    
4 Aggregate value at end of year ........    
5
Did the organization inform all donors and donor advisors in writing that the assets held in donor advised funds are the organization’s property, subject to the organization’s exclusive legal control? ............
6
Did the organization inform all grantees, donors, and donor advisors in writing that grant funds can be used only for charitable purposes and not for the benefit of the donor or donor advisor, or for any other purpose conferring impermissible private benefit? ...................................
Part II
Conservation Easements.
Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 7.
1
Purpose(s) of conservation easements held by the organization (check all that apply).
2
Complete lines 2a through 2d if the organization held a qualified conservation contribution in the form of a conservation easement on the last day of the tax year.
Held at the End of the Year
a Total number of conservation easements ...................... 2a 1
b Total acreage restricted by conservation easements .................... 2b 1,920.00
c Number of conservation easements on a certified historic structure included in (a) ..... 2c  
d Number of conservation easements included in (c) acquired after July 25, 2006, and not on a historic structure listed in the National Register ... 2d  
3
Number of conservation easements modified, transferred, released, extinguished, or terminated by the organization during the
tax year right arrow  
4
Number of states where property subject to conservation easement is located right arrow1
5
Does the organization have a written policy regarding the periodic monitoring, inspection, handling of violations, and enforcement of the conservation easements it holds? ............
6
Staff and volunteer hours devoted to monitoring, inspecting, handling of violations, and enforcing conservation easements during the year
right arrow  
7
Amount of expenses incurred in monitoring, inspecting, handling of violations, and enforcing conservation easements during the year
right arrow $  
8
Does each conservation easement reported on line 2(d) above satisfy the requirements of section 170(h)(4)(B)(i) and section 170(h)(4)(B)(ii)? .............................
9
In Part XIII, describe how the organization reports conservation easements in its revenue and expense statement, and
balance sheet, and include, if applicable, the text of the footnote to the organization’s financial statements that describes
the organization’s accounting for conservation easements.
Part III
Organizations Maintaining Collections of Art, Historical Treasures, or Other Similar Assets.
Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 8.
1a
If the organization elected, as permitted under FASB ASC 958, not to report in its revenue statement and balance sheet works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets held for public exhibition, education, or research in furtherance of public service, provide, in Part XIII, the text of the footnote to its financial statements that describes these items.
b
If the organization elected, as permitted under FASB ASC 958, to report in its revenue statement and balance sheet works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets held for public exhibition, education, or research in furtherance of public service, provide the following amounts relating to these items:
(i)
Revenue included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 1 .........................right arrow $  
(ii)
Assets included in Form 990, Part X ...............................right arrow $  
2
If the organization received or held works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets for financial gain, provide the
following amounts required to be reported under FASB ASC 958 relating to these items:
a
Revenue included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 1 ..........................right arrow $  
b
Assets included in Form 990, Part X ...............................right arrow $  
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.
Cat. No. 52283D
Schedule D (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)

Schedule D (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Page 2
Part III
Organizations Maintaining Collections of Art, Historical Treasures, or Other Similar Assets (continued)
3
Using the organization’s acquisition, accession, and other records, check any of the following that are a significant use of its collection items (check all that apply):
a
d
b
e
 
c
4
Provide a description of the organization’s collections and explain how they further the organization’s exempt purpose in
Part XIII.
5
During the year, did the organization solicit or receive donations of art, historical treasures or other similar
assets to be sold to raise funds rather than to be maintained as part of the organization’s collection?...
Part IV
Escrow and Custodial Arrangements. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 9, or reported an amount on Form 990, Part X, line 21.
1a
Is the organization an agent, trustee, custodian or other intermediary for contributions or other assets not
included on Form 990, Part X? ....................................
b If "Yes," explain the arrangement in Part XIII and complete the following table: Amount
c Beginning balance ............................. 1c  
d Additions during the year ............................ 1d  
e Distributions during the year .......................... 1e  
f Ending balance ................................ 1f  
2a
Did the organization include an amount on Form 990, Part X, line 21, for escrow or custodial account liability? ...
b
If "Yes," explain the arrangement in Part XIII. Check here if the explanation has been provided in Part XIII ....
Part V
Endowment Funds.
Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 10.
(a) Current year (b) Prior year (c) Two years back (d) Three years back (e) Four years back
1a Beginning of year balance .... 1,953,473 1,842,804 1,767,703 2,084,255 1,744,657
b Contributions ... 1,340 4,000     7,061
c Net investment earnings, gains, and losses 162,650 180,758 156,127 -245,792 394,805
d Grants or scholarships ...          
e Other expenditures for facilities
and programs ... 		72,437 74,089 81,026 70,760 62,268
f Administrative expenses ....          
g End of year balance ...... 2,045,026 1,953,473 1,842,804 1,767,703 2,084,255
2
Provide the estimated percentage of the current year end balance (line 1g, column (a)) held as:
a
Board designated or quasi-endowment right arrow  
b
Permanent endowment right arrow100.000 %
c
Term endowment right arrow  
The percentages on lines 2a, 2b, and 2c should equal 100%.
3a
Are there endowment funds not in the possession of the organization that are held and administered for the
organization by:

Yes
No
(i) Unrelated organizations .................
3a(i)
Yes
 
(ii) Related organizations .................
3a(ii)
 
No
b
If "Yes" on 3a(ii), are the related organizations listed as required on Schedule R? .........
3b
 
 
4
Describe in Part XIII the intended uses of the organization's endowment funds.
Part VI
Land, Buildings, and Equipment.
Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 11a. See Form 990, Part X, line 10.
Description of property (a) Cost or other basis
(investment) 		(b) Cost or other basis (other) (c) Accumulated depreciation (d) Book value
1a Land .....      
b Buildings ....        
c Leasehold improvements        
d Equipment ....   488,674 354,991 133,683
e Other .....   92,740 92,740  
Total. Add lines 1a through 1e. (Column (d) must equal Form 990, Part X, column (B), line 10(c).)..right arrow 133,683
Schedule D (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)

Schedule D (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Page 3
Part VII
Investments - Other Securities.
Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 11b. See Form 990, Part X, line 12.
(a) Description of security or category
(including name of security)		 (b) Book value (c) Method of valuation:
Cost or end-of-year market value
(1) Financial derivatives.........    
(2) Closely-held equity interests........    
(3)Other
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
(F)
(G)
(H)
Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col. (B) line 12.)right arrow  
Part VIII
Investments - Program Related. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 11c. See Form 990, Part X, line 13.
(a) Description of investment (b) Book value (c) Method of valuation:
Cost or end-of-year market value
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 13.)right arrow  
Part IX
Other Assets.
Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 11d. See Form 990, Part X, line 15.
(a) Description (b) Book value
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 15.)...........right arrow  
Part X
Other Liabilities.
Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 11e or 11f. See Form 990, Part X, line 25.
1.(a) Description of liability (b) Book value
(1) Federal income taxes  
LEASE LIABILITIES 17,622








Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 25.)right arrow 17,622
2. Liability for uncertain tax positions. In Part XIII, provide the text of the footnote to the organization's financial statements that reports the organization's liability for uncertain tax positions under FIN 48 (ASC 740). Check here if the text of the footnote has been provided in Part XIII
Schedule D (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)

Schedule D (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Page 4
Part XI Reconciliation of Revenue per Audited Financial Statements With Revenue per Return. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 12a.
1 Total revenue, gains, and other support per audited financial statements ....... 1 4,780,682
2 Amounts included on line 1 but not on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12:
a Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments .... 2a 53,294
b Donated services and use of facilities ......... 2b 4,735
c Recoveries of prior year grants ........... 2c  
d Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ........... 2d 43,549
e Add lines 2a through 2d ..................... 2e 101,578
3 Subtract line 2e from line 1.................. 3 4,679,104
4 Amounts included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12, but not on line 1:
a Investment expenses not included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 7b . 4a 20,612
b Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ........... 4b  
c Add lines 4a and 4b.................... 4c 20,612
5 Total revenue. Add lines 3 and 4c. (This must equal Form 990, Part I, line 12.) ...... 5 4,699,716
Part XII Reconciliation of Expenses per Audited Financial Statements With Expenses per Return. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 12a.
1 Total expenses and losses per audited financial statements ........... 1 5,014,404
2 Amounts included on line 1 but not on Form 990, Part IX, line 25:
a Donated services and use of facilities ......... 2a 4,735
b Prior year adjustments ............ 2b  
c Other losses ................ 2c  
d Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ........... 2d 52,798
e Add lines 2a through 2d.................... 2e 57,533
3 Subtract line 2e from line 1................... 3 4,956,871
4 Amounts included on Form 990, Part IX, line 25, but not on line 1:
a Investment expenses not included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 7b .. 4a 20,612
b Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ........... 4b  
c Add lines 4a and 4b..................... 4c 20,612
5 Total expenses. Add lines 3 and 4c. (This must equal Form 990, Part I, line 18.) ...... 5 4,977,483
Part XIII
Supplemental Information
Provide the descriptions required for Part II, lines 3, 5, and 9; Part III, lines 1a and 4; Part lV, lines 1b and 2b; Part V, line 4; Part X, line 2; Part XI, lines 2d and 4b; and Part XII, lines 2d and 4b. Also complete this part to provide any additional information.
Return Reference Explanation
SCHEDULE D, PAGE 1, PART II, LINE 9 NO DISCLOSURE OF THE CONSERVATION HAS BEEN MADE ON THE ORGANIZATION'S FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS THE EASEMENT DOES NOT PROVIDE ANY FUTURE BENEFIT TO THE ORGANIZATION.
SCHEDULE D, PAGE 2, PART V, LINE 4 THE INVESTMENT EARNINGS FROM THE ENDOWMENT GIFT WILL BE USED FOR GENERAL INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT.
SCHEDULE D, PAGE 3, PART X THE INSTITUTE'S POLICY IS TO DISCLOSE OR RECOGNIZE INCOME TAX POSITIONS BASED ON MANAGEMENT'S ESTIMATE OF WHETHER IT IS REASONABLY POSSIBLE OR PROBABLE, RESPECTIVELY, THAT A LIABILITY HAS BEEN IN CURRED FOR UNRECOGNIZED INCOME TAX POSITIONS. AS OF JUNE 30, 2025, THERE WERE NO UNCERTAIN TAX POSITIONS THAT ARE POTENTIALLY MATERIAL. IN ADDITION, MANAGEMENT IS NOT AWARE OF ANY MATTERS WHICH WOULD CAUSE THE INSTITUTE TO LOSE ITS TAX-EXEMPT STATUS.
SCHEDULE D, PAGE 4, PART XI, LINE 2D DIRECT DONOR BENEFITS 43,549
SCHEDULE D, PAGE 4, PART XII, LINE 2D BAD DEBT EXPENSE 9,249 EVENT EXPENSES 43,549
Schedule D (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)


Additional Data


Software ID:  
Software Version:  




SCHEDULE F(Form 990)
(Rev. January 2025)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Statement of Activities Outside the United States
Right arrow Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990, Part IV, line 14b, 15, or 16.Right arrow Attach to Form 990.Right arrow Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for instructions and the latest information.
OMB No. 1545-0047
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
THE SONORAN INSTITUTE INC
 
Employer identification number

86-0684610
Part I
General Information on Activities Outside the United States. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 14b.
1
For grantmakers. Does the organization maintain records to substantiate the amount of its grants and
other assistance, the grantees’ eligibility for the grants or assistance, and the selection criteria used
to award the grants or assistance? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2
For grantmakers. Describe in Part V the organization’s procedures for monitoring the use of its grants and other assistance outside the United States.
3
Activites per Region. (The following Part I, line 3 table can be duplicated if additional space is needed.)
(a) Region (b) Number of offices in the region (c) Number of employees, agents, and independent contractors in the region (d) Activities conducted in region (by type) (such as, fundraising, program services, investments, grants to recipients located in the region) (e) If activity listed in (d) is a program service, describe specific type of
service(s) in the region		 (f) Total expenditures
for and investments
in the region
MEXICO 1 41 MEXICO FIELD OFFICE FIELD ACTIVITIES 1,709,747
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
3a Sub-total .... 1 41 1,709,747
b Total from continuation sheets to Part I ...      
c Totals (add lines 3a and 3b) 1 41 1,709,747
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.Cat. No. 50082W Schedule F (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Schedule F (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Page 2
Part II
Grants and Other Assistance to Organizations or Entities Outside the United States. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 15, for any recipient who received more than $5,000. Part II can be duplicated if additional space is needed.
1 (a) Name of organization (b) IRS code section
and EIN (if applicable)		 (c) Region (d) Purpose of
grant 		(e) Amount of
cash grant 		(f) Manner of
cash
disbursement 		(g) Amount
of noncash
assistance 		(h) Description
of noncash
assistance 		(i) Method of
valuation
(book, FMV,
appraisal, other)
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
2 Enter total number of recipient organizations listed above that are recognized as charities by the foreign country, recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS, or for which the grantee or counsel has provided a section 501(c)(3) equivalency letter .......MediumBullet
 
3 Enter total number of other organizations or entities .......................MediumBullet
 
Schedule F (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Schedule F (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)Page 3
Part III
Grants and Other Assistance to Individuals Outside the United States. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 16.
Part III can be duplicated if additional space is needed.
(a) Type of grant or assistance (b) Region (c) Number of recipients (d) Amount of
cash grant 		(e) Manner of cash
disbursement 		(f) Amount of
noncash
assistance 		(g) Description
of noncash
assistance 		(h) Method of
valuation
(book, FMV,
appraisal, other)
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
Schedule F (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Schedule F (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Page 4
Part IV
Foreign Forms
1 Was the organization a U.S. transferor of property to a foreign corporation during the tax year? If "Yes," the organization may be required to file Form 926, Return by a U.S. Transferor of Property to a Foreign Corporation (see Instructions for Form 926). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Did the organization have an interest in a foreign trust during the tax year? If "Yes," the organization may be required to separately file Form 3520, Annual Return to Report Transactions with Foreign Trusts and Receipt of Certain Foreign Gifts, and/or Form 3520-A, Annual Information Return of Foreign Trust With a U.S. Owner (see Instructions for Forms 3520 and 3520-A; don't file with Form 990). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Did the organization have an ownership interest in a foreign corporation during the tax year? If "Yes," the organization may be required to file Form 5471, Information Return of U.S. Persons with Respect to Certain Foreign Corporations. (see Instructions for Form 5471). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Was the organization a direct or indirect shareholder of a passive foreign investment company or a qualified electing fund during the tax year? If “Yes,” the organization may be required to file Form 8621, Information Return by a Shareholder of a Passive Foreign Investment Company or Qualified Electing Fund. (see Instructions for Form 8621) .
5 Did the organization have an ownership interest in a foreign partnership during the tax year? If "Yes," the organization may be required to file Form 8865, Return of U.S. Persons with Respect to Certain Foreign Partnerships (see Instructions for Form 8865). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Did the organization have any operations in or related to any boycotting countries during the tax year? If "Yes," the organization may be required to separately file Form 5713, International Boycott Report (see Instructions for Form 5713; don't file with Form 990).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Schedule F (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Schedule F (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Page 5
Part V
Supplemental Information
Provide the information required by Part I, line 2 (monitoring of funds); Part I, line 3, column (f) (accounting method; amounts of investments vs. expenditures per region); Part II, line 1 (accounting method); Part III (accounting method); and Part III, column (c) (estimated number of recipients), as applicable. Also complete this part to provide any additional information. See instructions.
ReturnReference Explanation
SCHEDULE F, PAGE 1, PART I, LINE 2 SONORAN INSTITUTE SCREENS APPLICANTS BY USING AN APPLICATION FOR DESCRIBING THE GRANT REQUIREMENTS AND AVAILABILITY. THE APPLICATION REQUESTS MANY DETAILS INCLUDING APPLICANT QUALIFICATIONS, EXPECTATIONS, AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION. SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS RECEIVE A GRANT AWARD LETTER WHICH ENUMERATES MAJOR REQUIREMENTS.
SCHEDULE F, PAGE 1, PART I, LINE 3 MEXICO 1,709,747 0
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
Schedule F (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Additional Data


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SCHEDULE G (Form 990)
(Rev. January 2025)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Supplemental Information Regarding
Fundraising or Gaming Activities
Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, lines 17, 18, or 19, or if the organization entered more than $15,000 on Form 990-EZ, line 6a. right arrowAttach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ.
right arrowGo to www.irs.gov/Form990 for instructions and the latest information.
OMB No. 1545-0047
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
THE SONORAN INSTITUTE INC
 
Employer identification number

86-0684610
Part I
Fundraising Activities.Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 17.
Form 990-EZ filers are not required to complete this part.
1
Indicate whether the organization raised funds through any of the following activities. Check all that apply.
a e
b f
c g
d
2a
Did the organization have a written or oral agreement with any individual (including officers, directors, trustees
or key employees listed in Form 990, Part VII) or entity in connection with professional fundraising services?
b
If "Yes," list the 10 highest paid individuals or entities (fundraisers) pursuant to agreements under which the fundraiser is
to be compensated at least $5,000 by the organization.


(i) Name and address of individual
or entity (fundraiser) 		(ii) Activity (iii) Did fundraiser have custody or control of contributions? (iv) Gross receipts
from activity 		(v) Amount paid to
(or retained by)
fundraiser listed in
col. (i) 		(vi) Amount paid to
(or retained by)
organization
Yes No
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . right arrow      
3
List all states in which the organization is registered or licensed to solicit contributions or has been notified it is exempt from registration or licensing.
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.
Cat. No. 50083H
Schedule G (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Schedule G (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Page 2
Part II
Fundraising Events. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 18, or reported more than $15,000 of fundraising event contributions and gross income on Form 990-EZ, lines 1 and 6b. List events with gross receipts greater than $5,000.




VerticalRevenue
(a) Event #1

35TH ANNIVERSAR
(event type) 		(b) Event #2

 
(event type) 		(c) Other events

 
(total number) 		(d) Total events
(add col. (a) through col. (c))

1
Gross receipts . . . . .
32,365
 
 
32,365

2
Less: Contributions . . . .
32,365
 
 
32,365
3 Gross income (line 1 minus
line 2) . . . . . .
 
 
 
 



VerticalDirectExpenses
4 Cash prizes . . . . .        
5 Noncash prizes . . . .        
6 Rent/facility costs . . . .        
7 Food and beverages . . .        
8 Entertainment . . . .        
9 Other direct expenses . . . 43,549     43,549
10 Direct expense summary. Add lines 4 through 9 in column (d) . . . . . . . . . . right arrow 43,549
11 Net income summary. Subtract line 10 from line 3, column (d). . . . . . . . . . right arrow -43,549
Part III
Gaming. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 19, or reported more than $15,000 on Form 990-EZ, line 6a.
VerticalRevenue
(a) Bingo (b) Pull tabs/Instant
bingo/progressive bingo 		(c) Other gaming (d) Total gaming (add col.(a) through col.(c))

1
Gross revenue . . . . .
 
 
 
 
VerticalDirectExpenses

2
Cash prizes . . . . .
 
 
 
 

3
Noncash prizes . . . .
 
 
 
 

4
Rent/facility costs . . . .
 
 
 
 

5
Other direct expenses . . .
 
 
 
 


6

Volunteer labor . . . .
%
%
%


7
Direct expense summary. Add lines 2 through 5 in column (d) . . . . . . . . . . right arrow
 

8
Net gaming income summary. Subtract line 7 from line 1, column (d). . . . . . . . . right arrow
 

9
Enter the state(s) in which the organization conducts gaming activities:
a
Is the organization licensed to conduct gaming activities in each of these states? . . . . . . . .
YesNo
b
If "No," explain:
 
10a
Were any of the organization's gaming licenses revoked, suspended or terminated during the tax year? . . .
YesNo
b
If "Yes," explain:
 
Schedule G (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Schedule G (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Page 3
11
Does the organization conduct gaming activities with nonmembers? . . . . . . . . . . .
YesNo
12
Is the organization a grantor, beneficiary or trustee of a trust or a member of a partnership or other entity
formed to administer charitable gaming? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
YesNo
13
Indicate the percentage of gaming activity conducted in:
a
The organization's facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13a
%
b
An outside facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13b
%
14
Enter the name and address of the person who prepares the organization's gaming/special events books and records:
Name right arrow
Address right arrow
15a
Does the organization have a contract with a third party from whom the organization receives gaming
revenue? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
b
If "Yes," enter the amount of gaming revenue received by the organization right arrow $   and the
amount of gaming revenue retained by the third party right arrow $   .
c
If "Yes," enter name and address of the third party:
Name right arrow
Address right arrow
16
Gaming manager information:
Name right arrow
Gaming manager compensation right arrow $  
Description of services provided right arrow
 
17
Mandatory distributions:
a
Is the organization required under state law to make charitable distributions from the gaming proceeds to
retain the state gaming license? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
b
Enter the amount of distributions required under state law distributed to other exempt organizations or spent
in the organization's own exempt activities during the tax year right arrow$  
Part IV
Supplemental Information. Provide the explanations required by Part I, line 2b, columns (iii) and (v); and Part III, lines 9, 9b, 10b, 15b, 15c, 16, and 17b, as applicable. Also provide any additional information. See instructions.
Return Reference Explanation
Schedule G (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Additional Data


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Schedule I
(Form 990)
(Rev. January 2025)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Grants and Other Assistance to Organizations,
Governments and Individuals in the United States
Complete if the organization answered "Yes," on Form 990, Part IV, line 21 or 22.
lBullet Attach to Form 990.
lBullet Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for instructions and the latest information.
OMB No. 1545-0047
Open to Public
Inspection
Name of the organization
THE SONORAN INSTITUTE INC
 
Employer identification number
86-0684610
Part I
General Information on Grants and Assistance
1
Does the organization maintain records to substantiate the amount of the grants or assistance, the grantees' eligibility for the grants or assistance, and
the selection criteria used to award the grants or assistance? ........................
2
Describe in Part IV the organization's procedures for monitoring the use of grant funds in the United States.
Part II
Grants and Other Assistance to Domestic Organizations and Domestic Governments. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 21, for any recipient
that received more than $5,000. Part II can be duplicated if additional space is needed.
(a) Name and address of organization
or government		 (b) EIN (c) IRC section
(if applicable)		 (d) Amount of cash grant (e) Amount of non-cash
assistance		 (f) Method of valuation
(book, FMV, appraisal,
other)		 (g) Description of
noncash assistance		 (h) Purpose of grant
or assistance
(1) TUCSON BIRD ALLIANCE
300 E UNIVERSITY BLVD STE 120
TUCSON,AZ85705 		86-6053779   69,775        
(2) CITY OF RIALTO
150 SOUTH PALM AVENUE
RIALTO,CA92376 		95-6000768   10,000        
(3) INDIO WATER AUTHORITY
83-101 AVENUE 45
INDIO,CA92201 		90-0964624   10,000        
(4) TOWN OF RIDGWAY
201 N RAILROAD
RIDGWAY,CO81432 		84-6000714   10,000        
(5) TOWN OF SUPERIOR
124 E COAL CREEK DRIVE
SUPERIOR,CO80027 		84-0748565   9,290        
(6) TOWN OF FREDERICK
PO BOX 435 401 LOCUST STREET
FREDERICK,CO80530 		84-6000668   8,138        
2
Enter total number of section 501(c)(3) and government organizations listed in the line 1 table ................. Bullet Image
 
3
Enter total number of other organizations listed in the line 1 table ........................ . Bullet Image
 
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.
Cat. No. 50055P
Schedule I (Form 990) Rev. 1-2025

Schedule I (Form 990) Rev. 1-2025
Page 2
Part III
Grants and Other Assistance to Domestic Individuals. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 22.
Part III can be duplicated if additional space is needed.
(a) Type of grant or assistance (b) Number of
recipients		 (c) Amount of
cash grant		 (d) Amount of
noncash assistance		 (e) Method of valuation (book,
FMV, appraisal, other)		 (f) Description of noncash assistance
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
Part IV
Supplemental Information. Provide the information required in Part I, line 2; Part III, column (b); and any other additional information.
Return Reference Explanation
SCHEDULE I, PAGE 1, PART I, LINE 2 SONORAN INSTITUTE SCREENS APPLICANTS BY USING AN APPLICATION FOR DESCRIBING THE GRANT REQUIREMENTS AND AVAILABILITY. THE APPLICATION REQUESTS MANY DETAILS INCLUDING APPLICANT QUALIFICATIONS, EXPECTATIONS, 501(C)(3) STATUS, AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION. SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS RECEIVE A GRANT AWARE LETTER WHICH ENUMERATES MAJOR REQUIREMENTS. FINAL REPORTS SUMMARIZING THEIR EFFORTS, RESULTS, AND SPENDING ARE REQUIRED.
Schedule I (Form 990) Rev. 1-2025



Additional Data


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Schedule J
(Form 990)
(Rev. January 2025)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Compensation Information
For certain Officers, Directors, Trustees, Key Employees, and Highest
Compensated Employees
medium right arrow graphic Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 23.
medium right arrow graphic Attach to Form 990.
medium right arrow graphic Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for instructions and the latest information.
OMB No. 1545-0047
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
THE SONORAN INSTITUTE INC
 
Employer identification number

86-0684610
Part I
Questions Regarding Compensation
Yes
No
1a
Check the appropiate box(es) if the organization provided any of the following to or for a person listed on Form
990, Part VII, Section A, line 1a. Complete Part III to provide any relevant information regarding these items.
b
If any of the boxes on Line 1a are checked, did the organization follow a written policy regarding payment or reimbursement or provision of all of the expenses described above? If "No," complete Part III to explain .....
1b
 
 
2
Did the organization require substantiation prior to reimbursing or allowing expenses incurred by all
directors, trustees, officers, including the CEO/Executive Director, regarding the items checked on Line 1a? ....
2
 
 
3
Indicate which, if any, of the following the filing organization used to establish the compensation of the
organization's CEO/Executive Director. Check all that apply. Do not check any boxes for methods
used by a related organization to establish compensation of the CEO/Executive Director, but explain in Part III.
4
During the year, did any person listed on Form 990, Part VII, Section A, line 1a, with respect to the filing organization or a related organization:
a
Receive a severance payment or change-of-control payment? .............
4a
 
No
b
Participate in, or receive payment from, a supplemental nonqualified retirement plan? .........
4b
 
No
c
Participate in, or receive payment from, an equity-based compensation arrangement? .........
4c
 
No
If "Yes" to any of lines 4a-c, list the persons and provide the applicable amounts for each item in Part III.
Only 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(29) organizations must complete lines 5-9.
5
For persons listed on Form 990, Part VII, Section A, line 1a, did the organization pay or accrue any
compensation contingent on the revenues of:
a
The organization? ....................
5a
 
No
b
Any related organization? .......................
5b
 
No
If "Yes," on line 5a or 5b, describe in Part III.
6
For persons listed on Form 990, Part VII, Section A, line 1a, did the organization pay or accrue any
compensation contingent on the net earnings of:
a
The organization? ..................
6a
 
No
b
Any related organization? ......................
6b
 
No
If "Yes," on line 6a or 6b, describe in Part III.
7
For persons listed on Form 990, Part VII, Section A, line 1a, did the organization provide any nonfixed
payments not described in lines 5 and 6? If "Yes," describe in Part III ............
7
 
No
8
Were any amounts reported on Form 990, Part VII, paid or accured pursuant to a contract that was
subject to the initial contract exception described in Regulations section 53.4958-4(a)(3)? If "Yes," describe
in Part III ..........................
8
 
No
9
If "Yes" on line 8, did the organization also follow the rebuttable presumption procedure described in Regulations section 53.4958-6(c)? .........................
9
 
 
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.
Cat. No. 50053T
Schedule J (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)

Schedule J (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Page 2
Part II
Officers, Directors, Trustees, Key Employees, and Highest Compensated Employees. Use duplicate copies if additional space is needed.
For each individual whose compensation must be reported on Schedule J, report compensation from the organization on row (i) and from related organizations, described in the
instructions, on row (ii). Do not list any individuals that are not listed on Form 990, Part VII.
Note. The sum of columns (B)(i)-(iii) for each listed individual must equal the total amount of Form 990, Part VII, Section A, line 1a, applicable column (D) and (E) amounts for that individual.
(A) Name and Title (B) Breakdown of W-2, 1099-MISC compensation, and/or 1099-NEC (C) Retirement and other deferred compensation (D) Nontaxable
benefits		 (E) Total of columns
(B)(i)-(D) 		(F) Compensation in column (B) reported as deferred on prior Form 990
(i) Base
compensation 		(ii) Bonus & incentive
compensation 		(iii) Other reportable compensation
1MICHAEL ZELLNER
CEO 		(i)

(ii)		 163,069
-------------
  		 
-------------
  		 
-------------
  		3,296
-------------
  		7,146
-------------
  		173,511
-------------
  		 
-------------
 
Schedule J (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)

Schedule J (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Page 3
Part III
Supplemental Information
Provide the information, explanation, or descriptions required for Part I, lines 1a, 1b, 3, 4a, 4b, 4c, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7, and 8, and for Part II. Also complete this part for any additional information.
Return Reference Explanation
Schedule J (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)

Additional Data


Software ID:  
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SCHEDULE O
(Form 990)
(Rev. January 2025)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Supplemental Information to Form 990 or 990-EZ

Complete to provide information for responses to specific questions on
Form 990 or 990-EZ or to provide any additional information.
Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.
 Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for instructions and the latest information.
OMB No. 1545-0047
Open to Public
Inspection
Name of the organization
THE SONORAN INSTITUTE INC
 
Employer identification number

86-0684610
Return Reference Explanation
FORM 990 - ORGANIZATION'S MISSION THE SONORAN INSTITUTE'S MISSION IS TO CONNECT PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES WITH THE NATURAL RESOURCES THAT NOURISH AND SUSTAIN THEM. WE WORK AT THE NEXUS OF COMMERCE, COMMUNITY, AND CONSERVATION TO HELP PEOPLE IN THE NORTH AMERICAN WEST BUILD THE COMMUNITIES THEY WANT TO LIVE IN WHILE PRESERVING THE VALUES WHICH BROUGHT THEM HERE. WE ENVISION A WEST WHERE CIVIL DIALOGUE AND COLLABORATION ARE HALLMARKS OF DECISION MAKING, WHERE PEOPLE AND WILDLIFE LIVE IN HARMONY, AND WHERE CLEAN WATER, AIR, AND ENERGY ARE ASSURED.
FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4A COLORADO RIVER DELTA PROGRAM OUR VISION FOR THE COLORADO RIVER IS A RIVER THAT FLOWS CONTINUOUSLY TO THE SEA, SUPPORTING BOTH HEALTHY ECOSYSTEMS AND THRIVING COMMUNITIES. THE OVERALL GOAL OF THE PROGRAM IS TO RESTORE A FUNCTIONAL CORRIDOR IN THE COLORADO RIVER DELTA BY CREATING A NETWORK OF RIPARIAN AND ESTUARINE HABITAT SITES THAT WILL SUSTAIN BIODIVERSITY AND FACILITATE CONNECTIVITY OF RIVER FLOWS TO THE ESTUARY. IN FISCAL YEAR 2025, WE EVALUATED PROGRESS TOWARDS ACHIEVING OUR GOALS AND OUTCOMES OUTLINED IN OUR CURRENT FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN. GOAL 1: THE COLORADO RIVER CONNECTS TO THE SEA; WITH WATER FOR BOTH HEALTHY LANDSCAPES AND THRIVING COMMUNITIES. OUR TARGET WAS TO INCREASE SUPPLY OF WATER IN THE COLORADO RIVER TO 220 DAYS OF FLOW PER YEAR. THE BASELINE WAS 147 DAYS IN 2020. IN FY25 WE ACCOMPLISHED AN AVERAGE OF 207 DAYS OF CONNECTIVITY BETWEEN 2020-2024, REPRESENTING 94% OF OUR TARGET. GOAL 2: RESTORE 2,860 ACRES OF ESTUARINE HABITAT. FROM A BASELINE IN 2021 OF 1,861 ACRES, WE ACHIEVED 5,842 ACRES BY 2025, REPRESENTING 140% OF THE TARGET. FOR LAGUNA GRANDE RESTORATION AREA, OUR TARGET WAS TO RESTORE 779 ACRES. BY 2025 WE ACCOMPLISHED 838 ACRES, REPRESENTING 107% OF OUR TARGET. IN FY25, EIGHT SMALL SITES TOTALING 11.4 ACRES IN LAGUNA GRANDE RESTORATION AREA WERE SELECTED AND PREPARED TO RECEIVE IN CHANNEL FLOWS FROM FEBRUARY TO SEPTEMBER IN 2025 AS PART OF MINUTE 323. WE ALSO MAINTAINED AND ENHANCED 838 ACRES OF RESTORED HABITAT, INCLUDING THE DELIVERY OF APPROXIMATELY 3,200 ACRE-FEET OF WATER FOR IRRIGATION OF RESTORED SITES. IN TERMS OF INSTREAM FLOWS, WE ACHIEVED THE ANNUAL TARGET VOLUME: DELIVERED 10,382 ACRE-FEET OF TREATED WASTEWATER TO THE HARDY RIVER AND UPPER ESTUARY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION. AS PART OF THE BINATIONAL AGREEMENT MINUTE 323, WATER DELIVERIES BEGAN ON MARCH 21, 2025, AND CONTINUED THROUGH OCTOBER 3RD. TOTAL VOLUME TO BE DELIVERED WAS 19,482 ACRE FEET OVER THAT PERIOD, AND APPROXIMATELY 70% OF THAT WAS DELIVERED BY JUNE 30,2025 IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DELIVERY PLAN. AS THE PREVIOUS YEAR, LONGITUDINALLY CONNECTIVITY WAS APPROXIMATELY 31 MILES PROMOTING THE EXPANSION OF OPEN WATER HABITAT FOR WILDLIFE, AND THE REDUCTION OF SALINITY IN FLOODED AREAS OF THE MAIN CHANNEL AND IN THE UPPER ESTUARY. FEDERAL WATER DELIVERIES SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED GROUNDWATER LEVELS ALONG 31 RIVER MILES UP TO 1.5 METERS IN SOME AREAS SHOWING SUSTAINED IMPROVEMENTS EVEN AFTER THE WATER DELIVERY PERIOD ENDED. AS PART OF THE BINATIONAL AGREEMENT MINUTE 323, PREPARED A PLAN TO DELIVER 22,866 ACRE-FEET OF WATER TO THE COLORADO RIVER IN CALENDAR YEAR 2026. THE SELECTED 2026 HYDROGRAPH WILL DELIVER 1.8 M/S FOR 155 DAYS FROM MARCH 21 THROUGH AUGUST 22, AND IS PROJECTED TO GENERATE FLOWS OF APPROXIMATELY 1 M/S AT THE UPPER ESTUARY, COMMUNITY OUTREACH: DURING FY25, WE CONDUCTED A TOTAL OF 15 GUIDED TOURS AT THE LAGUNA GRANDE RESTORATION SITE, REACHING 244 ATTENDEES, INCLUDING LOCAL FAMILIES FROM MEXICALI AND ITS VALLEY, YOUTH FROM HIGH SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES, AND VISITORS FROM OTHER PARTS OF THE MEXICO, USA, AND OTHER COUNTRIES. THROUGH TALKS, WORKSHOPS, EXPOS, AND EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS, WE REACHED AN ADDITIONAL 2,560 STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS WITH TOPICS SUCH AS WETLAND CONSERVATION, BIRD WATCHING, RIVER RESTORATION, COMPOSTING, AND CLIMATE CHANGE. IN ADDITION, OUR ONLINE WASTE MANAGEMENT AND RECYCLING COURSE HAS REACHED 215 STUDENTS TO DATE. THROUGH OUR PARTICIPATION WITH OUR RAISE THE RIVER PARTNERS IN EVENTS SUCH AS THE ANNUAL AGROBAJA EXPO AND RAISE THE RIVER FESTIVAL, AN ADDITIONAL 2,237 MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY LEARNED ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF OPEN RIPARIAN HABITAT AND THE IMPORTANCE OF RESTORING RIVERS, WETLANDS, RIPARIAN HABITATS, AND NATIVE SPECIES. AS PART OF THE WORK OF MEXICALI FLUYE, 31 PUBLIC MEETINGS WERE HELD AS OPEN SPACES FOR COMMUNITY DIALOGUE AND INFORMATION SHARING. APPROXIMATELY 280 RESIDENTS AND LOCAL LEADERS PARTICIPATED IN THESE MEETINGS, LATER BECOMING ACTIVE ALLIES OF THE PROJECT. IN ADDITION, 53 WORKSHOPS WERE CONDUCTED, FOCUSED ON PRACTICAL TRAINING. THESE WORKSHOPS ENGAGED 1,178 COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND 1,002 STUDENTS IN ACTIVITIES SUCH AS TRASH COLLECTION, TREE PLANTING, BIRD WATCHING, WASTE MANAGEMENT TRAINING, WETLAND AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES EDUCATION, AS WELL AS THE DETECTION AND REPORTING OF ILLEGAL DUMPING. GOAL 3: THE COLORADO RIVER DELTA HAS PERMANENT PROTECTION. THE ORIGINAL PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH 70,000 ACRES AS A STATE PROTECTED AREA HAD TO BE RECONSIDERED TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL TIME FOR BROADER PARTICIPATION FROM THE NATIVE CUCAPAH TRIBE. AIMING TO ENGAGE THE NATIVE CUCAPAH COMMUNITY, THE RAISE THE RIVER ALLIANCE PARTNERS DEVELOPED A SPECIFIC OUTREACH STRATEGY TO PROPERLY ENGAGE THE CUCAPAH. IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS STRATEGY BEGAN IN 2025 AND WILL CONTINUE THROUGH 2026. MEXICALI FLUYE: IN FY2025 WE CONTINUED IMPLEMENTATION OF ACTIVITIES ALONG THE NEW RIVER, THROUGH OUR MEXICALI FLUYE PROJECT. THE GOAL OF THE MEXICALI FLUYE PROJECT IS TO IMPROVE COMMUNITY QUALITY OF LIFE THROUGH IMPLEMENTING NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS IN MEXICALI URBAN WETLANDS THAT IMPROVE RIVER'S WATER QUALITY AND THE URBAN LANDSCAPE. FOUR COMMUNITY GREEN CORRIDORS CURRENTLY UNDERGOING REHABILITATION: SOLIDARIDAD, MISIN DEL NGEL, EL DORADO, AND CAMINO REAL. WE HAVE COMPLETED REFORESTATION OF 6 HECTARES WITH 741 TREES PLANTED OF NATIVE SPECIES: MESQUITE, POPLAR, AND PALO VERDE. WE REMOVED 2,000 TONS OF WASTE. CLEANING INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE RIVERBED (CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS, TIRES, MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE, INVASIVE VEGETATION. WE INSTALLED BASIC INFRASTRUCTURE SUCH AS FENCING, TRAILS, 3 BIRDWATCHING PLATFORMS, IRRIGATION SYSTEM, AND RECREATIONAL AREAS FOR THE COMMUNITY (COMMUNITY GARDEN, SOCCER FIELD, MINI GOLF).
FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4B GROWING WATER SMART PROGRAM: THE GROWING WATER SMART PROGRAM ADDRESSES THE CHALLENGES OF AN OVER- APPROPRIATED COLORADO RIVER AND SURROUNDING AQUIFERS, AS WELL AS THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE THAT DO NOT LEAVE WATER FOR BOTH HEALTHY LANDSCAPES (ENVIRONMENT) AND THRIVING COMMUNITIES (PEOPLE). THE GROWING WATER SMART PROGRAM, OFFERED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE BABBITT CENTER FOR LAND AND WATER POLICY, A CENTER OF THE LINCOLN INSTITUTE OF LAND POLICY, PROVIDES TRAINING AND ASSISTANCE TO COMMUNITIES AND WATER PROVIDERS TO ESTABLISH PLANS, POLICIES AND PROGRAMS THAT CONSERVE MUNICIPAL WATER AND USE IT SUSTAINABLY IN COMMUNITIES ACROSS ARIZONA, COLORADO, CALIFORNIA, UTAH AND THE US-MEXICO BORDER REGION. IN OUR GROWING WATER SMART WORKSHOPS AND FOLLOW-UP ASSISTANCE, AN INTERDISCIPLINARY TEAM OF LAND-USE PLANNERS, WATER PROVIDERS, AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ASSESS THEIR COMMUNITY'S WATER CHALLENGES, AND IDENTIFY AND IMPLEMENT STRATEGIES TO REDUCE WATER DEMAND IN NEW AND EXISTING DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGE WATER SUSTAINABLY AND HOLISTICALLY INTO THE FUTURE. 1. HELD GROWING WATER SMART WORKSHOP IN COLORADO ON SEPTEMBER 9-11, 2024. SIX COMMUNITIES PARTICIPATED: CITY OF FORT LUPTON, TOWN OF MEAD AND LITTLE THOMPSON WATER DISTRICT, CITY OF LAFAYETTE, LARIMER COUNTY, CITY OF FORT COLLINS, AND TOWN OF JOHNSTOWN. 2. HELD GROWING WATER SMART WORKSHOP IN MEXICALI, BAJA CALIFORNIA ON NOVEMBER 11-13, 2024. REGIONAL FOCUS WITH REPRESENTATION FROM MEXICALI, BAJA CALIFORNA AND IMPERIAL COUNTY, CA. 3. HELD GROWING WATER SMART WORKSHOP IN COLORADO ON APRIL 21-23, 2025. SIX COMMUNITIES PARTICIPATED: CITY OF CORTEZ WITH UTE MOUNTAIN UTE TRIBE, TOWN OF NORWOOD, TOWN OF PALISADE, TOWN OF OPHIR, CITY OF DURANGO, MIDDLE COLORADO WATERSHED COUNCIL 4. HELD GROWING WATER SMART WORKSHOP IN ARIZONA FROM JANUARY 22-24, 2025, IN CLARKDALE. THE FOLLOWING COMMUNITY TEAMS PARTICIPATED: CAMPE VERDE, CHINO VALLEY, CLARKDALE, JEROME, PRESCOT VALLEY, AND YAVAPAI COUNTY. 5. HELD A BORDER GROWING WATER SMART WORKSHOP JUNE 12, 2025, IN DOUGLAS, ARIZONA FOR THE CITIES OF DOUGLAS, ARIZONA, AND AGUA PRIETA, SONORA. 6. WATER AND LAND USE METRICS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WITH THE CITY OF THORNTON, COLORADO, AND LITTLE THOMPSON WATER DISTRICT AND OUR CONSULTANT BRENDLE GROUP. -THE CITY OF THORNTON CREATED A MICROSOFT EXCEL-BASED TOOL FOR INPUTTING WATER DATA AND IRRIGATED AREA DATA. THE TOOL EXPORTS KEY METRICS, INCLUDING AVERAGE ANNUAL WATER USE, AVERAGE IRRIGATION WATER USE, AND (ONLY FOR ACCOUNTS WITH INPUT IRRIGATED AREA DATA) WATER USE INTENSITY. -LITTLE THOMPSON WATER DISTRICT CREATED A MICROSOFT EXCEL-BASED TOOL FOR INPUTTING WATER DATA AND IRRIGATED AREA DATA. THE TOOL EXPORTS KEY METRICS, INCLUDING AVERAGE ANNUAL WATER USE, AVERAGE IRRIGATION WATER USE, AND (ONLY FOR ACCOUNTS WITH IRRIGATED AREA DATA) WATER USE INTENSITY. 7. HELD 2 GROWING WATER SMART PEER NETWORK WEBINARS: -DECEMBER 12, 2024: HOW TO MAINTAIN MOMENTUM FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF WATER AND LAND USE POLICIES. -FEBRUARY 12, 2025: DATA-DRIVEN WATER AND LAND USE PLANNING POLICIES AND TOOLS. 8. RESERACHED AND SUBMITTED A REPORT ON HOW TO AND THE IMPORTANCE OF COLLABORATING ACROSS BOUNDARIES FOR WATER RESILIENCE FOR A PEER-REVIEWED JOURNAL. 9. AWARDED 5 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS TO PAST GROWING WATER SMART PARTICIPATING COMMUNITIES: -YAVAPAI COUNTY, AZ: COUNTY-WIDE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT POLICIES -TOWN OF JEROME, AZ: WATER RESILIENT STREET SCAPE DESIGN MANUAL -IMPERIAL COUNTY, CA: NEW WATER ELEMENT IN COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN -SUMMIT COUNTY, CO: COORDINATION WITH REGIONAL WATER PROVIDERS FOR HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT -TOWN OF RIDGWAY, CO: RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE TEMPLATES FOR TURF CONVERSION PROJECTS.
FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4C SANTA CRUZ RIVER PROGRAM SONORAN INSTITUTE'S SANTA CRUZ RIVER PROGRAM'S VISION IS FOR A LIVING, FLOWING RIVER THAT IS THE FOUNDATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH AND PROSPERITY FROM MEXICO TO MARANA. 1. LIVING RIVERS REPORTS WERE LAUNCHED IN 2008, WHEN SONORAN INSTITUTE BEGAN TRACKING CONDITIONS OF THE STRETCH OF THE SANTA CRUZ RIVER IN SANTA CRUZ COUNTY THAT FLOWS YEAR-ROUND. THE EFFORT EXPANDED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PIMA COUNTRY AND THE REGIONAL FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT IN 2012, AND THE CITY OF TUCSON IN 2020, TO REPORT ON CONDITIONS IN THE FLOWING REACHES IN PIMA COUNTY. LIVING REPORTS FOR ARE ONLINE AT WWW.SONORANINSTITUTE.ORG. THIS YEAR: -FOR THE FOURTH YEAR IN A ROW, SONORAN INSTITUTE PUBLISHED OUR LIVING RIVER REPORTS FOR BOTH THE TUCSON AND NOGALES REACHES OF THE SANTA CRUZ RIVER. THE TUCSON REPORT WAS DISTRIBUTED TO NEARLY 12,000 HOUSEHOLDS AND THE NOGALES REPORT WAS DISTRIBUTED TO NEARLY 3,000 HOUSEHOLDS IN DECEMBER 2025 (+1,000 MORE ATTRIBUTABLE TO CROWN FUNDING). 2. OUR 15TH ANNUAL SANTA CRUZ RIVER RESEARCH DAYS SYMPOSIUM TOOK PLACE APRIL 29-30, 2025 WITH A FIELD TRIP ON MAY 1, AT PIMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE'S DOWNTOWN CAMPUS IN TUCSON AND ONLINE AS A HYBRID EVENT. THIS YEAR'S THEME, BUILDING ON SUCCESSES, HIGHLIGHTED THE GROWING MOMENTUM BEHIND RESEARCH, RESTORATION, AND COMMUNITY-DRIVEN WORK ALONG THE SANTA CRUZ RIVER. AS HAS BEEN THE CASE SINCE 2020, WE HAVE CONTRACTED WITH LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS TO PROVIDE OUR IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL ATTENDEES WITH REAL-TIME ENGLISH-SPANISH TRANSLATION, RESULTING IN BROAD PARTICIPATION FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE BORDER. -SANTA CRUZ RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE: IN 2025, THE MULTIYEAR EFFORT TO ESTABLISH THE SANTA CRUZ RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE CONTINUES TO PROGRESS WITH STRONG REGIONAL COMMITMENT. SINCE 2023, SONORAN INSTITUTE HAS CO-LED THE REFUGE'S GRASSROOTS COALITION, WHICH HAS EXPANDED TO INCLUDE MORE THAN 50 ORGANIZATIONS, COMMUNITY LEADERS, LANDOWNERS, AND ELECTED OFFICIALS-ALL WORKING TOWARD PERMANENT FEDERAL PROTECTION FOR THE RIVER CORRIDOR FROM MEXICO TO MARANA. IN 2025, SONORAN INSTITUTE AND THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA EXPANDED ECOLOGICAL STUDIES AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT. A MAJOR MILESTONE WAS REACHED IN EARLY 2025 WITH THE COMPLETION AND U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE APPROVAL OF THE FEDERALLY REQUIRED LANDSCAPE PROTECTION STRATEGY, WHICH OUTLINES THE ECOLOGICAL, CULTURAL, AND COMMUNITY SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROPOSED REFUGE. SONORAN INSTITUTE IS NOW DRAFTING THE COMPANION LAND PROTECTION PLAN, POSITIONING THE PROJECT FOR RAPID ADVANCEMENT WHEN FEDERAL TIMING ALIGNS. 3. SONORAN INSTITUTE BEGAN ADVANCING TWO MAJOR LINES OF INQUIRY THAT ADDRESS LONG-STANDING CONCERNS IN THE NOGALES REACH OF THE SANTA CRUZ RIVER. THE FIRST CENTERS ON RESTORATION POTENTIAL: IDENTIFYING WHERE ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION IS FEASIBLE ALONG THE EXISTING 15 MILES OF FLOWING RIVER AND EVALUATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADDITIONAL RESTORATION SHOULD AN INCREASED OF FLOWS INTO THE SANTA CRUZ RIVER HAPPEN. THE SECOND EFFORT IS AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS DESIGNED TO QUANTIFY THE VALUE OF THE RIVER-ITS ECOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS, ITS SIGNIFICANCE TO NEARBY RESIDENTS AND VISITORS, AND THE POTENTIAL ECONOMIC BENEFITS ASSOCIATED WITH ADDITIONAL FLOW. TO GUIDE THIS WORK, SONORAN INSTITUTE IS ASSEMBLING AN ADVISORY GROUP OF MUNICIPAL PARTNERS, LANDOWNERS, ACADEMIC EXPERTS, AND COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES FROM ACROSS SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. THIS GROUP WILL REVIEW DATA COLLECTED BY SUBCONTRACTING FIRMS EVALUATING CURRENT CONDITIONS AND FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES ALONG THE RIVER CORRIDOR. 4. IMPLEMENTED THE ANNUAL FISH SURVEY ON NOVEMBER 4 & 5, 2024. THE FISH SURVEY HAD STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS SUPPORTING THE PROJECT FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, STATE GOVERNMENT, COUNTY GOVERNMENT, THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA, AND FROM PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS. THE TEAM SURVEYED FISH UP AND DOWN THE SANTA CRUZ RIVER, FROM NOGALES WASH THROUGH MARANA. SURVEYS FOUND 7 SPECIES ACROSS 8 SITES. THE FISH NUMBERS WERE HIGH RELATIVE TO THE PREVIOUS YEAR, EVEN THOUGH TWO SURVEY SITES NEAR NOGALES WERE DRY. GILA TOPMINNOW NUMBERS WERE LOWER IN THE TUCSON AREA THAN PREVIOUS YEAR, THOUGH ARE THRIVING IN THE DOWNTOWN TUCSON SITE. 5. SONORAN INSTITUTE IMPLEMENTED THREE RIVER CLEAN-UP EVENTS: -OCTOBER 12, 2024 WAS HELD IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TUCSON CLEAN AND BEAUTIFUL AND TOOK PLACE AT THE GRANT ROAD CROSSING IN TUCSON, AZ. THIS EVENT DREW 70 VOLUNTEERS AND REMOVED 1,842 POUNDS OF TRASH. -THE DECEMBER 14, 2024, DAYS OF CONNECTION CLEANUP IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TUCSON CLEAN AND BEAUTIFUL TOOK PLACE AT ST. MARY'S ROAD AND REMOVED 2,517 LBS. OF TRASH WITH SUPPORT FROM 125 VOLUNTEERS. -MARCH 15, 2025, DAYS OF CONNECTION CLEANUP WITH TUCSON CLEAN & BEAUTIFUL REMOVED 1,025 LBS. OF TRASH FROM THE SANTA CRUZ RIVER AT VERDUGO PARK IN TUCSON, BRINGING 63 VOLUNTEERS.
FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4D ONE BASIN PROGRAM THE ONE BASIN PROGRAM BRINGS PEOPLE WITH COMPETING INTERESTS, WHO SPEAK DIFFERENT LANGUAGES, AND HAVE DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS TOGETHER TO FIND EQUITABLE, WORKABLE, EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS TO ADDRESS WATER CHALLENGES IN THE COLORADO RIVER BASIN. THE GOAL OF THE PROGRAM IS THAT THE COLORADO RIVER IS MANAGED IN A MORE HOLISTIC, INCLUSIVE, AND ADAPTIVE FASHION TO BENEFIT COMMUNITIES AND WILDLIFE. 1. SUPPORTED THE TRIBAL WATER MANAGERS NETWORK WITH WEBINARS AND IN-PERSON MEETINGS PROVIDING TRIBAL WATER MANAGERS WITH PEER-LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES. 2. REFINED PROPOSALS FOR GOVERNANCE OF A BINATIONAL ENDOWMENT FUND FOR THE COLORADO RIVER DELTA. 3. ENGAGED WITH THE CUCUPA ON OPTIONS FOR PERMANENT PROTECTION OF THE COLORADO RIVER DELTA.
FORM 990, PART V, LINE 4B MEXICO
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 11B BEFORE THE 990 IS SIGNED AND FILED, IT IS GIVEN TO THE FINANCE/AUDIT COMMITTEE FOR THEIR REVIEW.
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 12C THE ORGANIZATION REGULARLY MONITORS COMPLIANCE WITH THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY. MEMBERS ARE REQUIRED TO DISCLOSE ANY POTENTIAL CONFLICTS.
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 15A IN DETERMINING THE COMPENSATION FOR THE CEO, AND ANY OTHER CHIEF EXECUTIVES, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMPLETED A JOB EVALUATION AND TOOK GUIDANCE FROM A HIRED CONSULTANT WHO PERFORMED COMPENSATION MARKET ANALYSIS FOR THE ORGANIZATION.
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 19 DOCUMENTS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.
FORM 990, PART IX, LINE 11G CONSULTANTS 484,536 25,727 47,547 OUTSIDE SERVICES 1,352,604 15,707 13,592 TOTAL 1,837,140 41,434 61,139
FORM 990, PART XI, LINE 9 DIRECT DONOR BENEFITS 43,549 BAD DEBT EXPENSE -9,249 EVENT EXPENSES -43,549 TOTAL -9,249
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.
Cat. No. 51056K
Schedule O (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)


Additional Data


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SCHEDULE R
(Form 990)
(Rev. January 2025)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Related Organizations and Unrelated Partnerships
Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 33, 34, 35b, 36, or 37.
Attach to Form 990.
Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for instructions and the latest information.

OMB No. 1545-0047
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
THE SONORAN INSTITUTE INC
 
Employer identification number

86-0684610
Part I
Identification of Disregarded Entities. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 33.
(a)
Name, address, and EIN (if applicable) of disregarded entity


(b)
Primary activity


 		(c)
Legal domicile (state
or foreign country)

 		(d)
Total income


 		(e)
End-of-year assets


 		(f)
Direct controlling
entity










Part II
Identification of Related Tax-Exempt Organizations. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 34 because it had one or more related tax-exempt organizations during the tax year.
(a)
Name, address, and EIN of related organization


(b)
Primary activity


 		(c)
Legal domicile (state
or foreign country)

 		(d)
Exempt Code section


 		(e)
Public charity status
(if section 501(c)(3))

 		(f)
Direct controlling
entity

 		(g)
Section 512(b)(13) controlled entity?
Yes No
(1)THE SONORAN INSTITUTE MEXICO AC
AVE GRACIELA 654 COL RESIDENCIAS
MEXICALI    
MX
CONSERVE MX 501C3   NA
 
 
No
(2)SANTA LUCIA CONSERVANCY
26700 RANCHO SAN CARLOS RD

CARMEL,CA93923
77-0411485 		CONSERVE CA 501C3 12C N/A
 
No










For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.
Cat. No. 50135Y
Schedule R (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Schedule R (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Page 2
Part III
Identification of Related Organizations Taxable as a Partnership. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 34, because it had one or more related organizations treated as a partnership during the tax year.
(a)
Name, address, and EIN of
related organization



 		(b)
Primary activity




 		(c)
Legal
domicile
(state or foreign
country)


 		(d)
Direct controlling
entity



 		(e)
Predominant income(related, unrelated, excluded from tax under sections 512-514)

(f)
Share of total income




 		(g)
Share of end-of-year
assets



 		(h)
Disproprtionate allocations?




 		(i)
Code V-UBI
amount in box 20 of
Schedule K-1
(Form 1065)
 		(j)
General or
managing
partner?



 		(k)
Percentage
ownership
Yes No Yes No












Part IV
Identification of Related Organizations Taxable as a Corporation or Trust. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 34 because it had one or more related organizations treated as a corporation or trust during the tax year.
(a)
Name, address, and EIN of
related organization
 		(b)
Primary activity
 		(c)
Legal
domicile
(state or foreign
country)
 		(d)
Direct controlling
entity
 		(e)
Type of entity
(C corp, S corp,
or trust) 		(f)
Share of total income
 		(g)
Share of end-of-year
assets
 		(h)
Percentage
ownership
 		(i)
Section 512(b)(13) controlled entity?
Yes No












Schedule R (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Schedule R (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Page 3
Part V
Transactions With Related Organizations. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 34, 35b, or 36.
Note. Complete line 1 if any entity is listed in Parts II, III, or IV of this schedule.
Yes
No
1 During the tax year, did the orgranization engage in any of the following transactions with one or more related organizations listed in Parts II-IV?
a Receipt of (i) interest, (ii) annuities, (iii) royalties, or (iv) rent from a controlled entity .....................
1a
 
No
b Gift, grant, or capital contribution to related organization(s) ............................
1b
Yes
 
c Gift, grant, or capital contribution from related organization(s) ............................
1c
Yes
 
d Loans or loan guarantees to or for related organization(s) ............................
1d
Yes
 
e Loans or loan guarantees by related organization(s) ............................
1e
 
No
f Dividends from related organization(s) ............................
1f
 
No
g Sale of assets to related organization(s) ............................
1g
 
No
h Purchase of assets from related organization(s) ............................
1h
 
No
i Exchange of assets with related organization(s) ............................
1i
 
No
j Lease of facilities, equipment, or other assets to related organization(s) .......................
1j
 
No
k Lease of facilities, equipment, or other assets from related organization(s) ......................
1k
 
No
l Performance of services or membership or fundraising solicitations for related organization(s) .....................
1l
 
No
m Performance of services or membership or fundraising solicitations by related organization(s) .................
1m
 
No
n Sharing of facilities, equipment, mailing lists, or other assets with related organization(s) ...................
1n
 
No
o Sharing of paid employees with related organization(s) ............................
1o
Yes
 
p Reimbursement paid to related organization(s) for expenses ............................
1p
Yes
 
q Reimbursement paid by related organization(s) for expenses ............................
1q
 
No
r Other transfer of cash or property to related organization(s) ............................
1r
 
No
s Other transfer of cash or property from related organization(s) ............................
1s
 
No
2
If the answer to any of the above is "Yes," see the instructions for information on who must complete this line, including covered relationships and transaction thresholds.
(a)
Name of related organization 		(b)
Transaction
type (a-s) 		(c)
Amount involved 		(d)
Method of determining amount involved
(1) THE SONORAN INSTITUTE MEXICO AC

 P 1,709,747 ACTUAL





Schedule R (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Schedule R (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Page 4
Part VI
Unrelated Organizations Taxable as a Partnership. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 37.
Provide the following information for each entity taxed as a partnership through which the organization conducted more than five percent of its activities (measured by total assets or gross revenue) that was not a related organization. See instructions regarding exclusion for certain investment partnerships.
(a)
Name, address, and EIN of entity 		(b)
Primary activity 		(c)
Legal domicile
(state or foreign
country) 		(d)
Predominant income (related, unrelated, excluded from tax under sections 512-514)

(e)
Are all partners
section
501(c)(3)
organizations? 		(f)
Share of total income




 		(g)
Share of
end-of-year
assets 		(h)
Disproprtionate allocations? 		(i)
Code V-UBI
amount in box 20
of Schedule K-1
(Form 1065) 		(j)
General or
managing
partner? 		(k)
Percentage
ownership
Yes No Yes No Yes No






























Schedule R (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Schedule R (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)
Page 5
Part VII
Supplemental Information
Provide additional information for responses to questions on Schedule R. See instructions.
Return Reference Explanation
Schedule R (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)

Additional Data


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