IRS Form 990 shows how NOLS is using its money and resources

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From 2021 - 2024, NOLS filed Fiscal Year Form 990s significantly past their annual deadlines.

Correction & Amplification: For FY 2023 Form 990, the original chart from September 1st showed 229 filing days late in 2024, when in fact NOLS filed 181 days late with the IRS as shown above. The lag between the time NOLS filed and when the form was made available to the public is due to either or both the IRS and ProPublica processing delays, which accounts for the discrepancy. NOLS could eliminate any timing lag by posting on NOLS.edu the day it files with the IRS.

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The late filings have negative consequences for the school

Lack of transparency can create mistrust Since Form 990 is a public document that requires detailed financial and operational information about NOLS as a nonprofit, it contains more than the curated numbers found in NOLS' own publications. Filing 990s promptly and thoroughly would show NOLS is committed to transparency.

Donors may want to review NOLS Form 990s before making funding decisions An ongoing history of late filings may raise red flags and jeopardize donation initiatives.

Late filings can trigger financial penalties Late filing penalties can be up to $60,000 for each filing year. Going 3 consecutive years with non-filing would result in the IRS automatically revoking NOLS' tax-exempt status and causing a financial disaster. 

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 Over the past four years, there was the COVID pandemic, a CFO revolving door, a transition from President Terri Watson to Sandy Colhoun first as Interim President then as NOLS new President - rapid change and uncertainty have been a stress test for NOLS. Are the late filings of Form 990s a side effect? Can NOLS file its currently due FY 2024 Form 990 before the IRS filing deadline next January 15th?

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More importantly, as part of the ongoing NOLS website redesign, NOLS can make all of its Form 990s accessible on NOLS.edu as soon as it files with the IRS to eliminate any lag between the time it files with the IRS and when we can see it.

To see what NOLS has posted now for its Form 990s on NOLS.edu, click here. Not sure what the North Country Trail Association's FY 2012 Form 990 has to do with NOLS.

Filing on time and posting same day online would reinforce NOLS' reputation as a transparent, trustworthy, and well-managed Leader in Outdoor Education.

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NOLS Self-Assembly

Our objective is to serve as a link between NOLS and the greater NOLS community for an open discussion about how NOLS can stay true to its Mission and the practice of Expedition Behavior. We have consistently reached out to the NOLS Board and the Executive Team as a group. We aim to engage with open inquiry and constructive and generative dialogue.