Nonprofit · EIN 56-0634513
HIGHLANDS BIOLOGICAL FOUNDATION INC
Tax-exempt · HIGHLANDS, NC 28741
Financials
| Year ended | Form | Revenue | Expenses | Net income | Total assets | Liabilities | Net assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2025 | 990 | $824,480 | $658,933 | $165,547 | $4,660,488 | $5,795 | $4,654,693 |
| December 31, 2024 | 990 | $1,286,677 | $548,973 | $737,704 | $4,186,217 | $7,582 | $4,178,635 |
| December 31, 2023 | 990 | $766,955 | $730,494 | $36,461 | $3,206,335 | $1,709 | $3,204,626 |
Financial details: 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025
Revenue
- Contributions, gifts and grants
- $675,463
- Program service revenue
- $34,478
- Investment income
- $127,578
- Net rental income
- $3,000
- Net gain from sales of assets
- $62,354
- Net income from fundraising events
- -$34,126
- Net income from sales of inventory
- $18,087
- Other revenue
- -$13,039
Expenses
- Grants and similar amounts paid
- $112,997
- Compensation of officers, directors and key employees
- $112,636
- Other salaries and wages
- $149,458
- Salaries, compensation and benefits (total)
- $300,590
- Professional fundraising fees
- $0
- Accounting fees
- $33,621
- Occupancy
- $51,496
- Travel
- $2,589
- Depreciation
- $20,267
- Program services (functional)
- $340,918
- Management and general (functional)
- $234,024
- Fundraising (functional)
- $83,991
Balance sheet and other
- Total assets, start of year
- $4,186,217
- Total assets, end of year
- $4,660,488
- Total liabilities, end of year
- $5,795
- Net assets, end of year
- $4,654,693
- Land, buildings and equipment
- $1,173,326
- Publicly traded securities
- $3,269,273
- Net assets without donor restrictions
- $3,126,549
- Net assets with donor restrictions
- $1,528,144
- Gross receipts
- $922,529
- Employees
- 9
- Volunteers
- 40
- Year formed
- 1930
- State of legal domicile
- NC
From the e-filed returns the IRS publishes as XML (latest three processing years; amended returns replace the original). PDF copies at the IRS.
Officers, directors and key employees
As listed on the 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025, highest compensation first.
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jamie Creola | Executive Director Officer | 40 | $93,900 | $18,736 |
| Tom Holmes | President Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| David Martin | Vice-President Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| Robert Strickland | Treasurer Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| Lindy Harrison | Secretary Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| John Mitchner | Past President Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Lisa Armstrong | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Linda Barlow | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Jimmy Bewley | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Bill Bush | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Lisa Dailey | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Ruthie Edwards | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| John Helmer | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Lori Heys | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| James Langford | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
20 more people on this return
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frank Langford | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Leslie Manning | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Jim Milby | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Amy Patterson | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Karen Patterson | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Alex Smith | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Catharine Seay | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Carol Stewart | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Jennie Stowers | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Jonnie Swann | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Charles Tarver | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Keller Torrey | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Gayle Watkins | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Kent Wittman | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Martha Stibbs | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Frances Oakley | Board Member (through 6/25/25) Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Vernon Skiles | Board Member (through 6/25/25) Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Melanie Mauldin | Board Member (through 6/25/25) Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Cathy Jones | Board Member (through 6/25/25) Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Drew Lanham | Board Member (through 6/25/25) Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
990 for the year ended December 31, 2024: 30 people
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Gary | Interim Executive Director Officer | 40 | $66,780 | $4,824 |
| Jamie Creola | Executive Director Officer | 40 | $57,292 | $7,829 |
| John Mitchener | President Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| Tom Holmes | Vice-President & Treasurer Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| David Martin | Secretary Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| Jennie Stowers | Past President Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Bill Bush | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Ruthie Edwards | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Lori Heys | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Leslie Manning | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Drew Lanham | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Martha Stibbs | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Jonnie Swann | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Cathy Jones | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Melanie Mauldin | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Frances Oakley | Past President Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Vernon Skiles | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Linda Barlow | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Lisa Dailey | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Lindy Harrison | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Jim Landon | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Lisa Armstrong | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Karen Patterson | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Frank Langford | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Alex Smith | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Carol Stewart | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Robert Strickland | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Charles Tarver | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Keller Torrey | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Gayle Watkins | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
990 for the year ended December 31, 2023: 35 people
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte Muir | Departing Executive Director Officer | 40 | $80,263 | $13,951 |
| Winter Gary | Interim Executive Director Officer | 40 | $14,789 | $1,286 |
| John Mitchener | President Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| William Clarkson | Vice-President Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Amy Patterson | Treasurer Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| David Martin | Secretary Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Jennie Stowers | Past President Trustee or director | 5 | $0 | $0 |
| Tricia Allen | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Lisa Armstrong | Board Member Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| Linda Barlow | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Jim Costa | Ex-Officio HBS Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Kimberly Coward | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Lisa Dailey | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Ruth Edwards | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Monte Gaillard | Board Member Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| Greg Gregory | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Julia Grumbles | Past President Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Lindy Harrison | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Tom Holmes | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Marianne Jenkins | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Cathy Jones | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Frank Langford | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Drew Lanham | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| James Landon | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Melanie Mauldin | Board Member Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| James Milby | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Frances Oakley | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Karen Patterson | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| William Reeves | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Vernon Skiles | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Alex Smith | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Martha Stibbs | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Carol Stewart | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Jonnie Swann | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Sarah Morgan Wingfield | Board Member Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
Address and contacts
- Address (IRS master file)
- PO BOX 580, HIGHLANDS, NC 28741-0580
- Principal officer (990 for 2025)
- Tom Holmes, 2465 Cashiers Rd, Highlands, NC 28741
- Signed the 990
- Tom Holmes, President
- Phone
- (828) 526-2221
- Return prepared by
- CORLISS & SOLOMON PLLC
Mission
To actively promote and support biological research and education in the Southern Appalachians.
Program accomplishments
- HBF hosts year-round environmental education programming at the Highlands Nature Center (part of the Highlands Biological Station) and throughout the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. In 2025, the Nature Center welcomed over 14,000 visitors - this represents over 14,000 opportunities to teach individuals how crucial the natural ecosystems of the Plateau are, especially for biodiversity, and inspire them to be good stewards of the natural world. The Nature Center attracts local and visiting families who seek nature-related programming and outdoor adventures. Many participate in HBFs highly anticipated nature camps and free, daily educational programs in the summer. HBFs Zahner Conservation Lectures bring in local and visiting adults seeking to learn from scientists, writers, artists, and more.Expenses $340,918 · grants $112,997 · revenue $55,565
- Along with these Nature Center programs, HBF also travels throughout the community to provide Nature on the Go! outreach programs to hundreds of individuals across the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau each year, all thanks to partnerships with local organizations.
- Additionally, HBF provides crucial funding for scientists and undergraduate/graduate students - residing at the Highlands Biological Station - to conduct research in the region - and ongoing operational support of the Station and Botanical Gardens.
What it must file and when
IRS records say it files Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N. Its accounting year ends in December, so each return is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after that.
| Tax year | Year ended | Due | IRS public records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | December 31, 2025 | May 15, 2026 | 990 on file |
| 2024 | December 31, 2024 | May 15, 2025 | 990 on file |
| 2023 | December 31, 2023 | May 15, 2024 | 990 on file |
IRS record
- EIN
- 56-0634513
- Tax-exempt status
- 501(c)(3): Charitable, religious, educational or scientific organization
- Foundation status
- Publicly supported organization (170(b)(1)(A)(vi))
- Donations deductible (Pub 78)
- Public charity, 50% deduction limit
- Exempt since
- 1953
- Accounting year ends
- December
- Files
- Form 990 or 990-EZ
- Assets (IRS master file)
- $4,660,488
- Income (IRS master file)
- $922,529
Filing history
| Form | Year ended | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 990 | December 2025 | $824,480 | $658,933 | $4,660,488 | XML |
| 990 | December 2024 | $1,286,677 | $548,973 | $4,186,217 | XML |
| 990 | December 2023 | $766,955 | $730,494 | $3,206,335 | XML |
| 990 | December 2022 | $547,149 | $651,438 | $3,029,933 | IRS |
| 990 | December 2021 | $508,751 | $251,687 | $3,494,713 | IRS |
| 990 | May 2021 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | May 2020 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | May 2018 | – | – | – | IRS |
990-N: the IRS bulk file holds only the latest e-Postcard per organization; earlier years come from archived copies of that file since 2020 and can have gaps (the IRS e-Postcard search lists every one). 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 990-T: every e-filed return in the IRS e-file index since 2019; XML for the latest three processing years, amounts from the IRS Statistics of Income extracts before that. PDF copies and determination letters at the IRS (search EIN 56-0634513).
Questions about HIGHLANDS BIOLOGICAL FOUNDATION INC
- What is the EIN of HIGHLANDS BIOLOGICAL FOUNDATION INC?
- The employer identification number (EIN) of HIGHLANDS BIOLOGICAL FOUNDATION INC is 56-0634513.
- Is HIGHLANDS BIOLOGICAL FOUNDATION INC tax-exempt?
- Yes. The IRS lists it as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) since 1953.
- Are donations to HIGHLANDS BIOLOGICAL FOUNDATION INC tax-deductible?
- Yes. It is listed in IRS Publication 78 (Public charity, 50% deduction limit).
- Which annual return does HIGHLANDS BIOLOGICAL FOUNDATION INC file?
- Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N.
- When is the next return of HIGHLANDS BIOLOGICAL FOUNDATION INC due?
- The return for tax year 2026 (the year ending December 31, 2026) is due May 17, 2027. Form 8868 extends it by six months; the 990-N cannot be extended.
- When did HIGHLANDS BIOLOGICAL FOUNDATION INC last file with the IRS?
- The latest return in the IRS public files is the 990 for the year ended December 2025.
- Who is the principal officer of HIGHLANDS BIOLOGICAL FOUNDATION INC?
- The 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025 names Tom Holmes.
- Who are the officers and directors of HIGHLANDS BIOLOGICAL FOUNDATION INC?
- The 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025 lists 35 people; 1 received compensation from the organization, the highest $93,900 (Jamie Creola, Executive Director).
- How much revenue does HIGHLANDS BIOLOGICAL FOUNDATION INC have?
- On its 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025 it reported revenue of $824,480, expenses of $658,933 and total assets of $4,660,488 at year end.
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