SINHG operates as a 501(c)(4) organization, which under tax regulations is a social welfare organization which must operate for the good of the community and which cannot operate for profit. Because of these regulations, SINHG can only retain enough income to make sure all debts can be paid and to begin operations the following fiscal year. Therefore, at the end of its fiscal year, if SINHG has funds in its accounts over and above that amount, those funds must be expended toward the mission of the organization. Under our bylaws, that mission is “to disseminate natural and cultural history information to members”, and “to encourage environmental education and to provide funding for environmental programs”. At the end of each fiscal year, the Board of Directors determines whether SINHG has excess funds that can be donated to one or more charitable, tax-exempt organizations whose purposes are similar to our own. In May 2025, the Board voted to make donations to two such worthy organizations: Angel Oak Preserve and the Seabrook Island Green Space Conservancy.