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Stamford Museum and Nature Center Incorporated

EIN 06-0653148 · Stamford, CT

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair61 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is a vital cultural and educational resource for the community, and a focal point for family activity and interaction. (continued on Schedule O)We seek to inspire creativity, foster self-discovery, promote environmental stewardship, and nurture an appreciation for lifelong learning through exhibitions, educational programs, and special events that enhance the visitor's experience of our unique site.

Income
$8.1 million
Spending
$5.1 million
Spent on programs
80%
Reserves
-20.9 months of spending
Largest source of income
government grants, 54%
Employees
104
Volunteers
383
Highest pay
$277,264, ceo

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Fair: 61 out of 100. Higher than 34% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    0 of 35

    Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 28% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 37% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 20% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    80% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 9 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 65% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    22 of 22 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (4)
  1. $1.1 million spent. Early Childhood EducationThe Art, Nature & Me Preschool is a State of Connecticut licensed childcare program for children 3-5 years old. The 38-week program provides children with firsthand learning about the natural world through access to the SM&NC site. Ninety-six children participated in Pre-School programs. Attendance during the school year and summer camp sessions resulted in over 19,000 visits throughout the year.
  2. $817,732 spent. Nature EducationSM&NC provides nature education to public and private schools as well as the general community. Programs focus on the environment, astronomy, botany, geology, animal life and Indian lore. The SM&NC site serves as a dynamic teaching tool, with its 80 acres of hardwood forest trails, varied habitats, a working farm, and observatory. Over 30,000 participants shared in these educational programs.
  3. $753,519 spent. Farm ProgramsThe SM&NC maintains a 16-acre working New England farm that is home to a variety of heritage breed farm animals. Heckscher farm is a tie to New England's agricultural past. This working farm allows visitors a unique look and interaction on the lessons of food production, animal care, and the inner-workings of a farm. Programs include a renowned Junior Curator program, various engaging school programs, summer camp, scout groups, and internships for students who aspire to learn about animal husbandry. Almost every visitor to the SM&NC tours the farm to experience this unique feature and variety of animals. Program attendance was well over 125,000 during the year.
  4. $1.5 million spent. Other ProgramsSM&NC offers a wide range of festivals, art exhibitions and other attractions that complement its educational programming. Enhanced weekend festivals attracted over 7,000 visitors. Museum exhibitions attracted over 17,000 visitors. Visitors also came for the Farm Market, Corporate Volunteer Projects, Family Campouts and Nature's Playground; an outdoor play space constructed of natural materials showcasing crow's nests, slides, and woodland perches. During the year over 200,000 visitors enjoyed the diverse activities at the SM&NC.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 10, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since April 1952.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.