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Stowers Institute for Medical Research

EIN 20-2993509 · Kansas City, MO

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair66 out of 100GovernanceGood80 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

THE INSTITUTE'S MISSION IS TO MAKE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO HUMANITY THROUGH MEDICAL RESEARCH BY EXPANDING OUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE SECRETS OF LIFE AND BY IMPROVING LIFE'S QUALITY THROUGH INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO THE CAUSES, TREATMENT, AND PREVENTION OF DISEASES.

Income
$102.0 million
Spending
$104.7 million
Spent on programs
59%
Reserves
4.7 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 92%
Employees
360
Volunteers
2
Highest pay
$3.2 million, director/chair deceased 3/27/25

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: 66 out of 100. Higher than 52% of charities in its peer group (medical research, over $100m).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 4.7 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 10% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 3% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 5% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    8 of 15

    59% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 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

Good: 80 out of 100. Higher than 4% of charities in its peer group (medical research, over $100m).

  • Independent board

    5 of 25

    2 of 8 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 (1)
  1. $61.5 million spent. July 2024 - June 2025 Program Service Accomplishments The Stowers Institute for Medical Research ("Stowers Institute "Institute") is a private, nonprofit medical research organization. The Institute was founded in 1994 by Jim and Virginia Stowers, who each survived a bout with cancer and subsequently dedicated their fortune to supporting fundamental and multidisciplinary research addressing biological questions that will provide novel insights and long-term solutions to human diseases. The Stowers Institute conducts fundamental biomedical research aimed at advancing our understanding of the intricate molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern life. By investigating genes, proteins, and biological processes, scientists at the Stowers Institute explore how cells proliferate, differentiate into various tissues and organs, regenerate, and undergo programmed cell death. This comprehensive approach to studying cellular and organismal biology provides crucial insights into the underlying causes of numerous diseases, including cancer, birth defects, and neurodegenerative disorders. Historically, such foundational research has proven to be the cornerstone for developing novel therapeutic strategies, preventive measures, and potential cures for a wide range of human ailments. The Institute's commitment to foundational research not only advances scientific knowledge but also lays the groundwork for future medical breakthroughs that can significantly impact human health. July 2024 - June 2025 Notable Research Results During July 2024 - July 2025, Stowers Institute research teams made discoveries meriting publication in leading peer-reviewed scientific journals - 54 original research papers in all. Stowers Institute research teams also produced 11 other publications including reviews, commentaries, book chapters, and books. Some of the highlights among these papers and other advances involving Stowers Institute research include the following: The Bazzini Lab discovered strategies for how dengue and hundreds of other viruses replicate in their hosts, with the potential to aid in developing novel antiviral treatments and vaccines. Published in Molecular Systems Biology on July 22, 2024, the study revealed that the dengue virus genome uses less efficient codons than its host to make its own proteins using the host's machinery to replicate and spread. The Sanchez Alvarado Lab unveiled a critical timing factor involved in regulating regeneration. Published in iScience on September 20, 2024, the study sought to understand exactly how an organism knows how much tissue has been lost post-injury. The team investigated how African killifish properly regrow their tail fin following damage. By analyzing tissue dynamics during regrowth, they found that in addition to known factors, including how many cells are participating and where they are located, the length of time cells spend engaged in the repair process is also key. Research from the Piotrowski lab uncovered a process cued by environmental changes that drives zebrafish sensory organ development, a mechanism with the potential to provide resilience to climate change. Published in Development on October 22, 2024, the study discovered how precursor cells to neuromast ionocytes can sense specific components in their surroundings that cause them to mature. These ions are key components that transmit electrical signals and regulate water pressure within and between cells, tissues, and organs. Most animals' body mass largely consists of water, making these ion-sensing cells important. A study from the Zanders lab revealed how the lethal pathogenic fungus, Cryptococcus neoformans, thrives, allowing them to identify potential novel therapeutic targets for treatment. Published in PLoS BIOLOGY on June 5, 2025, the study refined a genetic tool to identify which genes in C. neoformans are essential for its survival. Importantly, the research team uncovered more than 1,400 required genes, including more than 300 that share no similarity with human genes, making them promising targets for new antifungal drugs with reduced risks for side effects. Comprehensive Lists of Original Research Papers, Reviews, Commentaries, Chapters, and Books Published July 2024 - June 2025 Original Research Papers 1. RAP proteins regulate apicoplast noncoding RNA processing in Plasmodium falciparum. Hollin T, Chahine Z, Abel S, Banks C, Pasaje CFA, Lenz T, Prudhomme J, Ybanez CM, Abbaszadeh AS, Niles JC, Florens L, Le Roch KG. Cell Reports. 2025 Jun 27; j.celrep.2025.115928 2. Embryology 2024: a summer like no other. Abshire KM, Dagher L, Espinoza F, Gupta A, Hammond JE, Lion AT, Merkuri F, Miao Y, Neiro J, Pahima M, Prabhakara C, Sonpho EK, Styfhals R, Trani Bustos M, Zimmer F. Development. 2025 Jun 1; 152. 3. Multinucleated giant cells are hallmarks of ovarian aging with unique immune and degradation-associated molecular signatures. Converse A, Perry MJ, Dipali SS, Isola JVV, Kelly EB, Varberg JM, Zelinski MB, Stout MB, Pritchard MT, Duncan FE. PloS Biology. 2025 Jun 23; 10.1242/dev.204908. 4. Landscape of essential growth and fluconazole-resistance genes in the human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans. Billmyre RB, Craig CJ, Lyon JW, Reichardt C, Kuhn AM, Eickbush MT, Zanders SE. PloS Biology. 2025 May 22; e3003184. 5. Analysis of FAIMS for the study of affinity-purified protein complexes using the orbitrap ascend tribrid mass spectrometer. Goswami P, Cesare J, Rekowski MJ, Clark Z, Thornton J, Washburn MP. Molecular Omics. 2025 May 20. 6. ZNF574 is a Quality Control Factor for Defective Ribosome Biogenesis Intermediates. Akers JF, LaScola M, Bothe A, Suh H, Jung C, Stolp ZD, Ghosh T, Yan LL, Wang Y, Macurak M, Devan A, McKinney MC, Grismer TS, Reyes AV, Ross EJ, Hu T, Xu S-L, Ban N, Kostova KK. Molecular Cell. 2025 May 7. 7. Autonomous follicle quality control mechanisms: Innate immune signaling capabilities of granulosa cells. Hashim PH, Perry MJ, Pritchard MT, Gerton JL, Duncan

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 October 13, 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 November 6, 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 October 13, 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 October 13, 2026.

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

    Recognized by the IRS since August 2005.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 November 4, 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.