Angels Without Wings Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Angels Without Wings (AWW), Inc supports and raises awareness of groups/people helping people or animals in need, and honors those that have a special bond with others or animals. Monuments that show the human/animal bond (like Cody's Wish and Cody Dorman) spreads love and kindness, as does the monument to Grizzly 399, a true Angel Without Wings as she brought her inspiration and awareness about the critical challenges facing grizzly bear populations, and the need to take action to protect their habitats. Animals in War & Peace (AWP) honors animals that have served our country during war and peace with monuments, Medals of Bravery, and Distinguished Service Medals. A traveling museum teaches history through the eyes of the animals through displays, educational programs, and talks. The Sgt Reckless Memorial Fund raises awareness about the Korean War and spreads the story of Sgt. Reckless, America's greatest war horse who served during the Korean War. There are six monuments to Reckless.
- Income
- $248,674
- Spending
- $199,920
- Spent on programs
- 92%
- Reserves
- 9.5 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 100%
- Employees
- 0
- Volunteers
- 10
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 82% of charities in its peer group (human services, under $250k).
Reserves
28 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 9.5 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 20% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 55% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1592% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 2 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Weak: 38 out of 100. Higher than 15% of charities in its peer group (human services, under $250k).
Independent board
5 of 250 of 4 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
0 of 15Reports no written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
0 of 7Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 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)
- $148,588 spent. A Monument Honoring the Human/Horse Connection: One of horse racing's most inspiring stories involves the almost mystical connection between the 2023 Horse of the Year Cody's Wish and his namesake, Cody Dorman, a young man born with a rare genetic disorder, Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome, that confined him to a wheelchair and limited his communication to a tablet. "The Bond: Two Hearts - One Spirit" is a monument that celebrates the extraordinary human/horse relationship, and the power of love. The monument is designed to allow people in wheelchairs to roll up and place their hands on the horse's nose, looking into the eyes of this remarkable animal and experiencing the same connection that Cody and Cody's Wish shared. An accompanying black granite engraved wall features the iconic photograph of Cody Dorman and Cody's Wish. Those not in wheelchairs are also able to feel the spirit of "The Bond" as they stand alongside or in front of the bronze monument, touching the horse's nose and looking into its eyes. These two are both Angels Without Wings, as this story took the world by storm and gave love, meaning and connection to those that followed it, and it is our hope that everyone will not only feel their Bond, but experience an incredible Bond of their own. The plaza also has a Braille plaque. This emotional monument was installed at the Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY and was dedicated on October 11, 2025. It has become a destination at the Kentucky Horse Park.
- $26,153 spent. The 5th annual Animals in War & Peace Medal Ceremony in Washington, DC honored seven animals (canines) that have served our country heroically on the war and home fronts with Medals of Bravery and Distinguished Service Medals. This ceremony brings awareness about the important role animals play in protecting and serving our country. Members of Congress presented the Medals to these heroes that have served. With this ceremony we have presented 33 medals to date - ten Distinguished Service Medals, and 23 Medals of Bravery. A new award, the Exceptional Service Award, was also instituted in this ceremony. These Medals have become the highest honor an animal can receive for service to our country.
- $9,116 spent. A monument honoring Grizzly Bear 399-a true Angel Without Wings-will be installed and dedicated in September 2026 at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, Wyoming. More than a tribute to an extraordinary bear, the monument celebrates the inspiration she provided and the awareness she brought to the critical challenges facing grizzly bear populations and the urgent need to protect their habitat. Since first appearing in Grand Teton National Park in 2007, Grizzly 399 became the most photographed grizzly bear in the world and an unforgettable ambassador for wildlife conservation. Through her remarkable story of resilience, motherhood, and grace, she captivated millions, forging an extraordinary connection between people and the natural world. 399 became far more than a wildlife icon. She was a symbol of hope, coexistence, and the fragile balance of nature, inspiring countless people to value and protect the wild places that sustain these magnificent animals. By honoring her legacy, we hope to inspire future generations to cherish wildlife and safeguard the landscapes they call home.
- $400 spent. Monument cleaning for Camp Pendleton Sgt Reckless Monument
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
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.
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.
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.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since February 2010.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
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.