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Winona Senior Services Inc

EIN 41-1936536 · Winona, MN

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong93 out of 100GovernanceStrong95 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To inspire, recognize, and empower the caregivers in all of us.

Income
$15.6 million
Spending
$14.3 million
Spent on programs
91%
Reserves
8.4 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 96%
Employees
234
Volunteers
18
Highest pay
$632,019, director

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

Financial health

Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 85% of charities in its peer group (health care, $10m to $100m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 8.4 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 6% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 8% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 11% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    91% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.

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

Governance

Strong: 95 out of 100. Higher than 39% of charities in its peer group (health care, $10m to $100m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    11 of 16 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

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • 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 September 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. $12.9 million spent. Winona Senior Services, Inc. (WSS) supports and serves the healthcare needs of senior citizens living in the Winona, Minnesota, region. It includes the following services:* Lake Winona Manor, a 80-bed skilled, long-term care nursing facility* Watkins Manor, an assisted living facility with 53 units. * Adith Miller and Roger Metz Manors, memory care residences that provide a home to up to 20 dementia-affected individuals. * Winona Area Hospice Services, caring for an average of 43 residents per day with terminal illnesses(Continued on Schedule O)Additional programs that benefit the community include:Health Professional Training: WSS works closely with nurse education programs in the community to provide clinical sites for LPNs, RNs, and CNAs for assistance and training completion with our residents. Students provide supervised nursing care. We also provide practicums for the therapeutic recreation and social work students through Winona State University. Preventive Care: WSS encourages preventive care through a number of resources. WSS participates in a number of educational opportunities for the community on topics relating to care of the aging parent, home care, Hospice and choosing independent or assisted living. WSS provides ongoing training expenses for certifications (e.g., Trained Medication Assistant programs) at no cost to their employees.Community Relations: WSS works with many area nonprofit organizations to support the care of the elderly and health-related activities. Many staff speak to outside civic, educational and non-profit groups, as well as actively participating in community events. Staff of WSS serve on committees and groups to support the provision of senior care services and advocacy for the local community and throughout the State of Minnesota.Community Education: WSS offers a grief support group. Staff adapted activities to ensure resident safety, minimize the impact of prolonged isolation and incorporated creative ways to involve family. All senior care services offer an active media presence and provide opportunities for families and client supports by engaging in service-related councils.WSS is committed to being a "dementia friendly" community, partnering with other non-profit organizations in the community to care for this vulnerable population. The Namaste program implemented by Lake Winona Manor in May of 2017 seeks to improve the lives of people with advanced dementia, through a spa-like experience. People with dementia are often confused or upset by the noises around them. Residents can have their hair done, nails painted, hands, feet or face massaged, feet or face soaked, while soft, calming music is played and soothing scents (aromatherapy) fill the air. The Namaste program dedicates one-on-one time with the resident while creating a calm and therapeutic environment to help the individual feel less anxious. Charity Care: WSS provides medical care to the community regardless of an individual's ability to pay.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 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 September 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 November 1999.

    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.