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Kidsplay Childrens Museum Inc

EIN 45-4928276 · Torrington, 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

Provide a content-rich learning environment that fosters creativity, sparks curiosity, and builds life-skills through interactive exhibits and programs (see schedule O for mission statement)

Income
$1.3 million
Spending
$1.1 million
Spent on programs
76%
Reserves
-4.6 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 55%
Employees
33
Volunteers
50
Highest pay
$133,059, museum director

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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 26% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 14% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 12% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    76% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 14 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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

    12 of 12 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 December 31, 2024, 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 (3)
  1. $501,060 spent. KidsPlay is a museum offering a wide array of interactive exhibits designed to help children thrive intellectually, socially, and emotionally. The Museum provides a safe and stimulating environment that encourages children and caregivers to discover, imagine, and create. Children practice skills, build curiosity, and explore new things through developmental play. In 2024, KidsPlay participated in Museums for All, Blue Star Museums, and other access initiatives to ensure that underserved and underrepresented audiences benefit from its exhibits and programs.
  2. $239,439 spent. KidsPlay offers educational programs and outreach activities designed to enhance children's cognitive and social-emotional development. The museum collaborates with experts and partners to provide content in science, humanities, and the arts tailored to children's developmental stages. KidsPlay is a popular destination for educational field trips. In addition, the museum hosts KidsPlay Day Camp, offering an enriching and creative experience for children involved in a local English language learners program at Torrington Public Schools.
  3. $116,234 spent. In 2024, KidsPlay Childrens Museum strengthened its collaborative role through theHub@KidsPlay initiative. This effort brings together schools, healthcare providers, and nonprofits to support child development and family well-being. The Hub features a family resource library and a community meeting room that hosts partner-led programs, including developmental screenings, family engagement initiatives, and intervention services. By connecting playful learning with school readiness, the Hub@KidsPlay helps create a more coordinated early childhood support system for the region. The museum continues to offer below-market access to spaces, a costume shop, and a fraternal organization.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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 December 2024.

    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 June 2013.

    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.