Wider Horizons
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Our mission is to enable older residents of Central Seattle to participate in an intergenerational community that shares knowledge, experience and services with each other so living is easier and more joyful. We do this by providing, vetting, and recommending resources so adults can remain in their own homes for as long as they choose. We offer members a harmonious blend of health and in-home services, shared social and cultural activities, and community engagement-all designed to foster belonging, security and contribution.
- Income
- $387,398
- Spending
- $145,145
- Spent on programs
- 72%
- Reserves
- 38.1 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 80%
- Employees
- 1
- Volunteers
- 120
- Highest pay
- $85,905, executive 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
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 88% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 38.1 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 1% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 63% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 150% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1572% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 2 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
Good: 76 out of 100. Higher than 51% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
25 of 2510 of 10 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a 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.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
6 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.
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, 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 (1)
- $104,537 spent. Member Services: Members do the things that many close-knit families and friends do together: dinners, social events, rides to the doctor or airport when needed, light home repairs, help with gardening and computer issues, and the like. We have fun together; we take care of each other; we learn new things; we have adventures; we feel engaged and worthy. We are especially grateful for our non-member volunteers. All of our services are related to acquiring and serving members, who (once they have joined) are entitled to both community-building activities (social, educational, other) and need-based services (provided by other members, volunteers, and referrals to recommended services). When Wider Horizons opened in June 2015, we had 64 members. We now have 156 members, most of whom live in Central Seattle (Lake Washington to Lake Union and Montlake to I-90 are the boundaries). Members range in age from their 40s to early 90s. They are fascinating, independent people who want to age in community. Many joined as an extension of a lifetime of citizen activism. 75% of our members are actively engaged in one way or another; many of these are engaged in multiple ways. 25% of our current members receive a discount on their dues, which is our goal. 1. Community-building: Community-building is the central principle of our village. We include our volunteers and the wider community in this effort and it is both woven into everything we do and can be teased out as follows from some of our accomplishments: We have a Magazine Group, a Book Group, and a Warm for Winter Group (knitting hats & scarves for homeless people), each of which meets monthly... We have a Men's Coffee Group organized by members who are men and a Women's Wine and Dine Group organized by our women members... . We have regular gatherings, including potlucks and parties... People also meet in smaller, neighborhood groups for social and cultural activities... There are spontaneous, off-the-cuff music, theater, and walking groups. 2. Need-driven Services: Members request services at quite a low level (averaging fewer than 1 person a week making a request); sometimes these requests cover multiple rides-for example, to physical therapy or grocery shopping... Some requests defy categorization or have a great story wrapped around them (for example, a member reading The New Yorker to another member with limited vision)... Most services are provided by members to other members, but we have some very talented home repair and technology volunteers.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since March 2015.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 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.