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Childrens Museum of Richmond

EIN 51-0220694 · Richmond, VA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong93 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

AS A NON-PROFIT 501(C)(3) ORGANIZATION, THE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF RICHMOND'S MISSION IS TO INSPIRE GROWTH IN ALL CHILDREN BY ENGAGING FAMILIES IN LEARNING THROUGH PLAY.

Income
$7.3 million
Spending
$4.1 million
Spent on programs
74%
Reserves
11.3 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 72%
Employees
115
Volunteers
498
Highest pay
$189,177, executive director

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

Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 80% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 11.3 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 10% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 44% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 85% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    74% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 9 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

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

    29 of 29 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 (5)
  1. $2.3 million spent. Museum Experience: CMoR is more than a fun place to play indoors and outdoors (though it's definitely that!) - it's an active, involved opportunity for the whole family to grow and learn together. From fundamental concepts to socialization skills, research shows that play has a positive impact on a child's academic performance - and the more often they engage in play at an environment like the one shared at CMoR, the more likely they are to find success inside the classroom. In FY25, CMoR saw total attendance of 284,905 guests.
  2. $513,373 spent. Education & Outreach: Play is a critical element to encourage healthy development in children, fostering skills that will stay with them well into adolescence and adulthood. At CMoR, children's growth is inspired by engaging families in the power of play, knowing that everyone can learn more - and develop more rapidly - when families play together. Our exhibits and experiences fuel children's problem-solving skills, motor development skills, language skills, spatial skills and coordination, communication and negotiation skills, creative skills, and pre-reading and reading comprehension skills. The Museum facilitated 824 field trips, which consisted of 16,329 students, through In-Museum, Museum-To-Go, and virtual field trips.
  3. $38,793 spent. Museum Shop: The Museum Shop carries educational toys, games, art and craft supplies, musical instruments, and hands-on projects that support children's learning experiences.
  4. $153,297 spent. The CMoR Book Bank distributes books to children from low-income households; in FY25, we distributed 16,534 books, primarily to children for the home libraries. 42% of field trips were free or reduced price through our Access for All scholarship program and 549 scholarship memberships donated to families in need. Nearly 39,300 visitors utilized our Museums for All program, which provides discount admission to families who access SNAP, WIC, and/or EBT benefits. A monthly evening for children with disabilities and their families welcomed 1,132 attendees to experience the Museum with lower sensory inputs, a cool-down room, and volunteers from VCU's occupational therapy program. In the lead up to the new school year, CMoR helped to prepare families for kindergarten readiness with programs and activities focused on tips for early literacy, social-emotional support, healthy habits, and ways for caregivers to support learning in and out of the classroom. Legendary Santa celebrated its 88th season in Richmond (at CMoR since 2005), continuing the timeless tradition of visiting Santa as he shares stories, memories, and love for all children. During the Legendary Santa visit, children have the opportunity to visit the Holiday Village, which explores holidays from six different cultures. In addition to all museum programming, CMoR updated exhibits as well as brought in a traveling exhibit for the summer. The community recognized CMoR's impact with awards from the Best of Virginia 2025 and Richmond Times-Dispatch Top Workplaces 2025.
  5. (Expenses $ 153,297 including grants of $ 0)(Revenue $ 85,560) The CMoR Book Bank distributes books to children from low-income households; in FY25, we distributed 16,534 books, primarily to children for the home libraries. 42% of field trips were free or reduced price through our Access for All scholarship program and 549 scholarship memberships donated to families in need. Nearly 39,300 visitors utilized our Museums for All program, which provides discount admission to families who access SNAP, WIC, and/or EBT benefits. A monthly evening for children with disabilities and their families welcomed 1,132 attendees to experience the Museum with lower sensory inputs, a cool-down room, and volunteers from VCU's occupational therapy program. In the lead up to the new school year, CMoR helped to prepare families for kindergarten readiness with programs and activities focused on tips for early literacy, social-emotional support, healthy habits, and ways for caregivers to support learning in and out of the classroom. Legendary Santa celebrated its 88th season in Richmond (at CMoR since 2005), continuing the timeless tradition of visiting Santa as he shares stories, memories, and love for all children. During the Legendary Santa visit, children have the opportunity to visit the Holiday Village, which explores holidays from six different cultures. In addition to all museum programming, CMoR updated exhibits as well as brought in a traveling exhibit for the summer. The community recognized CMoR's impact with awards from the Best of Virginia 2025 and Richmond Times-Dispatch Top Workplaces 2025.

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 October 13, 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 February 1978.

    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 October 21, 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.