Childrens Inn at Nih Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
THE CHILDREN'S INN AT NIH, INC. (THE INN) IS A PRIVATE, NONPROFIT RESIDENCE FOR FAMILIES AND THEIR CHILDREN WHO ARE PARTICIPATING IN PEDIATRIC RESEARCH AT THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH'S (NIH) CLINICAL CENTER. THE INN'S MISSION IS TO FULLY AND CONSISTENTLY MEET THE NEEDS OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES PARTICIPATING IN GROUNDBREAKING RESEARCH AT NIH BY:- RESPONDING TO EVOLVING FAMILY SUPPORT NEEDS FROM PEDIATRIC RESEARCH AND CLINICAL CARE;- PROVIDING A FREE FAMILY-CENTERED "PLACE LIKE HOME; AND- REDUCING THE BURDENS OF ILLNESS THROUGH THERAPEUTIC, EDUCATIONAL AND RECREATIONAL PROGRAMMING.
- Income
- $26.5 million
- Spending
- $17.4 million
- Spent on programs
- 76%
- Reserves
- 14 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 89%
- Employees
- 53
- Volunteers
- 273
- Highest pay
- $386,287, chief executive officer
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: 100 out of 100. Higher than 93% of charities in its peer group (health care, $10m to $100m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 14.0 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 4% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 34% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 58% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1576% 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 52% of charities in its peer group (health care, $10m to $100m).
Independent board
25 of 2521 of 21 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a 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
15 of 15Its accounts were audited 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 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 (2)
- $10.2 million spent. HOUSING THE CHILDREN'S INN AT NIH WAS FOUNDED 35 YEARS AGO TO PROVIDE A COMFORTABLE AND NURTURING "PLACE LIKE HOME" AT NO COST TO FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN PARTICIPATING IN CLINICAL RESEARCH STUDIES FOR THE TREATMENT OF RARE AND SEVERE DISEASES AT THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (NIH). TODAY, THE INN SERVES CHILDREN, TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS UP TO 30 YEARS OLD, AND THEIR FAMILIES, ENSURING ACCESS TO POTENTIALLY LIFESAVING RESEARCH AND RELATED CLINICAL CARE AT THE NIH CLINICAL CENTER. FOR MANY FAMILIES, THE COSTS OF LODGING IN THE WASHINGTON, D.C. METRO AREA WOULD BE A BARRIER TO PARTICIPATING IN CLINICAL RESEARCH WITHOUT THE INN'S FREE HOUSING. NIH SCIENTISTS WORK WITH YOUNG RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS TO PIONEER MEDICAL INNOVATIONS THAT IMPROVE THE LIVES AND SURVIVAL RATES OF YOUNG PEOPLE WORLDWIDE. IN ADDITION TO PROVIDING FREE LODGING FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY, OUR GOALS ARE TO MAKE CHILDHOOD POSSIBLE, RELIEVE THE BURDEN OF ILLNESS ON FAMILIES AND HELP ADVANCE NIH CLINICAL RESEARCH.THE CHILDREN'S INN FEATURES ACCOMMODATIONS FOR 60 FAMILIES. WHILE MOST FAMILIES SPEND BETWEEN 1-5 NIGHTS AT THE INN PER VISIT, MANY STAY FOR WEEKS, MONTHS OR YEARS TO RECEIVE TREATMENTS SUCH AS GENE THERAPY, IMMUNE THERAPY OR BONE MARROW TRANSPLANTS THAT REQUIRE LENGTHY PREPARATION AND RECUPERATION TIMES. IN AN AVERAGE YEAR, MORE THAN 1,500 FAMILIES WILL STAY AT THE INN. FAMILIES HAVE COME FROM EVERY US STATE AND 106 FOREIGN COUNTRIES.AS A "PLACE LIKE HOME," THE INN MAKES IT POSSIBLE FOR FAMILIES TO ENGAGE IN TYPICAL EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES EASILY AND COMFORTABLYMEAL PREPARATION, HOMEWORK, LAUNDRY, EXERCISE, AND TIME TOGETHER AS A FAMILYWHILE ALSO PROVIDING AMPLE SPACE TO PLAY, RELAX, AND PARTICIPATE IN FUN AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES. FAMILIES HAVE ACCESS TO THREE FULLY EQUIPPED KITCHENS WITH INDIVIDUAL REFRIGERATOR/FREEZERS AND CABINET SPACE, SHARED LIVING AND DINING ROOMS AND LAUNDRY ROOMS. COMMUNITY PANTRIES ARE STOCKED WITH FREE, NON-PERISHABLE FOODS FOR SIMPLE MEALS, AND TRANSPORTATION TO GROCERY STORES IS PROVIDED THREE TIMES A WEEK. IN ADDITION, EVERY FAMILY IS ELIGIBLE FOR GROCERY GIFT CARDS. THE CHILDREN'S INN HAS MULTIPLE INDOOR PLAY SPACES, A COMPUTER ROOM, AN EDUCATION CENTER, AND AN ART ROOM TO PLAY, LEARN, MAKE FRIENDS AND PARTICIPATE IN THE INN'S WIDE ARRAY OF RECREATIONAL, WELLNESS, AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES.THE INN'S EXERCISE ROOM PROVIDES THE CHANCE TO WORK OUT ALONE OR AS PART OF INSTRUCTOR-LED GROUP EXERCISE CLASSES. A REFLECTION SPACE PROVIDES FAMILIES A QUIET ROOM TO PRAY OR ENGAGE IN SPIRITUAL ACTIVITIES. WHEN THE WEATHER ALLOWS, THE INN'S LARGE PLAYGROUND IS THE PERFECT PLACE FOR CHILDREN TO MEET OTHER CHILDREN, WHILE THE SPORTS COURT PROVIDES THE OPPORTUNITY TO PRACTICE A VARIETY OF SPORTS. COMMUNITY BIKES, TRIKES, SCOOTERS AND OTHER EQUIPMENT ARE AVAILABLE, AND WALKING PATHS ALLOW FAMILIES TO STROLL. THE INN'S WELCOMING PHYSICAL SPACE AND ITS MANY FAMILY-CENTERED ACTIVITIES MAKE IT EASY FOR FAMILIES TO GET TO KNOW ONE ANOTHER AND FORM DEEP CONNECTIONS THAT LEAD TO LASTING, SUPPORTIVE FRIENDSHIPS REGARDLESS OF AGE OR BACKGROUND. ARRIVING AT THE INN MAY BE THE FIRST TIME A CHILD OR TEEN MAY MEET SOMEONE WITH A SIMILAR RARE DISEASE. IN JUNE 2018, THE INN LAUNCHED ITS MULTIYEAR STRATEGIC PLAN, #INN2025 WHICH IS BUILT ON 3 BOLD PRIORITIES: TO COMPREHENSIVELY TRANSFORM OUR BUILDING, ACCELERATE CUTTING-EDGE PEDIATRIC RESEARCH, AND ADVANCE SUSTAINABILITY & WELLBEING.THE PLAN, LED TO A REIMAGINED PLACE LIKE HOME THAT WILL ACCELERATE THE INN'S IMPACT ON DISCOVERY AND CARE AND BRING NEW CAPABILITIES TO SUPPORT YOUNG PEOPLE AND NIH RESEARCHERS EVERY STEP ALONG THE JOURNEY FROM HOPE TO CURES. THE MASTER PLAN ENVISIONS THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW BUILDING, WHICH WILL MAINTAIN A CENTRAL LOCATION ON THE CURRENT SITE OF THE INN AND INCLUDE A TWO-STORY BEACON OF HOPE AT THE ENTRANCE. IN ADDITION TO CREATING 25% MORE SPACE, THE EXISTING BUILDING WILL BE COMPLETELY REFRESHED AND WHEN COMPLETE WILL INCREASE OUR CAPABILITIES TO CARE FOR MORE FAMILIES.CONSTRUCTION BEGAN IN 2025 WITH A CURRENT COST ESTIMATE OF $56,700,000. IN 2025, THE INN'S CAPITAL CAMPAIGN RAISED $17,600,000.DURING THE RENOVATION AND EXPANSION PHASES OF THE PROJECT, THE INN HAS CONTINUED TO FOCUS ON THE COMFORT AND SAFETY OF THE FAMILIES CURRENTLY VISITING. DURING FY25, THE INNS CAPACITY WAS REDUCED TO 23 ROOMS ON SITE AND 11 APARTMENTS IN THE COMMUNITY. DURING FY25:821 PEDIATRIC, TEEN AND YOUNG ADULT PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES VISITED THE INN AND STAYED FOR 14,170 NIGHTS. DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, THIS IS LOWER THAN OUR TYPICAL YEAR WHEN WE SERVE MORE THAN 1,500 FAMILIES. - HOUSING COSTS TO SUPPORT THESE FAMILIES TOTALED $10,163,333. - ADDITIONAL IN-KIND SUPPORT THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS WITH THE NIH, CORPORATE SPONSORS, AND INDIVIDUALS TOTALED $2,711,713. - THE INN WAS SUPPORTED BY A DEDICATED GROUP OF VOLUNTEERS WHO GAVE 6,699 HOURS OF SERVICE WITH AN ESTIMATED VALUE OF $238,030. - THE TOTAL COSTS OF HOUSING SERVICES WAS $13,113,076.ON MARCH 23, 2020, TO REDUCE THE RISK OF TRANSMISSION OF COVID-19 AND ENHANCE STAFF SAFETY, THE NIH SHIFTED TO MISSION-CRITICAL FUNCTIONS. IN 2025 THE INN CONTINUED TO REMOVE OR REDUCE ITS COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS WITH GUIDANCE FROM THE NIH HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY SERVICES TEAM. CHANGES INCLUDED:- OPTIONAL MASK USAGE AND CONTINUED HEALTH SCREENINGS.- FULL RETURN TO ALLOWING ONSITE VOLUNTEERS AND VOLUNTEER GROUPS AND VISITORS. - A RETURN TO REGULAR WEEKLY GROCERY STORE TRIPS. - NO RESTRICTIONS ON FAMILY USAGE OF COMMUNAL KITCHENS AND SPACES.- FURTHER RE-INSTATEMENT OF BOTH INDOOR AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES. - THE INN CONTINUES TO WORK CLOSELY WITH NIH EPIDEMIOLOGISTS TO ADJUST PROCEDURES AS NEEDED.
- $2.9 million spent. RESIDENT SERVICES - THE CHILDREN'S INN AT NIH WAS FOUNDED 35 YEARS AGO TO PROVIDE A COMFORTABLE AND NURTURING "PLACE LIKE HOME" AT NO COST TO FAMILIES WHOSE CHILDREN PARTICIPATE IN CLINICAL RESEARCH STUDIES FOR THE TREATMENT OF RARE AND SEVERE DISEASES AT THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (NIH). TODAY, THE INN SERVES CHILDREN, TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS UP TO 30 YEARS OLD, AS WELL AS THEIR FAMILIES. NIH SCIENTISTS WORK WITH YOUNG RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS TO PIONEER MEDICAL INNOVATIONS THAT IMPROVE THE LIVES AND SURVIVAL RATES OF YOUNG PEOPLE WORLDWIDE. IN ADDITION TO PROVIDING FREE LODGING FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY, OUR GOALS ARE TO MAKE CHILDHOOD POSSIBLE, RELIEVE THE BURDEN OF ILLNESS ON FAMILIES AND HELP ADVANCE NIH CLINICAL RESEARCH. THROUGH THE FAMILY SUPPORT PROGRAM, THE INN AIMS TO MEET THE VARIOUS NEEDS OF FAMILIES WHO ARE STAYING WITH US BY DEVELOPING AND IMPLEMENTING THERAPEUTIC, RECREATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS. KEEPING FAMILIES TOGETHER IS CRUCIAL FOR THEIR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING, ESPECIALLY WHEN FACED WITH A CHILD'S RARE AND SERIOUS ILLNESS. THESE ACTIVITIES NOT ONLY PROVIDE ENTERTAINMENT BUT ALSO HELP FOSTER LASTING RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER FAMILIES, CREATING THE INN'S UNIQUE NURTURING AND SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY. THE INN'S ENVIRONMENT SUPPORTS FAMILY LIFE AND MEETS EVERYDAY NEEDS SUCH AS COOKING A CHILD'S FAVORITE MEAL, SPENDING QUALITY TIME TOGETHER OUTSIDE THE HOSPITAL, AND PARTICIPATING IN RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES TOGETHER. ALL ACTIVITIES ARE DESIGNED TO BE INCLUSIVE, SO THAT EACH RESIDENT FEELS A SENSE OF BELONGING, SAFETY, CARE AND, MOST IMPORTANTLY, HAS FUN. WHETHER IT BE THROUGH A RELAXING YOGA SESSION, MOVIE NIGHT ON THE PLAYGROUND, OR A SAILING TRIP AROUND CHESAPEAKE BAY, OUR WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES OFFER FAMILIES A CHANCE TO SIMPLY ENJOY THEMSELVES.THE INN'S EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS SUPPORT THE PATIENT AND THEIR SIBLINGS WITH SCHOOLWORK AND GROUP ACTIVITIES. CHILDREN CAN BE MATCHED WITH INDIVIDUAL TUTORS BASED ON THEIR EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND LANGUAGE PREFERENCES. EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDE LEARNING ABOUT TECHNOLOGY OR MEETING CHILDREN'S BOOK AUTHORS WHO LEAD LIVELY DISCUSSIONS ABOUT THE FUN OF READING AND WRITING STORIES. SPECIAL ACTIVITIES FOR PATIENTS AND THEIR SIBLINGS INCLUDE:- CAMP INNCREDIBLE: ALLOWS CHILDREN TO PARTICIPATE IN TYPICAL CAMP ACTIVITIES DURING THE SPRING, SUMMER AND FALL MONTHS. - SIBLING DAY: PROVIDES THE CHANCE FOR SIBLINGS TO LEARN ABOUT THE MEDICAL PROCEDURES THEIR SICK SIBLING MAY UNDERGO AND BE RECOGNIZED AS "SUPER SIBS" FOR THEIR MANY IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO THEIR FAMILIES.THE CHILDREN'S INN PROVIDES SUPPORT AND ACTIVITIES FOR OUR TEEN AND YOUNG ADULT RESIDENTS. THE TEEN AND YOUNG ADULT LOUNGE IS DESIGNED FOR AGES 13 AND OLDER TO HAVE THEIR OWN SPACE TO PLAY BOARD AND VIDEO GAMES, READ, STUDY, PARTICIPATE IN ORGANIZED GROUP DISCUSSIONS OR GATHER BEFORE OUTINGS TO LOCAL RESTAURANTS, LIVE CONCERTS AND SHOWS. THE CHANCE TO GET TO KNOW, SOCIALIZE AND MAKE FRIENDS WITH PEERS OF THE SAME AGE FACED WITH CHRONIC OR LIFE-THREATENING DISEASES IS WELCOMED BY OUR YOUNG PEOPLE WHO TYPICALLY HAVE NEVER HAD THE CHANCE TO MEET OTHERS FACED WITH SIMILAR, RARE HEALTH CHALLENGES. EACH YEAR, THE INN PROVIDES TWO DAYS OF SPECIAL ACTIVITIES FOR OUR TEEN RESIDENTS PARTICIPATING IN THE "TEEN RETREAT."THE CHILDREN'S INN IS EXPANDING PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES FOR OUR YOUNG ADULTS WHO OFTEN HAVE NOT HAD THE CHANCE TO DEVELOP INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS TO THE SAME DEGREE AS THEIR HEALTHY PEERS.. IN 2026, THE INN PLANS TO OPEN A SECOND BUILDING LOCATED DIRECTLY ACROSS THE STREET, WHICH WILL PROVIDE HOUSING DESIGNED FOR OUR YOUNG ADULTS, AGES 18-30. CAREGIVER GATHERINGS LED BY THE CLINICAL CENTER'S NON-DENOMINATIONAL CHAPLAIN PROVIDE PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS AND OTHERS WITH THE CHANCE TO ENGAGE IN DISCUSSIONS, SING SONGS TOGETHER AND EXPLORE THEIR SPIRITUALITY. MANY CAREGIVERS REPORT THEY FIND SOLACE AND INSPIRATION IN CONVERSATIONS WITH THE CHAPLAIN AND OTHER FAMILIES. HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS AND DISCUSS THE DIFFICULTIES OF THEIR SITUATION STRENGTHENS FAMILIES' BONDS AND THE INN'S NURTURING COMMUNITY. EXERCISE IS ANOTHER MEANINGFUL WAY FOR CAREGIVERS TO PRACTICE SELF-CARE. THE INN'S EXERCISE ROOM PROVIDES WEIGHTS AND CARDIAC EQUIPMENT FOR AN EASY WAY TO STAY IN SHAPE AND DE-STRESS. THE INN OFFERS FREE FITNESS CLASSES TAUGHT BY CERTIFIED TRAINERS THREE TIMES A WEEK. THE INN'S STAFF PROVIDES A WIDE RANGE OF RECREATIONAL FIELD TRIPS TO TOURIST ATTRACTIONS, LOCAL MUSEUMS, ART STUDIOS, SPORTING EVENTS, RESTAURANTS, CONCERTS, MUSICALS AND OTHER FAMILY-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCES. ON-SITE ACTIVITIES FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY INCLUDE: - CHRISTMAS IN JULY WHICH IS A SPECIAL SUMMERTIME VISIT FROM SANTA WHO BRINGS GIFTS AND SURPRISES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY. - HOLIDAY DECORATIONS AND VISITS FROM SANTA AND THE ELVES, TRANSFORM THE INN INTO A MAGICAL PLACE DURING DECEMBER. EVERY CHILD AND FAMILY MEMBER CAN CREATE A WISH LIST, AND SANTA AND HIS ELVES ENSURE WISHES ARE FILLED TO THE BEST EXTENT POSSIBLE.- SUMMER CONCERT SERIES FEATURES LOCAL SINGERS AND BANDS WHO PROVIDE FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT FOR EVERY FAMILY MEMBER. MEALS SERVED BY VOLUNTEERS OR INN STAFF PROVIDE FAMILIES THE OPPORTUNITY TO REST AND RELAX WITH THEIR CHILD AFTER LONG DAYS OF TRAVEL OR MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS WITHOUT THE WORRY OF COOKING. SHARED MEALS BRING FAMILIES TOGETHER WHERE THEY CAN MEET ONE ANOTHER AND BOND. TO SUPPORT FAMILIES, THE INN SERVES BREAKFAST EACH DAY, WHILE CORPORATE AND COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS PROVIDE DINNERS UP TO 4 NIGHTS OF THE WEEK, AS WELL AS SUNDAY BRUNCH. THE INN ALSO SERVES LUNCH TO SUPPORT FAMILIES FURTHER . WE ALSO INCLUDE MEAL OPTIONS FOR VARIOUS DIETARY RESTRICTIONS AND MEET STRICT FOOD STANDARDS FOR OUR TRANSPLANT PATIENTS. THE EXPANDED OPTIONS INCLUDE GLUTEN-FREE, FAT-FREE AND DAIRY-FREE MEALS, FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLES, AND VEGETARIAN OPTIONS. ALL SERVICES ARE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE. FOR FAMILIES WISHING TO COOK, OUR TEAM ORGANIZES TRIPS TO THE GROCERY STORE ONCE A WEEK AND PROVIDES GROCERY GIFT CAR
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
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 October 13, 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 June 2025.
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 August 1989.
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 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.