W Foundation
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
FOSTER HUMANITARIAN, CULTURAL, & SCIENTIFIC ENDEAVORS BY SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS THAT EDUCATE AND PROMOTE SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGEERING, MATHEMATHICS & ECONOMICS.
- Income
- $1,177
- Spending
- $75
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 100%
- Employees
- 0
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
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Weak: 41 out of 100. Higher than 17% of charities in its peer group (science, under $250k).
Independent board
18 of 253 of 3 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
0 of 15Reports no 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
0 of 10Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.
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 (3)
- PROGRAM EXPENDITURES AND EVENTS REPLATED TO THE APOLLO EXHIBIT AT THE USS HORNET MUSEUM WHICH EDUCATES THE GENERAL PUBLIC ABOUT THE ASPECTS OF MANNED SPACE FLIGHT AND THE INTERRELATIONSHIPS OF ALL SCIENCES. THE GEMINI BOILER PLATE TEST SPLASHDOWN MODULE IS ON LOAN AT THE USS HORNET. ASSETS ARE ALSO ON DISPLAY AT THE CHABOT SPACE SCIENCE CENTER. ESTIMATED FAIR MARKET VALUE USE OF ASSETS IS VALUED AT $48,000.
- THE "THE SPACE STATION" MUSEUM WAS SHUT DOWN DURING THE COVID YEARS. THE PROGRAM OPERATIONS NEVER RECOVERED. ONCE THE FACILITY WAS CLOSED, THERE WAS A DRAMATIC LACK OF ATTENDENCE, LACK OF VOLUNTEERS AND REDUCTION IN FINANCIAL SUPPORT.
- THE MUSEUM OF AMERICAN FINANCE IS SUPPORTED BY THE W FOUNDATION TO PROMOTE EDUCATION AND AWARENESS OF MATH/ECONOMICS. ASSETS ON DISPLAY AT THE MUSEUMS INCLUDE AN EDISON TICKER TAPE, STOCK CERTIFICATES SIGNED BY JOHN ROCKEFELLER, AND COLONIAL REAL ESTATE DEEDS. ESTIMATED FAIR MARKET VALUE OF THESE OF ASSETS IS VALUED AT $14,400.
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 January 2003.
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.
Could it be confused with another charity? Worth knowing.
A much larger organization has a similar name: Ab Foundation (Washington, DC), EIN 27-5278038. If that is the one you meant, check the EIN before giving.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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.