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Wonder Institute

EIN 65-1315226 · Jackson, WY

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong93 out of 100GovernanceGood71 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

We empower leaders by providing vital community spaces and innovative programming. We seek to support a thriving community where curiosity is ignited, innovation is cultivated, and individuals of all backgrounds are empowered to shape their future through hands-on learning and collaborative creation.

Income
$393,178
Spending
$283,589
Spent on programs
88%
Reserves
6.8 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 80%
Employees
2
Volunteers
7
Highest pay
$106,667, executive director (non-voting

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 74% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 6.8 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 28% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 145% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    88% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 5 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Good: 71 out of 100. Higher than 52% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    6 of 6 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    0 of 7

    Reports no 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

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • Independent check of accounts

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed 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, 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 (7)
  1. $163,206 spent. THE WONDER LAB: The Wonder Labs are community spaces dedicated to creativity innovation, and imagination. We provide community members the opportunity to actively create, experiment and problem-solve. Classes are offered at all of our Wonder Labs locations. The Wonder Labs at Deer Drive include a Community WoodShop, a Silversmithing Studio, a Sewing Studio, and a Prototyping Lab. The Community WoodShop is a 1,600 square-foot space outfitted with the latest woodworking equipment and technology. The WoodShop offers safety training, classes, and memberships. The Silversmithing Studio is equipped with casting equipment and tools for designing and fabricating metal jewelry and objects. The Sewing Studio features industrial sewing machines and embroidery machines for garment construction, textile arts, and soft good production. The Prototyping Lab is equipped with 3D printers, a CNC router, and laser cutters for design, iteration and precision fabrication.
  2. $7,272 spent. TETON COUNTY LIBRARY- WONDERLAB, RECORDING STUDIO & EDITING BAY: In partnership with the Teton County Library, the Wonder Institute created the WonderLab, the Wonder Institute Recording Studio, and a professional Editing Bay. The Wonderlab at Teton County Library has high-quality 3D printers, die cutters, and sewing and embroidery machines. The Recording Studio provides a professional setting for content creators to produce high-quality audio and video, from podcast recordings to YouTube videos. The Editing Bay is equipped with premium editing software and a color-accurate monitor for post-production work.
  3. $32,473 spent. SCHOOLS PROGRAMS- ROBOTICS, WY HIGH SCHOOL, WE THE PEOPLE, and STOCK MARKET GAME: Wonder Institute supports the Jackson Hole RoboBroncs, a robotics program serving 150 students with 15 coaches across three levels- elementary clinics for 4th and 5th graders, developmental and competition programs at Jackson Hole Middle School, and four travel teams at Jackson Hole High School that compete statewide. Wonder Institute also supported a joint project between the robotics students and community partners to build a robotic sage grouse, bringing together engineering, craftsmanship and local identity. Wonder Institute supports students at WY Indian High School through CTE (Career and Technical Education) programming, providing resources and expertise for sewing and prototyping classes that give students access to hands-on making and practical skills.
  4. $45,627 spent. CONSULTING AND PARTNERSHIPS: The Wonder Institute offers consulting services to community organizations, drawing on our expertise in hands-on learning, making and education. We work with partners such as Central Wyoming College, the Teton County School District, and nonprofits like First In Family to help them develop and strengthen programs that connect people to practical
  5. (cont) skills and applied education. We bring experience building spaces, designing curriculum, and running programs that meet communities where they are.
  6. CONSULTING AND PARTNERSHIPS: The Wonder Institute 45627. 0. 21000.
  7. (cont) skills and applied education. We bring experience 0. 0. 0.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 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 November 6, 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 December 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 March 2008.

    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 November 4, 2026.

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