Water Walkers
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- It owes more than it owns.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
Water Walkers uses the transformative power of watersports, outdoor adventure, and education to equip and inspire at-risk youth in Nashville to become confident and empowered leaders who are ready to walk on the rough waters of life.
- Income
- $406,514
- Spending
- $427,185
- Spent on programs
- 86%
- Reserves
- -4.3 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 83%
- Employees
- 17
- Volunteers
- 48
- Highest pay
- $78,508, co-founder & ceo
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
Weak: 34 out of 100.
Reserves
0 of 35Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.
Debt
0 of 20It owes 117% of what it owns.
Living within its means
4 of 15Spending exceeded income by 5% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 25% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1586% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 7 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: 72 out of 100.
Independent board
25 of 2516 of 16 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
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
0 of 5Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.
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 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 (1)
- $368,425 spent. Water Walkers uses a holistic approach to student development by providing opportunities for children and teens to grow socially, academically, physically, and emotionally. "Five Program Pillars" form the foundation of this approach: Basic Needs, Educational Enrichment, Mental Wellness, Outdoor Adventure, and Leadership Development. The interconnected programs aim to build confidence and community among youth ages 6-18 who have limited exposure to the world beyond the boundaries of their urban neighborhood. By bringing kids outside these limitations and revealing to them the beauty of nature and the thrill of watersports, Water Walkers fosters a sense of wonder, ambition, and inspiration in their lives. In 2025, program accomplishments included strong academic progress, with new students achieving approximately one grade level of literacy growth within their first 16 weeks of programming and returning students maintaining consistent gains over time. The organization delivered 174 wellness program days and 45 counseling sessions, while also providing weekly grocery and hygiene support to 105 individuals, helping stabilize families and improve student engagement. Additionally, youth participated in 30 outdoor adventure days and 9 teens were employed through leadership roles, gaining hands-on workforce experience and mentorship opportunities.
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
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 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 May 2017.
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.