Childrens Discovery Museum
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
In 2025, the Children's Discovery Museum (CDM) continued to grow, solidifying its role as a free and accessible educational and recreational resource for families in Cowlitz County and surrounding areas. This year, CDM expanded its operational hours to four days per week, allowing greater accessibility for families with diverse schedules and accommodating increased visitor engagement. We have a range of new quarterly exhibits and enriched programming, CDM supported children's learning, skill development, and social connection in a safe, welcoming environment. As one of the few free, family-friendly resources in the region, CDM has become a central community hub, offering innovative opportunities for educational play and family-centered activities. Our three programs are our free to the public hands on museum with exhibits, Community outreach and quarterly exhibits/special events.
- Income
- $62,915
- Spending
- $61,145
- Reserves
- 16.1 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 100%
- Highest pay
- $43,773, executive director
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 85% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 16.1 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 2% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 3% of income.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.
Source: Form 990EZ 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)
- $42,638 spent. In 2025, the Children's Discovery Museum (CDM) provided invaluable, free services to the community, welcoming over 9000 visitors through its doors. Among these, 25% were first-time guests, reflecting the museum's growing impact and outreach. To meet increasing demand and broaden accessibility, CDM expanded its offerings and extended its operating hours, allowing more families to take advantage of the museum's resources. This growth enabled CDM to provide even more diverse programming and engaging educational experiences, all accessible without financial barriers. The free admission model ensures every child and family, regardless of income, can benefit from hands-on exhibits, interactive learning, and community-focused events, highlighting the museum's dedication to inclusivity and community enrichment. As families continue to face the social and emotional impacts of COVID-19, CDM's expanded hours and enhanced programs create a supportive space for children to reconnect, learn, and heal through play. By fostering a safe and joyful environment, the museum plays a critical role in helping children rebuild essential social skills, resilience, and confidence, supporting the community's recovery and growth in the post-pandemic landscape.
Source: Form 990EZ 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 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 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 November 2016.
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.