Live Differently Ministries
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The Synapsory is organized and operated exclusively for charitable and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals with sensory processing and regulatory needs by increasing access to evidence-informed sensory supports, resources, and environments. The organization fulfills this mission by designing and installing sensory motor rooms in schools and community settings, distributing sensory-based regulatory tools, and providing training and education to professionals, caregivers, and community members. Through these efforts, The Synapsory promotes emotional regulation, enhances accessibility, supports neurodivergent individuals, and advances public understanding of sensory and behavioral health needs.
- Income
- $195,324
- Spending
- $190,462
- Spent on programs
- 57%
- Reserves
- 1.4 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 100%
- Employees
- 1
- Volunteers
- 0
- Highest pay
- $65,000, executive director
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
Fair: 68 out of 100. Higher than 47% of charities in its peer group (religion, under $250k).
Reserves
10 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 1.4 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 6% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 2% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 17% on the year before.
Spending floor
8 of 1557% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 23 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
Weak: 41 out of 100. Higher than 31% of charities in its peer group (religion, under $250k).
Independent board
5 of 252 of 5 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
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.
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 (3)
- $73,455 spent. Sensory Motor Rooms Program In 2025, The Synapsory secured funding, designed, installed, and implemented multiple Sensory Motor Rooms across Title I schools in the St. Louis area, as well as in a community church setting in Bethalto, Illinois. These rooms expand access to sensory-supportive environments in both educational and community settings. Each room is intentionally designed to meet the specific needs of its users and incorporates evidence-informed sensory and motor supports that promote regulation, engagement, and emotional safety. Within schools, these rooms support students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and diagnoses such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Additionally, they serve students experiencing anxiety, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other behavioral or emotional challenges by providing a proactive environment for self-regulation and skill development.
- $32,536 spent. Regulatory Tools Program (Calming Kits & Snuggles) In 2025, The Synapsory distributed hundreds of sensory-based tools through its Calming Kits and Synapsory Snuggles programs. Synapsory Calming Kits include six sensory-regulating tools designed to promote proprioceptive input, vestibular activity, and interactive engagement. These tools are used both in moments of distress and as proactive supports, helping individuals manage sensory input across various environments. Synapsory Snuggles are specially designed weighted lap blankets that provide deep pressure input to support sensory regulation. These products are designed to maximize effectiveness while minimizing overstimulation and are constructed with safety and accessibility in mind, making them suitable for individuals across a range of ages and needs.
- $2,003 spent. Community Training & Education Program In 2025, The Synapsory conducted specialized training programs, including Crisis Intervention Trainings for law enforcement, such as the St. Louis County Police Department. These trainings are approved for continuing education credits and are also incorporated into cadet training programs. The curriculum covers key topics related to neurodivergence and sensory regulation, including: The escalation cycle Causes and triggers of sensory meltdowns Real-world behavioral presentations De-escalation techniques Communication strategies Regulation-focused interventions These trainings are designed to complement the distribution of Synapsory Calming Kits, ensuring that officers and professionals are equipped to effectively use the tools during real-world interactions involving sensory or emotional distress. Additionally, training is provided to all organizations that receive Sensory Motor Rooms. This ensures that staff are properly equipped to use the spaces both proactively (for skill-building and regulation) and reactively (during periods of dysregulation or crisis).
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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 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 September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since June 2017.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 7, 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.