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Maker Nexus

EIN 82-3925333 · Sunnyvale, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair58 out of 100GovernanceFair65 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Maker Nexus empowers people of all ages and backgrounds to learn, create, and innovate. Our collaborative community provides access to hands-on training with professional-grade tools. We lower barriers to craftsmanship, build confidence, create opportunity, and foster a culture of creativity and resourcefulness across our region.

Income
$1.8 million
Spending
$1.9 million
Spent on programs
78%
Reserves
0.5 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 91%
Employees
53
Volunteers
40
Highest pay
$80,144, executive director

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

Fair: 58 out of 100. Higher than 39% of charities in its peer group (education, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    4 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 0.5 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 17% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 4% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 14% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    78% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 3 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Fair: 65 out of 100. Higher than 20% of charities in its peer group (education, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    5 of 5 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

    0 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, 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 (1)
  1. $1.5 million spent. We operate a 28,000 sq. ft. multi-media workshop with 3D printers, laser cutters, an extensive woodshop, home and industrial textile equipment, an electronics lab, a metal shop, welding facilities, classrooms, and meeting space. Our experienced staff maintains the machines in excellent working order and are always available to lend a hand or provide advice on how to effectively use a tool. Maker Nexus members pay a monthly or annual fee for access to all the makerspace tools and equipment for their own projects. By the end of 2024, our membership had increased to 503. We also provide training to members and non-members alike through skill-building sessions, project-oriented workshops, and enrichment programs that emphasize inquiry and problem-based learning methods used in the creative process. For adults, we delivered 779 equipment training classes to 2,803 makers and also provided 279 workshops for project-based learning. Our youth program included afterschool camps, vacation camps, homeschool classes and field trips. We delivered 80 youth camps to 680 campers and provided full scholarships to for 5 students to attend a 6-week maker experience for Summit School. For homeschoolers, 32 students participated in 5 homeschool classes covering metalworking, 3D printing, woodworking, and more. During 10 field trips and school events at the makerspace, 200 elementary and middle schoolers experienced firsthand the potential of a makerspace-exploring tinkering, inventing, and creative fun. Our spacious community and event space is available to groups and nonprofits free of charge. We are proud to support various organizations by hosting their meetups, regular club events, and occasional gatherings. During 2024 we hosted 114 community events.

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

  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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 2026.

  4. 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 September 7, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since September 2018.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 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.