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Why Not Win Institute Inc

EIN 83-1525256 · Birmingham, AL

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood78 out of 100GovernanceFair61 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

Points to look into

  • Only 48% of its spending went to programs.

These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.

What it says it does

To develop and cultivate individual excellence by bringing leaders and key leadership topics to current and future leaders based on the lessons in the book Why Not Win? by Larry D. Thornton. Since November 2019 the Why Not Win Institute has delivered WNW lectures, books, workbooks and lesson plans to high school, college, universities and corporate training programs.

Income
$411,158
Spending
$273,079
Spent on programs
48%
Reserves
10.9 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 84%
Employees
6
Volunteers
21
Highest pay
$85,000, former - ed

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

Good: 78 out of 100. Higher than 50% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 10.9 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 1% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 34% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 88% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    0 of 15

    48% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 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: 61 out of 100. Higher than 39% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    4 of 5 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    0 of 15

    Reports no 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

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • 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, 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 (4)
  1. $71,711 spent. K-12 Leadership Development Training: The Why Not Win Institute provides leadership development programs specifically designed for K-12 students in school districts. The program focuses on equipping students with essential leadership skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, and communication. By collaborating with various school districts, the program creates tailored workshops and leadership curriculums that align with educational standards and student needs. Over the reporting period, the program successfully trained over 2800 students across 8 schools, helping them become more engaged in their academic and personal development.
  2. $13,555 spent. Educator Leadership Development Support In addition to student-focused programs, the WNWI also provides leadership development support for educators. This service aims to equip teachers and administrators with the tools they need to foster a culture of leadership within their schools and classrooms. Through professional development workshops and one-on-one coaching, the program has empowered over 80 educators to enhance their leadership skills and improve student outcomes.
  3. $26,330 spent. As part of its broader mission, the WNWI also engages the community in leadership development. This service includes hosting community workshops and forums aimed at encouraging local residents to take on leadership roles in their neighborhoods and organizations. These sessions emphasize the importance of civic engagement and community-driven initiatives. The program successfully conducted 21 community events, benefiting over 1000 participants.
  4. $18,440 spent. Chairman of the Board delivered 4 town-hall format meetings with 11th grade classes at high schools in black-belt counties in Alabama.

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 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 October 13, 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 2024.

    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 January 2021.

    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 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.