Hidden Wonders
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Our Mission: To discover, describe and protect key insect species and other hidden wonders of nature and inspire the next generation to care for these crucial components of a healthy planet for the betterment of all. Our Purpose: Hidden Wonders aims to contribute to our understanding of the crucial role that insects play within a variety of ecosystems by discovering and explaining the behavior and interactions of insect species before they become extinct. By sharing the discoveries of new insect species and explaining their role in maintaining a healthy planet, we aim to inspire the protection of those species and their ecosystems into the future. Through collaborations with local communities, schools, and media outlets, Hidden Wonders share stories and interactive experiences in nature to build the next stewards of our planet.
- Income
- $9,169
- Spending
- $47,500
- Reserves
- 8.6 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 90%
- Highest pay
- $36,000, chief operating officer, director of development
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
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
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)
- $9,055 spent. Programs (80% of budget): (30%) Insect lab & photo studio, (30%) Fieldwork & Collecting, (20%) Outreach. Overhead (20% of budget) divided evenly between Fundraising & Office Administration. We have documented through photography and illustration dozens of insect species for the contribution to scientific literature, books and magazines that reach general populations, and educational materials that reach children and youth. In the Insect Lab & Photo Studio there are discoveries made under the microscope. Over 100 species new to science have been found and are being described by the lead scientist/entomologist of Hidden Wonders. Insects have been collected and studied from various parts of the world. These findings have resulted in broadening the understanding of insect biodiversity and after studying and observing the behaviors, revealed the importance that insects play in their environments. Video calls with over a dozen classrooms of students from around the world have taken place from the lab and also from collecting sites in nature via satellite phone. Additionally, classroom visits and field trips with students have taken place in-person in multiple locations. Hidden Wonders helped to start a program called "Semillero" which brings children/families/community members into nature for intentional learning and connection with nature. This program continues in Patagonia, Chile (Instagram: @SemilleroForestSchool). Hidden Wonders is represented through social media channels, Instagram and LinkedIn. Hidden Wonders also has a website for everyone to visit and all they need is internet (no accounts, unlike with social media). Fundraising is successful because of the personalized approach of meeting in-person with potential donors and giving presentations of the photography and work of Hidden Wonders. Follow up with donors includes through newsletters and emails, as well as postcards and in-person visits. Some donors also receive a framed photo of an insect taken by National Geographic Photographer and lead scientist of Hidden Wonders. These donor retention methods do not cost very much but have a huge impact on the maintenance of the relationships with donors. Small costs associated with admin/office include paying an accountant, website costs, social media manager, logo designer, and when necessary, legal aid. Other costs include covering basic office supplies
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 January 2022.
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.