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Childrens Museum Of Oak Park

Learn about this cause: What are the reviews? Is it Legit? Do I like the mission? What is the CEO's salary?

EIN: 363805314 ✦ Oak park, IL ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Childrens Museum Of Oak Park?

Children's Museum of Oak Park, known as Wonder Works, is a nonprofit organization situated in Oak Park, Illinois. Established in 1991, its mission is to foster creativity and imagination among children through art, performance, design, building, and various experiences. The museum houses eight interactive zones, including an outdoor garden and nature play area, offering numerous opportunities for children to explore and learn. One of the zones, North Avenue Art Works, allows children to engage in the artistic process. Another zone, Farm to Market, offers a hands-on experience where children can harvest, transport, and sell fruits and vegetables. The museum also features a puppet theater and other play areas. Besides operating the museum, Wonder Works offers special programming, outreach initiatives, and activities that align with the state's early childhood learning standards, ensuring a positive and educational experience for children. With a team of 22 dedicated individuals, the museum serves the Oak Park community and surrounding areas, providing a supportive and fun environment for children to grow and learn.


Official website here: www.wonder-works.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 96%, Four-Star out of Four Star Rating

The Children's Museum of Oak Park, operating as Wonder Works, has earned a strong reputation with a Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting a 96% score in Accountability & Finance. This high rating indicates a robust commitment to transparency and effective financial management, which is crucial for donor confidence and organizational credibility.

Significant strengths include a fully independent board, with all 17 members demonstrating a clear separation from operational management. The museum also excels in financial oversight, with an Audit and Oversight Committee ensuring thorough review processes. Furthermore, the organization has established comprehensive policies regarding conflicts of interest, whistleblower protections, and document retention, all contributing to its strong governance framework.

While the museum boasts a solid program expense ratio of over 70%, which indicates that the majority of its resources are directed towards its core programs, the financial health is also evidenced by a low liabilities-to-assets ratio of 31.82%. This indicates a healthy balance sheet, although continued attention to financial sustainability will be important as the organization navigates future challenges.


This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.

What do the Facebook reviews say about Childrens Museum Of Oak Park?

90% of 432 reviewers on Facebook recommend the Children's Museum of Oak Park. The consensus among those who shared their experiences highlights a positive atmosphere, with many praising the helpfulness and friendliness of the staff. Families appreciate the engaging environment designed specifically for children, making it a great destination for young visitors.

Overall, the responses indicate that the museum provides enjoyable and enriching experiences, allowing kids to explore and learn through play. Parents seem to feel confident in the value provided, with numerous comments reflecting satisfaction with the facilities and programs available for children.

This charitable organization continues to leave a lasting impression on families, ensuring that children's needs are met in a fun and supportive setting.


This AI summary has been generated from reviews found on Facebook.

Is Childrens Museum Of Oak Park legitimate?

Childrens Museum Of Oak Park is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Childrens Museum Of Oak Park submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.


Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:

Executive Compensation: $0
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $263,003

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.wonder-works.org

What is the mission statement of Childrens Museum Of Oak Park?

The Children's Museum of Oak Park, known as Wonder Works, is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1991, operating under the General Not-For-Profit-Corporation Act of Illinois. The primary objective of the museum is to serve children and communities in and around Oak Park, providing a space for play-based learning experiences. These experiences are designed to align with the state's early childhood learning educational standards. Beyond operating the museum, Wonder Works also hosts special programming, outreach initiatives, and activities, all aimed at promoting a positive and educational environment for children.


Official website here: www.wonder-works.org

Who is the CEO of Childrens Museum Of Oak Park?

Sara Yount is the Director of Childrens Museum Of Oak Park.


Official website here: www.wonder-works.org

What is the revenue of Childrens Museum Of Oak Park?

Childrens Museum Of Oak Park's revenue in 2022 was $615,004.


Official website here: www.wonder-works.org

Who are the executives of Childrens Museum Of Oak Park and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Childrens Museum Of Oak Park during 2022 was $11,955. There are 22 employees and 46 volunteers at Childrens Museum Of Oak Park.


Here are 17 key members and their salaries:


Elizabeth Bevly (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Sara Yount (President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Lisa Kiker (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Colin Dowdall (Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Stephanie Vitale (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jermal Chandler (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Ashley Collins (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dareon Woodward (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Preston Jones Jr (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Bob Planek (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Carrie Summy (Vice President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Mike Mcgarry (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Corina Davis (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Thomas Gallagher (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Allison Price (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Nick Zimmerman (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Lailani Workman (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.wonder-works.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Childrens Museum Of Oak Park?

Childrens Museum Of Oak Park's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.wonder-works.org

Learn more at the official website: www.wonder-works.org

Mission Statement of Childrens Museum Of Oak Park

The Children's Museum of Oak Park dba Wonder Works, an Illinois-based not-for-profit organization, was established in 1991 under the General Not-For-Profit-Corporation Act. Its primary mission is to serve children in Oak Park and surrounding communities by operating as a children's museum. Beyond this, the museum engages in special programming, outreach initiatives, and activities that foster positive learning experiences for children, adhering to the state's early childhood learning educational standards. The museum's approach to education is play-based, ensuring a fun and engaging learning environment for the young visitors. By hosting such activities, the Children's Museum of Oak Park dba Wonder Works aims to contribute to the cognitive and social development of the children it serves.

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Impact




July, 2024

Wonder Works, operated by the Childrens Museum Of Oak Park, has a significant impact on the community by providing children, parents, and caregivers with a unique space where they can unleash their imaginations through various forms of art, performance, design, building, and more. With eight experience zones, including an outdoor garden and nature play experience, Wonder Works offers children plenty of opportunities to explore and engage in hands-on learning.

In the North Avenue Art Works section, children are exposed to the artistic process, fostering their creativity and imagination. The Farm to Market area not only teaches children about harvesting fruits and vegetables but also allows them to engage in imaginative play through different scenarios like running a store, a veterinary clinic, a fire station, or a library.

Moreover, the Lights, Camera, Action! zone encourages children to dress up, perform songs, dances, or plays, promoting self-expression and confidence. By providing a supportive and fun environment where children can engage in creative and imaginative play, Wonder Works plays a vital role in fostering healthy child development.

Overall, Wonder Works, through its various programs and activities, not only entertains children but also contributes to their cognitive, social, and emotional growth. It provides a safe and stimulating space where children can learn, explore, and grow while having fun.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Childrens Museum Of Oak Park. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.


Financials

This financial information is from Propublica.

Revenue
$615,004 (2022)
Expenses
$465,760 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.

  • Program Service Revenue: $150,194
  • Gross Receipts: $666,651

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $774,896
  • Total Liabilities: $322,972
  • Net Assets: $451,924

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Programs

Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.

Admissions and rentals

Revenue

$150,194

Organization Details

Founding Year

1991

Principal Officer

Sara Yount

Main Address

6445 West North Avenue, Oak Park, IL, 60302

NTEE Category

Code: A50Z - Arts

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