Nonprofit · EIN 23-7326585
IOWA WILD LIFE FEDERATION
Tax-exempt · DES MOINES, IA 50309
Financials
| Year ended | Form | Revenue | Expenses | Net income | Total assets | Liabilities | Net assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2025 | 990 | $229,350 | $252,151 | -$22,801 | $216,656 | $4,070 | $212,586 |
| December 31, 2024 | 990 | $166,181 | $192,141 | -$25,960 | $235,387 | $0 | $235,387 |
| December 31, 2023 | 990 | $178,103 | $212,401 | -$34,298 | $261,347 | $0 | $261,347 |
Financial details: 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025
Revenue
- Contributions, gifts and grants
- $229,350
- of which government grants
- $65,855
- Program service revenue
- $0
- Investment income
- $0
- Other revenue
- $0
Expenses
- Grants and similar amounts paid
- $17,500
- Compensation of officers, directors and key employees
- $85,000
- Other salaries and wages
- $55,385
- Salaries, compensation and benefits (total)
- $153,658
- Professional fundraising fees
- $0
- Legal fees
- $5
- Accounting fees
- $7,095
- Occupancy
- $3,000
- Travel
- $8,947
- Depreciation
- $263
- Program services (functional)
- $90,731
- Management and general (functional)
- $76,664
- Fundraising (functional)
- $84,756
Balance sheet and other
- Total assets, start of year
- $235,387
- Total assets, end of year
- $216,656
- Total liabilities, end of year
- $4,070
- Net assets, end of year
- $212,586
- Land, buildings and equipment
- $393
- Net assets without donor restrictions
- $212,586
- Gross receipts
- $229,350
- Employees
- 2
- Volunteers
- 25
- Year formed
- 1955
- State of legal domicile
- IA
From the e-filed returns the IRS publishes as XML (latest three processing years; amended returns replace the original). PDF copies at the IRS.
Officers, directors and key employees
As listed on the 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025, highest compensation first.
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Smith | Executive Director Officer | 40 | $85,000 | $2,632 |
| Tom Cope | President Trustee or director, Officer | 10 | $0 | $0 |
| Sean McMahon | Vice President Trustee or director, Officer | 5 | $0 | $0 |
| Cynthia Sue Wilkinson | Treasurer Trustee or director, Officer | 10 | $0 | $0 |
| Joe Wilkinson | Secretary Trustee or director, Officer | 5 | $0 | $0 |
| Ryan Heiniger | Director Trustee or director | 5 | $0 | $0 |
| Joe Henry | Director Trustee or director | 5 | $0 | $0 |
| Adam Janke | Director Trustee or director | 5 | $0 | $0 |
| Susan Judkins | Director Trustee or director | 5 | $0 | $0 |
| Janell Pittman | Director Trustee or director | 5 | $0 | $0 |
| Dave Schwartz | Director Trustee or director | 5 | $0 | $0 |
| Bryan Sievers | Director Trustee or director | 5 | $0 | $0 |
| Craig Parker | Director Trustee or director | 5 | $0 | $0 |
990 for the year ended December 31, 2024: 13 people
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOM COPE | PRESIDENT Trustee or director, Officer | 10 | $0 |
| SEAN McMAHON | VICE PRESIDENT Trustee or director, Officer | 10 | $0 |
| JOE WILKINSON | SECRETARY Trustee or director, Officer | 10 | $0 |
| CYNTHIA SUE WILKINSON | TREASURER Trustee or director, Officer | 10 | $0 |
| RYAN HEINIGER | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 5 | $0 |
| JOE HENRY | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 5 | $0 |
| ADAM JANKE | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 5 | $0 |
| SUSAN JUDKINS | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 5 | $0 |
| JANELL PITTMAN | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 5 | $0 |
| TAMMY MILDENSTEIN | DIRECTOR | – | $0 |
| DAVE SCHWARTZ | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 5 | $0 |
| BRYAN SIEVERS | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 5 | $0 |
| CRAIG PARJER | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 5 | $0 |
990 for the year ended December 31, 2023: 15 people
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOM COPE | PRESIDENT Trustee or director, Officer | 10 | $0 |
| SEAN McMAHON | VICE PRESIDENT Trustee or director, Officer | 10 | $0 |
| JOE WILKINSON | SECRETARY Trustee or director, Officer | 10 | $0 |
| CYNTHIA SUE WILKINSON | TREASURER Trustee or director, Officer | 10 | $0 |
| BRANDON BUTLER | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 5 | $0 |
| RYAN HEINIGER | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 5 | $0 |
| JOE HENRY | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 5 | $0 |
| ADAM JANKE | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 5 | $0 |
| SUSAN JUDKINS | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 5 | $0 |
| ELYSSA McFARLAND | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 5 | $0 |
| JANELL PITTMAN | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 5 | $0 |
| TAMMY MILDENSTEIN | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 5 | $0 |
| DAVE SCHWARTZ | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 5 | $0 |
| RUDI ROESLEIN | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 5 | $0 |
| BRYAN SIEVERS | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 5 | $0 |
Address and contacts
- Address (IRS master file)
- 505 5TH AVE STE 444, DES MOINES, IA 50309-2321
- In care of
- % KEVIN THOMASSON
- Mailing address (990-N for 2008)
- P O Box 3332, DES MOINES IA 503163332
- Principal officer (990 for 2025)
- Cynthia Sue Wilkinson, 116 Lakeside Dr NE, Solon, IA 52333
- Principal officer (990-N for 2008)
- KEVIN THOMASSON, P O BOX 3332, DES MOINES IA 503163332
- Signed the 990
- Cynthia Sue Wilkinson, Treasurer
- Phone
- (319) 321-1344
- Website
- iawildlife.org
- Return prepared by
- S Stutzel CPA
Mission
The Iowa Wildlife Federation strives to demonstrate through education and action, the importance of our natural resources, and the sustainable use of them in our daily lives. We are committed to protecting wildlife habitat, promoting common sense solutions to natural resource issues in Iowa.
Program accomplishments
- School of the Wild Our mission is to awaken an awareness of the wildlife and natural ecosystems in our area, develop an appreciation of the natural world, and encourage a balanced environmental ethic and caretaker attitude concerning the earth. This innovative program partners with local schools to develop curriculum that helps students incorporate academic skills into the natural world. Teachers and School of the Wild staff work together to enhance classroom lessons by providing students the opportunity to practice newly learned skills in a setting outside the classroom. This opportunity not only helps students master basic skills (math, language, social studies, science), taking lessons outside provides a unique opportunity to interact with peers, teachers, and parks. Providing a sense of community that nurtures learning, creativity, and self-esteem. Students use classroom skills to learn new concepts as well as learning about how they are a part of our environment. School of the Wild combines immersive multi-day outdoor experiences with interdisciplinary STEM learning. At School of the Wild, informal educators, such as county naturalists, partner with classroom teachers to provide small-group learning. This differs from traditional field trips where collaboration between informal and formal educators is limited. The program has significant community support evidenced by continued funding and engagement from school district partners. Since 2019, the program has expanded rapidly, more than tripling the number of young people reached across the state. This growth has created a programmatic need for research on ways to prepare educators well (and efficiently) to facilitate informal STEM learning. This need mirrors a critical gap in the literature: how to prepare educators to facilitate engaging and transformative STEM learning in natural spaces. School of the Wild's programmatic reach and the intentional partnering of informal educators with classroom teachers uniquely positions our team to inform research and practice on facilitating learning in natural spaces. Wildlife Programs Gray Fox Research The Gray Fox Project is a collaboration between the Iowa Wildlife Federation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources dedicated to researching, monitoring and conserving one of Iowa's most elusive native mammals. Once common across the state, gray fox populations have declined for more than 25 years, and today, fewer than ten confirmed sightings have been recorded statewide. As their numbers fall, we risk losing not only an iconic Iowa species, but also an important predator that helps balance healthy ecosystems. Across Iowa, native wildlife face increasing pressures, from habitat loss and fragmentation, to changing land use and expanding human activity. The gray fox is especially vulnerable due to its secretive behavior and unique woodland habitat needs. To protect them, we need sound science, field research, and community support. This project uses lightweight tracking collars and camera technology to study how gray foxes live, move, hunt, raise their young, and survive in modern Iowa landscapes. These gentle, minimally invasive techniques are providing the first clear picture of gray fox behavior in decades. Already, the results are extraordinary. One resilient female gray fox, known as GF2, successfully raised six kits on her own in Davis County after losing her mate. Thousands of den-site photos and video clips captured her determination and the everyday challenges these rare foxes face. Trumpeter Swan Restoration Trumpeter swans once thrived in Iowa, nesting in wetlands and waterways throughout the state. The population dwindled for many years due to unregulated hunting and wetland drainage, with the last nesting pair recorded in 1883. But thanks to extensive restoration efforts led by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, more than 5,000 trumpeter swans now winter in Iowa and more than 130 pairs nest across the state. The Trumpeter Swan Society recently released a Swan Activity Book so young wildlife enthusiasts can learn more about these majestic birds. The Iowa Wildlife Federation is proud to partner with Trumpeter Swan Society on the launch of this new book. The fun and educational activity book teaches children all about trumpeter swans and their wetland homes. The book is based on Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and is designed for both individual and classroom learning. While much has been done to restore the trumpeter swan population across the United States, the education and conservation efforts of future generations is key to creating opportunities for wildlife to thrive. Certified Wildlife Habitat In a few easy steps, you can make a big difference for local wildlife! Entice pollinators, like hummingbirds and butterflies, by transforming your outdoor space into a sanctuary enjoyed by humans and animals alike. It all starts with the end in mind by creating a plan for the space that you will transform. Through the Certified Wildlife Habitat(R) program, you can work with the National Wildlife Federation and Iowa Wildlife Federation to turn yards, neighborhoods, schoolyards, work landscapes, places of worship, and roadside green spaces into havens for Iowa's wildlife.Expenses $90,731 · grants $17,500 · revenue $65,855
What it must file and when
IRS records say it files Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N. Its accounting year ends in December, so each return is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after that.
| Tax year | Year ended | Due | IRS public records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | December 31, 2025 | May 15, 2026 | 990 on file |
| 2024 | December 31, 2024 | May 15, 2025 | 990 on file |
| 2023 | December 31, 2023 | May 15, 2024 | 990 on file |
IRS record
- EIN
- 23-7326585
- Tax-exempt status
- 501(c)(3): Charitable, religious, educational or scientific organization
- Foundation status
- Publicly supported organization (509(a)(2))
- Donations deductible (Pub 78)
- Public charity, 50% deduction limit
- Exempt since
- 1973
- Accounting year ends
- December
- Files
- Form 990 or 990-EZ
- Assets (IRS master file)
- $216,656
- Income (IRS master file)
- $229,350
Filing history
| Form | Year ended | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 990 | December 2025 | $229,350 | $252,151 | $216,656 | XML |
| 990 | December 2024 | $166,181 | $192,141 | $235,387 | IRS |
| 990 | December 2023 | $178,103 | $212,401 | $261,347 | XML |
| 990 | December 2022 | $299,356 | $208,755 | $295,646 | IRS |
| 990-EZ | December 2021 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990-N for 2008 Officer: KEVIN THOMASSON | August 31, 2009 | ≤ $50,000 receipts | – | – | e-Postcard |
990-N: the IRS bulk file holds only the latest e-Postcard per organization; earlier years come from archived copies of that file since 2020 and can have gaps (the IRS e-Postcard search lists every one). 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 990-T: every e-filed return in the IRS e-file index since 2019; XML for the latest three processing years, amounts from the IRS Statistics of Income extracts before that. PDF copies and determination letters at the IRS (search EIN 23-7326585).
Questions about IOWA WILD LIFE FEDERATION
- What is the EIN of IOWA WILD LIFE FEDERATION?
- The employer identification number (EIN) of IOWA WILD LIFE FEDERATION is 23-7326585.
- Is IOWA WILD LIFE FEDERATION tax-exempt?
- Yes. The IRS lists it as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) since 1973.
- Are donations to IOWA WILD LIFE FEDERATION tax-deductible?
- Yes. It is listed in IRS Publication 78 (Public charity, 50% deduction limit).
- Which annual return does IOWA WILD LIFE FEDERATION file?
- Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N.
- When is the next return of IOWA WILD LIFE FEDERATION due?
- The return for tax year 2026 (the year ending December 31, 2026) is due May 17, 2027. Form 8868 extends it by six months; the 990-N cannot be extended.
- When did IOWA WILD LIFE FEDERATION last file with the IRS?
- The latest return in the IRS public files is the 990 for the year ended December 2025.
- Who is the principal officer of IOWA WILD LIFE FEDERATION?
- The 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025 names Cynthia Sue Wilkinson.
- Who are the officers and directors of IOWA WILD LIFE FEDERATION?
- The 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025 lists 13 people; 1 received compensation from the organization, the highest $85,000 (Ryan Smith, Executive Director).
- How much revenue does IOWA WILD LIFE FEDERATION have?
- On its 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025 it reported revenue of $229,350, expenses of $252,151 and total assets of $216,656 at year end.
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