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Nonprofit · EIN 84-1310757

THE POWERHOUSE

Tax-exempt · DURANGO, CO 81301

Financials

$1.2M$1.2M2024$1.6M$1.3M2025
Revenue Expenses · by fiscal year end
Financials of THE POWERHOUSE by year, from its e-filed returns
Year endedFormRevenueExpensesNet incomeTotal assetsLiabilitiesNet assets
December 31, 2025990$1,591,593$1,291,368$300,225$3,199,298$701,584$2,497,714
December 31, 2024990$1,212,235$1,172,750$39,485$2,908,810$608,217$2,300,593
Financial details: 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025

Revenue

Contributions, gifts and grants
$853,375
of which government grants
$340,673
Program service revenue
$771,494
Investment income
-$14,090
Net gain from sales of assets
-$25,912
Net income from fundraising events
$16,177
Net income from sales of inventory
-$37,880
Other revenue
-$19,186

Expenses

Grants and similar amounts paid
$0
Compensation of officers, directors and key employees
$85,296
Other salaries and wages
$450,704
Salaries, compensation and benefits (total)
$607,438
Professional fundraising fees
$0
Legal fees
$795
Accounting fees
$49,770
Occupancy
$40,743
Travel
$19,955
Depreciation
$191,987
Program services (functional)
$1,003,555
Management and general (functional)
$189,233
Fundraising (functional)
$98,580

Balance sheet and other

Total assets, start of year
$2,908,810
Total assets, end of year
$3,199,298
Total liabilities, end of year
$701,584
Net assets, end of year
$2,497,714
Land, buildings and equipment
$1,685,238
Net assets without donor restrictions
$1,578,871
Net assets with donor restrictions
$918,843
Gross unrelated business income
$73,638
Gross receipts
$1,684,113
Employees
46
Volunteers
35
Year formed
1994
State of legal domicile
CO

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.

NameTitleHours / weekCompensation
JEFF SUSOREXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Trustee or director, Officer
40$85,296
JANA STONESECRETARY
Trustee or director, Officer
3$0
ALEXII CAREYBOARD MEMBER
Trustee or director
2$0
PHILIP WERLINEBOARD CHAIR
Trustee or director, Officer
3$0
DAN KORMANVICE CHAIR
Trustee or director, Officer
3$0
CLAIRE CARVERBOARD MEMBER
Trustee or director
2$0
DEANNE CARLSONTREASURER
Trustee or director, Officer
3$0
KAREN CHESERBOARD MEMBER
Trustee or director
2$0
LYNN HYDEBOARD MEMBER
Trustee or director
2$0
SAVANNAH LYTLEBOARD MEMBER
Trustee or director
2$0
990 for the year ended December 31, 2024: 8 people
NameTitleHours / weekCompensation
JEFF SUSOREXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Trustee or director, Officer
40$83,858
LISA STONEBOARD MEMBER
Trustee or director
2$0
CALLIE COLEBOARD MEMBER
Trustee or director
2$0
ALEXII CAREYBOARD MEMBER
Trustee or director
2$0
DEANNE CARLSONBOARD MEMBER
Trustee or director
2$0
CLAIRE CARVERBOARD MEMBER
Trustee or director
2$0
PHILIP WERLINEBOARD CHAIR
Trustee or director, Officer
4$0
DAN KORMANBOARD TREASURER
Trustee or director, Officer
2$0

Address and contacts

Address (IRS master file)
1333 CAMINO DEL RIO, DURANGO, CO 81301-5167
In care of
% JEFF SUSOR
Signed the 990
JEFF SUSOR, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Phone
(970) 259-9234
Return prepared by
OSBORNE ROBBINS & BUHLER PLLC

Mission

THE POWERHOUSE IS SOUTHWEST COLORADOS STEAM ENGINE EMPOWERING CURIOUS YOUNG LEARNERS THROUGH INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCES, DISCOVERY AND PLAY.

990 for the year ended December 31, 2025

Program accomplishments

  • GALLERY - In 2025, The Powerhouse continued to serve Southwest Colorado with engaging, hands-on, science-focused experiences while advancing plans for the future of our exhibits and spaces. Even as we look ahead, we remain deeply committed to delivering high-quality, interactive learning opportunities for the families we serve today. This year, we welcomed We Are Water, a new exhibit exploring water in the Four Corners region. On long-term loan, this exhibit will remain an offering in our space for years to come. Our calendar of programs also expanded, with continued success in our Parents Night Out events and the addition of more special event days. Notably, our Noon Years Eve celebration set a new attendance record, welcoming more than 500 visitors in a single day as we rang in the new year with a balloon drop at noon. Our early childhood programming saw strong growth, particularly in Toddler Enrichment Classes. We now offer a range of sessionsincluding gardening, art, music, dance, and yogadesigned to support development through play and exploration. In 2025, The Powerhouse reached a milestone of more than 1,000 member households, the highest in our history. We also welcomed a record 31,584 visitors through our doors, including children and families attending specialty events, field trips, birthday parties, and engaging in free exploration throughout the museum. Ensuring access remains central to our mission: through our Open Doors Initiative, approximately 7% of visitors participated through reduced-cost or free access programs, helping ensure that all families can experience The Powerhouse.
    Expenses $411,797 · revenue $338,482
  • EDUCATION - In 2025, The Powerhouse continued to deliver engaging, hands-on science experiences to youth and families across Southwest Colorado through a combination of in-museum programming and expanded regional outreach. Building on the success of prior years, our educational offerings remained strong and consistent, with continued growth in participation and geographic reach. Our Camp Discovery program served over 650 students, providing high-quality STEAM learning opportunities both onsite and in surrounding communities. In addition to our Durango-based camps, we ran camps in Cortez, Pagosa Springs and on Fort Lewis Colleges campus, increasing access for families across the region. We also partnered with Durango Montessori to bring science education directly into the classroom, bringing our Powerhouse style of learning to students grades K-5. The San Juan Regional Science Fair, led by The Powerhouse through a partnership with San Juan BOCES, remained a cornerstone program inspiring curiosity, critical thinking, and scientific inquiry among local students. From the Science Fair, 15 students advanced to the State Science Fair, demonstrating the strength and potential of emerging scientists in Southwest Colorado. In collaboration with Durango School District 9-R, we also supported team-based STEM learning through Destination Imagination and FIRST LEGO League, helping create a more connected and comprehensive ecosystem of opportunities for young learners across the region. Together, these efforts highlight a strong network of partners committed to expanding access to high-quality STEM experiences. The Powerhouse remained committed to reducing barriers to participation through its financial aid program, ensuring that museum access, camps, and educational programming were available to families across Southwest Colorado regardless of financial circumstance. In 2025, financial assistance supported participation in Camp Discovery and other youth programs, helping ensure that cost was not a limiting factor for engagement in high-quality STEAM learning experiences. This support reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and inclusion, and to creating meaningful opportunities for all learners in our community.
    Expenses $403,076 · revenue $359,374
  • STRATEGIC INITIATIVES - In 2025, The Powerhouse advanced several key priorities outlined in its Strategic Plan, with a focus on exhibit planning, campus and facility improvements, and the development of an early childhood education center. These efforts reflect a coordinated approach to strengthening both current programming and long-term sustainability. A major milestone was the groundbreaking of WonderLab Early Learning, an employee-sponsored childcare program developed in partnership with local businesses. Construction began in the final quarter of 2025 with a full renovation of the Carlton Family Science Education Center and is expected to be completed in April 2026. To support program launch, The Powerhouse hired an Associate Director of Education to lead curriculum development, registration, and program planning. The Powerhouse also initiated design work for the redevelopment of the Boiler Room, focusing on financial feasibility and building strong Board and community support. This project is intended to expand functional program space within the existing footprint, improving the museums ability to serve visitors and grow its offerings. In addition, The Powerhouse completed and formally adopted its Museum Master Plan, a community-informed roadmap for future development. As part of this process, the organization established the Transformers Advisory Council, composed of local business leaders and community stakeholders, and engaged a consultant to conduct a feasibility study. Based on this work, the Council recommended moving forward with plans to enhance the facility, expand outdoor spaces, and revitalize exhibitspositioning The Powerhouse for continued growth and increased community impact. As these strategic initiatives move forward, The Powerhouse remains focused on strengthening its role as a responsive and community-centered organization. This work is grounded in a commitment to serving families and children across Southwest Colorado, while ensuring that programs, spaces, and experiences remain accessible, inclusive, and reflective of the community we serve.
    Expenses $123,425
  • VENUE RENTALS - The Powerhouse continued to rent our gallery and outdoor plaza for events hosted by local nonprofits, conferences, weddings, and celebrations of life. Our gallery continued to host monthly events, including the Green Business Roundtable by San Juan Citizens Alliance and Musically Speaking by San Juan Symphony, bringing together community members for engaging discussions and presentations.
    Expenses $65,257 · revenue $73,638

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 yearYear endedDueIRS public records
2025December 31, 2025May 15, 2026990 on file
2024December 31, 2024May 15, 2025990 on file
2023December 31, 2023May 15, 2024990 on file

IRS record

EIN
84-1310757
Tax-exempt status
501(c)(3): Charitable, religious, educational or scientific organization
Foundation status
Publicly supported organization (170(b)(1)(A)(vi))
Donations deductible (Pub 78)
Public charity, 50% deduction limit
Exempt since
1996
Accounting year ends
December
Files
Form 990 or 990-EZ
Assets (IRS master file)
$3,199,298
Income (IRS master file)
$1,684,113

Filing history

FormYear endedRevenueExpensesAssetsReturn
990December 2025$1,591,593$1,291,368$3,199,298XML
990-TDecember 2025–––IRS
990December 2024$1,212,235$1,172,750$2,908,810XML
990-TDecember 2024–––IRS
990December 2023$1,003,650$1,145,309$2,992,497IRS
990-TDecember 2023–––IRS
990December 2022$861,407$1,034,716$3,214,592IRS
990-TDecember 2022–––IRS
990December 2021–––IRS
990-TDecember 2021–––IRS
990December 2020–––IRS
990-TDecember 2020–––IRS
990December 2017–––IRS

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 84-1310757).

Questions about THE POWERHOUSE

What is the EIN of THE POWERHOUSE?
The employer identification number (EIN) of THE POWERHOUSE is 84-1310757.
Is THE POWERHOUSE tax-exempt?
Yes. The IRS lists it as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) since 1996.
Are donations to THE POWERHOUSE tax-deductible?
Yes. It is listed in IRS Publication 78 (Public charity, 50% deduction limit).
Which annual return does THE POWERHOUSE 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 THE POWERHOUSE 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 THE POWERHOUSE last file with the IRS?
The latest return in the IRS public files is the 990 for the year ended December 2025.
Who are the officers and directors of THE POWERHOUSE?
The 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025 lists 10 people; 1 received compensation from the organization, the highest $85,296 (JEFF SUSOR, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR).
How much revenue does THE POWERHOUSE have?
On its 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025 it reported revenue of $1,591,593, expenses of $1,291,368 and total assets of $3,199,298 at year end.

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