HEADWATERS SCIENCE INSTITUTE

EIN: 471714438 501(c)(3) Science & Technology

Soda Springs, CA

Total Revenue
$1,580,487
Total Expenses
$760,109
Total Assets
$1,633,391
Net Assets
$1,569,005
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Financial Trends

Organization Details

Formation Year
2015
Legal Domicile
CA
Principal Officer
Megan Seifert
Phone
5304263063
Tax Period
2025-01-01 to 2025-12-31

HEADWATERS SCIENCE INSTITUTE, founded in 2015, is a community nonprofit in the Science & Technology sector that reported $1.6M in total revenue in fiscal year 2025. Revenue surged 71% from the prior year, signaling strong growth momentum. The organization ran a surplus of $820K, a strong 52% operating margin.

Mission

We are educators, scientists, and community members with a mission to foster curiosity through science. We engage students' natural curiosity, guiding them to design and perform experiments that answer their own questions through the scientific method. We use professional scientists to mentor students through their research projects.

Program Service Accomplishments

Program 1
Expenses: $259,273 Revenue: $149,269

Headwaters Science Institute's Introduction to Research Programs uses our Student Driven Research approach to engage over 1,500 elementary, middle, and high school students in authentic...

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Headwaters Science Institute's Introduction to Research Programs uses our Student Driven Research approach to engage over 1,500 elementary, middle, and high school students in authentic, inquiry-based science experiences. Centered on the scientific method, these programs empower students to design and carry out their own independent research projects. Students begin by learning how to ask meaningful scientific questions, then work alongside professional scientists who guide them through investigation, data collection, analysis, and presentation. This approach allows for exploration across a wide range of scientific topics while building critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By asking and answering their own questions, students develop a lasting connection to science and the natural world. Headwaters' Student-Driven Research programs have been recognized as "Accomplished" by STEMworks at WestEd, placing them among the top STEM programs in the nation.

Program 2
Expenses: $77,156 Revenue: $156,376

Headwaters Science Institute's Truckee/Tahoe Summer Camps engage over 300 students each year in week-long, inquiry-based outdoor science experiences in Truckee, Donner Summit, and Kirkwood...

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Headwaters Science Institute's Truckee/Tahoe Summer Camps engage over 300 students each year in week-long, inquiry-based outdoor science experiences in Truckee, Donner Summit, and Kirkwood, California. Each session is centered around a theme, such as plants, insects, or water, and is designed to help students explore the natural world while building an understanding of the scientific method. Guided by professional scientists, students learn to ask questions, investigate their surroundings, and develop a deeper appreciation for the environment. These camps create meaningful, memorable connections to science through hands-on exploration in some of the Sierra Nevada's most unique ecosystems. In addition to their educational impact, the summer camps provide critical earned revenue that supports staff and the ongoing development of new, high-quality program materials.

Program 3
Expenses: $313,800 Revenue: $792,996

Headwaters Science Institute partners with West Contra Costa County Unified School District Expanded Learning to deliver engaging, hands-on environmental science programs funded through West Contra...

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Headwaters Science Institute partners with West Contra Costa County Unified School District Expanded Learning to deliver engaging, hands-on environmental science programs funded through West Contra Costa Unified School District. Throughout the school year, Headwaters runs after-school programs at seven school sites serving over 300 students, along with Saturday Research Field Days that engage approximately 150 students per session in authentic scientific investigation and fun learning. Students explore their local environments using schoolyards and nearby parks as outdoor classrooms, to build skills in observation, data collection, and critical thinking. Headwaters also offers immersive spring break and summer science camps that extend this same scientific learning beyond campus through field trips to Bay Area natural sites, science museums, and zoos. Across all programs, students work directly with scientists and participate in real-world science experiences designed to foster curiosity, deepen environmental understanding, and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.

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Liquidity (40%) • Solvency (30%) • Sustainability (20%) • Efficiency (10%)

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Financial Overview (2025)

Revenue Breakdown

Contributions & Grants $460,219
Program Service Revenue $1,100,884
Investment Income $19,384
Other Revenue $0
TOTAL REVENUE $1,580,487

Expense Breakdown

Grants Paid $0
Salaries & Benefits $616,006
Fundraising Expenses $32,854
Program Expenses $703,594
Other Expenses $144,103
TOTAL EXPENSES $760,109

Year-over-Year Comparison

2025 2024 Change
Revenue $1,580,487 $925,619 +0.7%
Expenses $760,109 $659,560 +0.2%
Net Income $820,378 $266,059 +2.1%
Key Indicators
Grants to Organizations Grants to Individuals Lobbying Political Activity Foreign Activities Donor Advised Fund Schedule B Required
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Governance

Voting Members
4
Independent Members
4
Employees
67
Volunteers
15

Governance Policies

Conflict of Interest Policy
Whistleblower Policy
Document Retention Policy

Special Practices & Reported Activities

Operated a School
Operated a Hospital
Provided First Class Travel
Reported Conflict of Interest
Reported Asset Diversion
Excess Benefit Transaction
Made Political Expenditures
Engaged in Lobbying
Operated Donor Advised Fund
Maintained Art Collections
Filed Form 720

Compensation of Officers, Directors & Key Employees

Total Officers
4
$0
Total Directors
0
$0
Key Employees
1
$91,169
Highest Compensated
1
reported
Name Title Hours/Week Role Reportable Comp Other Comp Total
Megan Seifert Executive Director 50
Key Emp Highest
$91,169 $0 $91,169
Donna Luisi Board President 3
Officer
$0 $0 $0
Pam Wong Board Treasurer 3
Officer
$0 $0 $0
Craig Rowe Board Member 2
Officer
$0 $0 $0
Anna Greenburg Board Member 2
Officer
$0 $0 $0
Note: Compensation data is self-reported by the organization on their Form 990. "Reportable Comp" includes salary, bonuses, and other reportable compensation from the organization and related organizations. "Other Comp" includes benefits, deferred compensation, and non-taxable benefits.

Historical Data

Year Revenue Expenses Assets Net Income
2025 $1,580,487 $760,109 $1,633,391 $820,378
2024 $925,619 $659,560 $766,905 $266,059
2023 $771,556 $615,542 $481,578 $156,014
2022 $399,721 $385,940 $343,445 $13,781
2022 $399,721 $385,940 $343,445 $13,781
2021 $288,073 $177,371 $329,664 $110,702
2021 $288,073 $177,371 $329,664 $110,702
2020 $249,481 $177,131 $218,962 $72,350
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