CHILDRENS MUSEUM OF THE LOWCOUNTRY

Financials

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, 2024, highest compensation first.

Address and contacts

Address (IRS master file)

25 ANN ST, CHARLESTON, SC 29403-6213

Principal officer (990 for 2024)

Karen Coltrane, 25 Ann Street, Charleston, SC 29403

Signed the 990

Kristopher King, Treasurer

Phone

(843) 853-8962

Website

www.explorecml.org

Return prepared by

Glaser and Company LLC

Mission

The Museum is a non-profit organization whose mission is to spark imagination, stimulate curiosity and encourage problem solving through the power of play in families from all backgrounds with young children.

Program accomplishments

• The Children's Museum of the Lowcountry serves children from birth through age 8 and their caregivers through a variety of on-site and off-site programs. Designed for both area residents and visitors, the museum features seven indoor galleries with hands-on, inquiry-based exhibits that support early cognitive and social development. All exhibits and activities are intentionally designed to engage young children in the exploration of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM), encouraging learning through play and discovery. (Continued on Schedule O)About the Museum:Situated in a historic building in downtown Charleston, South Carolina, the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry features seven indoor exhibit rooms and an outdoor play area, all designed using expert knowledge of how young children learn through self-directed play. The museum develops educational programs and activities specifically tailored to the developmental needs of children from birth to age 8, with a focus on supporting both cognitive and social-emotional growth.For more than 20 years, the museum has been a regional leader in creating engaging exhibits and innovative early childhood programs that foster curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving. In addition to serving young children, the museum also supports caregiversrecognizing parents as a child's first and most important teacherand provides educators with tools to enhance learning both inside and outside the classroom.To reach as many children and families as possible across South Carolina's diverse Lowcountry region, the museum actively works to remove barriers to access. These efforts include:> Offering all summer camp seats at no cost at the museum's satellite location in St. George;> Hosting twice-monthly private sessions with free admission for families with children with special needs;> Providing two Less-Than-a-Dollar Saturdays annually, one in spring and one in fall;> Participating in the Museums for All program at both locations, through which families receiving SNAP or WIC benefits pay only $3 per personup to $12 off regular admissionresulting in nearly $90,000 in savings to families annually; and> Bringing hands-on STEAM-based learning directly to schools and community events through its Mobile Museum experience, supported through grant funding.Programs:In addition to its interactive exhibits, the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry offers a robust calendar of programming that enhances the visitor experience and deepens learning through hands-on, developmentally appropriate activities. These programs are designed to engage children from birth through age 8 and support their cognitive, social, and emotional development.The museum hosts a variety of regular offerings, including:> Standards-based field trips aligned with South Carolina Department of Education curriculum standards;> Art programs that explore various media and techniques, from drawing and crafting to textile arts;> Science programs that introduce children to foundational scientific concepts through fun, accessible topics such as animal biology, forces of nature, and water power;> Creative movement and early arts classes for toddlers that promote motor skill development and self-expression;> Seasonal camps and birthday party experiences that encourage curiosity and collaboration in a joyful, play-based environment; andThe museum also regularly partners with local organizations and experts to bring special programming to families. For example, the popular Second Saturday Science series features guest presentersincluding local meteorologistswho use engaging, real-world topics like weather to introduce young children to scientific inquiry.These offerings reflect the museum's commitment to both in-house expertise and strong community partnerships, enriching the visitor experience well beyond the exhibit galleries.
  Expenses $1,551,141 · revenue $1,109,129

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.

IRS record

EIN

57-1014498

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

1995

Accounting year ends

December

Files

Form 990 or 990-EZ

Category (NTEE)

Arts, culture and humanities (A520)

Assets (IRS master file)

$4,785,410

Income (IRS master file)

$2,336,479

Filing history

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 57-1014498).

Questions about CHILDRENS MUSEUM OF THE LOWCOUNTRY

What is the EIN of CHILDRENS MUSEUM OF THE LOWCOUNTRY?

The employer identification number (EIN) of CHILDRENS MUSEUM OF THE LOWCOUNTRY is 57-1014498.

Is CHILDRENS MUSEUM OF THE LOWCOUNTRY tax-exempt?

Yes. The IRS lists it as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) since 1995.

Are donations to CHILDRENS MUSEUM OF THE LOWCOUNTRY tax-deductible?

Yes. It is listed in IRS Publication 78 (Public charity, 50% deduction limit).

Which annual return does CHILDRENS MUSEUM OF THE LOWCOUNTRY 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 CHILDRENS MUSEUM OF THE LOWCOUNTRY due?

The return for tax year 2025 (the year ending December 31, 2025) is due May 15, 2026. Form 8868 extends it by six months; the 990-N cannot be extended.

When did CHILDRENS MUSEUM OF THE LOWCOUNTRY last file with the IRS?

The latest return in the IRS public files is the 990 for the year ended December 2024.

Who is the principal officer of CHILDRENS MUSEUM OF THE LOWCOUNTRY?

The 990 for the year ended December 31, 2024 names Karen Coltrane.

Who are the officers and directors of CHILDRENS MUSEUM OF THE LOWCOUNTRY?

The 990 for the year ended December 31, 2024 lists 14 people; 1 received compensation from the organization, the highest $203,914 (Karen Coltrane, President & CEO).

How much revenue does CHILDRENS MUSEUM OF THE LOWCOUNTRY have?

On its 990 for the year ended December 31, 2024 it reported revenue of $2,293,754, expenses of $1,908,558 and total assets of $4,785,410 at year end.

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