NELSON MUSEUM OF THE WEST
Cite this
Plain text NELSON MUSEUM OF THE WEST. furp.org, nonprofit organization profile, tax years 2020–2025. https://furp.org/org/830320528. Retrieved 2026-10-21.
APA furp.org. (n.d.). NELSON MUSEUM OF THE WEST [Nonprofit organization profile; tax years 2020–2025]. Retrieved October 21, 2026, from https://furp.org/org/830320528
MLA “NELSON MUSEUM OF THE WEST.” furp.org, tax years 2020–2025, https://furp.org/org/830320528. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.
Retrieved 2026-10-21; covers tax years 2020–2025. Data: furp.org, CC BY 4.0.
2025 · Form 990 · revenue $77K · expenses $50K · assets $1.9M
- EIN
- 83-0320528
- Address
- 1714 CAREY AVE, CHEYENNE, WY 82001-4420
- Website
- www.nelsonmuseum.com
- NTEE code
- A50
- Subsection
- 501(c)(3)
- Ruling year
- 1998
- Cross-check
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer
Mission
The mission of the Nelson Museum of the West is to build an important collection of Military, Cowboy and Native American artifacts, Western Art and Natural History material and to share this collection with the public in a way to educate them as to the history of the Old West.
Each tax year counts once: when a return was amended, only the latest return for that period is used below (superseded returns stay listed, greyed, under Finances).
People paid by the organization
None of the 10 people listed on these returns reported compensation from the organization. They are listed below.
Officers and directors, no compensation reported
10 people listed on the returns with $0 (or no amount) in every compensation column: current people first. Hours are as filed on the latest return each person appears on.
| Name | Latest title | Years | Hrs/wk (latest) | Compensation | Organizations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robert Todd Nelson | Director | 2020-2025 | 1 | $0 reported | 1 |
| Jerry Johnston | Director of Military Affairs and Vice President | 2020-2025 | 2 | $0 reported | 1 |
| Bob Baker | Director of Volunteers | 2020-2025 | 5 | $0 reported | 1 |
| Bob Mathews | Chairman of Local Events | 2020-2025 | 2 | $0 reported | 1 |
| Charla Nelson | Director of Scholarships and Publicity and Secretary | 2020-2025 | 3 | $0 reported | 1 |
| Elizabeth Nelson | Treasurer | 2021-2025 | 4 | $0 reported | 1 |
| Vicky Nelson | Director | 2022-2025 | 2 | $0 reported | 1 |
| Aaron Wagner | Director | 2022-2025 | 1 | $0 reported | 1 |
| Bruce Moats (former) | Legal Counsel | 2020-2022 | 0 | $0 reported | 1 |
| Elizabeth Nelso (former) | Treasurer | 2020 | 2 | $0 reported | 1 |
People by year
2025 · 9 people listed · none paid · 1 employee · 6 volunteers
| Name | Title | Hrs/wk | From org | From related | Other | Total | Orgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robert Nelson | President and Chief Executive Officer | 30 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Jerry Johnston | Director of Military Affairs and Vice President | 2 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Bob Baker | Director of Volunteers | 5 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Bob Mathews | Chairman of Local Events | 2 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Charla Nelson | Director of Scholarships and Publicity and Secretary | 3 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Elizabeth Nelson | Treasurer | 4 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Robert Todd Nelson | Director | 1 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Vicky Nelson | Director | 2 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Aaron Wagner | Director | 1 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
2024 · 9 people listed · none paid · 4 employees · 10 volunteers
| Name | Title | Hrs/wk | From org | From related | Other | Total | Orgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robert Nelson | President and Chief Executive Officer | 24 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Jerry Johnston | Director of Military Affairs and Vice President | 2 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Bob Baker | Director of Volunteers | 5 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Bob Mathews | Chairman of Local Events | 2 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Charla Nelson | Director of Scholarships and Publicity and Secretary | 3 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Elizabeth Nelson | Treasurer | 4 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Robert Todd Nelson | Director | 1 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Vicky Nelson | Director | 2 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Aaron Wagner | Director | 1 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
2023 · 9 people listed · none paid · 4 employees · 20 volunteers
| Name | Title | Hrs/wk | From org | From related | Other | Total | Orgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robert Nelson | President and Chief Executive Officer | 24 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Jerry Johnston | Director of Military Affairs | 5 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Bob Baker | Director of Volunteers | 15 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Bob Mathews | Chairman of Local Events | 2 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Charla Nelson | Director of Scholarships and Publicity | 3 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Elizabeth Nelson | Treasurer | 4 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Robert Todd Nelson | Director | 1 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Vicky Nelson | Director | 1 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Aaron Wagner | Director | 1 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
2022 · 10 people listed · none paid · 0 employees · 15 volunteers
| Name | Title | Hrs/wk | From org | From related | Other | Total | Orgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robert Nelson | President and Chief Executive Officer | 24 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Jerry Johnston | Director of Military Affairs | 10 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Bob Baker | Director of Volunteers | 10 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Bob Mathews | Chairman of Local Events | 2 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Bruce Moats | Legal Counsel | 0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Charla Nelson | Director of Scholarships and Publicity | 3 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Elizabeth Nelson | Treasurer | 4 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Robert Todd Nelson | Director | 1 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Vicky Nelson | Director | 1 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Aaron Wagner | Director | 1 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
2021 · 7 people listed · none paid · 0 employees · 25 volunteers
| Name | Title | Hrs/wk | From org | From related | Other | Total | Orgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robert Nelson | President and Chief Executive Officer | 24 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Jerry Johnston | Director of Military Affairs | 10 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Bob Baker | Director of Volunteers | 10 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Bob Mathews | Chairman of Local Events | 2 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Bruce Moats | Legal Counsel | 0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Charla Nelson | Director of Scholarships and Publicity | 3 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Elizabeth Nelson | Treasurer | 4 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
2020 · 7 people listed · none paid · 0 employees · 12 volunteers
| Name | Title | Hrs/wk | From org | From related | Other | Total | Orgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robert Nelson | President and Chief Executive Officer | 24 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Jerry Johnston | Director of Military Affairs | 10 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Bob Baker | Director of Volunteers | 4 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Bob Mathews | Chairman of Local Events | 2 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Bruce Moats | Legal Counsel | 0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Charla Nelson | Director of Scholarships and Publicity | 2 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| Elizabeth Nelso | Treasurer | 2 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1 |
Highest-paid independent contractors
No independent contractors reported.
Who gave
Contributor names are not public for this form type.
Public charities filing Form 990 or 990-EZ report large donors on Schedule B, but the IRS withholds their names and addresses from public copies. Private foundations (990-PF) are different: their contributors are public.
Finances
Newest first. Each filing: its name on one row, its figures on the row beneath. Greyed filings are superseded by a later return for the same period and are left out everywhere else on this page.
| Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Net assets | Contributions | Program revenue | Officer pay | Employees | Volunteers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 · Form 990 | ||||||||
| $77,015 | $50,295 | $1,855,502 | $1,855,502 | $80,261 | $6,025 | $0 | 1 | 6 |
| 2024 · Form 990 | ||||||||
| $88,332 | $57,465 | $1,828,782 | $1,828,782 | $84,147 | $8,421 | $0 | 4 | 10 |
| 2023 · Form 990 | ||||||||
| $66,421 | $79,562 | $1,797,915 | $1,797,915 | $66,119 | $9,015 | $0 | 4 | 20 |
| 2022 · Form 990 | ||||||||
| $97,766 | $30,727 | $1,811,056 | $1,811,056 | $100,035 | $7,350 | $0 | 0 | 15 |
| 2021 · Form 990 | ||||||||
| $154,992 | $24,861 | $1,744,017 | $1,744,017 | $177,675 | $7,766 | $0 | 0 | 25 |
| 2020 · Form 990 | ||||||||
| $58,361 | $93,125 | $1,613,886 | $1,613,886 | $55,214 | $2,968 | $0 | 0 | 12 |
Funders of this organization
3 grantors reported grants to this organization, $50,250 in all, tax years 2019 to 2022. Exact: the grantor wrote this organization's EIN. Fuzzy: the grantor wrote only a name (foundations' 990-PF has no EIN field), matched to the same or a near-identical name in the same state; the name as filed is shown. From the latest return for each grantor and year, so amended returns aren't counted twice. CSV
| Grantor | Type | Match | Years given | Grants | Total | Latest year | Latest year's amount | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAYTON FOUNDATION | DAF sponsor | Fuzzy filed as “NELSON MUSEUM OF THE WEST” | 2020 | 1 | $25,000 | 2020 | $25,000 | show |
| MARY H STORER FOUNDATION | Private foundation | Fuzzy filed as “NELSON MUSEUM OF THE WEST” | 2019 | 1 | $25,000 | 2019 | $25,000 | show |
| JOANNIDES FAMILY FOUNDATION | Private foundation | Fuzzy filed as “NELSON MUSEUM OF THE WEST” | 2022 | 1 | $250 | 2022 | $250 | show |
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| Organization | State | NTEE | Latest revenue | Latest expenses | Top-paid title | Top pay | Why similar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HAMSFORK MUSEUM | WY | A50 | $94,336 | $23,432 | TREASURER | $0 | Same NTEE code A50, revenue within 2x, same state, similar mission |
| HOOFPRINTS OF THE PAST | WY | A50 | $84,833 | $74,316 | DIRECTOR | $8,848 | Same NTEE code A50, revenue within 2x, same state |
| ROCKPILE MUSEUM ASSOCIATION | WY | A50 | $111,634 | $84,302 | TREASURER | $0 | Same NTEE code A50, revenue within 2x, same state |
| MESSENGERS OLD WEST MUSEUM | WY | A50 | $137,079 | $508 | PRESIDENT | $0 | Same NTEE code A50, revenue within 2x, same state |
| BIG HORN BASIN DINOSAUR AND GEOSCIENCE MUSEUM | WY | A50 | $72,402 | $14,528 | PRESIDENT | $0 | Same NTEE code A50, revenue within 2x, same state |
| WIND RIVER CULTURAL CENTERS FOUNDATION | WY | A50 | $45,254 | $10,860 | PRESIDENT | $0 | Same NTEE code A50, revenue within 2x, same state |
| CENTRAL WYOMING CHILDRENS CENTER FOR ART TECHNOLOGY & SCIENCE | WY | A50 | $92,292 | $60,715 | DIRECTOR | $0 | Same NTEE code A50, revenue within 2x, same state |
| VETERANS HISTORY MUSEUM OF THE CAROLINAS | NC | A50 | $91,721 | $54,476 | President | $0 | Same NTEE code A50, revenue within 2x, similar mission |
| FRIENDS OF NEVADA STATE MUSEUM LAS VEGAS | NV | A50 | $55,158 | $63,733 | PRESIDENT | $0 | Same NTEE code A50, revenue within 2x, similar mission |
| SIERRA MONO MUSEUM | CA | A50 | $57,981 | $75,757 | President | $0 | Same NTEE code A50, revenue within 2x, similar mission |
| NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICANCOVERLET INC | PA | A50 | $99,794 | $68,611 | CURATOR & MU | $9,923 | Same NTEE code A50, revenue within 2x |
| THE SANCTUARY MUSEUM INC | OH | A50 | $99,252 | $96,017 | PRESIDENT | $0 | Same NTEE code A50, revenue within 2x |
| PIONEER OIL MUSEUM OF NEW YORK INC | NY | A50 | $123,071 | $77,638 | Executive | $0 | Same NTEE code A50, revenue within 2x |
| FRIENDS OF THE BAKER HERITAGE MUSEUM | OR | A50 | $85,500 | $86,788 | President | $0 | Same NTEE code A50, revenue within 2x |
| OMD MUSEUM | CA | A50 | $90,260 | $99,102 | CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | $0 | Same NTEE code A50, revenue within 2x |
| JEWISH MUSEUM OF FLORIDA INC | FL | A50 | $114,962 | $355,993 | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & SECRETARY | $20,665 | Same NTEE code A50, revenue within 2x |
| BALLOON MUSEUM INC | NC | A50 | $95,000 | $75,075 | EXECUTIVE DI | $66,667 | Same NTEE code A50, revenue within 2x |
| THE TOY MUSEUM OF NY | NY | A50 | $61,146 | $80,835 | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | $11,919 | Same NTEE code A50, revenue within 2x, similar name |
| NEW MUSEUM OF PORTSMOUTH INC | NH | A50 | $125,250 | $244,103 | CHAIR | $0 | Same NTEE code A50, revenue within 2x |
| MUSEUM OF THE COURAGEOUS INC | NY | A50 | $40,644 | $56,428 | CEO | $30,000 | Same NTEE code A50, revenue within 2x |
| KOSHARE INDIAN MUSEUM INC | CO | A50 | $89,322 | $112,369 | MANGER | $50,000 | Same NTEE code A50, revenue within 2x, similar mission |
| INDIANA MUSEUM OF ART | IN | A50 | $62,500 | $40,000 | TREASURER | $0 | Same NTEE code A50, revenue within 2x |
| SALTY DOG MUSEUM | OH | A50 | $112,038 | $110,185 | BOARD MEMBER | $0 | Same NTEE code A50, revenue within 2x |
| MUSEUM OF HOUNDS AND HUNTING NORTH AMERICA INC | VA | A50 | $129,059 | $152,304 | Treasurer | $0 | Same NTEE code A50, revenue within 2x |
| WILDERNESS WILDLIFE MUSEUM | PA | A50 | $58,785 | $72,431 | CHAIRMAN THRU OCTOBER | $0 | Same NTEE code A50, revenue within 2x |
Who funds organizations like this
Grantors that funded the 100 most similar organizations. Ranked by total given to them. Foundations (990-PF) and donor-advised fund sponsors only. Same matching as Funders above (by EIN, or by name for foundations).
The full list · all similar organizations
Where the money went
Every expense line on each return, biggest first: Form 990 Part IX (with its program, management and fundraising columns), 990-EZ Part I, or 990-PF Part I. Event marks lines the organization itself describes as events. “Events” in each summary adds those lines, conferences and meetings, and the direct costs of fundraising events. Unusual is not the same as improper. Many of these patterns have ordinary explanations. Check the filing.
2025 · Form 990 · $50,295 spent · pay $31,329 · grants $2,600 · events $0
| Line | As described | Total | Program | Management | Fundraising | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other salaries and wages | $28,179 | $28,179 | $0 | $0 | 56.0% | |
| Office expenses | $5,413 | $5,413 | $0 | $0 | 10.8% | |
| Insurance | $4,719 | $0 | $4,719 | $0 | 9.4% | |
| Payroll taxes | $3,150 | $3,150 | $0 | $0 | 6.3% | |
| Grants to US individuals | $2,600 | $2,600 | - | - | 5.2% | |
| Advertising and promotion | $2,321 | $2,321 | $0 | $0 | 4.6% | |
| Occupancy | $1,236 | $852 | $384 | $0 | 2.5% | |
| Fees: accounting | $1,175 | $0 | $1,175 | $0 | 2.3% | |
| Payments to affiliates | $754 | $0 | $754 | $0 | 1.5% | |
| Fees: other services | $748 | $448 | $300 | $0 | 1.5% | |
| Total | $50,295 | 100% |
2024 · Form 990 · $57,465 spent · pay $34,339 · grants $2,280 · events $78
| Line | As described | Total | Program | Management | Fundraising | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other salaries and wages | $31,127 | $31,127 | $0 | $0 | 54.2% | |
| Royalties | $7,713 | $7,713 | $0 | $0 | 13.4% | |
| Office expenses | $6,153 | $6,153 | $0 | $0 | 10.7% | |
| Advertising and promotion | $3,780 | $3,780 | $0 | $0 | 6.6% | |
| Payroll taxes | $3,212 | $3,212 | $0 | $0 | 5.6% | |
| Grants to US individuals | $2,280 | $2,280 | - | - | 4.0% | |
| Fees: accounting | $2,050 | $0 | $2,050 | $0 | 3.6% | |
| Payments to affiliates | $646 | $0 | $646 | $0 | 1.1% | |
| Fees: other services | $222 | - | $222 | $0 | 0.4% | |
| Information technology | $204 | $204 | $0 | $0 | 0.4% | |
| Conferences, conventions and meetings | $78 | $0 | $78 | $0 | 0.1% | |
| Total | $57,465 | 100% |
2023 · Form 990 · $79,562 spent · pay $38,675 · grants $2,340 · events $10
| Line | As described | Total | Program | Management | Fundraising | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other salaries and wages | $35,048 | $35,048 | $0 | $0 | 44.1% | |
| Occupancy | $17,845 | $17,845 | $0 | $0 | 22.4% | |
| Advertising and promotion | $6,539 | $6,539 | $0 | $0 | 8.2% | |
| Insurance | $4,719 | $0 | $4,719 | $0 | 5.9% | |
| Office expenses | $4,193 | $4,193 | $0 | $0 | 5.3% | |
| Payroll taxes | $3,627 | $3,627 | $0 | $0 | 4.6% | |
| Fees: accounting | $2,919 | $0 | $2,919 | $0 | 3.7% | |
| Grants to US individuals | $2,340 | $2,340 | - | - | 2.9% | |
| Payments to affiliates | $1,103 | $0 | $1,103 | $0 | 1.4% | |
| Fees: other services | $750 | $0 | $750 | $0 | 0.9% | |
| Information technology | $409 | $409 | $0 | $0 | 0.5% | |
| Other (as described) | Secretary of State Filing Fee | $60 | $0 | $60 | $0 | 0.1% |
| Conferences, conventions and meetings | $10 | - | $10 | $0 | 0.0% | |
| Total | $79,562 | 100% |
2022 · Form 990 · $30,727 spent · pay $0 · grants $1,840 · events $69
| Line | As described | Total | Program | Management | Fundraising | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insurance | $11,482 | $11,482 | $0 | $0 | 37.4% | |
| Office expenses | $7,060 | $7,060 | $0 | $0 | 23.0% | |
| Occupancy | $6,355 | $6,355 | $0 | $0 | 20.7% | |
| Advertising and promotion | $3,593 | $3,593 | $0 | $0 | 11.7% | |
| Grants to US individuals | $1,640 | $1,640 | - | - | 5.3% | |
| Grants to US organizations and governments | $200 | $200 | - | - | 0.7% | |
| Information technology | $175 | $175 | $0 | $0 | 0.6% | |
| All other expenses | $100 | $0 | $100 | $0 | 0.3% | |
| Conferences, conventions and meetings | $69 | - | $69 | $0 | 0.2% | |
| Fees: accounting | $41 | $0 | $41 | $0 | 0.1% | |
| Travel | $12 | $0 | $12 | $0 | 0.0% | |
| Total | $30,727 | 100% |
2021 · Form 990 · $24,861 spent · pay $0 · grants $2,160 · events $0
| Line | As described | Total | Program | Management | Fundraising | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Office expenses | $7,407 | $7,407 | $0 | $0 | 29.8% | |
| Insurance | $4,290 | $4,290 | $0 | $0 | 17.3% | |
| Occupancy | $3,531 | $3,531 | $0 | $0 | 14.2% | |
| Advertising and promotion | $3,361 | $3,361 | $0 | $0 | 13.5% | |
| Other (as described) | IRS Penalty | $2,941 | $0 | $2,941 | $0 | 11.8% |
| Grants to US individuals | $2,160 | $2,160 | - | - | 8.7% | |
| Other (as described) | Dues | $1,086 | $0 | $1,086 | $0 | 4.4% |
| Other (as described) | Secretary of State Filings | $85 | $0 | $85 | $0 | 0.3% |
| Total | $24,861 | 100% |
2020 · Form 990 · $93,125 spent · pay $0 · grants $1,820 · events $0
| Line | As described | Total | Program | Management | Fundraising | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fees: other services | $66,544 | $66,544 | - | - | 71.5% | |
| Insurance | $8,630 | $8,630 | - | - | 9.3% | |
| Occupancy | $8,352 | $8,352 | - | - | 9.0% | |
| Office expenses | $4,811 | $4,811 | - | - | 5.2% | |
| Grants to US individuals | $1,820 | $1,820 | - | - | 2.0% | |
| Advertising and promotion | $1,735 | $1,735 | - | - | 1.9% | |
| Other (as described) | Dues | $1,208 | $1,208 | $0 | $0 | 1.3% |
| Other (as described) | Secretary of State Filing | $25 | $25 | $0 | $0 | 0.0% |
| Total | $93,125 | 100% |