Wildwood Hills Ranch
Wildwood Hills Ranch is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in St. Charles, Iowa operating a 400-acre facility that delivers free, 100%-scholarship summer programming and year-round leadership development to at-risk Iowa youth ages 8-18, plus equestrian therapy for veterans, funded by donations, grants, and fundraising events.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2001
- HeadquartersSaint Charles, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Wildwood Hills Ranch does
Wildwood Hills Ranch is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operating under the legal name Wildwood Hills, Inc., founded in 2001 and headquartered on a 400-acre ranch facility at 2552 Union Lane in St. Charles, Iowa (Madison County, south of Des Moines). The organization provides free, 100%-scholarship summer programming and year-round leadership development to at-risk youth ages 8-18 across Iowa, anchored by a 10-year longitudinal commitment to each child served. Programming is delivered through the Next Steps program framework — a tiered sequence comprising Ranchers, Leaders in Training, Young Leader, and monthly Leadership Retreats — supplemented by equestrian therapy (including a dedicated Veterans Equestrian Therapy track and Drill Team), agricultural education, aquatics, team-building, and art therapy. A Conference and Retreat Center rents the campus to outside groups when not serving youth, providing a secondary revenue stream. Methodologies include Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), and program effectiveness has been studied in partnership with Wheaton College.
The organization employs 13-14 full-time staff supplemented by seasonal summer staff, led by CEO Matt Moeckl (serving since 2004) with a leadership team spanning operations, finance, development, marketing and events, community outreach, equine and facilities, and program direction. The organization serves over 1,000 youth annually from 24 Iowa communities, plus veterans and military families, drawing beneficiaries through referral partnerships with schools, churches, foster networks, and social service agencies.
Revenue is generated entirely through donations, grants, and fundraising events — there are no fees charged to beneficiaries. Major revenue streams include individual and corporate donations, foundation grants (e.g., Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, $40,000), flagship fundraising events such as the Wild About the Child Barn Dance and Shindig (each raising $260,000-$280,000+ to fund approximately 350 student scholarships), in-kind corporate donations (e.g., 100+ mattresses from Mattress Firm enabling 30% growth in children served over five years), and Conference and Retreat Center facility rentals. The go-to-market motion is community-led, relying on church partnerships, mission teams, donor relationships, earned media (including visits from Governor Kim Reynolds), and digital channels such as the Wildwood Weekly newsletter.
Wildwood Hills Ranch firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Wildwood Hills Ranch
- Legal name
- Wildwood Hills, Inc.
- Website
- https://wildwoodhillsranch.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2001
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Wildwood Hills Ranch is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in St. Charles, Iowa operating a 400-acre facility that delivers free, 100%-scholarship summer programming and year-round leadership development to at-risk Iowa youth ages 8-18, plus equestrian therapy for veterans, funded by donations, grants, and fundraising events.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Wildwood Hills Ranch industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Youth Development Services
- NAICS
- Recreational and Vacation Camps (except Campgrounds) (721214)
- SIC
- Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Adventure Therapy & Therapeutic Wilderness Programs (THAAAOAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Outdoor & Wilderness Education Schools (Field-Based Learning) (THAAAOAA), Group Camping & Scout Camps (THAGAOAI), Wilderness & Backcountry Lodges (Remote/Off-Grid) (THAGAIAB)
Keywords
Where Wildwood Hills Ranch is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Saint Charles
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Wildwood Hills Ranch business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Individual and Corporate Donations: The organization relies primarily on donations from individuals and corporations to fund its 100% scholarship programming for at-risk youth and veterans.
- Fundraising Events: Annual events including Wild About the Child Barn Dance and Wild About the Child Shindig generate significant revenue (over $260,000-$280,000 per event) to sponsor youth scholarships.
- Grants: Foundation grants such as the $40,000 from Iowa Farm Bureau Federation support agricultural curriculum and general programming.
- Conference and Retreat Center Rental: When not serving youth, the facility is rented out for conferences and retreats, generating additional revenue.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Others | Free programming for all served youth and veterans |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels7 records
Wildwood Hills Ranch product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Wildwood Hills Ranch is a 400-acre nonprofit facility in St. Charles, Iowa that provides free, 100% scholarship summer programming and year-round leadership development retreats for at-risk children and youth ages 8-18. The Ranch also offers equestrian therapy programs serving both youth and military veterans, and rents its facilities as a conference and retreat center when not serving its primary beneficiaries.
Product overview
Wildwood Hills Ranch is a nonprofit organization offering a portfolio of youth development programs centered on its Next Steps Program—a 10-year commitment framework for at-risk youth ages 8-18. The core offerings include: (1) the Next Steps Program with tiered sub-programs (Ranchers, Leaders in Training, Young Leader, Leadership Retreats) providing full scholarship summer programming and year-round leadership development through activities like equine therapy, agriculture, aquatics, team-building, and art therapy; (2) Equestrian Therapy serving both youth and veterans, including specialized programs for veterans and a drill team; and (3) a Conference and Retreat Center that rents out the 400-acre campus facilities when not serving youth. The organization operates as a single unified mission rather than a platform-plus-modules architecture.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Next Steps Program A comprehensive 10-year commitment program for at-risk youth ages 8-18 that provides full scholarship summer programming and year-round leadership development, including values-based leadership development, equine therapy, agriculture activities, aquatics, team-building, and art therapy.
- Equestrian Therapy Therapeutic horse-assisted program serving at-risk youth and veterans, helping participants build trust, confidence, and emotional regulation through equine interactions on the Ranch's 400-acre property.
- Veterans Equestrian Therapy Specialized equestrian therapy program for military veterans and their families, providing healing and rehabilitation through horse-assisted activities.
- Leadership Retreats Monthly weekend retreats for middle and high schoolers offering team building, leadership development, financial literacy, career readiness, and life skills training.
- Leadership Development Comprehensive leadership training program focusing on developing future leaders through character development, service learning, and mentorship opportunities for youth served by the Ranch.
- Conference and Retreat Center 400-acre facility available for rental to organizations, offering conference spaces, lodging, dining, and outdoor recreation amenities for corporate retreats, weddings, and events.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 1,000 youth served annually across Iowa
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Wildwood Hills Ranch
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Wildwood Hills Ranch technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Wildwood Hills Ranch partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Outlets of Des MoinesminorHosted 'Open Doors. Open Hearts' Charity Preview Night event where ticket proceeds were donated to 20 nonprofits including Wildwood Hills Ranch. The Ranch received money raised and had opportunity to raise awareness about services.
- National Leadership AcademycoreSeven Leaders for Life students attended NLA in Denver, CO - an intensive 4-day Academy for high school students focusing on developing heart-led leaders through compassion and service to community.
- Wheaton CollegeminorConducted study on Wildwood Hills Ranch programming effectiveness. The Ranch is passionate about developing leaders and invested in well-equipped staff to mentor students.
- Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI)coreUses TBRI methodology to create relationships with students by meeting physical needs, listening, caring for hurts, and empowering youth to be leaders.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Wildwood Hills Ranch competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Wildwood Hills Ranch social profiles
Digital presenceWildwood Hills Ranch financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Wildwood Hills Ranch leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles12 records
Wildwood Hills Ranch funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Wildwood Hills Ranch M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Wildwood Hills Ranch
What does Wildwood Hills Ranch do?
Wildwood Hills Ranch is a 400-acre nonprofit facility in St. Charles, Iowa that provides free, 100% scholarship summer programming and year-round leadership development retreats for at-risk children and youth ages 8-18. The Ranch also offers equestrian therapy programs serving both youth and military veterans, and rents its facilities as a conference and retreat center when not serving its primary beneficiaries.
Is Wildwood Hills Ranch a public or private company?
Wildwood Hills Ranch is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Wildwood Hills Ranch founded?
Wildwood Hills Ranch was founded in 2001. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Wildwood Hills Ranch based?
Wildwood Hills Ranch is headquartered in Saint Charles, United States, in the North America region.
How does Wildwood Hills Ranch make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Individual and Corporate Donations are the primary driver. The others are fundraising Events, grants and conference and Retreat Center Rental.
Does Wildwood Hills Ranch have an API?
No public API is recorded for Wildwood Hills Ranch.
What industry is Wildwood Hills Ranch in?
Wildwood Hills Ranch's product category is Youth Development Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAAAOAG, Adventure Therapy & Therapeutic Wilderness Programs, with a secondary code of THAAAOAA, Outdoor & Wilderness Education Schools (Field-Based Learning). Its NAICS code is 721214 and its SIC code is 7000.