Astronaut Scholarship Foundation
Meets Standards
Standards For Charity Accountability
Governance
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Board Oversight
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Board Size
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Board Meetings
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Board Compensation
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Conflict of Interest
Measuring Effectiveness
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Effectiveness Policy
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Effectiveness Report
Finances
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Program Expenses
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Fundraising Expenses
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Accumulating Funds
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Audit Report
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Detailed Expense Breakdown
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Accurate Expense Reporting
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Budget Plan
Fundraising & Info
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Truthful Materials
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Annual Report
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Website Disclosures
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Donor Privacy
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Cause Marketing Disclosures
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Complaints
Astronaut Scholarship Foundation meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.
Stated Purpose:
"to aid the United States in retaining its world leadership in technology and innovation by supporting the very best and brightest scholars in science, technology, engineering and mathematics while commemorating the legacy of America’s pioneering astronauts."
Year, State Incorporated:
1984, FL
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) provides scholarships to college students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) which are merit-based, monetary scholarships awarded to undergraduate juniors and seniors in the STEM disciplines. ASF recognizes more than 60 scholars annually through scholarships valued at up to $15,000, and extra educational experiences valued at an additional $5,000. Astronaut Scholar alumni, and ASF affiliated nationwide leaders who span academia, technical research, and corporate leaderships. ASF has 44 partner universities, and the organization reports that it also offers life-long support through personal and professional development training, networking event opportunities, and by facilitating mentorship and internship programming as it supports their transition into the workforce or continued higher education.
For the year ended December 31, 2025, Astronaut Scholarship Foundation's program expenses were:
| Program services | $2,689,902 |
| Total Program Expenses | $2,669,902 |
Chief Executive
Colleen Middlebrooks, President and Chief Executive Officer
Compensation*
$162,159
Chair of the Board
Curtis Brown
Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
Retired, United States Air Force Colonel and Astronaut
Board Size
20
Paid Staff Size
8
*2023 compensation includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.
Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Invitations to fund raising events, Grant proposals, Internet, Planned giving arrangements, Cause-related marketing (affinity credit cards, consumer product sales, etc.), Membership appeals
Fundraising costs were 22% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $1,257,979, are donations received as a result of fundraising activities.)
This organization is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes.
The following information is based on Astronaut Scholarship Foundation's audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2025.
Source of Funds
| Investment return, net | $1,894,826 |
| Contributions | $1,519,755 |
| Public education programs | $488,968 |
| Support service fee | $292,006 |
| Total Income | $4,196 |
Programs: 85% Fundraising: 9% Administrative: 5%
| Total Income | $4,196 |
| Total expenses: | $3,124,707 |
| Program expenses | $2,669,902 |
| Fundraising expenses | $265,721 |
| Administrative expenses | $169,084 |
| Other expenses | $0 |
| Income in Excess of Expenses | $-3,120,511 |
| Beginning Net Assets | $14,689,161 |
| Other Changes In Net Assets | $0 |
| Ending Net Assets | $15,760,009 |
| Total Liabilities | $119,151 |
| Total Assets | $15,879,160 |
An organization may change its practices at any time without notice. A copy of this report has been shared with the organization prior to publication. It is not intended to recommend or deprecate, and is furnished solely to assist you in exercising your own judgment. If the report is about a charity and states the charity meets or does not meet the Standards for Charity Accountability, it reflects the results of an evaluation of information and materials provided voluntarily by the charity. The name Better Business Bureau is a registered service mark of the International Association of Better Business Bureaus.
This report is not to be used for fundraising or promotional purposes.
RELATED CONTENT
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Meets Standards
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Standards Not Met
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Did Not Disclose
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Review in Progress
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Unable to Verify
Report completed by:
BBB Wise Giving Alliance