Society for Science and the Public
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
Society for Science and the Public does not meet the following 1 Standards for Charity Accountability:
Standard 3 (Frequency and Attendance of Board Meetings)
An organization shall have a minimum of three evenly spaced meetings per year of the full governing body with a majority in attendance, with face-to-face participation. A conference call of the full board can substitute for one of the three meetings of the governing body. For all meetings, alternative modes of participation are acceptable for those with physical disabilities.
SSP does not meet this Standard because:
- The board of directors held two meetings in 2023.
The BBB Wise Giving Alliance requested but did not receive complete information from the organization and is unable to verify the organization's compliance with the following Standard(s) for Charity Accountability: 16
Society for Science and the Public meets the remaining 18 Standards for Charity Accountability.
Stated Purpose:
"to encourage public engagement in scientific research and education."
Year, State Incorporated:
1921, DE
Society for Science and the Public (SSP) reports that it focuses on promoting the understanding and appreciation of science and the role it plays in human advancement: to inform, educate, and inspire. The organization's areas of focus include building a scientifically literate public with its publication, Science News, and inspiring STEM leaders through its research competitions. SSP also works to increase opportunity in STEM through the provision of educational content and experiences and to increase participation of students from underrepresented and low-income communities in STEM research, degree programs, and careers.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, Society for Science and the Public's program expenses were:
| Science education programs | $21,413,101 |
| Science News | $9,980,668 |
| Alumni | $901,004 |
| Special initiatives | $393,007 |
| Total Program Expenses | $32,687,780 |
Chief Executive
Maya K. Ajmera, President and Chief Executive Officer
Compensation*
$625,649
Chair of the Board
Mary Sue Coleman
Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
President Emerita, University of Michigan
Board Size
17
Paid Staff Size
104
*2022 compensation includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.
Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Grant proposals, Internet, Radio
Fundraising costs were 17% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $16,437,360, 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 Society for Science and the Public's audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Source of Funds
| Investment income, net | $-4,186,063 |
| In-kind contributions | $770,000 |
| Advertising and other | $791,194 |
| Conference and other | $1,680,818 |
| Magazine subscriptions | $3,352,262 |
| Contributions - science education programs | $18,172,605 |
| Total Income | $20,580,816 |
Programs: 87% Fundraising: 7% Administrative: 6%
| Total Income | $20,580,816 |
| Total expenses: | $37,559,782 |
| Program expenses | $32,687,780 |
| Fundraising expenses | $2,718,958 |
| Administrative expenses | $2,153,044 |
| Other expenses | $0 |
| Income in Excess of Expenses | $-16,978,966 |
| Beginning Net Assets | $89,624,686 |
| Other Changes In Net Assets | $840,000 |
| Ending Net Assets | $73,485,720 |
| Total Liabilities | $13,270,432 |
| Total Assets | $86,756,152 |
Note 1: As noted in the above financial section, "other changes in net assets" refers to accrued postretirement benefit adjustment.
Note 2: According to SSP's 2022 audited financial statements, the organization received $770,000 in donated website security and monitoring services and translation services.
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