Association of Science-Technology Centers Inc
The Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC), based in Washington, DC, is a public charity and professional membership association. It supports science and technology centers, museums, and the broader science-engagement field, with a stated vision of increasing understanding of and engagement with science and technology among all people.
Association of Science-Technology Centers Inc at a glance
In short: Association of Science-Technology Centers Inc gave $283K across 19 grants in 2024 (avg $15K), top state North Carolina. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $282,682
- +2255.7% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 19
- +850.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $14,878
- +148.0% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $11,000
- Total assets
- $10,402,054
- +122.9% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- North Carolina (24% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026.
How to apply to Association of Science-Technology Centers Inc
- Review Cycle
- July 28, 2025, for the 2025–2026 Voya STEM Futures application cycle; this is a past deadline.
- Deadline
- July 28, 2025, for the 2025–2026 Voya STEM Futures application cycle; this is a past deadline.
- Contact
Mailing address: 2000 Florida Ave Nw 300, Washington, DC 20009
Phone: (202) 783-7200
Website: https://astc.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Association of Science-Technology Centers Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was North Carolina Museum of Life & Science ($57K). Together the top 10 received $199K.
Grant Size Distribution
175 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 162 grants of 175 (93%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
ASTC is based in Washington, DC. Its 2024 grant dollars went to recipients in multiple states, with the largest shares going to North Carolina (24%), California (16%), Wisconsin (11%), Florida (10%), and New Mexico (8%). Its website describes ASTC as a North American membership association, and its filing says its members are in almost 50 countries.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 19 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How Association of Science-Technology Centers Inc gives
- Giving fell 86% from 2021 to 2024. Method
From the foundation's IRS Form 990 filings. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $12K (2023) to $2.0M (2021). In 2024 it made 19 grants totaling $283K.
Hatched bars: grants paid as reported on the IRS filing, which lists no individual grants for that year.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Museum of Life & Science Durham, NC | Community Science Program Grant | $57,145 |
| Cable Natural History Museum Cable, WI | Community Science Program Grant | $30,587 |
| Explora of Albuquerque Albuquerque, NM | NASA Universe of Learning Grant | $23,000 |
| Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History Foundation Los Angeles, CA | Community Science Program Grant | $21,970 |
| Catawba Science Center Hickory, NC | Voya STEM Grant | $11,000 |
| Discovery Museum Inc Acton, MA | Voya STEM Grant | $11,000 |
| Fernbank Science Center Atlanta, GA | Voya STEM Grant | $11,000 |
| Long Island Explorium New York, NY | Voya STEM Grant | $11,000 |
| Putnam Museum and Science Center Davenport, IA | Voya STEM Grant | $11,000 |
| Reuben H Fleet Science Center San Diego, CA | Voya STEM Grant | $11,000 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $10,402,054 | $11,437,803 | $5,978,752 | $282,682 | 19 | $199,436 |
| 2023 | $4,667,192 | $5,435,417 | $5,526,443 | $12,000 | 2 | $175,162 |
| 2022 | $3,753,587 | $3,969,572 | $6,197,096 | $361,813 | 33 | $129,433 |
| 2021 | $7,016,883 | $7,242,482 | $6,588,806 | $2,035,784 | 98 | $248,645 |
| 2020 | $5,356,597 | $3,422,727 | $4,600,009 | $281,831 | 23 | $212,807 |
| 2019 | $5,539,906 | $5,675,852 | $4,825,245 | $36,500 | Total only | $237,917 |
"Total only": grants paid as reported on the IRS filing, which lists no individual grants for that year.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
ASTC’s mission is to champion and support science and technology centers and museums. Its website describes its purpose as supporting those institutions and the wider science-engagement field toward greater understanding of and engagement with science and technology among all people.
ASTC’s filing describes work to help members lead with their communities, expand equitable and accessible engagement, strengthen professional capacity, and advance public engagement with science. Its 2024 grants included community science, NASA Universe of Learning, and Voya STEM awards. The website describes the Community Science Initiative as funding programs and fellowships to advance community science, and Voya STEM Futures as supporting programs intended to inspire STEM career interest among youth in grades 4–8.
Grantees include science centers, museums, and other organizations. For example, Cable Natural History Museum describes its mission as providing environmental and natural history programs and education; Catawba Science Center says it aims to change lives and inspire learning through science and wonder; and the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center says it works with communities to connect people to the power of science.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, ASTC reported 19 grants totaling $282,682. Grants ranged from $7,680 to $57,145, with a median of $11,000. The largest awards included $57,145 to North Carolina Museum of Life & Science for a Community Science Program Grant, $30,587 to Cable Natural History Museum for a Community Science Program Grant, $23,000 to Explora of Albuquerque for a NASA Universe of Learning Grant, and $21,970 to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County Foundation for a Community Science Program Grant.
Other reported 2024 awards included $11,000 each to Catawba Science Center, Discovery Museum, Fernbank Science Center, Long Island Explorium, Putnam Museum and Science Center, Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, and Space Center Houston, each for a Voya STEM Grant. Among other 2024 recipients, the Science Museum of Minnesota received $8,300 and Orlando Science Center received $8,000.
ASTC’s website describes some opportunities as limited to ASTC members. Its 2025–2026 Voya STEM Futures application cycle is closed; the website says future opportunities, if available, will be posted there. The 2025 member opportunities announced for the IF/THEN Champions Network included travel or registration support, program stipends, and exhibit kits. Those stipends support events, rather than constituting grants to outside applicants.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Officers and directors listed on the 2024 filing include Tim Ritchie, Chair; William Harris, Immediate Past Chair; Robert Firmhofer, Secretary; and Curt Simmons, Frederic Bertley, Rena Dorph, Joann Newman, Christian Greer, Douglas Jones, and Andres Roldan, listed as members-at-large. Frederic Bertley’s listing notes service through September 29, 2024.
Association of Science-Technology Centers Inc is led by Christofer Nelson, President & CEO since 2020 (on filings since 2019); 7 of 29 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Christofer Nelson
President & CEO
Chief Operating Officer → President & CEO, 2020
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$81K (2019) → $325K (2024)
Tim Ritchie
Chair
Treasurer → Chair Elect, 2021
Chair Elect → Chair, 2023
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Adam Fagen
Director of Communications
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$105K (2020) → $124K (2024)
Melissa Ballard
Director of Programs
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$104K (2022) → $122K (2024)
Kalie Sacco
Director of Member Strategy
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$119K (2024)
Erica Kimmerling
Senior Advisor for Science
Senior Advisor for Science Engmt Policy → Senior Advisor for Science, 2022
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$107K (2021) → $126K (2024)
Frances Burg
Chief of Staff
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$104K (2022) → $104K (2024)
Rose Hendricks
Associate Director of Ommu
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$109K (2024)
Frederic Bertley
Member-At-Large
Director → Board Member, 2020
Board Member → Member-At-Large, 2023
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Robert Firmhofer
Secretary
Director → Board Member, 2020
Board Member → Secretary, 2023
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
William Harris
Immd Past Chair
Chair Elect → Chair, 2021
Chair → Immd Past Chair, 2023
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Andres Roldan
Member-At-Large
Board Member → Member-At-Large, 2021
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Christian Greer
Member-At-Large
Board Member → Member-At-Large, 2023
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Curt Simmons
Member-At-Large
Board Member → Member-At-Large, 2023
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Douglas Jones
Member-At-Large
Board Member → Member-At-Large, 2023
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Joann Newman
Member-At-Large
Board Member → Secretary, 2021
Secretary → Member-At-Large, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Rena Dorph
Member-At-Large
Board Member → Member-At-Large, 2023
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Adalene Spivy
Treasurer
Board Member → Treasurer, 2023
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Erin Graham
Chair Elect
Board Member → Member-At-Large, 2022
Member-At-Large → Chair Elect, 2023
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Maria Emilia Beyer Ruiz
Member-At-Large
Board Member → Member-At-Large, 2023
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sam Dean
Member-At-Large
Board Member → Member-At-Large, 2023
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tara Macdougall
Member-At-Large
Board Member → Member-At-Large, 2023
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lori Bettison-Varga
Member-At-Large
Board Member → Member-At-Large, 2023
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sara Schapiro
Member-At-Large
Board Member → Member-At-Large, 2023
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Chieko Asakawa
Member-At-Large
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jason Cryan
Member-At-Large
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michelle Crowl
Member-At-Large
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Robin Gose
Member-At-Large
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ashley Larose
Member-At-Large From
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (24)
- Former: Catherine Horne (2019–2023) — Treasurer
- Former: Larry Dubinski (2019–2023) — Immediate Past Chair
- Former: Marilee Jennings (2020–2023) — Member-At-Large
- Former: Tracy Calogheros (2020–2023) — Member-At-Large
- Former: Julian Boaitey (2022–2023) — Director of Finance
- Former: James Bell (2019–2022) — Project Director & Caise
- Former: Cristin Dorgel0 (2019–2021) — Presidend & CEO
- Former: Guy Labine (2019–2020) — Immediate Past Chair
- Former: Jeffrey Rudolph (2019–2020) — Board Member
- Former: Kirsten Ellenbogen (2019–2020) — Secretary
- Former: Margaret Honey (2019–2020) — Member-At-Large
- Former: Rosalia Vargas (2019–2020) — Board Member
- Former: Lucy Hale (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Bert Verscolani (2019) — Director
- Former: Joel Brennan (2019) — Director
- Former: Kate Bennett (2019) — Director
- Former: Linda Conlon (2019) — Immediate Past Chair
- Former: Matt Fleury (2019) — Member-At-Large
- Former: Maurice Bitran (2019) — Director
- Former: Sarah George (2019) — Treasurer
- Former: Silvia Singer (2019) — Director
- Former: Stephanie Ratcliffe (2019) — Secretary
- Former: Tit Meng Lim (2019) — Director
- Former: Walter Staveloz (2019) — Director International Relations
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $325K, to Christofer Nelson (President and CEO). 7 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Association of Science-Technology Centers Inc
How much does Association of Science-Technology Centers Inc give each year?
Association of Science-Technology Centers Inc gave $283K across 19 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $12K across 2 grants.
What is Association of Science-Technology Centers Inc's typical grant size?
Association of Science-Technology Centers Inc's median grant in 2024 was $11,000, and its average grant was $14,878, across 19 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990.
Where does Association of Science-Technology Centers Inc give grants?
Association of Science-Technology Centers Inc's top state is North Carolina, with 24% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were California (16%) and Wisconsin (11%).
Does Association of Science-Technology Centers Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 19 grants with a stated purpose on Association of Science-Technology Centers Inc's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Voya STEM Grant" (10 grants), "NASA Universe of Learning Grant" (5 grants) and "Community Science Program Grant" (4 grants).
Who are Association of Science-Technology Centers Inc's largest grantees?
Association of Science-Technology Centers Inc's largest 2024 grantees include North Carolina Museum of Life & Science ($57,145), Cable Natural History Museum ($30,587) and Explora of Albuquerque ($23,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 39% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Association of Science-Technology Centers Inc?
Association of Science-Technology Centers Inc reported $10.4M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $11.4M.
What does Association of Science-Technology Centers Inc fund?
ASTC’s mission is to champion and support science and technology centers and museums. Its website describes its purpose as supporting those institutions and the wider science-engagement field toward greater understanding of and engagement with science and technology among all people. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Association of Science-Technology Centers Inc?
Association of Science-Technology Centers Inc has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check astc.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Association of Science-Technology Centers Inc's EIN?
Association of Science-Technology Centers Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 52-1926756. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS February 14, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 11, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 15, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 14, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 13, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 17, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work Association of Science-Technology Centers Inc funds
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Browse active grant opportunities in Association of Science-Technology Centers Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Association of Science-Technology Centers Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 20, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/association-of-science-technology-centers-inc-morg_f18fa24d42f44e3fbe3a09b5e5edc38e
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_521926756_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Association of Science-Technology Centers Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/association-of-science-technology-centers-inc-morg_f18fa24d42f44e3fbe3a09b5e5edc38e},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-20. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Association of Science-Technology Centers Inc's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Association of Science-Technology Centers Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?