LSST Inc
LSST Inc. is a Tucson, Arizona–based public charity, founded in 2003 as an Arizona nonprofit corporation. Now known as the LSST Discovery Alliance (LSST-DA), it supports researchers working with the Vera C. Rubin Observatory’s Legacy Survey of Space and Time through funding, training, data tools, and inclusive collaboration programs.
LSST Inc at a glance
In short: LSST Inc gave $1.8M across 29 grants in 2024 (avg $61K), top state Illinois. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $1,766,610
- Grants made (2024)
- 29
- Average grant
- $60,918
- Median grant
- $24,000
- Total assets
- $4,760,084
- -26.3% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- Illinois (18% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026.
How to apply to LSST Inc
- How to Apply
-
The filing describes a proposal-review process, a written agreement specifying the use of funds, and reporting requirements. The early-science call required submissions through the LSST-DA program portal and limited each person to one proposal as principal investigator.
- Contact
Mailing address: 933 N Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ 85721
Phone: (520) 395-8601
Website: https://lsstdiscoveryalliance.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
3 open opportunities from LSST Inc
LSST Discovery Alliance Summer Student Program
LSST Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
LSSTC Data Science Fellowship Program (DSFP)
LSST Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Scialog: Early Science with the LSST
LSST Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who LSST Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was University of Arizona ($270K). Together the top 10 received $1.4M.
Organizations only. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($52,126), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
85 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 65 grants of 85 (76%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The organization is based in Tucson, Arizona. Its 2024 grant dollars went to recipients in multiple states; the largest state shares were Illinois (18%), Arizona (15%), California (14%), Washington (14%), and New York (11%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 29 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How LSST Inc gives
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $141K (2019) to $1.8M (2024). In 2024 it made 29 grants totaling $1.8M.
*2023: Covers 15 months (fiscal year-end changed).
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Arizona Tucson, AZ | Templeton foundation fellowships supporting postdoctoral research using rubin lsst data | $269,911 |
| Northwestern University Evanston, IL | Brinson DSFP Andtempleton Fellowshipssupport Postdoctoralrubin LSST Research | $219,320 |
| Research Foundation of the City University of New York New York City, NY | Templeton foundation fellowships supporting postdoctoral research using rubin lsst data | $141,850 |
| Washington State University Pullman, WA | Templeton foundation fellowships supporting postdoctoral research using rubin lsst data | $136,334 |
| Rutgers University Piscataway, NJ | Templeton foundation fellowships supporting postdoctoral research using rubin lsst data | $126,334 |
| University of Pittsburgh of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education Pittsburgh, PA | Hsf inclusive collab &schmidt lincc frameworksenabling rubin lsst dataand collaborative tools | $120,670 |
| Las Cumbres Observatory Goleta, CA | Templeton foundation fellowships supporting postdoctoral research using rubin lsst data | $119,005 |
| University of Washington Seattle, WA | Templeton foundation fellowships supporting postdoctoral research using rubin lsst data | $104,352 |
| Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD | Templeton foundation fellowships supporting postdoctoral research using rubin lsst data | $104,241 |
| 1 grant to individuals Recipients not named | — | $52,126 |
Ready to take the next step with LSST Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $4,760,084 | $3,556,965 | $3,573,193 | $1,766,610 | 29 | $74,683 |
| 2023* | $6,459,038 | $3,607,673 | $3,212,077 | $1,428,101 | 33 | $121,331 |
| 2022 | $6,985,056 | $917,874 | $1,119,252 | $167,732 | 10 | $9,586 |
| 2021 | $4,073,108 | $1,051,601 | $1,056,795 | $209,000 | 4 | $7 |
| 2020 | $3,988,342 | $1,097,046 | $1,228,489 | $233,058 | 9 | — |
| 2019 | $5,461,096 | $1,114,739 | $1,325,041 | $141,285 | 5 | $32,070 |
*2023: Covers 15 months (fiscal year-end changed).
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization’s stated mission is to enhance Rubin LSST discovery through advanced data tools, training, and inclusive collaborations, so scientists can use the survey’s resources to investigate questions about the Universe.
Its programs include fellowships and training for students and early-career researchers; software development through LINCC Frameworks; and inclusive-collaboration initiatives. The 2024 filing describes the Templeton program as supporting early-career researchers in astrophysics and social science, LINCC Frameworks as developing data-analysis techniques for Rubin LSST data, and the Data Science Fellowship Program as providing hands-on training to astronomy graduate students. It also describes Heising-Simons-supported inclusive-collaboration programs as developing practices for equitable scientific engagement.
Recipients include universities, observatories, and research organizations. For example, Northwestern University, which received two grants in 2024, describes its mission as excellent teaching, innovative research, and students’ personal and intellectual growth in a diverse academic community. The University of Pittsburgh, another 2024 recipient, describes itself as a public research university serving its region, Pennsylvania, and the nation through education, research, and community partnership.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, LSST Inc. reported 29 grants totaling $1,766,610. Grants ranged from $6,000 to $269,911, with a median of $24,000. Many of the largest awards supported postdoctoral research fellowships using Rubin LSST data. Other reported purposes included inclusive collaboration and software frameworks for Rubin LSST data.
The largest 2024 awards included $269,911 to the University of Arizona, $219,320 to Northwestern University, $141,850 to the Research Foundation of the City University of New York, and $136,334 to Washington State University. The University of Pittsburgh received $120,670 for inclusive collaboration and Schmidt LINCC Frameworks work. The filing also lists a separate $39,495 award to Northwestern University.
The filing states that grants are based on evaluation of submitted proposals and recipients’ written agreements to use funds as specified and report on spending. Larger programmatic awards, such as fellowships and sponsored research, require final reports; the organization may request progress updates. Smaller awards to individuals, such as childcare or undergraduate summer support, do not require additional reporting.
A call for proposals for early science using Rubin LSST data offered awards of up to $120,000, $50,000, or $12,000 to principal investigators at U.S. academic institutions able to accept awards with no indirect costs. The stated application deadline was February 17, 2026, which has passed.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Michael Wood-Vasey as chair, Kathryn Johnston as vice chair, and Larry Gladney as treasurer. Listed board members were Adam Bolton (beginning October 2024), Rosaria Bonito, Will Clarkson (through June 2024), James Davenport, Carlos Ferreira, Jenny Greene, and Buell Jannuzi.
LSST Inc is led by Beth Willman, CEO on every filing since 2023; 3 of 19 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Beth Willman
CEO
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$188K (2023) → $196K (2024)
Michael Wood-Vasey
Chair
Board Member → Chair, 2023
On filings since 2020
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Daniel Calabrese
Corporate Secretary
On filings since 2019
4 hrs/week
$14K (2023) → $13K (2024)
Will Clarkson
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
$18K (2024)
Adam Bolton
Board Member
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Buell Jannuzi
Board Member
Vice Chairman → Board Member, 2022
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David Macfarlane
Board Member
Chairman → Board Member, 2020
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ian Shipsey
Board Member
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Larry Gladney
Treasurer
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kathryn Johnston
Vice Chair
Board Member → Vice Chair, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Knut Olsen
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
James Davenport
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Risa Wechsler
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rosaria Bonito
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Carlos Ferreira
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Gautham Naranyan
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jenny Greene
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jeremy Kubica
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Pat McCarthy
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (17)
- Former: Ezequiel Treister (2019–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Patricia Eliason (2019–2022) — Executive Officer
- Former: Suzanne Hawley (2019–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Adriano Fontana (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Federica Bianco (2020–2022) — Board Member -
- Former: Lucas Macri (2020–2022) — Chairman
- Former: Pat Burchat (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Raffaella Margutti (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Rachel Mandelbaum (2021–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Mederic Boquien (2022) — Board Member
- Former: Josh Frieman (2019–2021) — Outgoing Board Member
- Former: Tod Lauer (2019–2021) — Outgoing Board Member April
- Former: Constance Rockosi (2019) — Board Member
- Former: Henri Ferguson (2019) — Board Member
- Former: Michael Strauss (2019) — Board Member
- Former: Patricia Burchat (2019) — Board Member
- Former: Vicky Kalogera (2019) — Board Member
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 $196K, to Beth Willman (CEO). 3 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about LSST Inc
How much does LSST Inc give each year?
LSST Inc gave $1.8M across 29 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $1.4M across 33 grants. The 2023 filing year covers 15 months because its fiscal year-end changed.
What is LSST Inc's typical grant size?
LSST Inc's median grant in 2024 was $24,000, and its average grant was $60,918, across 29 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990.
Where does LSST Inc give grants?
LSST Inc's top state is Illinois, with 18% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were Arizona (15%) and California (14%). The most frequent recipient cities were Evanston, IL (2 grants).
Does LSST Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 29 grants with a stated purpose on LSST Inc's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support.
Who are LSST Inc's largest grantees?
LSST Inc's largest 2024 grantees include University of Arizona ($269,911), Northwestern University ($219,320) and Research Foundation of the City University of New York ($141,850), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($52,126), which are not listed by name. Together they received 36% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is LSST Inc?
LSST Inc reported $4.8M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $3.6M.
What does LSST Inc fund?
The organization’s stated mission is to enhance Rubin LSST discovery through advanced data tools, training, and inclusive collaborations, so scientists can use the survey’s resources to investigate questions about the Universe. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from LSST Inc?
The filing describes a proposal-review process, a written agreement specifying the use of funds, and reporting requirements. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is LSST Inc's EIN?
LSST Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 56-2390650. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS August 16, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS August 15, 2022)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS August 13, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS December 20, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 7, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS August 4, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2023
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in LSST Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). LSST Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 10, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/lsst-inc-morg_6cf98c14805049329965dfd14836af23
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_562390650_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{LSST Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/lsst-inc-morg_6cf98c14805049329965dfd14836af23},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-10. 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 LSST 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.
LSST Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?