Society for Science & the Public
Society for Science & the Public is a Washington, D.C.-based public charity dedicated to scientific literacy, STEM education and scientific research. Founded in 1921, it is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) membership organization whose work includes science journalism, student research competitions, educator programs and community STEM grants.
Society for Science & the Public at a glance
In short: Society for Science & the Public gave $202K across 22 grants in 2024 (avg $9K), top state New York. 38% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $202,000
- -19.2% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 22
- -18.5% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $9,182
- -0.8% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $8,000
- Total assets
- $165,328,887
- +44.2% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 38% first-time grantees (5 of 13, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- New York (47% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Society for Science & the Public
- How to Apply
-
For STEM Action Grants, applicants register for the online portal, complete an application describing their organization and work, and submit the completed form as final. The Society’s stated eligibility guidance includes U.S. headquarters and use of funding to serve people residing in the U.S. It also states that applicant organizations must represent a U.S. 501(c)(3) public charity or be a nonprofit initiative with a fiscal sponsor; the published eligibility text provided here is incomplete.
- Contact
Mailing address: 1719 N St Nw, Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 785-2255
Website: https://societyforscience.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Society for Science & the Public funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Bergen County Academies ($10K). Together the top 10 received $76K.
Organizations only. It also paid 10 grants to individuals ($114,000), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
118 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 118 grants of 118 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Society’s STEM Action Grant FAQ says organizations must be headquartered in the U.S. and funding may only serve people residing in the U.S. Its 2024 grant dollars were concentrated in New York (47%), an individual recipient (10%), California (8%), Virginia (7%) and New Jersey (5%). These figures describe that year’s listed grants.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 22 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Society for Science & the Public open to new grantees?
38%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 5 of 13 grantees (38%) were first-time recipients. With only 13 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 8 points. First grants averaged $6K; repeat grants $22K. How we count
Medians: $6K first-time, $9K repeat.
- 54% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+0%). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2024). 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 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $202K (2021) to $250K (2023). In 2024 it made 22 grants totaling $202K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 10 grants to individuals Recipients not named | — | $114,000 |
| Bergen County Academies Hackensack, NJ | Science Competition Award | $10,000 |
| Ossining High School Ossining, NY | Science Competition Award | $10,000 |
| The Harker School San Jose, CA | Science Competition Award | $10,000 |
| Syosset High School Syosset, NY | Science Competition Award | $8,000 |
| Herricks High School New Hyde Park, NY | Equitable Access Fund | $8,000 |
| American Heritage School Plantation, FL | Science Competition Award | $6,000 |
| Briarcliff High School Briarcliff Manor, NY | Science Competition Award | $6,000 |
| Greenwich High School 1 Greenwich, CT | Equitable Access Fund | $6,000 |
| Roslyn High School Roslyn Heights, NY | Science Competition Award | $6,000 |
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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 | $165,328,887 | $91,128,420 | $40,882,106 | $202,000 | 22 | $1,485,776 |
| 2023 | $114,655,035 | $63,580,301 | $38,610,385 | $250,000 | 27 | $1,710,035 |
| 2022 | $86,756,152 | $26,005,604 | $36,945,664 | $218,000 | 25 | $2,008,725 |
| 2021 | $102,112,945 | $28,541,247 | $29,013,289 | $202,000 | 20 | $3,504,468 |
| 2020 | $102,426,509 | $28,361,950 | $24,587,282 | $222,800 | 24 | $946,290 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization describes its mission as expanding scientific literacy, effective STEM education and scientific research. Its website says it works to inform, educate and inspire people about science and its role in human advancement.
Its grant programs include STEM Action Grants for innovative organizations doing community-based work to increase public understanding of science and participation in STEM. The organization says it seeks groups whose work aligns with a science-literate society, builds interest in STEM, or increases access and exposure—especially for people less likely to participate. STEM Research Grants support middle- and high-school teachers helping students conduct independent, inquiry-driven research; they are not intended for whole-class materials for traditional instruction.
In 2024, the organization’s listed grants included science competition awards to schools and an equitable access fund grant to Herricks High School. One recipient, The Harker School, describes its own mission as educating students for college and beyond while fostering kindness, respect and integrity in a safe, nurturing environment.
Grantmaking
The 2024 filing lists 22 grants totaling $202,000. Grant amounts ranged from $6,000 to $20,000, with a median of $8,000. The largest listed awards were $20,000 to North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics and $18,000 to Bronx High School of Science, both for science competition awards. Other listed awards included $14,000 each to an individual recipient High School for Science and Technology and William A. An individual recipient South High School, and $10,000 to The Harker School. The filing also lists a $8,000 equitable access fund grant to Herricks High School.
Separately, the Society’s website describes STEM Action Grants of up to $5,000 per calendar year for organizations with operating budgets below $500,000 that are new grantees. Funding may support general operating costs, existing programs or program expansion. An organization may receive this grant up to three times, applying again each year; after three years of STEM Action Grant funding, it may apply for a one-time $10,000 capacity-building grant. That grant is for long-term organizational or program capacity and may not fund single-year initiatives, existing programming or consumable expenses. The Society says funding decisions are at its selection committee’s discretion and applications are reviewed by external evaluators.
The online application portal states that the next STEM Action Grant application will open in December 2026. Applications must be submitted by noon Eastern on February 12, 2027; review and selection are scheduled for March–April 2027, with funding distributed in May 2027.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Mary Sue Coleman as chair until October 2024 and Thomas F. Rosenbaum as chair from October 2024. Hayley Bay Barna was listed as treasurer and Christine Burton as secretary. Listed trustees were Gary E. Knell, Mariette DiChristina, Tessa M. Hill and Charles McCabe; Lance R. Collins was listed as at large. Adam Bly was listed as trustee until March 2024.
Society for Science & the Public is led by Maya K. Ajmera, President & CEO on every filing since 2020; 15 of 34 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Maya K. Ajmera
President & CEO
On filings since 2020
37.5 hrs/week
$459K (2020) → $705K (2024)
Mary Sue Coleman
Chair
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Thomas F. Rosenbaum
Chair
At Large → At Large -, 2023
At Large - → Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Edward Maxwell
Director of Finance
On filings since 2020
37.5 hrs/week
$147K (2020) → $173K (2024)
Eric Olson
Director of Annual Giving
On filings since 2020
37.5 hrs/week
$148K (2020) → $167K (2024)
Demian Perry
Digital Director
On filings since 2023
37.5 hrs/week
$176K (2023) → $181K (2024)
Adam Bly
Trustee
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Dianne K. Newman
Trustee
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Feng Zhang
Trustee
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Gideon L. Yu
Trustee
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tessa M. Hill
Trustee
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
We Moerner
Trustee
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Charles McCabe
Trustee
On filings since 2021
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mariette Dichristina
Trustee
On filings since 2021
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Afton K. Vechery
Trustee
On filings since 2022
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Roderic Ivan Pettigrew
Trustee
On filings since 2022
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Christopher Bouton
Trustee
Trustee - → Trustee, 2024
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Gary E. Knell
Trustee
Trustee - → Trustee, 2024
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Dave Shull
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kristina M. Johnson
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Caitlin Goldberg
Chief of Events & Operations
Chief of Events & Operations → Chief of Events & Operaration, 2023
Chief of Events & Operaration → Chief of Events & Operations, 2024
On filings since 2020
37.5 hrs/week
$172K (2020) → $198K (2024)
Gayle Kansagor
Chief Comms. & Marketing Officer
Chief Communications Officer → Chief Comms. & Marketing Officer, 2024
On filings since 2020
37.5 hrs/week
$189K (2020) → $215K (2024)
James Moore
Chief Technology Officer
Chief It Officer → Chief Technology Officer, 2023
On filings since 2020
37.5 hrs/week
$179K (2020) → $227K (2024)
Janet Raloff
Editor, Digital & Sn Explores
Senior Editor → Digital Editor, 2023
Digital Editor → Editor, Digital & Sn Explores, 2024
On filings since 2020
37.5 hrs/week
$146K (2020) → $162K (2024)
Michele Glidden
Chief Program Officer
On filings since 2020
37.5 hrs/week
$214K (2020) → $238K (2024)
Nancy Shute
Editor in Chief
On filings since 2020
37.5 hrs/week
$229K (2020) → $248K (2024)
Rachel Alper
Chief Operating Officer
Chief of Staff → Chief Operating Officer, 2022
On filings since 2020
37.5 hrs/week
$152K (2020) → $277K (2024)
Stephen Egts
Chief Design Officer
Chief Design Officer → Design Director, 2022
Design Director → Chief Design Officer, 2023
On filings since 2020
37.5 hrs/week
$143K (2020) → $177K (2024)
David Jenkins
Chief Financial Officer
CFO - → Chief Financial Officer, 2024
On filings since 2023
37.5 hrs/week
$67K (2023) → $248K (2024)
Michael Voss
Publisher
Publisher - → Publisher, 2024
On filings since 2023
37.5 hrs/week
$228K (2023) → $254K (2024)
Dawn Abel
Chief Advancement Officer
New on the 2024 filing
37.5 hrs/week
$225K (2024)
Christine Burton
Secretary
Executive Committee & At-Large → Secretary, 2022
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Hayley Bay Barna
Treasurer
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lance R. Collins
At Large
Trustee → At Large, 2024
On filings since 2021
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (11)
- Former: Martin Chalfie (2020–2023) — Vice Chair -
- Former: Matthew Fuller (2022–2023) — CFO -
- Former: Bruce Makous (2020–2022) — Chief Advancement Officer
- Former: Craig R. Barrett (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Daniel Reznikov (2020–2022) — Chief Finance Officer
- Former: Elizabeth Quill (2022) — Enterprise Editor
- Former: Alan Leshner (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Kathlene Collins (2020–2021) — Chief Marketing Officer
- Former: Paul J. Maddon (2020–2021) — Secretary
- Former: Tom Leighton (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Elizabeth Russell-Mina (2021) — Director of Major Gifts & Advancement
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "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 $705K, to Maya Ajmera (President & CEO). 15 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Society for Science & the Public
How much does Society for Science & the Public give each year?
Society for Science & the Public gave $202K across 22 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $250K across 27 grants.
What is Society for Science & the Public's typical grant size?
Society for Science & the Public's median grant in 2024 was $8,000, and its average grant was $9,182, across 22 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Society for Science & the Public that year got $6K on average.
Where does Society for Science & the Public give grants?
Society for Science & the Public's top state is New York, with 47% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were North Carolina (10%) and California (8%).
Does Society for Science & the Public give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 22 grants with a stated purpose on Society for Science & the Public's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Science Competition Award" (19 grants) and "Equitable Access Fund" (3 grants).
Who are Society for Science & the Public's largest grantees?
Society for Science & the Public's largest 2024 grantees include Bergen County Academies ($10,000), Ossining High School ($10,000) and The Harker School ($10,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. It also paid 10 grants to individuals ($114,000), which are not listed by name. Together they received 15% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Society for Science & the Public?
Society for Science & the Public reported $165.3M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $91.1M.
What does Society for Science & the Public fund?
The organization describes its mission as expanding scientific literacy, effective STEM education and scientific research. Its website says it works to inform, educate and inspire people about science and its role in human advancement. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Society for Science & the Public?
For STEM Action Grants, applicants register for the online portal, complete an application describing their organization and work, and submit the completed form as final. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Society for Science & the Public's EIN?
Society for Science & the Public's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 53-0196483. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS October 8, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 10, 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 15, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 13, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work Society for Science & the Public funds
Science & Technology Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Society for Science & the Public's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Society for Science & the Public funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 20, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/society-for-science-and-the-public-morg_2ccd1cb544fe4174aea590db9dfb71e1
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_530196483_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Society for Science \& the Public funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/society-for-science-and-the-public-morg_2ccd1cb544fe4174aea590db9dfb71e1},
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 Society for Science & the Public'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.
Society for Science & the Public down — hundreds of funders to go?