The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia is a Philadelphia-based public charity, affiliated with Drexel University, that supports natural history research, education, and public engagement. Founded in 1812, it is dedicated to understanding the natural world and inspiring people to care for it.
Key facts about The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia
In short: The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia gave $540K across 10 grants in 2025 (avg $54K), mostly in Pennsylvania. 30% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 23-1352000
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $539,690
- Grants made (2025)
- 10
- Average grant
- $53,969
- Median grant
- $49,068
- New grantees (estimate)
- 30% first-time grantees (3 of 10, 2025; small sample)
- Total assets
- $110,211,618
- Primary geography
- Pennsylvania (61% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$110.2M
+2.9% YoY
Annual Giving
$540K
+8.9% YoY
Grant Count
10
+0.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$54K
+8.9% YoY
Is The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia open to new grantees?
30%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 3 of 10 grantees (30%) were first-time recipients. With only 10 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 10 points. First grants averaged $25K; repeat grants $67K. How we count
Medians: $24K first-time, $60K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Academy’s mission is “to understand the natural world and inspire everyone to care for it.” Its stated work includes understanding the diversity of life, developing and applying science to protect the environment, and building environmentally engaged communities. Its website describes research into biodiversity, ecosystems, and watersheds, alongside exhibitions, educational programs, and community science.
The 2025 grants listed in the filing were designated for research. The grantees’ own descriptions illustrate the range of organizations supported: IUP Research Institute says it supports research activities at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and partner institutions in Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education; Temple University describes its mission as providing higher education, research, and public service; and Growing Great says it empowers children to make healthy food choices through hands-on science and garden education. Research for Action describes its work as using research to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for traditionally underserved students. The University of Pennsylvania describes its public-service aims as education, research, and patient care.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the Academy reported 10 grants totaling $539,690. Grants ranged from $10,000 to $127,723, with a median of $49,068. The largest awards included $127,723 to IUP Research Institute and $111,282 to Temple University, both for research. Other listed awards included $69,499 to Enviroscience Inc., $60,000 to Mantua Civic Association, and $58,320 to Growing Great.
The Academy also administered the Delaware Watershed Research Fund, funded by the William Penn Foundation, under a 2017 request for proposals. That past cycle supported research related to the Delaware River Watershed Initiative; its stated 2017 deadlines are historical and are not current application instructions.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The 2025 grants went to recipients in multiple states. Pennsylvania received 61% of grant dollars, followed by Virginia at 13%, California at 11%, New York at 7%, and Minnesota at 4%. The listed recipients also included the Delaware River Basin Commission in New Jersey.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 10 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $274K (2020) to $865K (2022). In 2025 it made 10 grants totaling $540K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was IUP Research Institute ($128K). Together the top 10 received $540K.
Grant Size Distribution
52 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 34 grants of 52 (65%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| IUP Research Institute Indiana, PA | Research | $127,723 |
| Temple University Philadelphia, PA | Research | $111,282 |
| Enviroscience Inc Richmond, VA | Research | $69,499 |
| Mantua Civic Association Philadelphia, PA | Research | $60,000 |
| Growing Great Manhattan Beach, CA | Research | $58,320 |
| Research Foundation for the State University of New York Albany, NY | Research | $39,815 |
| Mayo Clinic Rochestor, MN | Research | $23,728 |
| Delaware River Basin Commission West Trenton, NJ | Reserach | $20,000 |
| Research for Action Philadelphia, PA | Research | $19,323 |
| Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA | Research | $10,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $110,211,618 | $25,774,400 | $23,780,439 | $539,690 |
| 2024 | $107,084,169 | $22,405,093 | $23,693,211 | $495,686 |
| 2023 | $101,737,515 | $21,850,623 | $21,659,963 | $305,157 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $110,211,618 | $107,084,169 | $101,737,515 |
| Revenue | $25,774,400 | $22,405,093 | $21,850,623 |
| Expenses | $23,780,439 | $23,693,211 | $21,659,963 |
| Net Investment Income | $6,644,727 | $2,202,860 | $4,309,372 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS May 14, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 16, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 15, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 15, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 15, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Scott Cooper, Ph.D., as president and CEO. Suzanne Biemiller became chair in March 2025, succeeding David E. Griffith, whose chair service ended that month. Gregory S. Rigdon became treasurer in February 2025, succeeding Michael Kaplan. Maureen Craig, Abbie Dean, and Allen J. Model are listed as vice chairs, and Amy Branch as secretary. John A. Fry is listed as a board trustee through September 2024.
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia is led by Scott Cooper PhD, President & CEO on every filing since 2020; 10 of 43 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Scott Cooper PhD
President & CEO
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$412K (2020) → $592K (2025)
Jacqueline Genovesi
Executive Director & Center for Steam Equity
Vice President & Education → Executive Director & Center for Steam, 2023
Executive Director & Center for Steam → Executive Director & Center for Steam Equity, 2025
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$133K (2020) → $150K (2025)
Pedro Raposo
Executive Director, Library & Archives
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$131K (2024) → $140K (2025)
Caitlin O'Brien
Executive Director & Development
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$106K (2025)
David E. Griffith
Chair
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Suzanne Biemiller
Chair
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Joseph Resnick
Senior Director Tech & Infrastructure
Senior Director, Technology & Infrastructure → Senior Director Tech & Infrastructure, 2022
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$101K (2021) → $110K (2025)
Roland Wall
Director & Patrick Center
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$110K (2023) → $130K (2025)
Erica Carpenter PhD
Board Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Gerald B. Rorer
Board Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jeffrey A. Beachell
Board Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
John A. Fry
Board Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Latasha Harling
Board Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Paul Jensen PhD
Board Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sandra L. McLean
Board Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Suzanne Eveland
Board Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tara Acharya PhD MPH
Board Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jason Friedland
Board Trustee
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
John F. Smith III
Board Trustee
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Marc E. Gold
Board Trustee
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michael K. Tucker
Board Trustee
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ron M. Philip
Board Trustee
Board Trusteee → Board Trustee, 2022
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kevin Kowalick
Board Trustee
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Christopher Crockett
Board Trustee
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jean M. Hacherl
Board Trustee
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jeffery M. Nielsen
Board Trustee
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Joshua Anthony
Board Trustee
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Rebecca Rhynhart
Board Trustee
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Denis O'Brien
Board Trustee
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Helen Bowman
Board Trustee
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sharon L. Walker Phd F. Aeesp F.
Board Trustee
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lisa M. Miller
Vice President, CFO & COO
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$197K (2020) → $304K (2025)
Meghan Bucci
CFO
Executive Director of Fina → Executive Director, Finance & Administrator, 2022
Executive Director, Finance & Administrator → CFO, 2025
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$106K (2020) → $137K (2025)
Marina McDougall
Vice President, Experience & Engagement
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$110K (2022) → $180K (2025)
Maurice Baynard
Vice President & Community Learning
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$156K (2023) → $170K (2025)
Abbie Dean
Vice Chair
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Allen J. Model
Vice Chair
Board Trustee → Vice Chair, 2022
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
David Velinsky
Former Key Employee
Vice President & Center for Academy Sci → Vice President & Center for Academy Sciences, 2023
Vice President & Center for Academy Sciences → Former Key Employee, 2024
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Maureen Craig
Vice Chair
Board Trustee → Vice Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Amy Branch
Secretary
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kimberly Reynolds
Vice President & Chief Advancement Officer
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Gregory S. Rigdon
Treasurer
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michael Kaplan
Treasurer
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (33)
- Former: Michael H. Reed Esq. (2020–2024) — Vice Chair
- Former: Robert J. Delany (2020–2024) — Treasurer
- Former: Robert Victor (2020–2024) — Secretary Treasurer
- Former: Rashaad Lambert (2021–2024) — Board Trustee
- Former: Sharon L. Walker Phd F. Aeesp Faa (2021–2024) — Board Trustee
- Former: Amy Branch-Benoliel (2020–2023) — Board Trustee
- Former: Jane Taylor (2020–2023) — Vice President, Marketing, Sales & Com
- Former: David Rusenko To (2023) — Board Trustee
- Former: Jun Huangpu Phd To (2023) — Board Trustee
- Former: Lindsay Perez (2023) — Program Director & Eds Lead
- Former: David Rusenko (2020–2022) — Board Trustee
- Former: Ellen D. Harvey (2020–2022) — Board Trustee
- Former: Jun Huangpu PhD MBA (2020–2022) — Board Trustee
- Former: Peter Austen (2020–2022) — Board Trustee
- Former: Carol Collier (2021–2022) — Senior Advisor Watershed Mgt
- Former: Amy Coes To (2022) — Board Trustee
- Former: Rachana Patel To (2022) — Board Trustee
- Former: William Landman To (2022) — Board Trustee
- Former: Amy Coes (2020–2021) — Board Trustee
- Former: Cynthia P. Heckscher (2020–2021) — Board Trustee - Emeritus
- Former: Edward A. Montgomery Jr. (2020–2021) — Board Trustee - Emeritus
- Former: I. Wistar Morris III (2020–2021) — Board Trustee - Emeritus
- Former: Ivy Silver (2020–2021) — Board Trustee
- Former: John F. Bales III (2020–2021) — Board Trustee
- Former: John J. Soroko (2020–2021) — Board Trustee
- Former: Minturn T. Wright III (2020–2021) — Board Trustee - Emeritus
- Former: Nicole Stewart (2020–2021) — Chief Learning & Engagem
- Former: Rachana Patel (2021) — Board Trustee
- Former: William Landman (2021) — Board Trustee
- Former: Judith E. Soltz Esq. (2020) — Board Trustee
- Former: M. Brian Blake PhD (2020) — Board Trustee
- Former: Page Leidy (2020) — Board Trustee
- Former: Seymour S. Preston III (2020) — Board Trustee - Emeritus
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $592K, to Scott Cooper PHD (President and CEO). 10 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1101
Phone: (215) 299-1000
Website: https://ansp.org
Frequently asked questions about The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia
How much does The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia give each year?
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia gave $540K across 10 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $496K across 10 grants.
What is The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia's typical grant size?
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia's median grant in 2025 was $49,068, and its average grant was $53,969, across 10 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia that year got $25K on average.
Where does The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia give grants?
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia gives mostly in Pennsylvania: 61% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest states were Virginia (13%) and California (11%). The most frequent recipient cities were Philadelphia, PA (4 grants).
Does The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 10 grants with a stated purpose on The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Research" (9 grants).
Who are The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia's largest grantees?
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia's largest 2025 grantees include IUP Research Institute ($127,723), Temple University ($111,282) and Enviroscience Inc ($69,499), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 57% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia?
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia reported $110.2M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $25.8M.
What does The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia fund?
The Academy’s mission is “to understand the natural world and inspire everyone to care for it.” Its stated work includes understanding the diversity of life, developing and applying science to protect the environment, and building environmentally engaged communities. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia?
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check ansp.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia's EIN?
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 23-1352000. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
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