Overview
What is Discovery Place Inc?
Discovery Place Inc, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a renowned nonprofit organization that offers educational programs, experiences, and exhibits. With an annual guest count of over 672,000, including nearly 95,000 through their economic accessibility program, the organization has made significant progress in expanding its reach. In fiscal year 2023, they completed the construction document phase for the new Discovery Place Nature Facility and recognized revenue related to its future construction. Additionally, they renovated and upgraded their IMAX Theater, which saw a considerable increase in attendance. Discovery Place opened Marvel: Universe of Superheroes, a large-scale traveling blockbuster exhibition, which attracted over 24,000 visitors. The organization operates the Accenture IMAX Dome Theater, featuring IMAX laser projection, a 12-channel sound system, and Digistar 7 planetarium solution, which more than doubled attendance with a diverse range of programming. Furthermore, they serve over 27,000 students through outreach and digital studio programming, offering hands-on learning opportunities and STEM-focused after-school contracts. Their youth development programs reached over 967 students, featuring events such as Science on the Rocks, a program for adults, and signature events like Countdown to Kindergarten and Noon Years Eve for children. Discovery Place aims to bring science, nature, and design together to create transformative experiences, enabling their community to understand, enjoy, and apply science to their lives.
Official website here: www.discoveryplace.org
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Charity Navigator Rating: 100% (Four-Star out of Four Stars)
Discovery Place Inc has achieved an exemplary Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, indicating a strong commitment to accountability and finance. The organization scores 100% in this category, reflecting its robust financial practices and governance. Notably, there are 30 independent board members, demonstrating a highly independent oversight structure that is likely to enhance transparency and trust.
The charity has received full points across various metrics, including its audit and oversight practices, conflict of interest policy, and whistleblower protections. It shows no incidents of material diversion of assets, ensuring that funds are appropriately managed and directed towards its mission. The high percentage of program expenses (75.72%) confirms that a significant portion of its resources is allocated to its primary programs and services.
While the financial health appears solid, with low liabilities relative to assets (3.84%), ongoing engagement and evaluation of program impact could further enhance the organization's effectiveness and community trust. Overall, Discovery Place Inc stands out as a model of financial integrity and governance within the nonprofit sector.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.
Is Discovery Place Inc legitimate?
Discovery Place Inc is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Discovery Place Inc submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.
Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:
Executive Compensation: $1,746,027
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $5,950,505
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.discoveryplace.org
What is the mission statement of Discovery Place Inc?
Discovery Place Inc strives to bring science, nature, and design together to create transformative experiences that enable the community to understand, enjoy, and apply these concepts to their lives. Through educational programs, exhibits, and experiences, Discovery Place serves over 672,000 guests annually, with nearly 95,000 of these visits facilitated through its economic accessibility program. In 2023, they made significant progress on the construction of a new nature facility, opened a Marvel: Universe of Superheroes exhibition, and doubled attendance at their IMAX theater. Additionally, they offered outreach programming, summer camps, and workshops, reaching over 97,000 students. Various initiatives, such as Science on the Rocks and Discovery Place Kids special programming, allowed Discovery Place to cater to new audiences and provide unique learning opportunities.
Official website here: www.discoveryplace.org
Who is the CEO of Discovery Place Inc?
Catherine Wilson Horne is the Chair of Discovery Place Inc. The CEO's salary of Discovery Place Inc is $464,606 and their total compensation is $517,606.
Official website here: www.discoveryplace.org
What is the revenue of Discovery Place Inc?
Discovery Place Inc's revenue in 2023 was $19,576,538.
Official website here: www.discoveryplace.org
Who are the executives of Discovery Place Inc and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at Discovery Place Inc during 2023 was $31,804. There are 242 employees and 210 volunteers at Discovery Place Inc.
Here are 41 key members and their salaries (Discovery Place Inc's CEO's salary is $464,606 and their total compensation is $517,606):
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Official website here: www.discoveryplace.org
Where can I find the form 990 for Discovery Place Inc?
Discovery Place Inc's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2023 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.discoveryplace.org
Learn more at the official website: www.discoveryplace.org
Mission Statement of Discovery Place Inc
Discovery Place Inc, a transformative organization, brings science, nature, and design together to create enriching experiences that enable the community to understand, enjoy, and apply these concepts to their lives. By providing educational programs, experiences, and exhibits, Discovery Place Inc has welcomed over 672,000 guests annually, with nearly 95,000 of these visits made possible through their economic accessibility program.
The mission of Discovery Place Inc is to deliver engaging and interactive learning opportunities that spark curiosity, inspire creativity, and foster an appreciation for the wonders of science, nature, and design. The organization prides itself on making these experiences accessible to a wide audience, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to partake in the joy of discovery.
In recent years, Discovery Place Inc has made significant progress on capital facilities projects, including the construction document phase of the new Discovery Place Nature Facility, scheduled to open in mid/late 2026. The organization also invested in a renovation and upgrade of their IMAX Theater, resulting in increased attendance and revenue. Additionally, Discovery Place Inc has expanded its programming offerings, with the addition of large-scale traveling exhibitions, such as Marvel: Universe of Superheroes, and the continuation of popular IMAX shows, attracting new and diverse audiences.
Moreover, Discovery Place Inc places a strong emphasis on outreach and youth development. Through afterschool contracts, summer camps, workshops, and partnerships with community organizations, the organization reaches and serves thousands of students each year, providing hands-on learning and STEM opportunities. By offering a range of programs and events, Discovery Place Inc continues to inspire curiosity and ignite a passion for learning, fostering a community that values the power of discovery.
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Impact
October, 2024
Discovery Place Inc. significantly impacts the community by providing transformative experiences in science, nature, and design, attracting over 672,000 guests annually. Through its four museums, it engages visitors with educational programs and exhibits that foster a deeper understanding of scientific principles and the natural world. A notable aspect of its mission is the Welcome Program, which enhances accessibility, allowing nearly 95,400 guests to experience its offerings, including a 30,000 visit increase since 2019.
In Fiscal Year 2023, Discovery Place launched popular exhibits, such as "Marvel: Universe of Superheroes," which welcomed over 24,000 visitors, and saw a doubling of attendance at the IMAX theater, highlighting its appeal among diverse audiences. Its outreach initiatives provided hands-on STEM learning to nearly 28,000 students, with programs targeting youth development and skills such as coding and robotics. Summer camps engaged 1,058 children across various age groups, encouraging early interest in scientific exploration.
Events like “Science on the Rocks” have attracted new adult audiences, providing a unique blend of science, entertainment, and networking opportunities. Additionally, special programs for children, such as Countdown to Kindergarten, create valuable community connections and help prepare children for their educational journeys.
Through its ongoing renovations and expansion projects, including the upcoming Discovery Place Nature facility slated to open in 2026, Discovery Place Inc. remains dedicated to enhancing its offerings and supporting the educational landscape of Charlotte, NC, and beyond.
This information is meant to be a general summary of Discovery Place Inc. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.
Financials
This financial information is from Propublica.
Other financial information:
This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2023.
- Investment Income: $201,432
- Program Service Revenue: $8,647,028
- Gross Receipts: $19,767,034
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $125,480,419
- Total Liabilities: $4,829,104
- Net Assets: $120,651,315
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Programs
Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.
ADMISSIONS/WORKSHOPS
Revenue
$6,779,399
MEMBERSHIP FEES
Revenue
$1,629,741
Organization Details
Founding Year
1947
Phone
(704) 348-1964Principal Officer
Catherine Wilson Horne
Main Address
301 NORTH TRYON STREET, CHARLOTTE, NC, 28202
Website
www.discoveryplace.orgNTEE Category
Code: A570 - Arts
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