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Association Of Universities For Research In Astronomy Inc

Learn about this cause: What are the reviews? Is it Legit? Do I like the mission? What is the CEO's salary?

EIN: 860138043 ✦ Washington, DC ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Association Of Universities For Research In Astronomy Inc?

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy Inc, based in Washington, D.C., is a prominent nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in astronomical research. With a workforce of 1,497 employees, AURA operates several notable scientific facilities under cooperative agreements with the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). These include the National Optical Infrared Laboratory (NOIRLAB), the National Solar Observatory (NSO), and the Vera C. Rubin Observatory Construction (Rubin Construction or LSSTPO). AURA's mission is to provide innovative, open resources that enable discovery and excellence in research, unify the astrophysics communities, and promote public understanding of our universe and the benefits of scientific exploration.


Official website here: www.aura-astronomy.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 81% (Three-Star out of Four Star rating)

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy Inc has received an 81% rating from Charity Navigator, which indicates a solid performance in terms of accountability and finance. This score reflects a strong emphasis on the charity's transparency and governance practices, with a perfect score for independent board members and oversight measures.

Key strengths of the organization include high program expense efficiency, with over 91% of expenditures directed towards its programs. The organization is also noted for its strict adherence to policies surrounding conflict of interest, whistleblower protections, and document retention. Such governance practices enhance stakeholder trust and reinforce the charity's commitment to ethical operations.

However, the organization received a low score on the liabilities to assets ratio, reflecting potential financial risk that could be a concern for some donors. While the overall accountability and financial practices are commendable, ongoing monitoring of its financial health will be crucial for its sustainability and mission fulfillment.


This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.

Is Association Of Universities For Research In Astronomy Inc legitimate?

Association Of Universities For Research In Astronomy Inc is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Association Of Universities For Research In Astronomy 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: $6,300,347
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $131,165,534

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.aura-astronomy.org

What is the mission statement of Association Of Universities For Research In Astronomy Inc?

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy Inc (AURA) is dedicated to the promotion of astronomical research excellence. Through innovative and open resources, AURA unifies the astrophysics communities and fosters public understanding of our universe and the benefits of scientific exploration. AURA manages several significant scientific facilities on behalf of the National Science Foundation (NSF), including the National Optical-Infrared Laboratory (NOIRLAB), the National Solar Observatory (NSO), the Vera C. Rubin Observatory Construction (Rubin Construction or LSSTPO), and the Space Telescope Project (STSCI) under cooperative agreements. The Federal agreements are subject to annual congressional appropriations.


Official website here: www.aura-astronomy.org

Who is the CEO of Association Of Universities For Research In Astronomy Inc?

Charles Mountain is the President/Director of Association Of Universities For Research In Astronomy Inc.


Official website here: www.aura-astronomy.org

What is the revenue of Association Of Universities For Research In Astronomy Inc?

Association Of Universities For Research In Astronomy Inc's revenue in 2022 was $380,284,932.


Official website here: www.aura-astronomy.org

Who are the executives of Association Of Universities For Research In Astronomy Inc and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Association Of Universities For Research In Astronomy Inc during 2022 was $91,828. There are 1497 employees and 20 volunteers at Association Of Universities For Research In Astronomy Inc.


Here are 41 key members and their salaries:


Charles Mountain (President/Director)
  • Compensation: $531,908
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $60,939
Maura Hagan (Chair And Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Megan Donahue (Vice-Chair And Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Andrew Baker (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Chyrssa Kouveliotou (Director Until 6/30/22)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
David Reitze (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Elizabeth Barton (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Elizabeth Cantwell (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
James Crocker (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
James Yeck (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jeff Hall (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Karen Bjorkman (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Kimberly Espy (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Maria Teresa Ruiz (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Mark Phillips (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Martin Barstow (Director Until 6/30/22)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Rob Pike (Director Until 6/30/22)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Roger Davies (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Sally Oey (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Todd Hoeksema (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Barbara Lam (Cfo/Vp Of Operations)
  • Compensation: $277,291
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $57,482
Nanci Reich (Director Of Corp. Ops/Secretary)
  • Compensation: $101,910
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $39,871
Beth Willman Lefkon (Noirlab Deputy Director)
  • Compensation: $246,699
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $37,356
Dana Lehr (Vp Programs)
  • Compensation: $262,218
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $59,955
Donald Hough (Stsci Assoc. Director, Admin.)
  • Compensation: $251,361
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $57,428
Heidi Hammel (Vp For Science)
  • Compensation: $311,397
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $60,395
Inger Jorgensen (Noirlab Assoc. Direc. Ops)
  • Compensation: $238,913
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $30,456
Jennifer M Lotz (Noirlab - Gemini Director)
  • Compensation: $263,838
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $28,537
Jermery Weirich (Vp For Corporate Strategy)
  • Compensation: $293,076
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $30,091
Kenneth Sembach (Stsci Director)
  • Compensation: $379,090
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $52,948
Marc Postman (Stsci Associate Director)
  • Compensation: $248,093
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $51,888
Nancy Levenson (Stsci Deputy Director)
  • Compensation: $281,383
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $52,550
Neill Reid (Stsci Associate Director Of Science)
  • Compensation: $246,185
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $55,936
Patrick Mccarthy (Noirlab Director)
  • Compensation: $349,097
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $30,852
Philip Puxley (Vp For Special Projects)
  • Compensation: $263,324
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $33,944
Valentin Pillet (Nso Director)
  • Compensation: $285,333
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $58,705
Paul Jeffers (It&C Execution Manger)
  • Compensation: $262,828
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $35,418
Thomas Rimmele (Nso - Assoc. Director - Dk)
  • Compensation: $268,037
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $49,044
Victor Krabbendam (Vr Construction - Project)
  • Compensation: $255,297
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $66,062
William O'Mullane (Project Mgr - Vr Construct)
  • Compensation: $276,608
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $35,233
Heather Marshall (It&C Group Manger)
  • Compensation: $270,440
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $24,737


Official website here: www.aura-astronomy.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Association Of Universities For Research In Astronomy Inc?

Association Of Universities For Research In Astronomy Inc's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.aura-astronomy.org

Learn more at the official website: www.aura-astronomy.org

Mission Statement of Association Of Universities For Research In Astronomy Inc

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, or AURA, is a non-profit organization committed to fostering excellence in astronomical research. With a mission to promote discovery and innovation, AURA offers open resources that unify the astrophysics communities and encourage scientific exploration.

In implementing its mission, AURA manages several notable scientific initiatives on behalf of the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The organization operates the National Optical-Infrared Laboratory (NOIRLAB), the National Solar Observatory (NSO), the Vera C. Rubin Observatory Construction project (Rubin Construction or LSSTPO), and the Space Telescope Project (STScI) under cooperative agreements and an annual Congressional appropriation.

Through these collaborations, AURA plays a pivotal role in enabling cutting-edge research and scientific discoveries in the field of astronomy. By providing innovative resources, AURA unites the astrophysics communities and fosters a deeper public understanding of our universe and the benefits of scientific exploration.

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Impact




October, 2024

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy Inc. plays a pivotal role in advancing astronomical research through its management of key facilities and projects. By operating the National Science Foundation's National Optical Infrared Laboratory and the National Solar Observatory, it provides access to cutting-edge resources that drive discoveries in astrophysics. The construction of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory exemplifies AURA's commitment to enhancing observational capabilities, which will facilitate deeper exploration of the cosmos.

AURA also manages the Space Telescope Science Institute, a critical player in space-based astronomical research in collaboration with NASA. This synergy not only fosters groundbreaking scientific inquiry but also helps unify the astrophysics community by promoting collaborative projects and collective knowledge sharing.

Through its efforts, AURA enhances public understanding of the universe and the significance of scientific exploration, fostering a culture of curiosity and discovery. The innovative, open resources it provides are crucial for enabling researchers to make significant advancements, thereby shaping our knowledge of the cosmos and contributing to the broader field of science.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Association Of Universities For Research In Astronomy 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.

Revenue
$380,284,932 (2022)
Expenses
$382,669,172 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.

  • Investment Income: $878,581
  • Program Service Revenue: $178,444,357
  • Gross Receipts: $405,307,885

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $108,725,911
  • Total Liabilities: $106,413,148
  • Net Assets: $2,312,763

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Programs

Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.

CONTRACT REVENUE

Revenue

$175,173,447

OBSERVATORY, RESEARCH & PROGRAM S

Revenue

$3,270,910

Organization Details

Founding Year

1957

Principal Officer

Charles Mountain

Main Address

1331 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE NW 1475, WASHINGTON, DC, 20004

NTEE Category

Code: U31C - Science research

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