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The Planetary Society

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

EIN: 953423566 ✦ Pasadena, CA ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is The Planetary Society?

The Planetary Society is a nonprofit organization, headquartered in Pasadena, California, with a strong focus on science and technology. Their mission is to foster innovative space exploration solutions and conduct groundbreaking research. They achieve this by providing seed funding to various projects that contribute to planetary exploration, the search for life, and planetary defense. The society empowers global citizens to participate in space science and exploration, developing technology, guiding future space policy, and inspiring people of all ages with the thrill of discovery. With a team of 27 dedicated individuals, The Planetary Society plays a significant role in advancing our understanding of the universe.


Official website here: www.planetary.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 99% (Four-Star out of Four Stars)

The Planetary Society has achieved an exceptional rating of 99% from Charity Navigator, indicating a strong commitment to accountability and financial health. The organization holds a perfect score in Accountability & Finance, showcasing its transparency and ethical practices, including a fully independent board and excellent oversight of financial operations. The high Culture & Community score reflects the organization's dedication to engaging its members and fostering a supportive community around space exploration.

User feedback predominantly highlights the Society's role in promoting education and interest in space science. Many donors and general members express enthusiasm for the Society's ability to inspire and inform, often referencing the positive impact of figures like Bill Nye. Reviewers appreciate the organization’s efforts to make complex scientific concepts accessible to all, fostering a sense of collective participation in the pursuit of knowledge beyond Earth.

However, there are some criticisms regarding changes in leadership and communication, with a few long-term supporters expressing disappointment in the perceived decline in member engagement and professional responsiveness. Despite these concerns, the overall sentiment remains overwhelmingly favorable, with many users continuing to support the Society for its vital contributions to space advocacy and education.


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

Is The Planetary Society legitimate?

The Planetary Society is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. The Planetary Society 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: $1,216,575
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $1,430,936

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.planetary.org

What is the mission statement of The Planetary Society?

The Planetary Society empowers global citizens to advance space science and exploration. Working in collaboration with its members, the organization invests in technological projects to develop innovative solutions for space exploration and research. The society provides seed funding to projects that promote planetary exploration, the search for life, and planetary defense. By doing so, The Planetary Society aims to guide future space policy and inspire people of all ages to appreciate the thrill of exploration and the joy of discovery. In essence, its mission is to foster a passion for space and drive advancements in the field.


Official website here: www.planetary.org

Who is the CEO of The Planetary Society?

William Nye is the Director And Ceo of The Planetary Society. The CEO's salary of The Planetary Society is $182,216 and their total compensation is $194,971.


Official website here: www.planetary.org

What is the revenue of The Planetary Society?

The Planetary Society's revenue in 2022 was $4,905,895.


Official website here: www.planetary.org

Who are the executives of The Planetary Society and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at The Planetary Society during 2022 was $98,056. There are 27 employees and 21 volunteers at The Planetary Society.


Here are 20 key members and their salaries (The Planetary Society's CEO's salary is $182,216 and their total compensation is $194,971):


Fillmore Wood (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Bijal Hayes-Thakore (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
John Logsdon (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Robert Picardo (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Britney Schmidt (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dipak Srinivasan (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
John Gunsfeld (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dan Geraci (Chairman)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
James Bell (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Heidi Hammel (Vice President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
William Nye (Director And Ceo)
  • Compensation: $182,216
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $12,755
Bethany Ehlmann (President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Lon Levin (Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jennifer Vaughn (Coo)
  • Compensation: $174,973
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $21,885
Bruce Betts (Chief Scientist)
  • Compensation: $133,742
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $36,492
Richard Chute (Cdo)
  • Compensation: $154,609
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $30,628
Benjamin Bank (Chief Financial Officer)
  • Compensation: $113,543
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $9,122
Brendan Curry (Chief Of Washington Operat)
  • Compensation: $136,273
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $35,555
Casey Dreier (Chief Advocate & Sr Space)
  • Compensation: $147,860
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $17,172
Danielle Gunn (Chief Communications Offic)
  • Compensation: $140,112
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $31,007


Official website here: www.planetary.org

Where can I find the form 990 for The Planetary Society?

The Planetary Society's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.planetary.org

Learn more at the official website: www.planetary.org

Mission Statement of The Planetary Society

The Planetary Society, a renowned nonprofit organization, empowers global citizens to drive advancements in space science and exploration. Their mission is multifaceted, encompassing the development of innovative space technologies, guiding future space policies, and inspiring individuals of all ages to appreciate the thrill of exploration and the joy of discovery.

In the realm of science and technology, The Planetary Society invests in groundbreaking projects. These investments aim to spawn cutting-edge space exploration solutions and research, fostering novel approaches in planetary exploration, the search for life, and planetary defense. Through seed funding, they support science and technology projects that align with their mission, propelling humanity's understanding of the cosmos.

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Impact




July, 2024

The Planetary Society empowers the world's citizens to advance space science and exploration by investing in science and technology projects, providing seed funding for innovative space exploration solutions and research. They work towards advancing planetary exploration, the search for life, and planetary defense. The organization is based in Pasadena, CA, and inspires people of all ages to value the adventure of exploration and the joy of discovery.




This information is meant to be a general summary of The Planetary Society. 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
$4,905,895 (2022)
201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022$0$3.5M$7M$10.5M$14M
Expenses
$6,232,294 (2022)
201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022$0$2M$4M$6M$8M
Efficiency
2011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120220%15%30%54%

Other financial information:

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

  • Investment Income: $9,956
  • Gross Receipts: $4,930,124

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $9,508,979
  • Total Liabilities: $381,530
  • Net Assets: $9,127,449

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Organization Details

Founding Year

1979

Principal Officer

William Nye

Main Address

60 SOUTH LOS ROBLES AVENUE, PASADENA, CA, 91101

NTEE Category

Code: A33 - Arts

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