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Skeptic Society

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

EIN: 954550781 ✦ Santa barbara, CA ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Skeptic Society?

The Skeptic Society, a science education organization based in Santa Barbara, California, offers its members a subscription to Skeptic Magazine, which explores various scientific and pseudo-scientific controversies. The society extends its mission beyond publications, sponsoring monthly science lectures at the California Institute of Technology and hosting annual science conferences open to the public. They also arrange science education field trips, such as geology tours in Southern California and the Western United States, to promote scientific understanding. The Skeptic Society's primary goal is to educate the public about controversial claims, providing informative resources through a telephone referral service and an extensive catalog of scientific and skeptical books, audio, and video recordings.


Official website here: www.skeptic.com

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 66%, Two-Star out of Four Stars

The Skeptic Society has received a rating of 66%, which qualifies it for a Two-Star designation. This score reflects a solid performance in areas such as accountability and finance, specifically noting a high program expense ratio of 94.69%. The organization has a fully independent board, and it also shows no material diversion of assets, ensuring that funds are used effectively for its missions.

However, the charity's accountability is compromised by significant gaps in governance policies. Specifically, the Skeptic Society lacks a conflict of interest policy, a whistleblower policy, and a document retention and destruction policy, all of which are crucial for promoting transparency and trustworthiness. These missing elements led to lower scores in those sections, highlighting areas for improvement.

Despite its strong program expense ratio and effective asset management, the gaps in policy and governance present potential risks to the organization's credibility and operational integrity. Addressing these issues could enhance the Skeptic Society’s standing and effectiveness in fulfilling its mission.


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

Is Skeptic Society legitimate?

Skeptic Society is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Skeptic 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: $0
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $0

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.skeptic.com

What is the mission statement of Skeptic Society?

The Skeptic Society, serving as a science education organization, aims to make scientific and skeptical knowledge accessible to its members through quarterly publications, such as Skeptic Magazine, which explores various scientific and pseudoscientific controversies. The organization additionally sponsors monthly science lectures at the California Institute of Technology and hosts annual science conferences open to the public. They offer science education field trips, like geology tours, to promote public understanding of controversial claims. The Skeptic Society operates a telephone referral service and an online platform, providing information to schools, the media, and the general public. The organization actively lends its scientific viewpoint to media coverage on a wide range of issues, and sells a comprehensive catalog of scientific and skeptical books, audio, and video recordings.


Official website here: www.skeptic.com

Who is the CEO of Skeptic Society?

Michael Shermer is the Cfo of Skeptic Society.


Official website here: www.skeptic.com

What is the revenue of Skeptic Society?

Skeptic Society's revenue in 2022 was $1,016,456.


Official website here: www.skeptic.com

Who are the executives of Skeptic Society and what are their salaries?


Here are 2 key members and their salaries:


Diane Knudtson (Cfo)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Michael Shermer (President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.skeptic.com

Where can I find the form 990 for Skeptic Society?

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


Official website here: www.skeptic.com

Learn more at the official website: www.skeptic.com

Mission Statement of Skeptic Society

The Skeptic Society, a science education organization, is committed to making valuable resources available to its members. One of its primary offerings is a quarterly subscription to Skeptic Magazine, a publication that delves into various scientific and pseudoscientific controversies. Beyond this, the Skeptic Society sponsors a monthly science lecture series at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, CA, and hosts annual science conferences open to the public. These events provide an opportunity for the public to engage with scientific topics and controversial claims.

Furthermore, the Skeptic Society organizes science education field trips, such as geology tours in Southern California and the Western United States. These trips serve to educate the public about scientific concepts. The organization also maintains a telephone referral service and a website, making its information easily accessible to schools, the press, and the general public. The Skeptic Society tirelessly lends its scientific viewpoint to media coverage of a wide range of issues, and its print catalogue, available in Skeptic Magazine and online, offers an extensive selection of scientific and skeptical books and audio and video recordings. In essence, the Skeptic Society is dedicated to promoting scientific literacy and critical thinking by providing accessible resources and engaging the public in scientific discussions.

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Impact




July, 2024

The Skeptic Society's impact lies in its dedication to educating the public about controversial claims through its wide range of activities. These include providing members with a subscription to Skeptic Magazine, organizing a monthly science lecture series at the California Institute of Technology, hosting annual science conferences open to the public, and conducting science education field trips such as geology tours. Additionally, the society maintains a telephone referral service and a website to provide access to information for schools, the press, and the general public. By tirelessly lending its scientific viewpoint to media coverage on various issues, the Skeptic Society plays a crucial role in promoting critical thinking and scientific literacy among the public.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Skeptic 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
$1,016,456 (2022)
Expenses
$495,745 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

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

  • Investment Income: $738,034
  • Program Service Revenue: $251,372
  • Gross Receipts: $1,225,089

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $1,498,997
  • Total Liabilities: $47,611
  • Net Assets: $1,451,386

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Programs

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

TOTAL MEMBERSHIPS & SALES

Revenue

$244,598

AMAZON SERVICES

Revenue

$4,774

SUB LEASE

Revenue

$2,000

Organization Details

Founding Year

1996

Principal Officer

Michael Shermer

Main Address

5617 W CAMINO CIELO, SANTA BARBARA, CA, 93105

NTEE Category

Code: A33 - Arts

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