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Charity Math
The 990 read · EIN 53-0196483 · DC · Fiscal year 2024

Society for Science & the Public

Society for Science & the Public: CEO salary, finances and where donations go

In its own words

“Society for science is a champion for science, dedicated to expanding scientific literacy, effective stem education and scientific research.”

Data only Figures straight from the filing, screened by our rules. Not yet reviewed in depth by a CPA.

Methodology by Amir Arani, CPA, CA · Updated

Top pay
$705K Maya Ajmera, 1.7% of spending
Revenue
$91.1M 90.1% from donations and grants
Spent
$40.9M 83.8% on programs, as reported
Net assets
$152.0M end of 2024
Savings
44.6 months of spending, net assets ÷ spending
People
127 employees, 1,900 volunteers
Form 990 (2024), Parts I, VII, IX, X
01 · Red flags

No red flags in its latest filing.

We screen every filing against twelve rules. A flag is a prompt for a closer look, not a finding of wrongdoing.

No reported asset diversions, no insider transactions, no fundraisers keeping most of the money, and the governance policies we check for are in place.

02 · Where $1 goes · 2024

Of each dollar it spent, 83.8¢ went to programs, as reported.

The split the charity filed.
83.8¢
Programs, $34.3M
7.8¢
Fundraising, $3.2M
8.4¢
Admin, $3.4M
Form 990 (2024), Part IX, line 25
Cost to raise $1
4¢
as reported

For each dollar donated, Society for Science & the Public spent 4¢ on fundraising.

Fundraising ÷ $82.1M contributions · Form 990 Parts VIII, IX
03 · What it does

What it told the IRS it spent on.

The charity's own description of its largest programs, with what each cost.

Program 1 · 34.6% of program spending $11.9M

Society for science was founded in 1921 with a mission to provide in-depth, trustworthy, accurate science journalism for the public. Since then, our offerings have grown to include our flagship print magazine science news and its website. We also created science news explores, where younger readers, their families and teachers can explore new discoveries across science, technology, engineering, and medicine, and learn how research helps us all understand our world and our lives. Through its science news learning program, the society provides science news magazine and supplementary educator…

Program 2 · 2.2% of program spending $754K

Alumni program: in 2014, the society established an alumni program that seeks to engage society alumni through online networks, events and volunteer opportunities. The program also works to re-establish connections with alumni who have lost touch with the society. The community is comprised of more than 75,000 sts, isef and middle school competition alumni across the globe.

Program 3 · 0.7% of program spending $233K

Special initiatives - these are special projects geared toward the betterment of the society overall and supported by board approved funding.

Form 990 (2024), Part III
04 · The savings

Net assets: $76.0M to $152.0M in 11 years.

Net assets at each fiscal year end, 2013 to 2024.

Net assets at year end, $ millions
76
69
65
100
93
84
83
88
90
74
100
152
Form 990 history via ProPublicaForm 990 (2024)
05 · Who gets paid

The 8 highest-paid people.

Reportable pay in 2024, from the charity and related organizations.

Maya Ajmera
President & CEO
$705,145
Rachel Alper
Chief Operating Officer
$277,122
Michael Voss
Publisher
$254,357
Nancy Shute
Editor in Chief
$248,476
David Jenkins
Chief Financial Officer
$247,977
Michele Glidden
Chief Program Officer
$237,646
James Moore
Chief Technology Officer
$226,765
Dawn Abel
Chief Advancement Officer
$224,787
Form 990 (2024), Part VII, Section A
Largest outside contractors
ContractorServicePaid
Rmrk LLCEvent services$1,521,986
Quadgraphics IncManufacturing/printing services$1,194,924
Reinking Enterprises IncDirect mail/printing services$974,819
Taste of Los AngelesFood and beverage services$937,688
Avalon Consulting Group IncConsulting services$676,468
Form 990 (2024), Part VII, Section B
06 · Questions

The questions people ask about the Society for Science & the Public.

Short, sourced answers. Each one stands on its own.

How much does the Society for Science & the Public CEO make?

Maya Ajmera, President & CEO, received $705,145 in reportable compensation in 2024, 1.7% of Society for Science & the Public's $40.9M in spending.

Form 990 (2024), Part VII

What percentage of Society for Science & the Public donations go to programs?

Society for Science & the Public reported 83.8% of 2024 spending as programs, 7.8% as fundraising and 8.4% as management.

Form 990 (2024), Part IX

How much money does Society for Science & the Public have?

Net assets were $152.0M at the end of 2024, about 44.6 months of spending.

Form 990 (2024), Part X

Does Society for Science & the Public have any red flags in its filing?

Its latest Form 990 triggered none of our twelve screening rules, which cover reported asset diversions, insider transactions, fundraiser costs, governance policies and spending patterns.

Form 990 (2024)
07 · Sources and citing

Every number, traced.

  1. Society for Science & the Public Form 990, 2024 (IRS e-file)
  2. Society for Science & the Public Form 990 history (ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer)
Cite this page

Amir Arani, “Society for Science & the Public: CEO salary, finances and where your dollar goes,” Charity Math, updated 2026-11-07. https://charitymath.com/charities/society-for-science-and-the-public/