Academy of Science of St Louis
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
To promote the advancement of science and encourage public interest in and understanding of the sciences. Since 1856, the Academy of Science of St Louis has been a leader in the advancement and integration of science technology into contemporary society. Academy resources are entirely mission focused on expanded scientific outreach, education, resource sharing, and the recognition of scientific accomplishment.
- Income
- $654,836
- Spending
- $658,679
- Spent on programs
- 72%
- Reserves
- Over 10 years of spending
- Largest source of income
- investment income, 71%
- Employees
- 0
- Volunteers
- 229
- Highest pay
- $119,003, chief executive officer
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 78% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover more than ten years of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 1% of what it owns.
Living within its means
8 of 15Spending exceeded income by 1% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 13% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1572% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 23 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 95% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
25 of 2516 of 16 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (4)
- $157,867 spent. Academy of Science St Louis Science Fair. For more than 60 years, the Science Fair has been an amazing catalyst for students in kindergarten through high school. Under the leadership of the Academy, hundreds of educators, scientists, and science advocates work year round to bring science inquiry to life for students in the St Louis area. The Academy utilizes the services of hundreds of volunteers in areas such as judging projects and overall fair leadership. School districts select their top student projects and submit them to the fair. In 2024, more than 850 students in public, private, parochial, and home-school students from 73 schools submitted projects representing the top 3% of science projects in the St Louis regions. Top winners receive scholarships and other educational awards.
- $129,392 spent. Speakers for Science program. The Speakers for Science Series provides scientists and professionals who speak on engineering, science, and technology related topics to area civic groups, community organizations and schools. Each year, thousands of students and life-long learners are inspired, enlightened and enthralled by unique opportunities to connect with scientists through live forums. Volunteer speakers present topics as varied as plant science, archaeology, genetics, DNA, and unmanned spacecraft. Each year brings requests for experts on newly emerging areas of science or topical issues generating public interest.
- $151,395 spent. STEM Programs. The Academy collaborates with school districts to present career explorations and science career forums for the critical middle-school age groups. The STEM Careers Explorations programming includes experiences, field trips and tours. The Junior Academy of Science program is for middle and high school students from public, private, and home schools across the regions where they can experience hands-on opportunities in science, engineering, and medicine. Corporations, science organizations, and universities open their labs and research areas to these teens at a critical time...when they are laying the science and technology paths for their future. Through these experiences, Junior Academy members realize the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to discovery and a strong early grounding in math and science. Recognizing that each child has potential, Junior Academy membership is open and available to all middle and high school students in the area and offers challenging and engaging science opportunities and competitions for a full range of academic levels.
- $32,605 spent. Since its inception, the Academy has promoted the recognition of impressive scientists in the St Louis area. This tradition continues with the Academy Fellows induction and Annual Outstanding St Louis Scientists Awards. The Fellows of the Academy is a prestigious association of St Louis scientists and engineers of national reputation. The Fellows organization creates opportunities to tap into the wealth of science and technology resources in our area for recommendations and insight. Many Academy Fellows are recipients of an Outstanding St Louis Scientist Award.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since September 1949.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated November 4, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.