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Social Science Observatory

EIN 46-2724499 · San Francisco, CA

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak0 out of 100GovernanceNot ratedThe short tax form does not cover thisImpact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

Points to look into

  • It owes more than it owns.

These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.

What it says it does

TO HELP BRING BEHAVIORAL ECONOMICS INSIGHT TO THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE,

Income
$55,751
Spending
$79,584
Reserves
-5.8 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 93%
Highest pay
$75,100, president

Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Weak: 0 out of 100. Higher than 0% of charities in its peer group (human services, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    0 of 35

    Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.

  • Debt

    0 of 20

    It owes 365% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 43% of income.

Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.

Source: Form 990EZ 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)
  1. $70,578 spent. EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL: SOCIAL SCIENCE OBSERVATORY DEVELOPS FOUNDATIONAL EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL ON BEHAVIORAL ECONOMICS THAT INDIVIDUALS AND ENTITIES CAN USE TO DESIGN SOLUTIONS WHICH FUNDAMENTALLY IMPROVE PEOPLE'S LIVES.
  2. CONFERENCES AND EVENTS: SSO HOLDS AN ANNUAL CONFERENCE TO TEACH BEHAVIORAL ECONOMICS TO THE LEADERSHIP STAFF OF EARLY STAGE COMPANIES WITH A BENEFICIALLY SOCIAL, COMMUNAL OR ENVIRONMENTAL MISSION.
  3. SEE SCHEDULE O FOR FULL MISSION STATEMENT AND ADDITIONAL PROGRAM SERVICE STATEMENTS.
  4. FULL PSA 1 -- EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL: SOCIAL SCIENCE OBSERVATORY DEVELOPS FOUNDATIONAL EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL ON BEHAVIORAL ECONOMICS THAT INDIVIDUALS AND ENTITIES CAN USE TO DESIGN SOLUTIONS WHICH FUNDAMENTALLY IMPROVE PEOPLE'S LIVES. THIS MATERIAL HELPS EDUCATE PEOPLE IN IMPROVING HEALTH, SAVING MONEY FOR RETIREMENT, OR CONSERVING ENERGY. PSA 4 CONSULTING ENGAGEMENTS: SOCIAL SCIENCE OBSERVATORY FACILITATES THE DISSEMINATION OF BEHAVIORAL ECONOMICS VIA CONSULTING ENGAGEMENTS WITH NONPROFIT CODE SECTION 501(C)(3) ENTITIES AND WITH FOR-PROFIT ENTITIES. SOCIAL SCIENCE OBSERVATORY HELPS ORGANIZATIONS IN THE HEALTH, FINANCE, EDUCATION, OR ENERGY FIELDS OR ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE OTHERWISE DETERMINED TO BE INCREASING POSITIVE SOCIAL IMPACT ON THE WORLD. ------------------------------------------------- OTHER PROGRAM SERVICE IS USED FOR STORING MATERIALS, SOFTWARE, AND DIGITAL TOOLS.

Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. 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.

  2. 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 October 13, 2026.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since July 2014.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. 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 October 21, 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.