Academics for the Future of Science Incorporated
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- Only 2% of its spending went to programs.
- Raising each dollar of donations cost 94 cents.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
To engage in basic and/or applied research on professional development,science policy and administration, economics related to science, and any other topic that relates to understanding how to create effective and sustainable science; and, (b) to create a community of scientists and science supporters to engage in discussion of these subjects and to participate in surveys and other research-related activities; and, (c) to engage in any education, literary, or other charitable activities that relate to our purpose as may be described in section 4 of chapter 180 of the general laws... provided, however,that no such power shall include any activity inconsistent with chapter 180 of the Massachusetts general laws or section 501(c)(3) or the internal revenue code.
- Income
- $212,184
- Spending
- $227,536
- Spent on programs
- 2%
- Reserves
- 2.1 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 76%
- Employees
- 0
- Highest pay
- $60,000, president
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Weak: 40 out of 100. Higher than 14% of charities in its peer group (science, under $250k).
Reserves
10 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 2.1 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
4 of 15Spending exceeded income by 7% of income.
Spending floor
0 of 152% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 94 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Weak: 18 out of 100. Higher than 2% of charities in its peer group (science, under $250k).
Independent board
5 of 250 of 3 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
0 of 15Reports no written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
0 of 7Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
0 of 5Reports that it does not keep minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
0 of 10Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
0 of 5Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.
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, 2025, 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 (1)
- $4,689 spent. To engage in basic and/or applied research on professional development,science policy and administration, economics related to science, and any other topic that relates to understanding how to create effective and sustainable science; and, (b) to create a community of scientists and science supporters to engage in discussion of these subjects and to participate in surveys and other research-related activities; and, (c) to engage in any education, literary, or other charitable activities that relate to our purpose as may be described in section 4 of chapter 180 of the general laws... provided, however,that no such power shall include any activity inconsistent with chapter 180 of the Massachusetts general laws or section 501(c)(3) or the internal revenue code.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, 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? Worth knowing.
Status was revoked on February 15, 2020 for not filing returns for three years, and reinstated on September 15, 2021.
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 October 2025.
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 January 2022.
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.