Reuben H Fleet Science Center
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
THE REUBEN H. FLEET SCIENCE CENTER IS DEDICATED TO REALIZING A SAN DIEGO WHERE EVERYONE IS CONNECTED TO THE POWER OF SCIENCE. WE ARE A COUNTY-WIDE ORGANIZATION WORKING WITH COMMUNITIES TO LEVERAGE STEM EXPERTISE AND LEARNING IN SUPPORT OF THEIR GOALS AND ASPIRATIONS.
- Income
- $9.1 million
- Spending
- $10.7 million
- Spent on programs
- 75%
- Reserves
- -0.3 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 51%
- Employees
- 190
- Volunteers
- 275
- Highest pay
- $249,647, president & ceo
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Weak: 35 out of 100.
Reserves
0 of 35Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.
Debt
10 of 20It owes 32% of what it owns.
Living within its means
0 of 15Spending exceeded income by 17% of income.
Income trend
10 of 15Income fell 4% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1575% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 30 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 92 out of 100.
Independent board
25 of 2531 of 31 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no 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 June 30, 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)
- $8.0 million spent. The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center (the Fleet) operates the following programs and activities:Science ExhibitsThe Fleet features more than 120 interactive science exhibits in multiple galleries, as well as major traveling exhibitions. Visitors can create colored shadows, touch a tornado, examine the vibration of guitar strings, and get their hands on a variety of intriguing scientific phenomena. Permanent exhibitions include Studio X, where people can invent and create, and Design Zone where each thematic area will draw you into compelling scenarios where you can design your own experiences and solve real-world challenges while discovering that math isnt just a subject in school. Children rule in Kid City, just for kids ages five and under. Kid City contains a factory with conveyor belts, cranes, air chutes, an interactive fire truck, several Young Explorer computers, a child-size grocery store and much more. In Its Electric visitors of all ages can explore the science and history of electricity to life through an introduction to the types and uses of electricity. In addition to other galleries, New Science, Sun, Earth, and Universe, the Fleet offers a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. On weekends, scheduled programs such as the Genius in the House and Weekend Science Clubs provide additional opportunities for educational fun.IMAX Giant Dome TheaterThe Fleet is also home to the worlds first IMAX Dome Theater, presenting the biggest film and digital presentations on the planet. Its unique configuration wraps the audience in images and provides the illusion of being suspended in space. Film topics take audiences from outer space to under water, and every place in-between. Films are generally suitable for all ages. The Eugene Heikoff and Marilyn Jacobs Heikoff Dome Theater also plays host to the monthly Sky Tonight planetarium show, which is led by an astronomer and paired with outdoor telescope viewing, courtesy of the San Diego Astronomy Association (weather permitting).Education ProgramsThe Fleet offers science education for students, seniors, teachers, and the public through lectures, classes, workshops, virtual programs, and more. Whether its a visit to the Fleet or a Science-to-Go program delivered at a school site, we offer programs accessible by everyone. The Fleet also runs half-day and full-day educational camps during school breaks. Camps are offered for grades pre-K8, and are designed to be fun, educational, hands-on, and to incorporate the Fleets Science Center Exhibit Galleries. Recent summer camp themes have included: chemistry, the human body, robotics, and space. The Fleets Education department also facilitates a number of community initiatives, including collaborative meetings with STEM partners across San Diego County, as well as science-themed events that occur in a variety of community locations.Craveology Cafe Craveology is the perfect location to pick up the lunch or treat youre craving. The casual, friendly atmosphere has a great selection of items, including salads, sandwiches, wraps, and flatbread pizzas. We can satisfy any growling stomach! And if youre looking to rejuvenate from your busy day, order one of our specialty coffees and have a seat at our beautiful patio, located in front of the iconic Balboa Park Bea Evenson Fountain. Admission to the Fleet is not required for a visit to Craveology, so stop by, feed your craving, and enjoy the view. North Star Science StoreThe North Star Science Store, located inside the Fleet, is the perfect place to shop for educational gifts, do-it-yourself kits, toys, and souvenirs. We offer a wonderful assortment of curious and hard-to-find items, a great selection of books, models, and more! Examine tons of science-related products to awaken the astronomer, physicist, or chemist within. Shop, learn, and enjoy!
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 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? 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 June 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 April 1964.
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.