The Exploratorium
Organization summary
Type of Nonprofit
Designated as a Organizations for any of the following purposes: religious, educational, charitable, scientific, literary, testing for public safety, fostering national or international amateur sports competition (as long as it doesn't provide athletic facilities or equipment), or the prevention of cruelty to children or animals.
Category: Arts, Culture and Humanities / Museum, Museum Activities (NTEE)
Donations to this organization are tax deductible.
Summary charts: organization finances over time
Revenue $61M (2023)
Expenses $64.8M (2023)
Total Assets $285M (2023)
Total Liabilities $48.9M (2023)
Tax Filings and Audits by Year
Form 990 is an information return that most organizations claiming federal tax-exempt status must file yearly with the IRS. Nonprofit Explorer has IRS digitized Form 990 data for filings processed in 2012 and later. If this organization filed an amended return, it may not be reflected below. Duplicate download links may indicate a resubmission or amendment to this organization's original return. Form 990 data is from the IRS.
Audits are required to be submitted by nonprofit organizations that spend $750,000 or more in federal grant money in a fiscal year. "Single audits" look at the entire organization's finances and compliance, while other audits are program specific. Nonprofit Explorer has PDFs of audits for some nonprofits for fiscal year 2015 and later. Audit data is from the Federal Audit Clearinghouse.
Fiscal Year Ending June
2023
Extracted Financial Data
Extracted Financial Data from Form 990
| Notable Sources of Revenue | Percent of Total Revenue | |
|---|---|---|
| Contributions | $24,434,650 |
40.0%
|
| Program Services | $30,146,997 |
49.4%
|
| Investment Income | $1,753,421 |
2.9%
|
| Bond Proceeds | $0 | |
| Royalties | $57 |
0.0%
|
| Rental Property Income | $1,994,591 |
3.3%
|
| Net Fundraising | -$457,682 | |
| Sales of Assets | $2,326,290 |
3.8%
|
| Net Inventory Sales | $825,853 |
1.4%
|
| Other Revenue | $0 |
| Notable Expenses | Percent of Total Expenses | |
|---|---|---|
| Executive Compensation | $1,667,114 |
2.6%
|
| Professional Fundraising Fees | $0 | |
| Other Salaries and Wages | $28,976,733 |
44.7%
|
| Assets/Debt | ||
|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $284,732,614 | |
| Total Liabilities | $48,867,190 |
Compensation
| Key Employees and Officers | Compensation | Related | Other |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Bierman (Executive Director) | $511,137 | $0 | $5,469 |
| Laura Zander (Chief Financial & Operating Officer) | $305,738 | $0 | $38,775 |
| Robert Semper (Chief Science Officer) | $302,784 | $0 | $16,266 |
Document Links
990
Filed on April 29, 2024Primary tax return for a nonprofit’s activities, finances, and governance
Audits
Audit for a nonprofit that spends $750,000+ in federal grant money in a fiscal year
Fiscal Year Ending June
2022
Extracted Financial Data
Extracted Financial Data from Form 990
| Notable Sources of Revenue | Percent of Total Revenue | |
|---|---|---|
| Contributions | $48,610,555 |
61.1%
|
| Program Services | $25,897,818 |
32.5%
|
| Investment Income | $698,741 |
0.9%
|
| Bond Proceeds | $0 | |
| Royalties | $0 | |
| Rental Property Income | $2,558,433 |
3.2%
|
| Net Fundraising | -$606,630 | |
| Sales of Assets | $1,821,152 |
2.3%
|
| Net Inventory Sales | $591,322 |
0.7%
|
| Other Revenue | $0 |
| Notable Expenses | Percent of Total Expenses | |
|---|---|---|
| Executive Compensation | $1,921,453 |
3.2%
|
| Professional Fundraising Fees | $0 | |
| Other Salaries and Wages | $24,837,403 |
41.9%
|
| Assets/Debt | ||
|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $275,042,102 | |
| Total Liabilities | $37,380,833 |
Compensation
| Key Employees and Officers | Compensation | Related | Other |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Flink (Executive Director) | $352,445 | $0 | $16,889 |
| Laura Zander (Chief Financial Officer) | $231,074 | $0 | $31,378 |
| Phoebe White (Chief Operating Officer) | $228,995 | $0 | $6,690 |
Document Links
990
Filed on May 8, 2023Primary tax return for a nonprofit’s activities, finances, and governance
990-T
For unrelated business income from activities not substantially related to the organization's tax-exempt purpose
Audits
Audit for a nonprofit that spends $750,000+ in federal grant money in a fiscal year
Fiscal Year Ending June
2021
Extracted Financial Data
Extracted Financial Data from Form 990
| Notable Sources of Revenue | Percent of Total Revenue | |
|---|---|---|
| Contributions | $32,097,486 |
66.9%
|
| Program Services | $11,176,445 |
23.3%
|
| Investment Income | $401,569 |
0.8%
|
| Bond Proceeds | $0 | |
| Royalties | $0 | |
| Rental Property Income | $493,467 |
1.0%
|
| Net Fundraising | -$183,679 | |
| Sales of Assets | $3,904,104 |
8.1%
|
| Net Inventory Sales | $100,346 |
0.2%
|
| Other Revenue | $0 |
| Notable Expenses | Percent of Total Expenses | |
|---|---|---|
| Executive Compensation | $2,392,473 |
5.1%
|
| Professional Fundraising Fees | $0 | |
| Other Salaries and Wages | $20,789,044 |
44.3%
|
| Assets/Debt | ||
|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $286,875,309 | |
| Total Liabilities | $60,670,769 |
Compensation
| Key Employees and Officers | Compensation | Related | Other |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Flink (Executive Director) | $554,707 | $0 | $23,063 |
| Robert Semper (Chief Science Officer) | $258,806 | $0 | $21,108 |
| Laura Zander (Chief Financial Officer) | $239,358 | $0 | $30,812 |
Document Links
990
Filed on April 9, 2022Primary tax return for a nonprofit’s activities, finances, and governance
Audits
Audit for a nonprofit that spends $750,000+ in federal grant money in a fiscal year
Fiscal Year Ending June
2020
Extracted Financial Data
Extracted Financial Data from Form 990
| Notable Sources of Revenue | Percent of Total Revenue | |
|---|---|---|
| Contributions | $28,114,682 |
57.9%
|
| Program Services | $18,067,093 |
37.2%
|
| Investment Income | $771,970 |
1.6%
|
| Bond Proceeds | $0 | |
| Royalties | $0 | |
| Rental Property Income | $1,307,525 |
2.7%
|
| Net Fundraising | $17,291 |
0.0%
|
| Sales of Assets | -$401,026 | |
| Net Inventory Sales | $680,185 |
1.4%
|
| Other Revenue | $0 |
| Notable Expenses | Percent of Total Expenses | |
|---|---|---|
| Executive Compensation | $2,375,775 |
4.5%
|
| Professional Fundraising Fees | $0 | |
| Other Salaries and Wages | $24,430,327 |
46.1%
|
| Assets/Debt | ||
|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $264,783,310 | |
| Total Liabilities | $55,937,016 |
Compensation
| Key Employees and Officers | Compensation | Related | Other |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Flink (Executive Director) | $518,635 | $0 | $22,311 |
| Robert Semper (Dir Of Programs) | $266,741 | $0 | $27,903 |
| Laura Zander (Chief Operating Officer) | $251,332 | $0 | $35,432 |
Document Links
990
Filed on April 1, 2021Primary tax return for a nonprofit’s activities, finances, and governance
990-T
For unrelated business income from activities not substantially related to the organization's tax-exempt purpose
Audits
Audit for a nonprofit that spends $750,000+ in federal grant money in a fiscal year
Fiscal Year Ending June
2019
Extracted Financial Data
Extracted Financial Data from Form 990
| Notable Sources of Revenue | Percent of Total Revenue | |
|---|---|---|
| Contributions | $27,035,658 |
28.1%
|
| Program Services | $20,970,161 |
21.8%
|
| Investment Income | $1,232,676 |
1.3%
|
| Bond Proceeds | $0 | |
| Royalties | $2,177 |
0.0%
|
| Rental Property Income | $2,144,857 |
2.2%
|
| Net Fundraising | -$524,240 | |
| Sales of Assets | $44,141,756 |
45.8%
|
| Net Inventory Sales | $1,086,666 |
1.1%
|
| Other Revenue | $282,632 |
0.3%
|
| Notable Expenses | Percent of Total Expenses | |
|---|---|---|
| Executive Compensation | $2,301,899 |
4.3%
|
| Professional Fundraising Fees | $0 | |
| Other Salaries and Wages | $23,512,218 |
43.9%
|
| Assets/Debt | ||
|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $269,815,117 | |
| Total Liabilities | $56,554,831 |
Compensation
| Key Employees and Officers | Compensation | Related | Other |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Flink (Executive Director) | $542,213 | $0 | $22,372 |
| Robert Semper (Dir Of Programs) | $261,874 | $0 | $23,740 |
| Laura Zander (Chief Operating Officer) | $233,993 | $0 | $32,913 |
Document Links
990
Filed on April 16, 2020Primary tax return for a nonprofit’s activities, finances, and governance
990-T
For unrelated business income from activities not substantially related to the organization's tax-exempt purpose
Audits
Audit for a nonprofit that spends $750,000+ in federal grant money in a fiscal year
Fiscal Year Ending June
2018
Extracted Financial Data
Extracted Financial Data from Form 990
| Notable Sources of Revenue | Percent of Total Revenue | |
|---|---|---|
| Contributions | $27,131,807 |
52.7%
|
| Program Services | $19,742,619 |
38.3%
|
| Investment Income | $1,813,816 |
3.5%
|
| Bond Proceeds | $0 | |
| Royalties | $1,479 |
0.0%
|
| Rental Property Income | $2,035,754 |
4.0%
|
| Net Fundraising | -$511,260 | |
| Sales of Assets | -$114,943 | |
| Net Inventory Sales | $1,136,677 |
2.2%
|
| Other Revenue | $271,563 |
0.5%
|
| Notable Expenses | Percent of Total Expenses | |
|---|---|---|
| Executive Compensation | $2,305,888 |
4.4%
|
| Professional Fundraising Fees | $90,000 |
0.2%
|
| Other Salaries and Wages | $22,261,286 |
42.1%
|
| Assets/Debt | ||
|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $226,313,174 | |
| Total Liabilities | $53,875,782 |
Compensation
| Key Employees and Officers | Compensation | Related | Other |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Flink (Executive Director) | $472,403 | $0 | $48,363 |
| Robert Semper (Director Of Programs) | $254,084 | $0 | $25,645 |
| Laura Zander (Chief Operating Officer) | $224,214 | $0 | $39,042 |
Document Links
990
Filed on March 15, 2019Primary tax return for a nonprofit’s activities, finances, and governance
990-T
For unrelated business income from activities not substantially related to the organization's tax-exempt purpose
Audits
Audit for a nonprofit that spends $750,000+ in federal grant money in a fiscal year
Fiscal Year Ending June
2017
Extracted Financial Data
Extracted Financial Data from Form 990
| Notable Sources of Revenue | Percent of Total Revenue | |
|---|---|---|
| Contributions | $46,413,547 |
62.6%
|
| Program Services | $24,045,372 |
32.5%
|
| Investment Income | $629,429 |
0.8%
|
| Bond Proceeds | $0 | |
| Royalties | $711 |
0.0%
|
| Rental Property Income | $1,806,079 |
2.4%
|
| Net Fundraising | -$477,426 | |
| Sales of Assets | -$39,605 | |
| Net Inventory Sales | $1,416,696 |
1.9%
|
| Other Revenue | $292,990 |
0.4%
|
| Notable Expenses | Percent of Total Expenses | |
|---|---|---|
| Executive Compensation | $2,047,102 |
3.9%
|
| Professional Fundraising Fees | $120,000 |
0.2%
|
| Other Salaries and Wages | $21,504,457 |
41.2%
|
| Assets/Debt | ||
|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $225,591,402 | |
| Total Liabilities | $53,354,551 |
Compensation
| Key Employees and Officers | Compensation | Related | Other |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robert Semper (Director Of Programs) | $276,715 | $0 | $24,670 |
| Chris Flink (Executive Director) | $270,711 | $0 | $14,055 |
| Laura Zander (Chief Operating Officer) | $218,961 | $0 | $36,891 |
Document Links
990
Filed on April 20, 2018Primary tax return for a nonprofit’s activities, finances, and governance
990-T
For unrelated business income from activities not substantially related to the organization's tax-exempt purpose
Audits
Audit for a nonprofit that spends $750,000+ in federal grant money in a fiscal year
Fiscal Year Ending June
2016
Extracted Financial Data
Extracted Financial Data from Form 990
| Notable Sources of Revenue | Percent of Total Revenue | |
|---|---|---|
| Contributions | $26,899,378 |
52.1%
|
| Program Services | $20,095,582 |
38.9%
|
| Investment Income | $608,786 |
1.2%
|
| Bond Proceeds | $0 | |
| Royalties | $20,109 |
0.0%
|
| Rental Property Income | $2,382,229 |
4.6%
|
| Net Fundraising | -$342,055 | |
| Sales of Assets | $581,515 |
1.1%
|
| Net Inventory Sales | $1,165,185 |
2.3%
|
| Other Revenue | $267,980 |
0.5%
|
| Notable Expenses | Percent of Total Expenses | |
|---|---|---|
| Executive Compensation | $2,461,329 |
4.4%
|
| Professional Fundraising Fees | $154,552 |
0.3%
|
| Other Salaries and Wages | $22,124,688 |
39.4%
|
| Assets/Debt | ||
|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $210,400,592 | |
| Total Liabilities | $62,415,955 |
Compensation
| Key Employees and Officers | Compensation | Related | Other |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dennis M Bartels Phd (Executive Director) | $376,426 | $0 | $36,703 |
| Robert Semper (Director Of Programs) | $237,667 | $0 | $22,912 |
| Thomas Humphrey (Sr Scientist) | $228,269 | $0 | $1,454 |
Document Links
990
Filed on Oct. 5, 2017Primary tax return for a nonprofit’s activities, finances, and governance
990-T
For unrelated business income from activities not substantially related to the organization's tax-exempt purpose
Audits
Audit for a nonprofit that spends $750,000+ in federal grant money in a fiscal year
Fiscal Year Ending June
2015
Extracted Financial Data
Extracted Financial Data from Form 990
| Notable Sources of Revenue | Percent of Total Revenue | |
|---|---|---|
| Contributions | $28,776,622 |
49.1%
|
| Program Services | $24,543,251 |
41.9%
|
| Investment Income | $848,321 |
1.4%
|
| Bond Proceeds | $0 | |
| Royalties | $54,876 |
0.1%
|
| Rental Property Income | $2,529,109 |
4.3%
|
| Net Fundraising | -$262,849 | |
| Sales of Assets | $522,024 |
0.9%
|
| Net Inventory Sales | $1,193,685 |
2.0%
|
| Other Revenue | $378,722 |
0.6%
|
| Notable Expenses | Percent of Total Expenses | |
|---|---|---|
| Executive Compensation | $2,415,823 |
4.0%
|
| Professional Fundraising Fees | $52,883 |
0.1%
|
| Other Salaries and Wages | $21,081,860 |
35.0%
|
| Assets/Debt | ||
|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $222,691,233 | |
| Total Liabilities | $67,736,080 |
Compensation
| Key Employees and Officers | Compensation | Related | Other |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dennis M Bartels Phd (Executive Director) | $410,478 | $0 | $35,138 |
| Ann Dabovich (Director Of Inst Adv.) | $241,299 | $0 | $24,659 |
| Robert Semper (Director Of Programs) | $232,399 | $0 | $20,831 |
Document Links
990
Filed on May 6, 2016Primary tax return for a nonprofit’s activities, finances, and governance
Fiscal Year Ending June
2014
Extracted Financial Data
Extracted Financial Data from Form 990
| Notable Sources of Revenue | Percent of Total Revenue | |
|---|---|---|
| Contributions | $35,317,090 |
56.7%
|
| Program Services | $21,261,834 |
34.1%
|
| Investment Income | $332,393 |
0.5%
|
| Bond Proceeds | $0 | |
| Royalties | $33,312 |
0.1%
|
| Rental Property Income | $2,173,605 |
3.5%
|
| Net Fundraising | -$182,386 | |
| Sales of Assets | $1,494,288 |
2.4%
|
| Net Inventory Sales | $1,247,967 |
2.0%
|
| Other Revenue | $599,776 |
1.0%
|
| Notable Expenses | Percent of Total Expenses | |
|---|---|---|
| Executive Compensation | $2,242,841 |
3.9%
|
| Professional Fundraising Fees | $50,000 |
0.1%
|
| Other Salaries and Wages | $20,819,913 |
35.8%
|
| Assets/Debt | ||
|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $235,774,674 | |
| Total Liabilities | $77,753,460 |
Compensation
| Key Employees and Officers | Compensation | Related | Other |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dennis M Bartels Phd (Executive Director) | $309,746 | $0 | $36,132 |
| Robert Semper (Director Of Programs) | $224,743 | $0 | $20,303 |
| Ann Dabovich (Director Of Institutional Advancement) | $217,691 | $0 | $45,358 |
Document Links
990
Filed on May 7, 2015Primary tax return for a nonprofit’s activities, finances, and governance
Fiscal Year Ending June
2013
Extracted Financial Data
Extracted Financial Data from Form 990
| Notable Sources of Revenue | Percent of Total Revenue | |
|---|---|---|
| Contributions | $51,575,878 |
79.2%
|
| Program Services | $10,724,570 |
16.5%
|
| Investment Income | $251,021 |
0.4%
|
| Bond Proceeds | $0 | |
| Royalties | $3,415 |
0.0%
|
| Rental Property Income | $899,444 |
1.4%
|
| Net Fundraising | -$97,697 | |
| Sales of Assets | $1,053,892 |
1.6%
|
| Net Inventory Sales | $591,105 |
0.9%
|
| Other Revenue | $141,515 |
0.2%
|
| Notable Expenses | Percent of Total Expenses | |
|---|---|---|
| Executive Compensation | $1,837,168 |
3.6%
|
| Professional Fundraising Fees | $200,000 |
0.4%
|
| Other Salaries and Wages | $19,088,365 |
36.9%
|
| Assets/Debt | ||
|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $237,916,900 | |
| Total Liabilities | $85,867,850 |
Document Links
990
Filed on July 8, 2014Primary tax return for a nonprofit’s activities, finances, and governance
Fiscal Year Ending June
2012
Extracted Financial Data
Extracted Financial Data from Form 990
| Notable Sources of Revenue | Percent of Total Revenue | |
|---|---|---|
| Contributions | $27,171,284 |
71.8%
|
| Program Services | $8,341,418 |
22.0%
|
| Investment Income | $347,608 |
0.9%
|
| Bond Proceeds | $0 | |
| Royalties | $4,057 |
0.0%
|
| Rental Property Income | $1,088,815 |
2.9%
|
| Net Fundraising | -$49,450 | |
| Sales of Assets | $166,994 |
0.4%
|
| Net Inventory Sales | $650,756 |
1.7%
|
| Other Revenue | $131,809 |
0.3%
|
| Notable Expenses | Percent of Total Expenses | |
|---|---|---|
| Executive Compensation | $1,960,650 |
5.0%
|
| Professional Fundraising Fees | $202,539 |
0.5%
|
| Other Salaries and Wages | $16,345,558 |
41.3%
|
| Assets/Debt | ||
|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $231,227,583 | |
| Total Liabilities | $93,043,773 |
Document Links
990
Primary tax return for a nonprofit’s activities, finances, and governance
Fiscal Year Ending June
2011
Extracted Financial Data
Extracted Financial Data from Form 990
| Notable Sources of Revenue | Percent of Total Revenue | |
|---|---|---|
| Contributions | $44,729,382 |
79.4%
|
| Program Services | $8,694,454 |
15.4%
|
| Investment Income | $387,367 |
0.7%
|
| Bond Proceeds | $0 | |
| Royalties | $12,567 |
0.0%
|
| Rental Property Income | $710,909 |
1.3%
|
| Net Fundraising | -$41,601 | |
| Sales of Assets | $1,177,500 |
2.1%
|
| Net Inventory Sales | $575,761 |
1.0%
|
| Other Revenue | $117,842 |
0.2%
|
| Notable Expenses | Percent of Total Expenses | |
|---|---|---|
| Executive Compensation | $2,378,527 |
6.8%
|
| Professional Fundraising Fees | $200,000 |
0.6%
|
| Other Salaries and Wages | $14,302,719 |
40.7%
|
| Assets/Debt | ||
|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $157,012,815 | |
| Total Liabilities | $16,281,294 |
Document Links
990
Primary tax return for a nonprofit’s activities, finances, and governance
Fiscal Year Ending June
2010
No Extracted Financial Data
Extracted financial data is not available for the forms filed in this tax period, but Form 990 documents are available for download.
Document Links
990
Primary tax return for a nonprofit’s activities, finances, and governance
Fiscal Year Ending June
2009
No Extracted Financial Data
Extracted financial data is not available for the forms filed in this tax period, but Form 990 documents are available for download.
Document Links
990
Primary tax return for a nonprofit’s activities, finances, and governance
Fiscal Year Ending June
2008
No Extracted Financial Data
Extracted financial data is not available for the forms filed in this tax period, but Form 990 documents are available for download.
Document Links
990
Primary tax return for a nonprofit’s activities, finances, and governance
Fiscal Year Ending May
2008
No Extracted Financial Data
Extracted financial data is not available for the forms filed in this tax period, but Form 990 documents are available for download.
Document Links
990
Primary tax return for a nonprofit’s activities, finances, and governance
Fiscal Year Ending May
2007
No Extracted Financial Data
Extracted financial data is not available for the forms filed in this tax period, but Form 990 documents are available for download.
Document Links
990
Primary tax return for a nonprofit’s activities, finances, and governance
Fiscal Year Ending May
2006
No Extracted Financial Data
Extracted financial data is not available for the forms filed in this tax period, but Form 990 documents are available for download.
Document Links
990
Primary tax return for a nonprofit’s activities, finances, and governance
Fiscal Year Ending May
2005
No Extracted Financial Data
Extracted financial data is not available for the forms filed in this tax period, but Form 990 documents are available for download.
Document Links
990
Primary tax return for a nonprofit’s activities, finances, and governance
Fiscal Year Ending May
2004
No Extracted Financial Data
Extracted financial data is not available for the forms filed in this tax period, but Form 990 documents are available for download.
Document Links
990
Primary tax return for a nonprofit’s activities, finances, and governance
Fiscal Year Ending May
2003
No Extracted Financial Data
Extracted financial data is not available for the forms filed in this tax period, but Form 990 documents are available for download.
Document Links
990
Primary tax return for a nonprofit’s activities, finances, and governance
Fiscal Year Ending May
2002
No Extracted Financial Data
Extracted financial data is not available for the forms filed in this tax period, but Form 990 documents are available for download.
Document Links
990
Primary tax return for a nonprofit’s activities, finances, and governance
About This Data
Nonprofit Explorer includes summary data for nonprofit tax returns and full Form 990 documents, in both PDF and digital formats.
The summary data contains information processed by the IRS during the 2012-2019 calendar years; this generally consists of filings for the 2011-2018 fiscal years, but may include older records. This data release includes only a subset of what can be found in the full Form 990s.
In addition to the raw summary data, we link to PDFs and digital copies of full Form 990 documents wherever possible. This consists of separate releases by the IRS of Form 990 documents processed by the agency, which we update regularly.
We also link to copies of audits nonprofit organizations that spent $750,000 or more in Federal grant money in a single fiscal year since 2016. These audits are copied from the Federal Audit Clearinghouse.