Planetary Science Institute

Analysis

Planetary Science Institute is a registered charity in United States, based in Tucson, AZ. It received its IRS tax-exemption ruling in July 1986, 40 years ago. The IRS classifies it as a publicly supported organisation (donations from the general public) under section 501(c)(3), and contributions to it are listed as tax-deductible.

In the financial year ending September 2023, Planetary Science Institute reported income of $17.9m and spending of $17.6m, spending 98% of its income. Across the 5 years on record, from September 2019 to September 2023, income grew from $15.2m to $17.9m (+18%), an average of +4.2% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to September 2021, when income rose by 15%. Over the whole period it spent 97% of the income it received.

Among 72,936 United States charities whose main cause is other charitable purposes and that reported income, Planetary Science Institute sits at the 97th percentile: it is larger than about 97% of them. Against every charity in United States with reported income it ranks in the 97th percentile, and in the 96th percentile within AZ. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include Virginia Baptist Childrens Home and Family Services ($17.9m), Electronic Frontier Foundation Inc ($18.0m) and National Federation of State High School Associations ($17.9m).

On its Form 990 for the period ending September 2023, revenue came from contributions and grants 0.7% and program service revenue 99% of the total. Compensation of current officers, directors and key employees was $549k (3.1% of expenses). Other salaries and wages came to $9.5m. At year end it held assets of $6.3m against liabilities of $3.0m, net assets of $3.3m. It reported 161 employees.