Nonprofit · EIN 22-2470652
SCIENCENTER DISCOVERY MUSEUM
Also known as SCIENCENTER
Tax-exempt · ITHACA, NY 14850
Financials
| Year ended | Form | Revenue | Expenses | Net income | Total assets | Liabilities | Net assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2025 | 990 | $4,119,756 | $3,040,925 | $1,078,831 | $14,188,458 | $871,256 | $13,317,202 |
| December 31, 2024 | 990 | $4,729,746 | $3,369,128 | $1,360,618 | $12,338,742 | $856,843 | $11,481,899 |
| December 31, 2023 | 990 | $3,484,361 | $3,441,902 | $42,459 | $10,473,410 | $744,109 | $9,729,301 |
Financial details: 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025
Revenue
- Contributions, gifts and grants
- $2,054,072
- of which government grants
- $1,029,058
- Program service revenue
- $1,645,531
- Investment income
- $360,291
- Net income from sales of inventory
- $59,862
- Other revenue
- $59,862
Expenses
- Grants and similar amounts paid
- $0
- Compensation of officers, directors and key employees
- $296,114
- Other salaries and wages
- $1,473,256
- Salaries, compensation and benefits (total)
- $1,769,370
- Professional fundraising fees
- $0
- Legal fees
- $87,717
- Travel
- $6,672
- Depreciation
- $263,757
- Program services (functional)
- $2,120,637
- Management and general (functional)
- $745,884
- Fundraising (functional)
- $174,404
Balance sheet and other
- Total assets, start of year
- $12,338,742
- Total assets, end of year
- $14,188,458
- Total liabilities, end of year
- $871,256
- Net assets, end of year
- $13,317,202
- Land, buildings and equipment
- $2,646,519
- Publicly traded securities
- $7,824,203
- Net assets without donor restrictions
- $5,423,925
- Net assets with donor restrictions
- $7,893,277
- Gross receipts
- $4,175,782
- Employees
- 29
- Volunteers
- 100
- Year formed
- 1983
- State of legal domicile
- NY
From the e-filed returns the IRS publishes as XML (latest three processing years; amended returns replace the original). PDF copies at the IRS.
Officers, directors and key employees
As listed on the 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025, highest compensation first.
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MICHELLE KORTENAAR | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Officer | 40 | $168,560 | $5,618 |
| CHRIS FAGAN | CFO & VP OF ADMINISTRATION Officer | 40 | $117,510 | $4,426 |
| AMANDA HARRIGER | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| ANDREA IPPOLITO | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| BRIAN BAUER | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| CHANTAL CHAMPAGNE | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| CONRAD WOLAN | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| COSTA LAMBROU | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| ED MALONE | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| ERIC ROSARIO | CHAIR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| ERIC TOFTEGAARD | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| KAVITA BALA | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| MADDIE THOMPSON | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| MARK JAUQUET | TREASURER Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| MARY OPPERMAN | VICE CHAIR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
6 more people on this return
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| MICHAEL BRITT | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| MICKIE SANDERS-JAUQUET | SECRETARY Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 |
| NOZOMI NISHIMURA | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| QI ZHANG | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| SHAWN WILCZYNSKI | PAST CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 |
| VICTORIA ZEPPELIN | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
990 for the year ended December 31, 2024: 21 people
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MICHELLE KORTENAAR | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Officer | 40 | $163,458 | $4,568 |
| CHRIS FAGAN | CFO & VP OF ADMINISTRATION Officer | 40 | $112,692 | $13,715 |
| AMANDA HARRIGER | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| ANDREA IPPOLITO | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| BRIAN BAUER | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| CHANTAL CHAMPAGNE | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| CONRAD WOLAN | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| COSTA LAMBROU | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| ED MALONE | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| ERIC ROSARIO | CHAIR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| ERIC TOFTEGAARD | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| KAVITA BALA | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| MADDIE THOMPSON | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| MARK JAUQUET | TREASURER Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| MARY OPPERMAN | VICE CHAIR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| MICHAEL BRITT | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| MICKIE SANDERS-JAUQUET | SECRETARY Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| NOZOMI NISHIMURA | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| QI ZHANG | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| SHAWN WILCZYNSKI | PAST CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| VICTORIA ZEPPELIN | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
990 for the year ended December 31, 2023: 22 people
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MICHELLE KORTENAAR | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Officer | 40 | $160,556 | $4,405 |
| CHRIS FAGAN | CFO & VP OF ADMINISTRATION Officer | 40 | $114,956 | $3,080 |
| DAISY ROSAS VARGAS | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| BRIAN BAUER | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| MARY OPPERMAN | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| JESSICA SCHABER | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| GEORGE GULL | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| MICKIE SANDERS-JAUQUET | SECRETARY Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| LAURIE ROBINSON | FORMER CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| CARRIE JUBRAN | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| ANDREA IPPOLITO | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| COSTA LAMBROU | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| ERIC ROSARIO | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| ERIC TOFTEGAARD | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| SHAWN WILCZYNSKI | CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| QI ZHANG | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| MICHAEL BRITT | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| ED MALONE | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| CHANTAL CHAMPAGNE | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| MARK JAUQUET | TREASURER Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| CONRAD WOLAN | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| VICTORIA ZEPPELIN | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
Address and contacts
- Address (IRS master file)
- 601 1ST ST, ITHACA, NY 14850-3507
- Principal officer (990 for 2025)
- MICHELLE KORTENAAR, 601 FIRST STREET, ITHACA, NY 14850
- Signed the 990
- MICHELLE KORTENAAR, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
- Phone
- (607) 272-0600
- Website
- WWW.SCIENCENTER.ORG
- Return prepared by
- BOWERS ADVISORS LLC
Mission
CULTIVATE AN ENGAGED COMMUNITY OF CURIOUS, COLLABORATIVE, CRITICAL THINKERS.
Program accomplishments
- EXHIBITS:THE SCIENCENTER DISCOVERY MUSEUM IS A HANDS-ON MUSEUM, OFFERING OVER 250 INTERACTIVE SCIENCE EXHIBITS THAT INVITE FAMILIES TO EXPLORE TOPICS LIKE ENGINEERING, PHYSICS, LIVE ANIMALS, AND PHENOMENA LIKE WEATHER. EXHIBITS ARE OFFERED THROUGHOUT THE SCIENCENTER'S 36,000 SQUARE-FOOT MUSEUM, ITS 20,000 SQUARE-FOOT OUTDOOR SPACE AND A SCIENCE-THEMED MINI-GOLF COURSE. THE SCIENCENTER ALSO DESIGNS, FABRICATES, AND MANAGES RENTALS OF SCIENCE-THEMED INTERACTIVE EXHIBITIONS TO CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS IN NORTH AMERICA.Expenses $696,880 · revenue $768,150
- EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS:THE SCIENCENTER OFFERS ROBUST EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS FOR FAMILIES, CAMPS FOR CHILDREN, FIELD TRIPS FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT CENTRAL NY AND NORTHERN PA, AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR EDUCATORS IN THE REGION. THE SCIENCENTER ALSO DEVELOPS COLLABORATIVE INFORMAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR A NATIONAL AUDIENCE.Expenses $301,823 · revenue $126,790
- MUSEUM ADMISSIONS AND MEMBERSHIP:THE SCIENCENTER WELCOMES OVER 100,000 VISITORS TO EXPLORE EXHIBITS AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS AT THE MUSEUM. MORE THAN 2,600 FAMILIES HAVE AN ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP TO THE SCIENCENTER. THE SCIENCENTER WELCOMES OVER 20,000 INDIVIDUALS THROUGH ACCESS PROGRAMS THAT PROVIDE FREEOR DEEPLY DISCOUNTED ADMISSION FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES.Expenses $687,799 · revenue $678,756
- Expenses $434,135 · revenue $131,697
What it must file and when
IRS records say it files Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N. Its accounting year ends in December, so each return is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after that.
| Tax year | Year ended | Due | IRS public records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | December 31, 2025 | May 15, 2026 | 990 on file |
| 2024 | December 31, 2024 | May 15, 2025 | 990 on file |
| 2023 | December 31, 2023 | May 15, 2024 | 990 on file |
IRS record
- EIN
- 22-2470652
- Tax-exempt status
- 501(c)(3): Charitable, religious, educational or scientific organization
- Foundation status
- Publicly supported organization (170(b)(1)(A)(vi))
- Donations deductible (Pub 78)
- Public charity, 50% deduction limit
- Exempt since
- 1983
- Accounting year ends
- December
- Files
- Form 990 or 990-EZ
- Category (NTEE)
- Arts, culture and humanities (A570)
- Assets (IRS master file)
- $14,188,458
- Income (IRS master file)
- $4,175,782
Filing history
| Form | Year ended | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 990 | December 2025 | $4,119,756 | $3,040,925 | $14,188,458 | XML |
| 990 | December 2024 | $4,729,746 | $3,369,128 | $12,338,742 | XML |
| 990 | December 2023 | $3,484,361 | $3,441,902 | $10,473,410 | XML |
| 990 | December 2022 | $2,857,201 | $2,987,794 | $9,638,009 | IRS |
| 990 | December 2021 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | December 2020 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990-T | December 2020 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | December 2018 | – | – | – | IRS |
990-N: the IRS publishes only the latest e-Postcard per organization; earlier years appear here as 990.tax collects the monthly files. 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 990-T: every e-filed return in the IRS e-file index since 2019; XML for the latest three processing years, amounts from the IRS Statistics of Income extracts before that. PDF copies and determination letters at the IRS.
Questions about SCIENCENTER DISCOVERY MUSEUM
- What is the EIN of SCIENCENTER DISCOVERY MUSEUM?
- The employer identification number (EIN) of SCIENCENTER DISCOVERY MUSEUM is 22-2470652.
- Is SCIENCENTER DISCOVERY MUSEUM tax-exempt?
- Yes. The IRS lists it as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) since 1983.
- Are donations to SCIENCENTER DISCOVERY MUSEUM tax-deductible?
- Yes. It is listed in IRS Publication 78 (Public charity, 50% deduction limit).
- Which annual return does SCIENCENTER DISCOVERY MUSEUM file?
- Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N.
- When is the next return of SCIENCENTER DISCOVERY MUSEUM due?
- The return for tax year 2026 (the year ending December 31, 2026) is due May 17, 2027. Form 8868 extends it by six months; the 990-N cannot be extended.
- When did SCIENCENTER DISCOVERY MUSEUM last file with the IRS?
- The latest return in the IRS public files is the 990 for the year ended December 2025.
- Who is the principal officer of SCIENCENTER DISCOVERY MUSEUM?
- The 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025 names MICHELLE KORTENAAR.
- Who are the officers and directors of SCIENCENTER DISCOVERY MUSEUM?
- The 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025 lists 21 people; 2 received compensation from the organization, the highest $168,560 (MICHELLE KORTENAAR, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR).
- How much revenue does SCIENCENTER DISCOVERY MUSEUM have?
- On its 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025 it reported revenue of $4,119,756, expenses of $3,040,925 and total assets of $14,188,458 at year end.
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- CENTER FOR THE ARTS AT ITHACA INC EIN 16-0902355 · last filed 990 for 2024
- SEVENTH ART CORPORATION OF ITHACA EIN 16-1596844 · last filed 990 for 2024
- OPUS ITHACA SCHOOL OF MUSIC INC EIN 90-0760945 · last filed 990 for 2025
- KITCHEN THEATRE COMPANY INC EIN 16-1443072 · last filed 990 for 2025
- COMMUNITY ARTS PARTNERSHIP OF TOMPKINS COUNTY INC EIN 16-1384455 · last filed 990 for 2025
- ITHACA VOICE EIN 46-5495365 · last filed 990 for 2025
- COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF MUSIC & ARTS EIN 16-0877976 · last filed 990 for 2024
All nonprofits in ITHACA · New York · Arts, culture and humanities