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WORLD SCIENCE FOUNDATION
NEW YORK, NY · EIN 432095418 · Form 990 · FY2023 · NTEE U20 · Science & Technology · Medium ($1M-$10M) · worldsciencefestival.com
revenue
$4.5M
expenses
$5.3M
net assets
$15.8M
employees
37
volunteers
40
program ratio
78%
mission · from form 990

TO ENGAGE AND SUSTAIN A GENERAL PUBLIC INFORMED BY THE SUBSTANCE OF SCIENCE, INSPIRED BY ITS WONDER, CONVINCED OF ITS VALUE AND PREPARED TO EXPLORE ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR THE FUTURE.

profile · synthesized from sources

The World Science Foundation produces large-scale public science events that combine scientific content with theatrical and artistic elements to engage a broad general audience. Based in New York City, it creates live and digital experiences featuring prominent scientists and cultural figures, aiming to make complex scientific ideas accessible and inspiring. The organization operates primarily through its annual World Science Festival and related touring performances.

named programs · 7 · from sources

What they call their work

Awakening the Mind
Multi-media tribute to neurologist Oliver Sacks, produced in partnership with the Oliver Sacks Foundation, exploring his life and work through music, image, and language
City of Science
STEM outreach program bringing science activities to children across all five boroughs of New York City
Dear Albert
Stage reading by Alan Alda featuring Einstein's letters, humanizing the scientist and illuminating his scientific insights through first-hand accounts
Icarus at the Edge of Time
Full-orchestral multimedia work by Philip Glass and Brian Greene that reimagines the Icarus myth through the lens of modern physics, taking audiences on a journey involving a black hole
Light Falls: Space, Time and An Obsession Of Einstein
Theatrical work combining science and performance art to trace Einstein's development of the General Theory of Relativity, featuring state-of-the-art animation and projection techniques
Radiance: The Passion of Marie Curie
Theatrical exploration of Marie Curie's life, combining her scientific achievements with her personal story of intellectual and emotional passion
World Science Festival
Annual multi-day event in New York City featuring discussions, debates, performances, and interactive explorations that bring scientific discoveries to a broad public audience
activities · 6 groups

What they do

  • Hands-On STEM Education Programs 1 activity
    • Delivers STEM education programs for K–12 students and educators
      Operates the City of Science program, offering hands-on science activities for children across all five boroughs of New York City, including annual events in Brooklyn and the Bronx at Lehman College. Also runs a pre-college program for NYC high school students and teachers featuring in-person and online interactions with leading scientists.
  • Membership Program Administration 1 activity
    • Engages public through membership and community programs
      Operates a membership program that offers supporters access to year-round science events, special invitations to members-only activities, and deeper engagement with the organization’s initiatives.
  • Leadership & Policy Dialogue Forums 1 activity
    • Facilitates public dialogue between students and scientists
      Hosts town hall-style discussions and live Q+A sessions connecting high school students with Nobel Laureates, presidential advisors, and other leading scientists to foster engagement and inspire interest in science careers.
  • Scientific Conference & Symposium Management 1 activity
    • Hosts World Science Festival events in New York and Brisbane
      Organizes and hosts the annual World Science Festival in New York City and the World Science Festival Brisbane since 2016, featuring public science discussions, debates, and interactive experiences. These events have reached over 4.1 million live visitors and generated more than 275 million digital views globally.
  • Recognition and Awards Programs 1 activity
    • Recognizes student achievement in science education
      Names high-achieving students as World Science Scholars, acknowledging their deep engagement with science learning and providing opportunities for advanced enrichment.
  • Uncategorized 3 activities
    • Produces digital science content and video library
      Maintains a comprehensive video library and produces original digital content including educational explainers, scientist profiles, thought-provoking programs, and short videos on topics such as physics, biology, neuroscience, space, and engineering. Includes series like #YourDailyEquation with Brian Greene and videos exploring the science of movie stunts and music’s effect on the brain.
    • Produces live and digital science engagement events
      Creates and produces live science-themed theatrical, symphonic, dance, and multimedia performances, as well as digital and broadcast programming, for audiences in New York City and internationally. Examples include "Light Falls," "Icarus at the Edge of Time," "Radiance: The Passion of Marie Curie," and "Awakening the Mind," which use storytelling, animation, and music to explore scientific concepts and figures.
    • Provides online science education through World Science U
      Operates World Science U, an online learning platform offering in-depth science courses taught by Nobel Laureates, renowned researchers, and master educators, making advanced scientific knowledge accessible to a global audience.
financials · form 990 · fy2023
revenue
Total revenue$4.50M
Contributions & grants$3.61M80%
Program service revenue$421K9%
Investment income$465K10%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$5.29M
Program expenses78%
Admin / overhead17%
Fundraising5%
Salaries & benefits$2.43M
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$19.32M
Cash$1.17M
Investments$11.44M
Liabilities$3.55M
Net assets$15.77M
Liquid reserves28.6 mo
5 years on record · 2019–2023 · YoY revenue +1.0%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2023

Who runs it

paid leadership · 7
NameTitleHours/wkCompensation
TRACY DAY CEO/SECRETARY 40 $237K
GILLIAN SMALL WSU PRESIDENT/DIRECTOR 40 $226K
DEREK BREUER SENIOR MOTION GRAPHICS VFX ANIMATOR 40 $171K
BRENDAN HERMES EXE. PRODUCER, WORLD SCIENCE STUDIOS 40 $152K
JOSH ZIMMERMAN LEAD EDITOR/ANIMATOR 40 $141K
JUDITH COX PRESIDENT/TREASURER 40 $122K
ROXANNE BRYAN DIR. OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION 40 $119K
board members · 5
  • ALAN ALDA — DIRECTOR
  • BRIAN GREENE — CHAIRMAN
  • EMILY MCKHANN — DIRECTOR
  • MIKE VRANOS — DIRECTOR
  • TAMSEN ANN ZIFF — DIRECTOR
relationships · 14

Who they work with

  • Brian Greene Partner — Collaborates with physicist Brian Greene on public science programming, including the #YourDailyEquation series and live discussions.
  • Brian Greene Partner — Distinguished scientist participating in the World Science Academy program.
  • Ellen Stofan Partner — Distinguished scientist participating in the World Science Academy program.
  • Facebook Partner — Platform used for public engagement and dissemination of updates
  • Gabriela González Partner — Distinguished scientist participating in the World Science Academy program.
  • Instagram Partner — Platform used for public engagement and dissemination of updates
  • Lee Berger Partner — Distinguished scientist participating in the World Science Academy program.
  • Lehman College Partner — Hosts the annual City of Science event in collaboration with the World Science Foundation.
  • Nora Volkow Partner — Distinguished scientist participating in the World Science Academy program.
  • Oliver Sacks Foundation Partner — Collaborated with the World Science Festival to produce the multimedia performance "Awakening the Mind" about Dr. Oliver Sacks.
  • Queensland Museum Network Partner — Hosts the annual World Science Festival Brisbane in partnership with the World Science Foundation.
  • The Abyssinian Baptist Church Choir Partner — Collaborates with the choir as a participant in events.
  • Twitter Partner — Platform used for public engagement and dissemination of updates
  • WNYC/NPR Partner — Features Jad Abumrad, host and creator of the WNYC/NPR radio series Radio Lab, as a participant.
strategies · 5

How they approach the work

Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.

  • Arts-Integrated Science Communication
    methodology: arts-integrated_science_communication
    By using performance arts and creative storytelling—including sound, music, and dance—the organization communicates complex scientific concepts, because artistic expression enables emotional and sensory engagement that enhances understanding and retention beyond verbal or textual explanation.
  • Cultural Integration of Science
    methodology: cultural-integration-of-science
    By embedding science within cultural and artistic contexts such as theater, dance, film, and music, the organization increases public engagement and accessibility, because presenting science through familiar and emotionally resonant cultural forms makes it more relatable and less intimidating than traditional academic formats.
  • Experiential Science Education
    methodology: experiential_science_education
    By using immersive, full-body experiences and interactive formats, the organization fosters deeper public understanding of science, because physical and sensory engagement leads to stronger cognitive and emotional connections to abstract scientific concepts.
  • Expert-Led Public Engagement
    methodology: expert-led public engagement
    By featuring leading scientists and mathematicians in public programs, the organization builds credibility and deepens public understanding, because audiences are more likely to engage with and trust complex scientific ideas when presented by authoritative, visionary figures.
  • Multiformat Science Communication
    methodology: multiformat_science_communication
    By delivering science content through a diverse mix of formats—including shorts, explainers, and profiles—the organization increases reach and engagement, because different audiences prefer different media types and learning rhythms, enhancing overall accessibility.