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Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
Also known as Frost Science
Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science reported $22.4 million in revenue and $31.5 million in expenses for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025. Of every $100 it spent, $84.91 went to program services, $11.71 to management and general costs and $3.38 to fundraising. Its largest source of revenue was program service revenue such as fees, sales and contracts: 78.6% of the total. The highest compensation it reported for one person was $417,646 (PRESIDENT & CEO). 12 people received more than $100,000 in reportable compensation. Revenue rose 62% between FY2020 and FY2025. Source: Form 990, FY2025.
Where $100 of spending went
The fiscal year ending September 30, 2025 · Form 990, Part IX, line 25 · total expenses $32MFor context, the median across 876 covered arts, culture & humanities charities: $79.98 programs, $13.89 management, $6.13 fundraising (medians computed separately, so they may not sum to $100).
Where $100 of revenue came from
The fiscal year ending September 30, 2025 · Form 990, Part VIII · total revenue $22MThe 990 scorecard · same measures for every charity, no grades
| Measure | FY2025 | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Program services Part IX 25(B) ÷ 25(A) | 84.9% | 78.5% |
| Management & general Part IX 25(C) ÷ 25(A) | 11.7% | 13.6% |
| Fundraising Part IX 25(D) ÷ 25(A) | 3.4% | 6.0% |
| Fundraising cost per $1 of contributions Part IX 25(D) ÷ Part VIII 1h | $0.25 | $0.10 |
| Contributions & grants share of revenue Part VIII 1h ÷ 12 | 19.3% | 57.5% |
| Government grants share of revenue Part VIII 1e ÷ 12 | 4.6% | 1.7% |
| Program service revenue share Part VIII 2g ÷ 12 | 78.6% | 20.8% |
| Highest reported compensation Part VII-A, columns D–F | $417,646 | $385,706 |
| Highest compensation as share of expenses Part VII-A ÷ Part IX 25(A) | 1.33% | 2.03% |
| People paid over $100,000 Part VII, line 2 | 12 | 8 |
| Net assets, in months of expenses Part X 33(B) ÷ monthly expenses | 69.4 | 36.6 |
| Independent voting board members Part VI 1a–1b | 25 of 25 | 100.0% |
A median is context, not a target: hospitals, universities, food banks and grantmakers spend in very different ways. What these measures can and can't tell you.
What the money paid for, in its own words
FY2025 · Form 990, Part III · the three largest programs by expenseAquarium and conservation - see schedule oaquarium and conservationthe aquarium at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of science (frost science) is central to the museum's mission, connecting visitors to south florida's marine ecosystems through interactive and science-based experiences. The aquarium is home to more than 10,000 animals representing over 300 species and is anchored by a 500,000-gallon gulf stream habitat. Across three levels, guests explore the adaptations of pelagic species, engage with ocean science, and experience a unique upward view through a 31-foot oculus lens. Live…
Educational programs and outreach - see schedule oeducational programs and outreacheducation and outreach remain essential to the mission of the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of science (frost science), expanding access to high quality STEM learning across south florida. The outreach team travels over 2,000 miles annually to bring hands on science experiences directly into schools, libraries, parks, and community centers. Programs include the frost science portable planetarium, which transforms community spaces into immersive astronomy experiences aligned with state standards and led by…
Exhibitions and public engagement - see schedule oexhibitions and public engagementexhibitions and public engagement define the visitor experience at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of science (frost science), reflecting the belief that science is essential to understanding the world, addressing global challenges, and shaping a sustainable future. Through immersive and interdisciplinary experiences, the museum inspires curiosity, innovation, and lifelong learning for audiences of all ages and backgrounds. The museum's permanent exhibitions explore topics ranging from the evolution of…
Highest reported compensation
FY2025 · Form 990, Part VII, Section A · roles as filed; names are in the filing, not here| Role | From this org | From related orgs | Other | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRESIDENT & CEO Officer, 40.00 hrs/week | $398,237 | $0 | $19,409 | $417,646 |
| COO Officer, 40.00 hrs/week | $317,757 | $0 | $36,774 | $354,531 |
| VP OF BIOLOGICAL PROGRAM Key employee, 40.00 hrs/week | $236,279 | $0 | $137 | $236,416 |
| SVP OF ADMINISTRATION Former, 40.00 hrs/week | $226,089 | $0 | $114 | $226,203 |
| VP OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS Officer, 40.00 hrs/week | $203,263 | $0 | $12,898 | $216,161 |
| VP OF TECHNOLOGY Key employee, 40.00 hrs/week | $178,066 | $0 | $18,989 | $197,055 |
| VP OF FINANCE Key employee, 40.00 hrs/week | $180,611 | $0 | $14,226 | $194,837 |
| VP OF EXHIBITION DESIGN & Highest compensated employee, 40.00 hrs/week | $144,143 | $0 | $12,425 | $156,568 |
12 people received more than $100,000 in reportable compensation from Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science (Part VII, line 2). Compensation of current officers, directors and key employees totaled $1.6M (Part IX, line 5).
6 years of filings
Form 990, Parts I, VII, IX and X · each row is that year's own filing, linkedGovernance answers, as filed
FY2025 · the organization's own yes/no answers; explanations, if any, are in Schedule O of the filing · what each means- Voting board members, and how many are independent Part VI, lines 1a–1b25 · 25 independent
- Audited financial statements Part XII 2bYes
- Conflict-of-interest policy Part VI 12aYes
- Whistleblower policy Part VI 13Yes
- Document retention policy Part VI 14Yes
- Independent process for top executive pay Part VI 15aYes
- Board given the 990 before filing Part VI 11aYes
- Family or business ties among insiders Part VI 2Yes
- Aware of a significant diversion of assets Part VI 5No
- Excess benefit transaction with an insider Part IV 25aNo
- Loans to or from insiders outstanding Part IV 26No
- Lobbying, or a 501(h) election in effect Part IV 4Yes
- Over $15,000 of professional fundraising services Part IV 18No
- Over $10,000 of activity outside the U.S. Part IV 14bNo
- Employees Part I, line 5347
- Volunteers Part I, line 6117
Largest outside contractors
FY2025 · Form 990, Part VII, Section B · businesses only| PRITCHARD SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT GROUP Housekeeping services | $870,121 |
| THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR CORPORATION Elevator maintenance services | $564,049 |
| A&A GROUP Advertising | $356,227 |
| CONSTELLATION CULINARY Catering | $345,561 |
| GRANDE EXHIBITIONS PTY LTD Touring exhibition | $321,520 |
Individuals listed as contractors are left out. 17 contractors were paid more than $100,000 in all.
Private foundation grants it received
17 private foundations reported grants to Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science totaling $579K on their tax year 2023 Form 990-PF returns. See which foundations, on WHOFUNDS.
Source: WHOFUNDS open grant graph, matched from Form 990-PF Part XV.
Correct a figure or respond
Every number above is copied from Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science's own Form 990. If one doesn't match the filing, that's our error and we'll fix it. If you work for Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, you can publish a response that is linked from this page.
Share or embed this breakdown
Of every $100 Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science spent in FY2025, $84.91 went to programs. The full breakdown, from its IRS Form 990:
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Similar-sized charities in this cause
- Worcester Art MuseumWorcester, MA · revenue $22M · programs 75.7% · FY2025
- Greater Columbus Arts CouncilColumbus, OH · revenue $22M · programs 88.7% · 2025
- Children's MuseumHouston, TX · revenue $22M · programs 77.0% · FY2025
- Salvador Dali MuseumSt Petersburg, FL · revenue $22M · programs 86.5% · FY2025
- Seattle OperaSeattle, WA · revenue $22M · programs 78.9% · FY2025
All arts, culture & humanities charities · Largest charities in Florida
Questions people ask
How much of Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science's spending goes to programs?
In the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science reported that 84.9% of its $31.5 million in expenses went to program services, 11.7% to management and general and 3.4% to fundraising (Form 990, Part IX).
How much does Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science pay its top executive?
The largest total compensation Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science reported for one person in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025 was $417,646, for the role of PRESIDENT & CEO (Form 990, Part VII, including compensation from related organizations and other compensation).
Where does Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science get its money?
Of $22.4 million in revenue in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, 19.3% came from contributions and grants (including 4.6% from government grants) and 78.6% from program service revenue (Form 990, Part VIII).
Is Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science a registered charity?
The IRS lists EIN 59-0854960 as a 501(c)(3) organization (publicly supported organization (509(a)(2))), and its records show contributions as tax-deductible. Form 990 filings on record here cover tax years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024. A filing shows what the organization reported; it doesn't by itself show whether a program works.
Sources
- FY2025: Form 990 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, object 202622299349302732 · read the filing
- FY2024: Form 990 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, object 202511889349301166 · read the filing
- FY2023: Form 990 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023, object 202432209349300433 · read the filing
- FY2022: Form 990 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, object 202312219349301461 · read the filing
- FY2021: Form 990 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2021, object 202242219349301669 · read the filing
- FY2020: Form 990 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2020, object 202131259349302903 · read the filing
All filings for EIN 59-0854960: ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer · IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search. Figures are as the organization reported them; we have not audited them.