Griffith Observatory Foundation

“The audit committee receives the tax return, reviews it and, if necessary, requests changes to be made. Copies of the return are provided to each board member for review and comment. Once any changes have been made, the return is signed and filed.”

“The conflict of interest policy is processed annually and if a conflict arises it is discussed and, if necessary, brought to the board for review.”

“The organization's board executive committee determines the executive director's salary and other salaries on an annual basis based on the review of comparative data.”

“The governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and audited financial statements are available upon request at the offices of the organization.”

“Developing and sustaining engaging programs: the foundation provides ongoing support to develop, innovate, and sustain programs and facilities serving millions of visitors annually. This includes: bringing new programs to life: * pacific standard universe - with support from the getty museum, the foundation supported the production and launch of this original educational film, which blended science and storytelling to captivate audiences worldwide. * live online programming of astronomical events - expanding griffith observatory's global reach, making astronomy education accessible to audiences beyond los angeles. * live in-person programming both on-site and off-site - continuing support of griffith observatory's long-running all space considered presented before a live audience at the observatory. Completion of the new above presentations focusing on novel use of the samuel oschin planetarium and its authentic representation of the sky at night. Tours to remote locations like texas and mexico to experience astronomical events like total solar eclipses. Advancing technology & infrastructure: * technology and program support - sustaining the specialized staffing and technology that power griffith observatory's dynamic programming. * celestial globe - funding the development of a new exhibit to engage visitors. * wi-fi installation - bringing free public wi-fi to griffith observatory enhances visitors' digital engagement. Preserving the observatory's legacy: * archive project - completing phase one of a five-year plan to catalog and preserve griffith observatory's extensive historical collections, ensuring public access to its 90-year history. * communications support staff and volunteer support for content, communications and social media to expand the observatory's presence in the community.”

“Enhancing and preserving community spaces: the foundation is critical in ensuring griffith observatory's public spaces remain accessible, modern, and engaging. In 2024, we achieved a significant milestone by renovating the leonard nimoy event horizon (lneh) theater's sound system, a project fully managed by foundation staff. Lneh is a widely used community space that serves as: * a public education venue where visitors can participate in inspiring astronomy programming. * a gathering space for our communities, including the los angeles astronomical society. * a hands-on learning environment for the "build a comet" portion of the fifth-grade programa unique science experience where students see the materials that make up comets. The theater improvements transformed the space into a more immersive and engaging experience for audiences of all ages. The next phase of its renovation will begin in 2026.”

“Expanding access to science education: griffith observatory foundation fully funds all staffing, materials, and equipment for griffith observatory's fifth-grade in-person and online school programs. These free s.t.e.a.m. (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) educational experiences are designed to meet california state board of education science standards and serve: * up to 27,000 fifth-grade students annually in person at griffith observatory. * up to 100,000 students through the on-line program, which is delivered live by observatory staff, reaching classrooms beyond los angeles. * the majority of in-person participants come from title i schools recognizing that transportation costs are a barrier for many students, the foundation also provides funding for bus scholarships, allowing los angeles unified school district title i schools to participate in the in-person school program at no cost.”