Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ.
Go to
www.irs.gov/Form990 for instructions and the latest information.
| (i) Name of supported organization | (ii) EIN | (iii) Type of organization (described on lines 1- 10 above (see instructions)) | (iv) Is the organization listed in your governing document? | (v) Amount of monetary support (see instructions) | (vi) Amount of other support (see instructions) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | No | |||||
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Total |
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Calendar year
(or fiscal year beginning in)
![]() |
(a) 2020 | (b) 2021 | (c) 2022 | (d) 2023 | (e) 2024 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grant.") .. | ||||||
| 2 | Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf .... | ||||||
| 3 | The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge.. | ||||||
| 4 | Total. Add lines 1 through 3 | ||||||
| 5 | The portion of total contributions by each person (other than a governmental unit or publicly supported organization) included on line 1 that exceeds 2% of the amount shown on line 11, column (f) .. | ||||||
| 6 | Public support. Subtract line 5 from line 4. | ||||||
Calendar year
(or fiscal year beginning in)
![]() |
(a) 2020 | (b) 2021 | (c) 2022 | (d) 2023 | (e) 2024 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Amounts from line 4.. | ||||||
| 8 | Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources... | ||||||
| 9 | Net income from unrelated business activities, whether or not the business is regularly carried on.. | ||||||
| 10 | Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part VI.).. | ||||||
| 11 | Total support. Add lines 7 through 10 | ||||||
Calendar year (or fiscal
year beginning in) ![]() |
(a) 2020 | (b) 2021 | (c) 2022 | (d) 2023 | (e) 2024 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") . | 3,288,793 | 2,314,296 | 3,386,078 | 4,461,000 | 4,312,864 | 17,763,031 |
| 2 | Gross receipts from admissions, merchandise sold or services performed, or facilities furnished in any activity that is related to the organization's tax-exempt purpose | 15,924,919 | 12,985,889 | 37,081,410 | 11,405,913 | 11,621,356 | 89,019,487 |
| 3 | Gross receipts from activities that are not an unrelated trade or business under section 513 ..... | ||||||
| 4 | Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf... | ||||||
| 5 | The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge | ||||||
| 6 | Total. Add lines 1 through 5 | 19,213,712 | 15,300,185 | 40,467,488 | 15,866,913 | 15,934,220 | 106,782,518 |
| 7a | Amounts included on lines 1, 2, and 3 received from disqualified persons | 0 | |||||
| b | Amounts included on lines 2 and 3 received from other than disqualified persons that exceed the greater of $5,000 or 1% of the amount on line 13 for the year. | 8,715,929 | 6,777,843 | 3,341,954 | 3,851,504 | 4,035,704 | 26,722,934 |
| c | Add lines 7a and 7b.. | 8,715,929 | 6,777,843 | 3,341,954 | 3,851,504 | 4,035,704 | 26,722,934 |
| 8 | Public support. (Subtract line 7c from line 6.) | 80,059,584 | |||||
Calendar year
(or fiscal year beginning in)
![]() |
(a) 2020 | (b) 2021 | (c) 2022 | (d) 2023 | (e) 2024 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Amounts from line 6... | 19,213,712 | 15,300,185 | 40,467,488 | 15,866,913 | 15,934,220 | 106,782,518 |
| 10a | Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources.. | 1,712,028 | 1,316,653 | 1,611,536 | 2,226,926 | 2,234,755 | 9,101,898 |
| b | Unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 taxes) from businesses acquired after June 30, 1975. | ||||||
| c | Add lines 10a and 10b. | 1,712,028 | 1,316,653 | 1,611,536 | 2,226,926 | 2,234,755 | 9,101,898 |
| 11 | Net income from unrelated business activities not included on line 10b, whether or not the business is regularly carried on. | 10,835 | 11,266 | 11,661 | 7,671 | 820 | 42,253 |
| 12 | Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part VI.) .. | ||||||
| 13 | Total support. (Add lines 9, 10c, 11, and 12.).. | 20,936,575 | 16,628,104 | 42,090,685 | 18,101,510 | 18,169,795 | 115,926,669 |
| Section A - Adjusted Net Income | (A) Prior Year |
(B) Current Year (optional) |
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| 1 | Net short-term capital gain | 1 | ||||
| 2 | Recoveries of prior-year distributions | 2 | ||||
| 3 | Other gross income (see instructions) | 3 | ||||
| 4 | Add lines 1 through 3 | 4 | ||||
| 5 | Depreciation and depletion | 5 | ||||
| 6 | Portion of operating expenses paid or incurred for production or collection of gross income or for management, conservation, or maintenance of property held for production of income (see instructions) | 6 | ||||
| 7 | Other expenses (see instructions) | 7 | ||||
| 8 | Adjusted Net Income (subtract lines 5, 6 and 7 from line 4) | 8 | ||||
| Section B - Minimum Asset Amount | (A) Prior Year |
(B) Current Year (optional) |
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| 1 | Aggregate fair market value of all non-exempt-use assets (see instructions for short tax year or assets held for part of year): | 1 | ||||
| a | Average monthly value of securities | 1a | ||||
| b | Average monthly cash balances | 1b | ||||
| c | Fair market value of other non-exempt-use assets | 1c | ||||
| d | Total (add lines 1a, 1b, and 1c) | 1d | ||||
| e |
Discount claimed for blockage or other factors (explain in detail in Part VI): |
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| 2 | Acquisition indebtedness applicable to non-exempt use assets | 2 | ||||
| 3 | Subtract line 2 from line 1d | 3 | ||||
| 4 | Cash deemed held for exempt use. Enter 0.015 of line 3 (for greater amount, see instructions). | 4 | ||||
| 5 | Net value of non-exempt-use assets (subtract line 4 from line 3) | 5 | ||||
| 6 | Multiply line 5 by 0.035 | 6 | ||||
| 7 | Recoveries of prior-year distributions | 7 | ||||
| 8 | Minimum Asset Amount (add line 7 to line 6) | 8 | ||||
| Section C - Distributable Amount | Current Year | |||||
| 1 | Adjusted net income for prior year (from Section A, line 8, Column A) | 1 | ||||
| 2 | Enter 85% of line 1 | 2 | ||||
| 3 | Minimum asset amount for prior year (from Section B, line 8, Column A) | 3 | ||||
| 4 | Enter greater of line 2 or line 3 | 4 | ||||
| 5 | Income tax imposed in prior year | 5 | ||||
| 6 | Distributable Amount. Subtract line 5 from line 4, unless subject to emergency temporary reduction (see instructions) | 6 | ||||
| Section D - Distributions | Current Year | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Amounts paid to supported organizations to accomplish exempt purposes | 1 | |
|
2
Amounts paid to perform activity that directly furthers exempt purposes of supported organizations, in excess of income from activity |
2 | |
| 3 Administrative expenses paid to accomplish exempt purposes of supported organizations | 3 | |
| 4 Amounts paid to acquire exempt-use assets | 4 | |
| 5 Qualified set-aside amounts (prior IRS approval required - provide details in Part VI) | 5 | |
| 6 Other distributions (describe in Part VI). See instructions | 6 | |
| 7Total annual distributions. Add lines 1 through 6. | 7 | |
|
8
Distributions to attentive supported organizations to which the organization is responsive (provide details in Part VI). See instructions |
8 | |
| 9 Distributable amount for 2024 from Section C, line 6 | 9 | |
| 10 Line 8 amount divided by Line 9 amount | 10 | |
| Section E - Distribution Allocations (see instructions) |
(i) Excess Distributions |
(ii) Underdistributions Pre-2024 |
(iii) Distributable Amount for 2024 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Distributable amount for 2024 from Section C, line 6 | ||||
|
2
Underdistributions, if any, for years prior to 2024 (reasonable cause required-- explain in Part VI).
See instructions. |
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| 3 Excess distributions carryover, if any, to 2024: | ||||
| a From 2019....... | ||||
| b From 2020....... | ||||
| c From 2021....... | ||||
| d From 2022....... | ||||
| e From 2023....... | ||||
| fTotal of lines 3a through e | ||||
| g Applied to underdistributions of prior years | ||||
| h Applied to 2024 distributable amount | ||||
|
i
Carryover from 2019 not applied (see instructions) |
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| j Remainder. Subtract lines 3g, 3h, and 3i from line 3f. | ||||
| 4Distributions for 2024 from Section D, line 7: | ||||
| $ | ||||
| a Applied to underdistributions of prior years | ||||
| b Applied to 2024 distributable amount | ||||
| c Remainder. Subtract lines 4a and 4b from line 4. | ||||
|
5
Remaining underdistributions for years prior to 2024, if any. Subtract lines 3g and 4a from line 2. If the amount is greater than zero, explain in Part VI. See instructions. |
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6
Remaining underdistributions for 2024. Subtract lines 3h and 4b from line 1. If the amount is greater than zero, explain in Part VI. See instructions. |
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7 Excess distributions carryover to 2025. Add lines 3j and 4c. |
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| 8 Breakdown of line 7: | ||||
| a Excess from 2020..... | ||||
| b Excess from 2021..... | ||||
| c Excess from 2022..... | ||||
| d Excess from 2023..... | ||||
| e Excess from 2024..... | ||||
| Facts And Circumstances Test |
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| Return Reference | Explanation |
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| Software ID: | |
| Software Version: |
| Return Reference | Explanation |
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| Form 990, Part III, Line 4a, Program Service Accomplishments | Innovation Campus In 1963 the Science Center was built on the foundation of real estate at a time when labs and research facilities were needed for cross disciplinary and cross-institutional collaborations. Our focus on providing researchers and entrepreneurs with the resources to advance the commercialization of their technologies hasn't changed over the last 60 years. The way we serve them has evolved with the changing needs of the ecosystem and now includes a combination of physical space and programs to advance health and science innovation. Today, the Science Center owns laboratory and office space within the larger uCity Square campus developed in partnership with Wexford Science + Technology and Ventas, Inc. Additionally, the Science Center operates Quorum, a 15,000 square foot conference center and community space for Greater Philadelphia's innovation community. Quorum's two-pronged approach to convening includes a free 5,000 square foot drop-in lounge serving as an open workspace and informal meeting location and a 10,000 square foot meeting facility available to rent. In 2024, Quorum attracted over 14,000 participants to over 250 meetings and events. Since Quorum's inception in 2011, over 200,000 visitors have joined over 2,000 events on a wide array of business-related topics. uCity Square is a partnership that includes Wexford and Ventas and consists of 27 acres, 20 buildings, 200+ companies and over 15,000 people. |
| Form 990, Part III, Line 4b, Program Service Accomplishments | FirstHand STEM Education FirstHand The Science Center's FirstHand STEM education program offers free year-round, project-based learning experiences for middle and high school students in Philadelphia. Based out of a dedicated lab within uCity Square's innovation ecosystem, FirstHand's industry-informed curricula provides hands-on learning to see themselves as STEM enthusiasts and open their eyes to a breadth of STEM careers. Since the program launched in 2014, 2,867 middle and high school students from 107 schools across Philadelphia have been supported through multiweek programming. In 2024, FirstHand supported 345 students from 51 Philadelphia middle and high schools and engaged 121 mentors from 31 life sciences and healthcare companies. |
| Form 990, Part III, Line 4c, Program Service Accomplishments | COMMERCIALIZATION: Startup Support Programs Science Center startup support programs are focused on derisking health tech and life sciences startups with an emphasis on commercialization, customer discovery, and stakeholder engagement. This support creates a more direct path from innovation to market adoption and ultimately greater impact for the economy locally and healthcare globally. In 2024, the Science Center supported 63 founders and 57 startups who raised over $13.5M. Ninety percent of startup founders were undercapitalized (undercapitalized includes female, LGBTQ+, Race & Ethnicity other than White & Caucasian, disabled, served in the armed forces, low income, first-generation graduate, immigrant, and first-generation U.S. citizens - or a combination of those). Founders Fellowship The Founders Fellowship is designed to support emerging life sciences entrepreneurs focused on solutions for aging/Alzheimer's. The Fellows are embedded at the Science Center for 12 months with the first six working alongside startup companies to learn the fundamentals of running a business. The second six months give the Fellows an opportunity to apply those lessons learned when transforming their research into reality and developing a pathway to market. In 2024, the Science Center completed the second cohort, supporting four fellows, launched the third cohort of five fellows, and engaged 40 mentors and subject matter experts to enrich the fellows' understanding of entrepreneurship and the aging population. Each fellow receives a $50K stipend, access to lab space, and 12-months of business building support from the Science Center's vast network of subject matter experts. Capital Readiness Program The Capital Readiness Program helps health tech founders pursuing their first round of institutional investment confidently navigate the fundraising process. Over the course of a week, 10 startups undergo a due diligence deep divecovering financial, legal, technical, and operational considerations while sharpening their leadership skills. Startups receive direct feedback from active investors and healthcare stakeholders. In 2024, the Science Center successfully ran three Capital Readiness Program cohorts supporting 30 companies from around the world, convening 14 Investors-in-Residence and 22 subject matter experts. The March 2024 and June 2024 cohorts raised a total of $13.5M in 2024. To date, the Capital Readiness Program has supported 80 companies who have raised over $38M and attracted 29 investors to Philadelphia. SBIR/STTR Support In 2024 the Science Center doubled down on connecting entrepreneurs and startups with non-dilutive funding opportunities. SBIR/STTR webinars and in-person workshops focused on crafting competitive proposals tailored to the NIH's unique requirements and the Science Center's Technical and Business Assistance (TABA) services were introduced to support awardees with commercialization, marketing, and legal guidance. This tailored mentorship and strategic guidance empowers founders to identify and pursue not just any funding source, but the right funding opportunities. In 2024 the Science Center attracted over 50 attendees to two SBIR/STTR 101 webinars and two in-person intensive workshops. U.S. Market Access Program The US Market Access Program enables companies to get a foothold in the US healthcare market. In 2024 the Science Center continued its focus on cultivating top Israeli health technology startups for commercialization in the U.S. The Science Center partnered with Startup Nation Central to support 22 vetted Israeli startups with curriculum and connections related to U.S. investment, clinical trials and pilots, and stakeholder engagement. The Science Center has supported over 50 global companies since 2022 who have gone on to raise over $80M since participating in the U.S. Market Access Program, the majority of which have active ties to the U.S. market, including clinical trials, pilots, revenue-generating contracts, U.S. investors, and/or U.S.-based advisors or team members. Trend Weeks Science Center Trend Weeks provide a structured environment for key decision-makers in the healthcare sector to establish and strengthen relationships. Each Trend week focuses on a timely topic and consists of a curated Think Tank and Salon Dinner. These gatherings bring together diverse perspectives and generate meaningful conversation and actionable solutions. Trend Weeks engaged more than 200 local and national healthcare stakeholders around topics including Harnessing Technology for Greater Accessibility, Advancing Care Beyond Boundaries and Scalable Solutions that reach everyone quickly. Venture Cafe Philadelphia Part of the Venture Cafe Global Network, Venture Cafe Philadelphia connects a community of innovators through free, high-impact programming focused on innovation and entrepreneurship. The bi-weekly events regularly draw a diverse group of stakeholders across the Greater Philadelphia ecosystem. In 2024, Venture Cafe attracted 1,600 visitors and engaged over 70 speakers. Since it launched in 2019, Venture Cafe has attracted 34,000 participants to close to 300 Thursday Gatherings. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Section A, line 6 | The ownership of shares of the corporation is restricted to organizations qualified for exemption from federal income taxes under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Section A, line 7a | Annual Stockholder Meetings: In conjunction with each annual election of directors, the board of directors meets for the purpose of organization, election of a chairman of the Board and other officers, and the transaction of other business at the office of the corporation. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Section B, line 11b | The completed 990 is presented for review and discussion by the audit committee, and is subsequently made available to the entire board of directors. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Section B, line 12c | Each board member and executive employee is required to annually sign a conflict of interest disclosure form, indicating that he/she understands the policy and will alert the Organization should a conflict occur. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Section B, line 15 | The Science Center hired Career Concepts Inc. (CCI) in spring and summer 2024 to review CEO and executive compensation and provide benchmark information on salary and incentive compensation. An array of 501(c)(3) and for-profit benchmarks were included in the study in order to compare entities and their compensation structures that represented business and service operations of a comparable nature. The findings from the study were and have been incorporated into annual review and compensation planning for the CEO and her team. The executive committee of the board of directors annually reviews management compensation and approves all changes. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Section C, line 19 | A person requesting a copy of the governing documents etc. places his / her request with the secretary of the University City Science Center. Upon receipt of the request, the requested information is made available to the interested party. |
| Form 990, Part IX, line 11g | Other: Program service expenses 1,485,043. Management and general expenses 1,065,483. Fundraising expenses 0. Total expenses 2,550,526. |
| Form 990, Part XI, line 9: | Gain on swap valuation 412,813. |
| Form 990, Part XII, Line 2c | There has been no change during the current period by the Science Center in the audit oversight or independent auditor selection process. |
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