The Franklin Institute

Philadelphia, PA · Founded 1928

Leading science museum inspiring passion for learning and innovation

Primary audience
General Public
Work area
Arts & Culture
Topic
Cultural Programs
Contact
Larry Dubinski

About Organization

Based in Philadelphia, PA, The Franklin Institute engages visitors with interactive science exhibitions, educational programs, and cutting-edge research. Founded in 1824, the museum reported $60.5 million in revenue for 2023, serving over 750,000 annual visitors with hands-on exhibits, planetarium shows, and STEM education programs delivered by 321 employees and 425 volunteers.

What They Focus On

Artistic Excellence

Presents quality performances, exhibitions, and programs featuring professional artists and high artistic standards engaging audiences.

Community Engagement

Expands arts access through education programs, outreach initiatives, and efforts reaching diverse community audiences.

Cultural Leadership

Serves as regional cultural resource promoting artistic vitality and contributing to quality of life through arts programming.

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2024)

$51.2M

+0% vs 2024

Assets (2024)

$226.4M

+0% vs 2024

Year Revenue Expenses Assets Employees
2024
2024 $51,159,403 $34,570,608 $226,419,270 222
2023
2023 $39,597,836 $31,213,719 $189,649,707 218
2022
2022 $36,043,314 $28,062,151 $173,411,426 248
2020
2020 $25,055,602 $26,409,211 $180,641,558 323
2019 $47,708,877 $41,662,901 $166,266,350 441
2018 $40,175,651 $38,959,955 $152,099,662 480

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

How They Work

Learn more
  • 01

    Develop Programs

    Plan artistic seasons, exhibitions, and programs featuring quality content aligned with mission and audience interests.

  • 02

    Present Arts

    Produce performances, exhibitions, and artistic experiences through professional staff and qualified artists.

  • 03

    Engage Audiences

    Market programs, sell tickets, and cultivate audiences through communications and community outreach activities.

  • 04

    Evaluate Impact

    Assess audience response, artistic quality, and community impact to improve programming and organizational effectiveness.

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by The Franklin Institute

Performances

Presents concerts, theatrical productions, and artistic performances showcasing professional artists and cultural excellence.

Exhibitions

Displays visual art exhibitions, collections, and installations engaging audiences with diverse artistic expressions.

Education Programs

Delivers arts education classes, workshops, and learning experiences developing artistic skills and cultural appreciation.

Community Access

Removes barriers to arts participation through outreach programs, free events, and initiatives serving diverse audiences.

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind The Franklin Institute.

LD

Larry Dubinski

President & CEO
Full-time
Compensation: $997,884
DW

Darryl Williams

SVP Of Science & Education & Hr
Full-time
Compensation: $312,906
AB

Abigail Bysshe

Chief Experience & Strategy Officer
Full-time
Compensation: $295,836
JT

Joseph Torrieri

Director Of It
Full-time
Compensation: $164,155
EB

Elbert Black

Director Of Finance
Full-time
Compensation: $146,329
CS

Casey Satell

Director Of Institutional Giving
Full-time
Compensation: $140,924
DP

Derrick Pitts

Chief Astronomer
Full-time
Compensation: $139,158
JT

Janie Tsang

Director Of Marketing
Full-time
Compensation: $130,309
LD

Larry Dubinski

President & CEO
RS

Rebekah Sassi

VP External Affairs
Full-time
Compensation: $273,445
EA

Erin Armstrong

VP Mkt Comm. & Digital Med
Full-time
Compensation: $227,153
CR

Chris Rizzo

VP Of Business Operations
Full-time
Compensation: $215,034
MH

Mark Harmon

VP Of Operations
Full-time
Compensation: $196,614
KD

Keith Doughty

VP Of Finance
Full-time
Compensation: $189,871
SS

Stefanie Santo

Dir Of Media Relations & Communications
Full-time
Compensation: $130,532

Milestones

1950

Organization Founded

1950

Established to present artistic programs and serve as cultural resource for community audiences.

2024

Current Operations

2024

Operating with $51.2M in revenue and 0 staff presenting artistic programs.

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

AH
Alexandra Hay Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
AA
Andrea Anania Stewart Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
AB
Anthony Bucci Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
BK
Barbara Klock Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
CR
Charisse R Lillie ESQ Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
CF
Chris Fralic Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
CF
Chris Franklin Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
CM
Christopher McIsaac Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
DE
Donald E Morel Jr PHD Trustee Emeritus 1.00 hrs/week
DR
Doug Raymond Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
EH
Elizabeth H Gemmill Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
FE
Frances E Jensen MD Facp Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
GC
Geoffrey Cook Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
GG
Grete Greenacre Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
HA
Hallee Adelman Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
HL
Harold L Yoh III Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
IW
Ian Wright Trustee, Ex Officio 1.00 hrs/week
JN
Joan N Stern ESQ Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
JG
Josh Gross Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
JD
Julia Dranoff Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
KF
Karen Flynn Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
KZ
Karen Zimmer MD PHD Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
LB
Lynn Breen Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
MI
Maria Iavarone Ph D Trustee, Ex Officio 1.00 hrs/week
MD
Mark Dichter Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
MZ
Matthew Zelesko Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
MB
Maureen Brennan-Miller Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
MA
Michael A Innocenzo Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
MC
Michael Corrigan Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
MJ
Michael J Nemeroff Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
MM
Mike Middleman Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
MG
Miriam G Mandell Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
NA
Nina Ahmad Trustee, Ex Officio 1.00 hrs/week
NK
Nyla Koncurat Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
OK
Obra Kernodle Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
PO
Paul Offit MD Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
PK
Peter K Classen Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
RB
Renee B Booth PHD Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
RH
Richard Henriques Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
RJ
Robert J Moore Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
RS
Robert S McMenamin Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
SH
Samuel Hamilton Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
SG
Sandra G Marshall Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
SK
Sandra K Baldino Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
SE
Stephen E Kelly Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
SB
Suchit Bachalli Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
SB
Suzanne Boda Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
TH
The Honorable Cherelle Parker Trustee, Ex Officio 1.00 hrs/week
TH
The Honorable Josh Shapiro Trustee, Ex Officio 1.00 hrs/week
TH
The Honorable Kenyatta Johnson Trustee, Ex Officio 1.00 hrs/week
TL
Thomas Lynch Chair 1.00 hrs/week
TC
Tom Carmanico Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
TB
Tony B Watlington Sr Edd Trustee, Ex Officio 1.00 hrs/week
VA
Vincent Amatulli Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
WH
Wade H Berrettini MD PHD Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
WR
William R Hite Trustee 1.00 hrs/week

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Executive Compensation

Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990

Total Reported (2024)

$4.1M

Highest Paid

$1.1M

Larry Dubinski

Compensated Officers

14

Name Title Base Other Total Hrs/Wk
Larry Dubinski President & CEO $997,884 $65,705 $1,063,589 37.5
Darryl Williams SVP Of Science & Education & HR $312,906 $28,293 $341,199 37.5
Abigail Bysshe Chief Experience & Strategy Officer $295,836 $29,856 $325,692 37.5
Rebekah Sassi VP External Affairs $273,445 $50,016 $323,461 37.5
Chris Rizzo VP Of Business Operations $215,034 $46,153 $261,187 37.5
Erin Armstrong VP Mkt COMM. & Digital MED $227,153 $27,174 $254,327 37.5
Mark Harmon VP Of Operations $196,614 $45,233 $241,847 37.5
Joseph Torrieri Director Of IT $164,155 $43,389 $207,544 37.5
Keith Doughty VP Of Finance $189,871 $13,963 $203,834 37.5
Elbert Black Director Of Finance $146,329 $29,371 $175,700 37.5
Derrick Pitts Chief Astronomer $139,158 $34,931 $174,089 37.5
Casey Satell Director Of Institutional Giving $140,924 $30,237 $171,161 37.5
Janie Tsang Director Of Marketing $130,309 $36,807 $167,116 37.5
Stefanie Santo DIR Of Media Relations & Communications $130,532 $9,678 $140,210 37.5

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.

Individual Political Donors

People from this organization who contributed to political campaigns

$200 Total Given
Democratic $200 (100%)
2 Contributions
$100 Avg Each

Top Individual Donors

1 Individual Donor
JD
Jayatri Das 2 contributions • $100 avg
$200

Quick Insights

🏆
Most Active Donor Jayatri Das with 2 contributions
💰
Highest Avg per Contribution Jayatri Das at $100 each
🎯
Top Recipient ACTBLUE — $100

Data from Federal Election Commission • Individual contributions only

Partners & Funders

Grant funding relationships from IRS Form 990 filings

$13.6M Grants Received
11 Organizations

Top Funders

11 total
CD
Catherine D Sharpe Charitable Trust 63960000
$13.3M
FI
Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund
$81K
SV
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
$50K
AO
American Online Giving Foundation Inc.
$41K
HF
Home For Orphans Of Odd Fellows
$30K
GD
Gs Donor Advised Philanthropy Fund
$30K
TA
The Ayco Charitable Foundation
$20K
CA
Charities Aid Foundation America
$10K
EL
Executive Leadership Council
$10K
MS
Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust Inc.
$10K
+1 more funders
Catherine D Sharpe Charitable Trust 63960000 Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund Silicon Valley Community Foundation American Online Giving Foundation Inc. Home For Orphans Of Odd Fellows Gs Donor Advised Philanthropy Fund The Ayco Charitable Foundation Charities Aid Foundation America Executive Leadership Council Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust Inc. American Endowment Foundation
Catherine D Sharpe Charitable Trust 63960000 Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund Silicon Valley Community Foundation American Online Giving Foundation Inc. Home For Orphans Of Odd Fellows Gs Donor Advised Philanthropy Fund The Ayco Charitable Foundation Charities Aid Foundation America Executive Leadership Council Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust Inc. American Endowment Foundation

Source: IRS Form 990 Schedule I filings. Amounts may span multiple tax years.

Lobbying Activity

Lobbying Disclosure Act registrations

Self-Lobbying
1 Registrations
1 Client
Yes Self-Lobbying

Clients 1 total

Benjamin Franklin Institute Of Technology
1 filing
Self

Source: Senate Office of Public Records — Lobbying Disclosure Act

Contact

Get in touch with The Franklin Institute

Social

Visit Website
222 North 20th Street Philadelphia, PA 19103