The Oceanography Society

EIN: 521563085 501(c)(3)

Rockville, MD

Total Revenue
$582,517
Total Expenses
$552,757
Total Assets
$468,184
Net Assets
$440,010
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Financial Vulnerability Assessment (Tuckman-Chang)

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Financial Trends

Organization Details

Formation Year
1988
Legal Domicile
MD
Principal Officer
Paula Bontempi
Phone
3012517708
Tax Period
2024-10-01 to 2025-09-30

The Oceanography Society, founded in 1988, is a small nonprofit that reported $583K in total revenue in fiscal year 2024. Revenue fell 30% from the prior year — a significant decline worth monitoring. Expenses of $553K left a modest 5% surplus.

Mission

The Oceanography Societys mission is to build the capacity of its diverse global membership; catalyze interdisciplinary ocean research, technology, policy, and education; and promote equitable access to opportunities for all.

Program Service Accomplishments

Program 1
Expenses: $211,367 Revenue: $89,005

Publication of Oceanography magazine which contains peer-reviewed articles that chronicle all aspects of ocean science and its applications. It is published in March, June, September, and December in...

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Publication of Oceanography magazine which contains peer-reviewed articles that chronicle all aspects of ocean science and its applications. It is published in March, June, September, and December in online and paper format. Additionally, extra copies of any article will be produced upon request. Membership fees entitle members to the quarterly publications as well as certain other benefits.

Program 2
Expenses: $154,448 Revenue: $225,159

TOS sponsors meetings and conferences to disseminate knowledge and promote communication among oceanographers.

Program 3
Expenses: $7,760 Revenue: $0

TOS manages seven award programs. The Jerlov Award is given in recognition of contributions made to the advancement of our knowledge of the nature and consequences of light in the ocean. The Walter...

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TOS manages seven award programs. The Jerlov Award is given in recognition of contributions made to the advancement of our knowledge of the nature and consequences of light in the ocean. The Walter Munk Medal is awarded biennially by The Oceanography Society to an individual ocean scientist for extraordinary accomplishments and novel insights in the area of physical oceanography, ocean acoustics, or marine geophysics. The Fellows program recognizes individuals who have attained eminence in oceanography through their outstanding contributions to the field of oceanography or its application during a substantial period of years. The Broecker Medal is given for sustained innovative, and impactful contributions to original research in the areas of marine geoscience, chemical oceanography, or paleoceanography, along with outstanding contributions to education and mentorship in the field. The Early Career Award is presented biennially to up to three TOS members for having demonstrated extraordinary scientific excellent and potential to shape the future of oceanography. The Mentoring Award is given biennially to an individual ocean scientist for excellence and/or innovation in mentoring the next generation of ocean scientists. The Mary Sears Medal is given biennially to an individual ocean scientist who has made sustained, innovative, and impactful contributions to original research in the areas in the areas of biological oceanography, marine biology, or marine ecology, along with outstanding contributions to education and mentorship in the field.

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Trantor Score

Financial Health Score (300–850) · Liquidity · Solvency · Sustainability · Efficiency

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Liquidity (40%) • Solvency (30%) • Sustainability (20%) • Efficiency (10%)

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Financial Overview (2024)

Revenue Breakdown

Contributions & Grants $264,691
Program Service Revenue $314,164
Investment Income $20
Other Revenue $3,642
TOTAL REVENUE $582,517

Expense Breakdown

Grants Paid $0
Salaries & Benefits $192,620
Fundraising Expenses $2,786
Program Expenses $373,575
Other Expenses $360,137
TOTAL EXPENSES $552,757

Year-over-Year Comparison

2024 2023 Change
Revenue $582,517 $830,295 -0.3%
Expenses $552,757 $903,433 -0.4%
Net Income $29,760 $-73,138 -1.4%
Key Indicators
Grants to Organizations Grants to Individuals Lobbying Political Activity Foreign Activities Donor Advised Fund Schedule B Required
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Governance

Voting Members
15
Independent Members
15
Employees
2
Volunteers
23

Governance Policies

Conflict of Interest Policy
Whistleblower Policy
Document Retention Policy

Special Practices & Reported Activities

Operated a School
Operated a Hospital
Provided First Class Travel
Reported Conflict of Interest
Reported Asset Diversion
Excess Benefit Transaction
Made Political Expenditures
Engaged in Lobbying
Operated Donor Advised Fund
Maintained Art Collections
Filed Form 720

Compensation of Officers, Directors & Key Employees

Total Officers
7
$143,824
Total Directors
19
$0
Key Employees
0
$0
Highest Compensated
0
reported
Name Title Hours/Week Role Reportable Comp Other Comp Total
Jennifer Ramarui Executive Director 35.00
Officer
$143,824 $0 $143,824
Paula Bontempi President 2.00
Officer Director
$0 $0 $0
Heidi Dierssen President-Elect 2.00
Officer Director
$0 $0 $0
Deborah Bronk Past President 2.00
Officer Director
$0 $0 $0
Leilani Arthurs Council 2.00
Director
$0 $0 $0
Mona Behl Council 2.00
Director
$0 $0 $0
Laura Guertin Council 2.00
Director
$0 $0 $0
Andone Lavery Council 2.00
Director
$0 $0 $0
Moronke Harris Council 2.00
Director
$0 $0 $0
Emily Lemagie Council 2.00
Director
$0 $0 $0
Jon Lewis Council 2.00
Director
$0 $0 $0
Josette McLean Council 2.00
Director
$0 $0 $0
Anna Michel Council 2.00
Director
$0 $0 $0
Jun Nishioka Council 2.00
Director
$0 $0 $0
Leonard Pace Council 2.00
Director
$0 $0 $0
Hilary Palevsky Council 2.00
Director
$0 $0 $0
Grace Saba Council 2.00
Director
$0 $0 $0
Eric Wade Council 2.00
Director
$0 $0 $0
Jeremy Werdell Council 2.00
Director
$0 $0 $0
Sheri White Council 2.00
Director
$0 $0 $0
Susan Banahan Treasurer 2.00
Officer
$0 $0 $0
Allison Miller Secretary 2.00
Officer
$0 $0 $0
Ellen Kappel Director of Publications 2.00
Officer
$0 $0 $0
Note: Compensation data is self-reported by the organization on their Form 990. "Reportable Comp" includes salary, bonuses, and other reportable compensation from the organization and related organizations. "Other Comp" includes benefits, deferred compensation, and non-taxable benefits.

Historical Data

Year Revenue Expenses Assets Net Income
2025 $582,517 $552,757 $468,184 $29,760
2024 $830,295 $903,433 $681,309 $-73,138
2023 $339,662 $605,275 $528,712 $-265,613
2022 $937,961 $590,674 $792,831 $347,287
2021 $389,175 $520,289 $447,209 $-131,114
2020 $596,473 $601,599 $557,220 $-5,126
2019 $671,348 $784,388 $591,135 $-113,040
2018 $714,419 $543,077 $849,016 $171,342
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