ASSOCIATION OF LUNAR AND PLANETARY OBSERVERS

EIN: 943123439 501(c)(3)

Simi Valley, CA

Total Revenue
$220,986
Total Expenses
$47,111
Total Assets
$1,630,667
Net Assets
$1,630,667
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Financial Trends

Organization Details

Formation Year
1990
Legal Domicile
CA
Principal Officer
Timothy J Robertson
Phone
2177933147
Tax Period
2025-01-01 to 2025-12-31

ASSOCIATION OF LUNAR AND PLANETARY OBSERVERS, founded in 1990, is a small nonprofit that reported $221K in total revenue in fiscal year 2025. Revenue surged 123% from the prior year, signaling strong growth momentum. The organization ran a surplus of $174K, a strong 79% operating margin.

Mission

Our organization supports education, outreach, and research in amateur astronomy. Our mission is to stimulate, coordinate, and generally promote the study of Solar System bodies and phenomena using methods and instrumentation commonly available to amateur astronomers worldwide.

Program Service Accomplishments

Program 1
Expenses: $19,709 Revenue: $12,745

Our organization publishes astronomical studies in a quarterly amateur astronomy journal for 400 paid members worldwide. This also includes electronic communications of astronomical literature and...

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Our organization publishes astronomical studies in a quarterly amateur astronomy journal for 400 paid members worldwide. This also includes electronic communications of astronomical literature and observational information and data through our website. Actual program revenue is $12,745 from Part VIII Line 2g. However, an additional $7,283 is derived partially from income from Part VIII, Line 1b and Line 3 which is income from our endowment fund.

Program 2
Expenses: $857 Revenue: $857

The ALPO manages amateur astronomy observing projects in support of professional astronomical research. Approximately 150 members contribute observational data in the reports published this year...

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The ALPO manages amateur astronomy observing projects in support of professional astronomical research. Approximately 150 members contribute observational data in the reports published this year. Expenses are attributed to a portion of office expenses, mainly postage for literature mailings and correspondence. Revenue for expenses of $857 was derived from Part VIII, Line 1b.

Program 3
Expenses: $11,591 Revenue: $11,591

The ALPO is involved in the participation and organization with national and regional amateur astronomy conferences where papers are presented and workshops conducted (approximately 60 persons...

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The ALPO is involved in the participation and organization with national and regional amateur astronomy conferences where papers are presented and workshops conducted (approximately 60 persons attended the annual meeting held online in 2025). Revenue for expenses of $824 was derived from Part VIII, Line 1b. Also, the ALPO is expanding its presence to other meeting venues hosted by both amateur and professional astronomical organizations as well as advertising its mission in leading publications. Revenue for expenses of $10,766 was derived from Part VIII, Line 3. These expenses are given on Part IX, Line 12.

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Trantor Score

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

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Financial Overview (2025)

Revenue Breakdown

Contributions & Grants $155,816
Program Service Revenue $12,745
Investment Income $52,425
Other Revenue $0
TOTAL REVENUE $220,986

Expense Breakdown

Grants Paid $0
Salaries & Benefits $0
Fundraising Expenses $0
Program Expenses $32,157
Other Expenses $47,111
TOTAL EXPENSES $47,111

Year-over-Year Comparison

2025 2024 Change
Revenue $220,986 $98,877 +1.2%
Expenses $47,111 $35,362 +0.3%
Net Income $173,875 $63,515 +1.7%
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
7
Independent Members
4
Employees
N/A
Volunteers
49

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
3
$0
Total Directors
12
$0
Key Employees
0
$0
Highest Compensated
0
reported
Name Title Hours/Week Role Reportable Comp Other Comp Total
Timothy J Robertson Executive Director, President, Chair Board Director, Publications Coord. 20
Officer Director
$0 $0 $0
Richard W Schmude Jr Assoc. Exec. Dir., Vice President, Board Director 20.00
Officer Director
$0 $0 $0
Matthew L Will Secretary, Treasurer, and Board Director 20.00
Officer Director
$0 $0 $0
Julius L Benton Jr Board Director 20
Director
$0 $0 $0
Carl Hergenrother Board Director 15.00
Director
$0 $0 $0
Robert D Lunsfords Board Director 10.00
Director
$0 $0 $0
Kennth T Poshedly Board Director 20.0
Director
$0 $0 $0
John R Bedsole Board Trustee, Chair 5.00
Director
$0 $0 $0
Matthew Benton Board Trustee 10
Director
$0 $0 $0
Larry A Hardy Board Trustee 2
Director
$0 $0 $0
Ronald N May Board Trustee 10
Director
$0 $0 $0
Ronald M Grafton Board Trustee 2
Director
$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 $220,986 $47,111 $1,630,667 $173,875
2024 $98,877 $35,362 $1,358,766 $63,515
2023 $847,111 $17,437 $1,275,130 $829,674
2019 $213,705 $12,369 $328,822 $201,336
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