ASTERION FOUNDATION, INC.
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA

Asterion Foundation™, also known as Asterion Foundation Inc., was born in Gainesville, Florida, back in September 2016. As a not-for-profit group under the IRS's Section 501(c)(3), they're all about boosting astronomy education and outreach through hands-on efforts. They do this by offering micro-grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 to diverse organizations like schools, universities, libraries, planetaria, observatories, and science clubs that share their passion for the stars. Right out of the gate in its first year, Asterion Foundation generously handed out over $10,000 in support and is on a mission to double these efforts each year. Teamwork seems to be their secret sauce: collaborations with places like Kika Silva Pla Planetarium and Alachua County Library District have been pivotal. By supplying solar viewers to the folks in Alachua County, they've brought celestial wonders right into community hands. This foundation isn't just about funding; it's about building bridges across different astronomy communities to create a unified front for public outreach-imagine connecting journalists and science enthusiasts under one roof! This strategic partnership plays a critical role in amplifying both accessibility and understanding of astronomy. For those digging into the administrative side, Asterion Foundation is officially registered in Florida with File Number N16000008620 as a DOMNP (Domestic Not for Profit Corporation). Their HQ? You can find them at 5745 SW 75TH STREET #288 in Gainesville, FL. They've had their ups and downs-like being reinstated on January 28, 2018-but keep chugging along, regularly sharing updates like the annual report from March 19, 2024. With a FEIN of 81-3637970 and leaders like President Michael Toomey, Secretary/Director Janna Underhill, and Director Lawrence Friedberg at the helm, they're quite serious about their mission.