Summary
Organization name
SETI Institute
Tax id (EIN)
94-2951356
Categories
Science, Tech & Business
Address
339 BERNARDO AVE SUITE 200MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA 94043
The SETI Institute is a nonprofit scientific research organization dedicated to understanding the origin, evolution, and distribution of life and intelligence in the universe. Founded on the conviction that this question belongs to all of humanity, we combine rigorous science with broad public engagement — bringing the cosmos within reach of students, educators, and curious minds everywhere.
Our Impact
- 100+ scientists collaborating across disciplines at the Carl Sagan Center
- 500,000+ students and educators reached through STEM programs
- Research partnerships with NASA, the National Science Foundation, and institutions worldwide
- Programs active across six continents, serving a global audience
What We Do
Science & Research: At the heart of the SETI Institute is a team of more than 100 scientists asking one of the biggest questions in human history: is there life beyond Earth? They study planets that might support life, analyze signals from space that could indicate advanced civilizations, and explore extreme environments on Earth to understand just how far life can survive. They work hand-in-hand with NASA and other leading institutions — contributing to missions that study Mars, ocean-covered moons, and planets orbiting distant stars.
Education: We believe the next great discovery might come from a student in a classroom today. That's why we've built programs that bring real space science to more than half a million students, teachers, and community members worldwide. College students work directly alongside our researchers on active science projects. Community college educators get training and support to bring NASA science into their classrooms. And younger students — including Girl Scouts — get hands-on astronomy experiences that make space feel within reach.
Outreach: Science this exciting shouldn't stay inside a lab. We share our discoveries with the world through public lectures, weekly live conversations with our scientists, a creative Artist-in-Residence program that explores what cosmic discovery feels like, and a global community of citizen astronomers who contribute to real research. Whether you're a lifelong space enthusiast or just starting to look up, there's a place for you in this search.
Why give to SETI?
Few questions carry more weight than whether life exists beyond Earth. The SETI Institute pursues that question with scientific rigor, transparency, and a deep commitment to public engagement. Your donation directly funds telescope time, field research in extreme environments, student internships, and free educational resources available to anyone, anywhere.
Every gift — at any level — is part of the search.
Media gallery
Organization Data
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA 94043