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Sylvia Earle Alliance Mission Blue

EIN 26-1892969 · Napa, CA

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong93 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Explore protect the ocean by advancing public awareness of the oceans importance as Earths life support system, furthering scientific knowledge of ocean systems igniting public support for a network of MPAs--Hope Spots--Mission Blue aims to save and restore the ocean. Collectively, with the ocean community, our goal is 30 protection by 2030.

Income
$3.9 million
Spending
$3.4 million
Spent on programs
76%
Reserves
6.9 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 100%
Employees
8
Highest pay
$180,641, chief advancement officer

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 76% of charities in its peer group (science, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 6.9 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 12% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 13% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 121% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    76% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 13 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 68% of charities in its peer group (science, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    7 of 7 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (4)
  1. $853,318 spent. Hope Spot Program Mission Blue designates and supports ecologically significant ocean regions known as Hope Spots to promote marine conservation and community-led protection. Hope Spots are nominated by local scientists and advocates, then supported through capacity building, communications, science tools, and partnerships that drive measurable conservation outcomes. As of 2025, the Hope Spot Network includes 167 sites across 115 countries, spanning approximately 58 million square kilometers of ocean.
  2. $532,117 spent. The Science and Exploration Program strengthens Mission Blues data-driven conservation work. Through partnerships with Esri, universities, and research institutions, the program uses GIS technology, environmental DNA eDNA, and field expeditions to map biodiversity, track ocean health, and inform protection strategies. This science underpins Hope Spot designations, policy advocacy, and management planning. The program also hosts scientific workshops and supports data integration for the global Hope Spot Network.
  3. $618,058 spent. Communications, Education, and Advocacy Mission Blue raises global awareness of ocean conservation through storytelling, film, digital campaigns, and public events featuring Dr. Sylvia Earle and Hope Spot Champions. The organization engages millions worldwide through media partnerships, social platforms, and educational outreach to inspire behavioral change and support for marine protection. Mission Blue also participates in international policy forums such as the UN Ocean Conference and COP meetings to elevate the oceans role in climate action.
  4. Program Service Expenses 546,655, Grants and allocations 86,848, Revenue 0 The Policy Program advances Mission Blues strategic vision and advocacy toward securing lasting conservation outcomes for the organizations global network of Hope Spots. This includes developing relationships and facilitating engagement with governments, international bodies, and other key stakeholders to promote science-based marine protection. The policy team collaborates closely with the Hope Spots program to identify and leverage policy opportunities that advance legal recognition, improved management, and expanded protection across more than 160 Hope Spots worldwide.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since May 2008.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.