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Earth Resources Innovation Institute Inc

EIN 33-4359910 · Golden, CO

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak24 out of 100GovernanceGood79 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

Points to look into

  • Only 37% of its spending went to programs.

These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.

What it says it does

To revitalize the minerals and mining workforce through hands-on, interdisciplinary training that connects education, innovation, and industry.

Income
$747,324
Spending
$217,283
Spent on programs
37%
Reserves
-74 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 94%
Employees
0
Volunteers
3
Highest pay
$50,000, executive director

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Weak: 24 out of 100. Higher than 2% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    0 of 35

    Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.

  • Debt

    5 of 20

    It owes 73% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 71% of income.

  • Spending floor

    0 of 15

    37% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 1 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Good: 79 out of 100. Higher than 65% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    18 of 25

    3 of 3 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

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • Independent check of accounts

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed 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, 2025, 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 (3)
  1. $40,102 spent. Field Programs and Drill Core Academy - The Earth Resources Innovation Institute (ERII) delivers workforce training programs designed to prepare students and early-career professionals for careers in mineral exploration and geoscience. These programs include immersive field-based training courses and the development of a dedicated Drill Core Academy, which provides hands-on experience in drill core logging, structural interpretation, alteration mapping, sampling protocols, and digital data management. Participants engage in applied learning in both field and simulated professional environments, working alongside industry professionals and academic mentors.These programs address critical workforce gaps in the mineral resources sector by equipping participants with practical, industry-relevant skills that are not typically accessible through traditional academic training, supporting career readiness in critical minerals and energy resource industries.
  2. $24,061 spent. Denver Mineral Exploration Symposium - ERII organizes and hosts the annual Denver Mineral Exploration Symposium (DMES), a professional event that convenes students, academics, and industry professionals to share knowledge, present research, and foster collaboration in mineral exploration. The symposium includes technical presentations, networking opportunities, and exhibitor participation, creating a platform for knowledge exchange and professional development within the geoscience community.This program strengthens connections between academia and industry, supports the dissemination of current research and best practices, and enhances access to professional networks for students and early-career geoscientists.
  3. $16,040 spent. Scholarships and Research Support - ERII supports research and innovation in geoscience through scholarships, mentorship, and applied research opportunities for students. The program provides financial assistance for graduate education, supports participation in field and training programs, and facilitates engagement in research projects focused on mineral exploration and resource development. ERII prioritizes international collaboration and supports students from diverse and underrepresented regions.This program advances geoscience research capacity, supports the development of future leaders in the field, and contributes to innovation in mineral exploration through the integration of education, research, and applied practice.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, 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 November 6, 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? Worth knowing.

    Recognized by the IRS in January 2026. It is too new to have a track record.

    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 November 4, 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.