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Earth University Foundation

EIN 38-2920639 · Atlanta, GA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak44 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The Foundation's mission is to support the educational purposes and activities of EARTH University through financial assistance and related program support. - Provide financial assistance and other support for students attending EARTH University and for programs and initiatives that advance its educational mission. - Support an international nonprofit university focused on agricultural sciences, leadership development, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. - Advance the preparation of leaders with strong ethical values, social and environmental responsibility, and the skills to contribute to sustainable development and more prosperous, equitable communities. Through these activities, the Foundation furthers its charitable and educational purposes by expanding access to education and supporting leadership development and sustainable impact in communities worldwide.

Income
$7.6 million
Spending
$10.9 million
Spent on programs
88%
Reserves
0.8 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 73%
Employees
9
Volunteers
16
Highest pay
$295,711, executive director & cgdo

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: 44 out of 100. Higher than 9% of charities in its peer group (international, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    4 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 0.8 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 1% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 43% of income.

  • Income trend

    5 of 15

    Income fell 13% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    88% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 14 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

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 64% of charities in its peer group (international, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    10 of 10 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, 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 (2)
  1. $3.5 million spent. There were a number of projects and programs at EARTH University which received funding support from the Foundation. Among the most supported include Student Recruitment and Scholarships, Community Development Program, Research, Internship support, and Spanish Language Instruction. Such program support directly and indirectly benefited all 400+ students, as well as the communities surrounding the campus.
  2. $6.0 million spent. Most students attending EARTH University come from rural communities across Latin America, Africa, and the Caribbean. EARTH offers a four-year degree in agricultural sciences that integrates scientific and technical education with leadership, entrepreneurship, ethical values, and environmental and social responsibility. The Foundation helps secure funding for the University's financial aid program. In 2025, EARTH enrolled an average of 403 students from 41 countries, including 187 women (46%), with approximately 92% of students receiving full or partial scholarships. Of the 104 first-year students enrolled in 2025, 90 received financial aid.

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 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 July 1990.

    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.

  7. Could it be confused with another charity? Worth knowing.

    A much larger organization has a similar name: Indiana University Foundation (Bloomington, IN), EIN 35-6018940. If that is the one you meant, check the EIN before giving.

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