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Core Skills Institute

EIN 85-3804188 · Olathe, KS

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood74 out of 100GovernanceGood84 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Our mission is to enhance workforce readiness by providing verifiable, rigorous, skills-based assessments and digital micro-credentials that employers can trust.

Income
$316,918
Spending
$317,377
Spent on programs
70%
Reserves
3.4 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 70%
Employees
4
Volunteers
100
Highest pay
$110,000, ceo

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 74 out of 100. Higher than 43% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 3.4 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 24% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 0% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 47% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    70% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 12 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Good: 84 out of 100. Higher than 74% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    5 of 5 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

    0 of 7

    Reports no 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

    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 June 30, 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. $129,708 spent. Performance-Based Bioscience Microcredentialing - Bioscience Core Skills Institute's primary program service is the development and delivery of performance-based microcredentials that validate hands-on bioscience and biomanufacturing laboratory skills. During the reporting year, BCSI expanded its credentialing activities across 27 states, supporting secondary schools, community colleges, universities, and workforce training programs serving students and early-career professionals. BCSI credentials are awarded through direct observation and standardized assessment using industry-aligned rubrics. Participating education and training programs consistently report that BCSI microcredentials provide graduates with a competitive advantage in employment and internship placement, and improve instructional quality by clarifying proficiency expectations. Programs also report measurable improvements in student preparedness and confidence following assessment. During the reporting period, BCSI partnered with dozens of education and workforce programs and credentialed approximately 30-45 students per program annually, depending on program size and scope. BCSI does not provide grants to individuals; program services are delivered through assessment, credential issuance, evaluator training, and technical assistance.
  2. $65,911 spent. Certified Evaluator Training and Quality Assurance - BCSI's second largest program service is the training and certification of bioscience educators and industry professionals as Certified Evaluators. This program ensures national consistency, quality assurance, and scalability of BCSI's assessment model. During the reporting year, BCSI trained and supported a growing national network of Certified Evaluators who administer hands-on skills assessments using standardized protocols. Evaluator training includes assessment calibration, rubric interpretation, professionalism, and data integrity. This program enables local delivery of assessments while maintaining national standards. Certified Evaluators support testing across high schools, colleges, workforce programs, and employer sites, increasing access to validated skills assessment while reducing geographic and cost barriers for learners.
  3. $25,316 spent. Workforce Alignment, Partnerships, and Field Expansion - BCSI's third largest program service focuses on workforce alignment, industry engagement, and expansion into new regions. During the reporting year, BCSI expanded program delivery in multiple states, including Michigan and Virginia, and deepened partnerships with industry, economic development organizations, and national workforce initiatives. This work ensures that credential standards remain aligned to real job requirements and that regional training programs are connected to employer needs. BCSI also contributes technical expertise to workforce initiatives and convenings focused on skills-based hiring and workforce readiness. In recognition of its community impact and service to the bioscience ecosystem, BCSI received the Heartland Award for Community Service from BioKansas during the reporting year.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 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 June 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 June 2021.

    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.