Give.org logo
Support Give.org
Support Give.org
CHARITY REVIEW
Issued: September 2025 Expires: September 2027

Earthwatch Institute

Standards Not Met
Standards Not Met
6 7
(800) 776-0188
300 Washington Street, Suite 713
Newton, MA, 02458
http://earthwatch.org/
📄 Full Report 🖨️ Print 📋 BBB Charity Standards

Standards For Charity Accountability

Governance

  1. Board Oversight
  2. Board Size
  3. Board Meetings
  4. Board Compensation
  5. Conflict of Interest

Measuring Effectiveness

  1. Effectiveness Policy
  2. Effectiveness Report

Finances

  1. Program Expenses
  2. Fundraising Expenses
  3. Accumulating Funds
  4. Audit Report
  5. Detailed Expense Breakdown
  6. Accurate Expense Reporting
  7. Budget Plan

Fundraising & Info

  1. Truthful Materials
  2. Annual Report
  3. Website Disclosures
  4. Donor Privacy
  5. Cause Marketing Disclosures
  6. Complaints

Earthwatch Institute does not meet the following 2 Standards for Charity Accountability:

Standard 6 (Board Policy on Effectiveness)
Have a board policy of assessing, no less than every two years, the organization's performance and effectiveness and of determining future actions required to achieve its mission.

Earthwatch Institute does not meet this Standard because:

  • The organization's effectiveness assessment policy does not specify that this assessment will take place at least once every two years.

Standard 7 (Board Approval of Written Report on Effectiveness)
Submit to the organization's governing body, for its approval, a written report that outlines the results of the aforementioned performance and effectiveness assessment and recommendations for future actions.

Earthwatch Institute does not meet this Standard because:

  • The organization did not produce a written report outlining the results of its November 2024 effectiveness assessment.

Earthwatch Institute meets the remaining 18 Standards for Charity Accountability.

Stated Purpose:
"to connect people with scientists worldwide to conduct environmental research and empower them with the knowledge they need to conserve the planet."

Year, State Incorporated:
1972, MA

Earthwatch Institute seeks to empower volunteers to join scientists on research expeditions that tackle environmental challenges globally, including climate change, ocean health, and human-wildlife conflict. The organization reports working with various sectors of society, including corporations, teachers, students, and community leaders. Research is used to teach local residents how to improve their lives and livelihoods through sustainable business and development; inform state and local policymakers; and educate the organization's volunteer force on their impact and responsibilities as global citizens.

For the year ended September 30, 2024, Earthwatch Institute's program expenses were:

Program services: $4,008,304

Total Program Expenses: $4,008,304

Chief Executive
Ellen Meyer Shorb, Interim Chief Executive Officer

Chair of the Board
Leisha John

Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
Retired, Former Americas Director of Environmental Sustainability, EY

Board Size
13

Paid Staff Size
21

*2023 compensation includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.

Note: The compensation information for Ms. Meyer Shorb is not available. In 2023, the highest compensated employee was the former President and Chief Executive Officer, Gitte Venicx, who received $143,097.

Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Grant proposals, Internet, Radio, Special events

Fundraising costs were 8% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $3,963,331 are donations received as a result of fundraising activities.)

This organization is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes.

The following information is based on Earthwatch Institute's audited financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2024.

Source of Funds
Investment return, net $891,439
Contributions from domestic volunteers $2,056,225
Gifts and grants $1,743,673
Donated advertising $113,147
Contributions from overseas volunteers $50,286
Investment income $31,695
Other $4,462
Total Income $4,890,927

Programs: 77% Fundraising: 6% Administrative: 17%

Total Income $4,890,927
Total expenses: $5,218,402
  Program expenses $4,008,304
  Fundraising expenses $323,487
  Administrative expenses $886,611
  Other expenses $0
Income in Excess of Expenses $-327,475
Beginning Net Assets $3,854,527
Other Changes In Net Assets $0
Ending Net Assets $3,527,052
Total Liabilities $1,663,140
Total Assets $5,190,192

Note: According to Earthwatch Institute's audited financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2024, the organization received in-kind contributions totaling $113,147 in donated advertising.

An organization may change its practices at any time without notice. A copy of this report has been shared with the organization prior to publication. It is not intended to recommend or deprecate, and is furnished solely to assist you in exercising your own judgment. If the report is about a charity and states the charity meets or does not meet the Standards for Charity Accountability, it reflects the results of an evaluation of information and materials provided voluntarily by the charity. The name Better Business Bureau is a registered service mark of the International Association of Better Business Bureaus.

This report is not to be used for fundraising or promotional purposes.

RELATED CONTENT

Report completed by:
BBB Wise Giving Alliance