THE 5 GYRES INSTITUTE

Financials

From the e-filed returns the IRS publishes as XML (latest three processing years; amended returns replace the original). PDF copies at the IRS.

Officers, directors and key employees

As listed on the 990 for the year ended September 30, 2025, highest compensation first.

Address and contacts

Address (IRS master file)

PO BOX 5699, SANTA MONICA, CA 90409-5699

Principal officer (990 for 2024)

Anna Cummins, PO Box 5699, Santa Monica, CA 90409

Signed the 990

Anna Cummins, Executive Director

Phone

(323) 395-1843

Website

www.5gyres.org

Return prepared by

QUIGLEY & MIRON

California records

California keeps its own records of charities and corporations. Search them by EIN 27-1350279 or by the name THE 5 GYRES INSTITUTE.

Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers

Registration status and filed reports (CT-TR-1, RRF-1)

Secretary of State, bizfile Online

Corporation status, entity number, agent for service

Franchise Tax Board

Entity status letter (state tax exemption, good standing)

Mission

The 5 Gyres Institute (5 Gyres) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles, with a global network of supporters united in the pursuit of a planet free of plastic pollution. 5 Gyres' mission is to empower action against the global health crisis of plastic pollution through science, education, and advocacy. Since its inception in 2009, 5 Gyres has been a science-based pioneer in plastic pollution research and exploration. The organization originally set out to answer a set of key scientific questions, including the global scope, distribution, and impacts of plastic pollution. In 2014 5 Gyres published the first global estimate of marine plastic pollution, and recently updated these findings with the most comprehensive publication to date on ocean plastics. (PLOS ONE, 2023) 5 Gyres' goal is to reduce the harm from plastic pollution by 20% by 2030.

Program accomplishments

• SCIENCE Our 15 years of research on ocean and terrestrial plastics leads us to focus on specific sources, or sectors, that generate plastic pollution to create more effective solutions. From microfibers and plastic pellets to single-use packaging, there are many unique sources of plastic pollution. By leading research around key sectors and materials, we can design targeted, effective interventions that reduce the harmful impacts of plastic pollution.2025 Research Highlights: - Vietnam Marine Debris - To better understand coastal pollution pathways, Dr. Victoria Fulfer tracked marine debris in Nha Trang, Vietnam, documenting nearly 74,000 items over a four-month time series. This work gives insights into the many complexities influencing shoreline debris deposition and removal, and emphasizes that beach cleanups cannot be the only mitigation solution. - Microfibers & Rainbow Trout - Dr. Lisa Erdle tested the impact of different microfiber types (cotton and polyester), with varying chemical additives, on rainbow trout. The results show that all microfibers - not just synthetic - should be considered when developing solution.- Microplastics on the PCT - This study, led by 5 Gyres Ambassadors Tori McGruer and Macy Gustavus, surveyed trash along the entire 4,270 km Pacific Crest Trail and estimated that 53,000 pieces were present. Targeted waste management in high-impact locations and improved gear design could reduce waste in these wilderness areas. - Plastic Mangroves in Honduras - 5 Gyres Ambassador Zara Zuniga-Lopez surveyed four mangrove sites in Honduras, finding 3,417 items in just 500 square meters - almost 99% of which were plastic. A deceased crocodile nearby was found with 62 pieces of litter in its gut. This research shows that mangroves act as a sink for plastic pollution, putting ecosystems and wildlife at risk. Science at the Global Plastics Treaty: Honest Brokers and the Merchants of Doubt 5 Gyres' Co-Founder & Scientist, Dr. Marcus Eriksen, attended what was meant to be the final Global Plastics Treaty negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland. While the treaty itself was not agreed upon, due to the aggressive efforts of some of the world's strongest petrochemical states, two of the three legs required for an effective treaty are now in place: political will of the 75-nation High Ambition Coalition, and a strong text. According to Marcus, there is hope on the horizon that these ambitious countries can advance negotiations beyond UNEP through a coalition of the willing, and 5 Gyres will stand ready to support science in every way we can.Plastic Air: Microfibers & TextilesHot Out of the Dryer: Recently Published ResearchOur two-part "Plastic Air" study focused on airborne microfibers - a major source of microplastic pollution. These tiny, thread-like particles that shed from textiles can easily become airborne and travel long distances, making them especially relevant to human exposure. We evaluated the significance of emissions from commercial dryers, finding that a single laundromat can release up to 7.2 trillion microfibers into the air each year, with city-wide emissions reaching 1.1 quadrillion microfibers annually. Our research established that dryers are a significant and overlooked source of airborne microfiber pollution, so the next step was to evaluate potential solutions. We found that some secondary dryer filtration systems can capture up to 80% of microfibers before they enter the air. Filtration presents a viable mitigation strategy to reduce microfiber emissions and protect environmental and human health.Implementing Upstream Solutions Filtration alone won't solve microfiber pollution, and change is needed further upstream. Our guide, Reducing Microfiber Pollution: An Industry Playbook, offers accessible, general guidelines to help brands reduce microfiber emissions at every step of the supply chain. The series includes three audience-specific guides - Design Solutions, Sourcing Practices, and Manufacturing Interventions - and serves as a valuable resource for textile companies to take action today.
  Expenses $364,221 · revenue $3,285
• ADVOCACY As one of the oldest and most established organizations focused on microplastic pollution research, 5 Gyres is at the forefront of driving impactful policies to reduce harm from plastic pollution. Our policy campaigns are led by a team of seasoned experts with networks in local and national decision-making bodies, and informed by research from our in-house science team and other leading institutions. We advocate for solutions to address microplastic pollution and plastic pollution in parks and protected areas, support other comprehensive legislation, and defend against bad plastics policies.Microplastic-Free US With growing awareness and momentum around microplastic pollution, the time to take action is now-before its impact on our environment and public health becomes irreversible. In 2025, we launched a national advocacy campaign, Microplastic-Free US, to advance policy measures addressing microplastic pollution in the United States. Over 500 individuals have joined us in reaching out to our elected officials, demanding action that safeguards environmental and human health.A nationwide poll to better understand public perception around microplastics solidified that we're on the right track. Nearly 80% of respondents agreed that microplastics pose a threat to both environmental and human health, and immediate action is needed. The results showed strong bipartisan support for policies aimed at preventing or reducing microplastic pollution, especially when it concerns human health. We are continuing to rally signatures, amplify voices, and urge our elected officials to protect our communities from this invisible threat.Policy Progress in 2025 - California's AB 823, which would have banned plastic microbeads in personal care and cleaning products, made it to Governor Newsom's desk before being vetoed - The Fighting Fibers Act of 2025 was reintroduced in Congress, which would require new washing machines to have a microfiber filtration system - The Microplastics Safety Act, which would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study on the human health impacts of exposure to microplastics in food and water, was introduced in Congress with bipartisan support - The Farewell to Foam Act was introduced, which would prohibit food ware accessories, packing peanuts, and disposable coolers made from expanded polystyrene - The Reducing Waste in National Park Act was reintroduced, which would ban the sale of single-use plastics in U.S. national parks - The REUSE Act, which would direct the EPA to conduct a feasibility study on reuse and refill systems in different sectors, had a bipartisan introduction and passed the US Senate Lobby Days are a crucial time for constituents, scientists, and NGOs to meet with their elected officials and advocate for issues that matter most to them. 5 Gyres invited Ambassadors and partners to join us at California Ocean Day in Sacramento and Capitol Hill Ocean Week in Washington, D.C. this year. It was inspiring to see our most dedicated advocates speaking on behalf of our mission!
  Expenses $234,443
• TRASHBLITZ Through our community science program, TrashBlitz, we continue to build a global movement dedicated to documenting and analyzing waste trends in local communities. The mobile app makes it easy to collect data on brands, materials, and items found anywhere in the world. Each record contributes to local, national, and global datasets to inform targeted, science-based solutions.Plastic-Free Parks Thanks to the support of our volunteers and partners, our Plastic-Free Parks TrashBlitz had another successful year, collecting over 23,000 pieces of data and surveying 59 sites. To nobody's surprise, plastic was the most prevalent material polluting national parks for the fourth year in a row, making up nearly 85% of waste recorded in 2025. This year's data demonstrates the widespread presence of microplastics, with pre-production plastic pellets and plastic fragments making up more than half of all items recorded. Our team will use this report to advocate for solutions that protect our parks, like supporting the Reducing Waste in National Parks Act and advancing our Microplastic-Free US campaign.TrashBlitz Florida Florida is home to some of the world's most iconic beaches, national parks, and ecosystems. 5 Gyres launched TrashBlitz Florida to develop a statewide perspective on the waste pollution crisis. More than 900 volunteers conducted cleanups across 45 sites in North, Central, and South Florida, logging nearly 18,500 pieces of trash. More than 80% of the waste was plastic or mixed materials containing plastic. These results reveal that Florida's waste pollution is largely driven by single-use plastics, and stronger measures are needed to reduce these plastics at the source.International Plastic Pellet Count Plastic pellets are the raw building blocks of everyday plastic items - yet their spills go largely untracked and unregulated. 5 Gyres co-organized the first International Plastic Pellet Count, a global citizen science effort to quantify the extent of this pollution. Volunteers collected nearly 50,000 pellets at more than 200 sites across 14 countries, 29 U.S. states, and Washington, D.C. This report demonstrates the need for governments to better regulate plastic pellet pollution to prevent microplastic pollution and safeguard ecosystems and human health around the world.
  Expenses $192,015
• AMBASSADORS & PARTNERS Ambassador Action Fund The 5 Gyres Ambassador network is made up of hundreds of individuals, from scientists and students to artists and activists, using their unique backgrounds and skills to take action against plastic pollution. In 2025, we launched the Ambassador Action Fund to support the work of Ambassadors in 5 Gyres' focus areas (Science, Advocacy, and TrashBlitz) by providing financial support, mentorship, and resources. Science Awardees - Diego Arreola Fernandez collected data from 29 Toronto supermarkets, studied customer behavior, and tested various interventions to cut down on single-use plastic bags at grocery stores.- Karen Fuentes led a group of students on a field trip to the Caribbean Sea to learn about the threats facing mobulid rays and to collect microplastics data that informs conservation efforts. Advocacy Awardees - Katie Abare mobilized volunteers in her community and collected over 10,000 plastic pellets. She joined our team in Washington, D.C. to advocate for stronger action on plastic pellet pollution.- Maddie Kaufman led the charge to advocate for a zero-waste FIFA World Cup in Miami, Florida, garnering support from a coalition of local organizations and businesses. TrashBlitz Awardees - Anna Galipeau led a group of volunteers to Lake Chelan National Recreation Area to collect TrashBlitz data, which she will utilize to develop strategies to prevent future pollution.- Soleil Sabalja conducted a TrashBlitz at Gateway National Recreation Area in New York City as part of a project on local bird species diversity, removing over 140 pounds of trash. Cause Partner Collaborations 5 Gyres x Nomadix Ambassadors Dominic McLeod and Jeff LoPilato designed original artwork for an ocean-inspired collection between Nomadix and 5 Gyres. The collection, including towels, a bandana, a festival blanket, and a tote bag, captures the spirit of our organization while supporting our ongoing research and advocacy work. 5 Gyres x Grove Co. Grove Co. launched a Spring Limited Edition Collection that celebrates the beauty of our world's oceans and highlights 5 Gyres' work to drive innovative solutions to plastic pollution. The home goods and personal care collection is packaged in aluminum, glass, and paper - with no single-use plastic in sight.
  Expenses $124,042

What it must file and when

IRS records say it files Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N. Its accounting year ends in September, so each return is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after that.

IRS record

EIN

27-1350279

Tax-exempt status

501(c)(3): Charitable, religious, educational or scientific organization

Foundation status

Publicly supported organization (170(b)(1)(A)(vi))

Donations deductible (Pub 78)

Public charity, 50% deduction limit

Exempt since

2010

Accounting year ends

September

Files

Form 990 or 990-EZ

Assets (IRS master file)

$1,554,283

Income (IRS master file)

$1,939,400

Filing history

990-N: the IRS bulk file holds only the latest e-Postcard per organization; earlier years come from archived copies of that file since 2020 and can have gaps (the IRS e-Postcard search lists every one). 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 990-T: every e-filed return in the IRS e-file index since 2019; XML for the latest three processing years, amounts from the IRS Statistics of Income extracts before that. PDF copies and determination letters at the IRS (search EIN 27-1350279).

Questions about THE 5 GYRES INSTITUTE

What is the EIN of THE 5 GYRES INSTITUTE?

The employer identification number (EIN) of THE 5 GYRES INSTITUTE is 27-1350279.

Is THE 5 GYRES INSTITUTE tax-exempt?

Yes. The IRS lists it as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) since 2010.

Are donations to THE 5 GYRES INSTITUTE tax-deductible?

Yes. It is listed in IRS Publication 78 (Public charity, 50% deduction limit).

Which annual return does THE 5 GYRES INSTITUTE file?

Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N.

When is the next return of THE 5 GYRES INSTITUTE due?

The return for tax year 2025 (the year ending September 30, 2026) is due February 16, 2027. Form 8868 extends it by six months; the 990-N cannot be extended.

When did THE 5 GYRES INSTITUTE last file with the IRS?

The latest return in the IRS public files is the 990 for the year ended September 2025.

Who is the principal officer of THE 5 GYRES INSTITUTE?

The 990 for the year ended September 30, 2025 names Anna Cummins.

Who are the officers and directors of THE 5 GYRES INSTITUTE?

The 990 for the year ended September 30, 2025 lists 10 people; 1 received compensation from the organization, the highest $107,700 (Anna Cummins, Executive Director).

How much revenue does THE 5 GYRES INSTITUTE have?

On its 990 for the year ended September 30, 2025 it reported revenue of $1,939,400, expenses of $1,313,502 and total assets of $1,554,283 at year end.

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