Geology in the Public Interest

Applied Geoscience Nonprofit Servicespublicgeology.org

Geology in the Public Interest (GPI) is a Seattle-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that applies geoscience expertise to environmental, indigenous community, and policy challenges through its Global Network for Geoscience and Society (GNGS), advisory services, and student programs.

Company typePrivate
Founded2012
HeadquartersVashon, Washington, United States
Headcount1–10
GTM typeB2B
OfferingServices

What Geology in the Public Interest does

Geology in the Public Interest (GPI) is a Seattle-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation registered in Washington State, founded in 2012, that applies geoscience expertise to environmental, community, and public policy challenges. It serves indigenous peoples, local communities, government agencies, and educational institutions through advisory services, volunteer-led applied research, and student engagement programs. The organization's flagship initiative is the Global Network for Geoscience and Society (GNGS), an international network that connects geoscientists globally to advance resilience and sustainability aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals. GPI has approximately 5 employees and operates with extensive volunteer engagement from a Technical Advisory Council and Board of Directors composed of retired academic, government, and industry geoscientists.

GPI delivers its work through four core program areas: the GNGS Student Associate Program, which engages students in applied research under mentorship; Geologic Hazards Advisory Services, providing guidance on sinkholes, mine collapse, landslides, seismic zones, and expansive soils to city, county, and state governments; Responsible Mining Guidance, advocating for sustainable mining practices through IRMA membership; and project-based initiatives including a 2024 California Air Resources Board-funded air quality monitoring study across San Diego Community College District campuses and the SWIRL stormwater testing program for Florida's Indian River Lagoon. The organization's reach extends across the U.S. Pacific Northwest, San Diego, Florida, Mexico, Scandinavia, and Africa, as evidenced by conference presentations and partnership engagements.

GPI operates as a donation- and grant-funded nonprofit with no commercial products or services sold. Revenue mechanics are entirely philanthropic: 501(c)(3) tax-deductible contributions from individuals fund existing programs, and competitive grants (such as the CARB award) fund specific applied research projects. Distribution is accomplished through volunteer recruitment, partnerships with the Geological Society of America, Sociedad Geológica Mexicana, and Servicio Geológico Mexicano, a quarterly email newsletter, organic social media (Facebook), and conference presentations at venues such as the GSA Annual Meeting. The leadership team is anchored by Founder and President Dr. Gregory R. Wessel (40+ years in mining and exploration) and Vice President Dr. Jeffrey K. Greenberg (32-year tenured geology professor at Wheaton College).

Geology in the Public Interest firmographics

Firmographics

Name: Geology in the Public Interest
Legal name: Geology in the Public Interest
Website: https://publicgeology.org
Company type: Private
Founded year: 2012
Operating status: Operating
Headcount range: 1–10 employees
Short description: Geology in the Public Interest (GPI) is a Seattle-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that applies geoscience expertise to environmental, indigenous community, and policy challenges through its Global Network for Geoscience and Society (GNGS), advisory services, and student programs.
Ownership category
akta.pro rank

Geology in the Public Interest industry classification

Industry

Product category: Applied Geoscience Nonprofit Services
NAICS: Environmental Consulting Services (54162), Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services (54136)
akta.pro primary industry: Mineral Exploration & Geoscience Services (Geology, Geophysics, Geochemistry, Resource Modeling) (IMAKAKAA)
akta.pro secondary industries: Geotechnical & Subsurface Engineering Consulting (BPAHAIAB), Geotechnical Site Investigation & Engineering Geology (Borings, Lab Testing) (EUAHAFAE), Earth Science & Geoscience Programs (EDAMABAI)

Keywords

Applied geoscience services
Nonprofit environmental research
Geologic hazard advisory
Responsible mining guidance
Community geoscience education

Where Geology in the Public Interest is headquartered

Location

Headquarters

HQ city: Vashon, Washington
HQ country: United States
HQ region: North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

Geology in the Public Interest business model

Business model

GTM type: B2B
Offering type: Services
Cost components: Personnel, Operations, Others

Revenue model

Donations and Contributions: GPI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation registered in the State of Washington. All donations and contributions are U.S. tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Donations and revenues are used to fund existing programs and develop new programs and services consistent with GPI's mission.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Geology in the Public Interest product offering

Product offering

Core offering

Geology in the Public Interest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers applied geoscience services, advisory guidance, educational programs, and community-based environmental research to advance resilience and sustainability. Its primary offerings center on the Global Network for Geoscience and Society (GNGS), the GNGS Student Associate program, geologic hazards advisory services for governments, responsible mining guidance, and field projects such as air quality monitoring and stormwater testing. Programs are funded by U.S. tax-deductible donations and grants rather than product sales.

Product overview

Geology in the Public Interest operates as a nonprofit organization offering a platform-based approach centered on the Global Network for Geoscience and Society (GNGS), which connects geoscientists globally for collaborative projects. The organization provides educational programs through the GNGS Student Associate initiative, advisory services in geologic hazards documentation and responsible mining guidance, and conducts environmental research projects including air quality monitoring and stormwater testing. The various programs work together to advance geoscience applications for societal benefit and environmental sustainability.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

GNGS (Global Network for Geoscience and Society) An international network platform that connects geoscientists worldwide to share knowledge, collaborate on projects, and advance local and regional resilience and sustainability aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals. It serves volunteer scientists, community partners, and educational institutions.
GNGS Student Associate Program An educational program that facilitates student involvement in geoscience projects supervised by local teachers and mentors, offering opportunities for community service, applied research, and professional development. It targets university and high school students and early career geoscientists.
Geologic Hazards Advisory Services Advisory services providing guidance to city, county, and state governments on documenting and regulating geologic hazards including sinkholes, mine collapse, landslides, seismic zones, and expansive soils. Targeted at government agencies with insufficient in-house geoscience capacity.
Responsible Mining Guidance Advisory services advocating for responsible mining practices and developing protocols for sustainable mining in the 21st century, promoting circular economy principles and full-cost accounting. Targeted at communities, policy makers, and industry stakeholders concerned with mining impacts.
SWIRL (Stormwater at the Indian River Lagoon) A proposed program to test stormwater entering Florida's Indian River Lagoon to identify pollution sources, volumes, and types to support cleanup efforts and protect endangered species including manatees. Targeted at Florida conservation groups and lagoon stakeholders.
Air Quality Monitoring Project (SDCCD) A research initiative using Aeroqual Series 500 monitors to study air pollutants across San Diego Community College District campuses (City College, Mesa College, Miramar College) and off-site areas such as Balboa Park, collecting data on VOCs, CO2, H2S, SO2, PM2.5, PM10, and BTEX compounds. Funded by a California Air Resources Board grant.

Quantifiable outcome

Over 3,000 teachers of grades 4-12 have received professional development through the Bay Area Environmental STEM Institute (BAESI)
+1 more outcomes

Companies that use Geology in the Public Interest

Customer profile

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Geology in the Public Interest technology and API

Technology

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API: No
API docs
API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Geology in the Public Interest partnerships and signals

Strategic signal

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGPI is a member of IRMA, which provides standards for responsible mining. GPI strongly supports IRMA's efforts and advocates for responsible mining as well as exploration in advance of mining. IRMA envisions a world where the mining industry respects human rights, provides safe workplaces, minimizes environmental harm, and leaves positive legacies.
Geological Society of America (GSA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorking with GSA to update and translate GSA's Publication 'The Geology of Plate Tectonics' into Spanish with the Sociedad Geológica Mexicana. Also collaborating on the Decade of Geology for Sustainability in the Americas program and multiple conference sessions on geoscience and society topics.
Sociedad Geológica MexicanacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThree GNGS representatives attended and spoke at the 2023 National Convention in Mexico City. Met with the President and officers of the Sociedad Geológica Mexicana to discuss potential joint projects to advance geoscience education. Collaborating on translation of GSA publications.
Green Seattle PartnershipminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGNGS Student Associate Dira Mahmud collaborated with Green Seattle Partnership to investigate soil health at Schmitz Preserve Park, testing soil at sites with different restoration levels. Danielle Devier, Senior Urban Ecologist at GSP, provided mentorship and project guidance.
a RochaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization in the SWIRL (Stormwater at the Indian River Lagoon) project consortium. a Rocha, along with local environmental groups and the University of Florida, is working on funding options for the program to test stormwater entering the Indian River Lagoon.
University of FloridaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the SWIRL project consortium, leading the team for an NSF grant application to fund stormwater testing in the Indian River Lagoon. University of Florida scientists are leading the team of professional practitioners.
California Air Resources Board (CARB)coreOthersProvided a grant to fund GPI's air quality monitoring project across all three San Diego Community College District campuses. This grant enables the study of air pollutants including VOCs, CO2, H2S, SO2, PM2.5, PM10, and BTEX.
Servicio Geológico MexicanominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMet with the Director and management of Mexico's national geological survey to share ideas and discuss potential joint projects that could advance geoscience education.
Bird Society at City CollegeminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCollaboration with the Bird Society at City College for outreach efforts to engage students in environmental advocacy and bring awareness to the impact of air pollution on both human and ecological health.
Washington Geological SurveyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWGS scientists are experts in Washington State geology. GPI looks forward to continuing their partnership, with WGS highlighting the role of geoscience in addressing challenges, communicating geoscience information, and sharing expertise.

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Geology in the Public Interest competitors and assessment

Company assessment

Direct peers

International Association for Promoting Geoethics: An international scientific association advancing ethical and social responsibility in geosciences — comparable to GPI's focus on responsible mining, full-cost accounting, and geoscience-for-society activities.
American Geosciences Institute: A nonprofit federation of geoscience societies that works to advance geoscience education, policy, and public awareness — directly comparable to GPI's public-interest geoscience mission and educational outreach focus.
Soil Science Society of America: A nonprofit scientific society advancing soil science education, research, and public understanding — directly comparable to GPI's soil health monitoring work with Green Seattle Partnership and broader earth-science education role.
Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists: A professional organization focused on applied geology for engineering and environmental purposes — directly comparable to GPI's geologic hazards advisory, geotechnical applications, and environmental restoration work.
National Association of Geoscience Teachers: A nonprofit that supports geoscience teaching across K-12 and higher education — closely aligned with GPI's BAESI teacher training and GNGS Student Associate educational programs.

Emerging players

Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA): An international multi-stakeholder initiative developing standards for responsible mining — directly comparable as an organization advancing responsible-mining standards and GPI is an IRMA member and collaborator.
Earthworks: A nonprofit advocating against mining impacts on communities and the environment — comparable in mission orientation around mining pollution, community impacts, and responsible resource extraction.
Earth Science Women's Network: A nonprofit professional network supporting Earth scientists — comparable as a community-led, member-driven geoscience organization with a similar talent-development and mentorship model to GNGS.

Broad incumbents

Geological Society of America: A large, established professional geoscience society with publications, conferences, and policy influence; GPI partners with GSA but competes for member attention and donor dollars across public-engagement and education initiatives.
American Geophysical Union: A large international scientific society covering geophysics, atmospheric, and earth sciences with extensive public-affairs and policy engagement — a broader incumbent operating in adjacent scientific domains where GPI also engages.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Geology in the Public Interest financial estimates

Financial estimate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Geology in the Public Interest leadership team

Management profile

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Geology in the Public Interest subsidiaries and ownership

Company hierarchy

Subsidiaries1 record

Geology in the Public Interest funding detail

Funding detail

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Geology in the Public Interest M&A and investment

M&A and investment

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Geology in the Public Interest

What does Geology in the Public Interest do?

Is Geology in the Public Interest a public or private company?

Geology in the Public Interest is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.

When was Geology in the Public Interest founded?

Geology in the Public Interest was founded in 2012. It employs 1 to 10 people.

Where is Geology in the Public Interest based?

Geology in the Public Interest is headquartered in Vashon, Washington, United States, in the North America region.

How does Geology in the Public Interest make money?

One revenue line is on record: donations and Contributions.

Who are Geology in the Public Interest's main competitors?

Direct peers on record are International Association for Promoting Geoethics, American Geosciences Institute, Soil Science Society of America, Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists and National Association of Geoscience Teachers. Emerging players are Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA), Earthworks and Earth Science Women's Network. Broad incumbents are Geological Society of America and American Geophysical Union.

Does Geology in the Public Interest have an API?

No public API is recorded for Geology in the Public Interest.

What industry is Geology in the Public Interest in?

Geology in the Public Interest's product category is Applied Geoscience Nonprofit Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAKAKAA, Mineral Exploration & Geoscience Services (Geology, Geophysics, Geochemistry, Resource Modeling), with a secondary code of BPAHAIAB, Geotechnical & Subsurface Engineering Consulting. Its NAICS code is 54162.