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Lotus Garden Meditation Center

EIN 20-8224086 · Carmichael, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak49 out of 100GovernanceNot ratedThe short tax form does not cover thisImpact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Lotus Garden Meditation Center was formed exclusively for charitable and educational purposes to contribute to the welfare of all by teaching the principles of and propagating the practice of the ancient science of Yoga Meditation at little or no cost to the public. Located in Carmichael, California, Lotus Garden Meditation Center offers classes, seminars, and retreats in its own facilities, community centers, hospitals, prisons, cancer centers, drug rehabilitation and crisis centers, and in the facilities of other nonprofit organizations and for-profit businesses; providing instruction in healthy vegetarian dietary practices, organic gardening, yoga, meditation, and good health through exercise and preventative maintenance.

Income
$149,235
Spending
$168,857
Reserves
2.7 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 75%
Highest pay
$7,750, secretary

Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Weak: 49 out of 100. Higher than 22% of charities in its peer group (human services, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 2.7 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    4 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 13% of income.

Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.

Source: Form 990EZ 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. $107,629 spent. Offered 9 Meditation, 1 Chi Gong, 1 Tai Chi and 13 Hatha Yoga classes per week in 2025. 1-2 Workshops per month on Yoga, Healthy Lifestyle, Cooking Class, Stress Reduction, Deep Breathing, Ayurveda, Yoga Nidra, Sound Bath and/or Kirtan. Average number of people served per week in 2025 was approximately 243.
  2. $61,228 spent. In 2025, we offered a "help for Heroes" program (free yoga classes for 3 months), supported multiple Yoga Teacher Trainings, offered bring a friend for free days at the yoga studio, participated in the Franchise Tax Board Health Fair, shared meditation at long-term living senior facilities, offered relaxing sound bath events, offered plant-based cooking classes, hosted free public Kirtan & Bhakti Yoga Events and retreats, hosted a Waldorf 6th grade field trip day, supported the "Midtown Association Fresh Air Freemont" program with meditation classes and Kirtan, and meditation for the Wounded Warriors in Sacramento.

Source: Form 990EZ 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 November 6, 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 May 2009.

    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 November 4, 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.