California Special Districts Assoc
Public records raise at least one point you should look into before giving.
What it says it does
CSDA is the voice for all special districts, providing members with the resources necessary to best serve their communities.
- Income
- $9.1 million
- Spending
- $7.6 million
- Employees
- 35
- Volunteers
- 75
- Highest pay
- $395,274, ceo
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Financial health
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Governance
This return does not answer enough of the governance questions to score.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. 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)
- $2.3 million spent. Legislative Advocacy and Public Affairs:The Association represents the interests of special districts before the California Legislature, regulatory agencies, and other public bodies. Activities include legislative advocacy, policy analysis, member engagement, and coalition building to influence public policy affecting special districts.
- $1.6 million spent. Membership Services and Support:The Association provides comprehensive membership services to California special districts, including governance support, operational resources, best practice guidance, and access to professional networks. These services enhance the effectiveness and accountability of special districts in serving their communities.
- $1.5 million spent. Education, Conferences, and Professional Development:The Association delivers educational programs including conferences, seminars, leadership academies, and specialized training for district staff and board members. These programs promote professional development, regulatory compliance, and effective governance.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(6) business league.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
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.
Are donations tax-deductible? Caution.
The IRS master file records contributions to this 501(c)(6) business league as not deductible.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
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.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since December 1970.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
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.