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Preserve Calavera

EIN 33-0955504 · Oceanside, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthNot ratedToo small or too little detailGovernanceFair62 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To protect, enhance, and restore the natural resources of coastal North San Diego County.

Income
$39,331
Spending
$41,725
Spent on programs
100%
Reserves
Over 10 years of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 100%
Employees
0
Volunteers
100

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. 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, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Fair: 62 out of 100. Higher than 40% of charities in its peer group (environment, under $250k).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    5 of 5 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    0 of 7

    Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    0 of 5

    Reports that it does not keep minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    0 of 10

    Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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 (1)
  1. $41,725 spent. Preserve Calavera Highlights for 2024Restoring native habitat: Continued performing monthly restorations at Rancho La Costa and El Corazon locations. Supported potential land acquisitions for preservation. Worked with developer to protect open space within development projects.Lands management: Reviewed and commented on numerous local development projects. Participated and hosted annual cleanup events, including El Salto Falls. Continue coalition efforts to protect agriculture land.Water Quality: Preserve Calavera continues to lead the ongoing bimonthly regional water shed testing. This includes providing supplies, leading volunteers, water and data collection, testing samples, and analyzing results, including DNA and microplastics testing.Climate Change/Green House Gas (GHG) Reduction: Using the Oceanside Green House Gas Emissions Reduction Fund (OGHGERF), sponsored tree growing projects with Tree San Diego. Funded local solar projects at Oceanside non-profits. Worked to improved Climate Action Plans with the cities of Oceanside and Carlsbad, CA.Education/Outreach: Initiated and graduated the 7th class of California Naturalists (in conjunction with University of California, San Diego) with weekly class instruction provided by Preserve Calavera Board Members. Participated and performed local hikes, endangered species day, and earth day fair. Published monthly newsletter with educational topics related to our mission statement.Wildlife: Monitoring Village H for impact to wildlife from off-leash dogs.Community Scientist Projects: hosted CA King Tide Projects and Grunion monitoring. Continue citizen scientists projects.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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 October 13, 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 2024.

    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 August 2001.

    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 October 21, 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.