Santa Barbara Wildfire Protection Team
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
To enhance public safety and reduce wildfire danger in Santa Barbara County. We achieve this mission by educating the public on human-caused fire risks, facilitating collaboration between community stakeholders and government agencies, and promoting informed, non-partisan policy solutions.
- Income
- $86,014
- Spending
- $21,226
- Reserves
- 36.6 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 100%
- Highest pay
- $20,000, president
Source: Form 990EZ 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 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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, 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)
- $21,163 spent. Public Education and Awareness:We research, develop, and disseminate educational materials to the community. This education focuses on identifying human activities that significantly increase fire danger and compromise public safety. We inform residents and visitors about the direct and indirect impacts of these fire risks on their safety, property, community well-being, and the natural environment. These activities are conducted by members of the Santa Barbara Wildfire Prevention Team (SBWFPT), particularly our Social Media Group, which manages digital outreach and public awareness campaigns. This activity is conducted broadly across Santa Barbara County, with an initial focus on the Hot Springs Canyon neighborhood. We disseminate information through public forums held at local schools, libraries, and fire stations, as well as through digital outreach (e.g., social media, website, and email newsletters).Stakeholder Collaboration:We actively convene and facilitate dialogue between local community groups, government agencies (federal, state, and local), and public safety organizations (such as the US Forest Service and Montecito Fire Department). Our goal is to provide a structured framework for these stakeholders to share information, identify challenges, and coordinate efforts, which they may not otherwise do. These activities are conducted by members of the SBWFPT, particularly our Public Safety Group, which liaises directly with agencies and stakeholders. This activity is primarily conducted at the facilities of the agencies and officials we engage with, including the various Departments of the County of Santa Barbara, the United States Forest Service, the Montecito Fire Department, and the district offices of our local Congressmember, State Senator, and State Assemblymember. This activity directly furthers our exempt purposes by promoting public safety and lessening the burdens of government. By serving as the central coordinator and facilitator, we provide a crucial channel for communication and problem-solving that supports government agencies in developing more effective and responsive public safety policies, thereby saving them time and resources.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. 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)(3) charitable organization.
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 October 13, 2026.
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.
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.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Worth knowing.
Recognized by the IRS in March 2026. It is too new to have a track record.
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 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.