Kern Energy Foundation
Public records raise at least one point you should look into before giving.
What it says it does
THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSES OF KERN ENERGY FOUNDATION IS TO PROMOTE COMMUNITY WELFARE FOR CHARITABLE, EDUCATIONAL, OR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES THROUGH AN ANNUAL FESTIVAL TO CELEBRATE KERN COUNTY'S RICH TIES TO THE ENERGY INDUSTRY AND EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ON THE MANY WAYS ENERGY IMPACT OUR LIVES.
- Income
- $50,300
- Spending
- $47,145
Source: Form 990EZ 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 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. 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. 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)
- THE KERN ENERGY FESTIVAL WAS CREATED TO HIGHLIGHT THE MANY POSITIVE ASPECTS OF KERN COUNTY'S ENERGY INDUSTRY. STRICT REGULATIONS HANDED DOWN FROM STATE GOVERNMENT AND RISING COSTS HAVE CAUSED THE DISAPPEARANCE OF LOCAL JOBS, CREATING MORE CHALLENGES FOR THE ENERGY SECTOR. WHEN INDUSTRY LEADERS SAT DOWN TOGETHER, THEY REALIZED THAT THE KEY TO BRINGING BACK THE STRENGTH OF OUR COMMUNITY LAY IN SPREADING THE WORD ABOUT THE ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION OF ENERGY. INDUSTRIES LIKE PETROLEUM, SOLAR, AND WIND ALL CALL KERN COUNTY HOME, EMPLOYING THOUSANDS OF LOCAL RESIDENTS AND POWERING OUR HOMES AND CARS. THE IDEA FOR THE FESTIVAL WAS BORN FROM A DESIRE TO EDUCATE THE COMMUNITY ON LOCAL ENERGY PRODUCTION IN A CELEBRATION WITH FOOD AND DRINKS, FUN ACTIVITIES, AND EXHIBITS FOR ALL AGES.
- $43,642 spent. The Kern Oil & Gas Awards substantially further the organization's exempt purpose by recognizing excellence, innovation, and community impact within Central California's oil and gas industry. Through this programmatic event, the organization highlights outstanding achievements of individuals, companies, and initiatives that have advanced the industry over the prior two years, promoted professional standards, and encouraged continued leadership and innovation. The awards program serves as a forum to celebrate accomplishments that drive industry progress, strengthen engagement among participants in the regional oil and gas community, and reinforce the organization's mission of supporting and advancing the industry. Sponsor support enables the organization to carry out this exempt-purpose activity by making possible an event that honors achievement, fosters industry visibility, and promotes the continued development of the sector.
Source: Form 990EZ 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)(4) social welfare 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 November 6, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Caution.
The IRS master file records contributions to this 501(c)(4) social welfare organization 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 November 2015.
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.
Could it be confused with another charity? Worth knowing.
A much larger organization has a similar name: The Energy Foundation (San Francisco, CA), EIN 94-3126848. If that is the one you meant, check the EIN before giving.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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.