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Sustainable San Mateo County

EIN 48-1265207 · San Mateo, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong93 out of 100GovernanceStrong97 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To stimulate action to make San Mateo County more sustainable on economic, environmental, and social equity issues through empowering information and advocacy.

Income
$412,049
Spending
$376,599
Spent on programs
66%
Reserves
8.8 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 75%
Employees
4
Volunteers
50
Highest pay
$108,000, executive dir.

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

Financial health

Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 73% of charities in its peer group (environment, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 8.8 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 4% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 9% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 66% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    66% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 19 cents.

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

Governance

Strong: 97 out of 100. Higher than 88% of charities in its peer group (environment, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    14 of 14 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    12 of 15

    Its accounts were reviewed or compiled by an independent accountant, but not audited.

  • 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, 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 (4)
  1. $79,441 spent. INDICATORS REPORT FOR A SUSTAINABLE SAN MATEO COUNTY: In 2025, the Indicators Report continued to serve as a critical research tool, offering an in-depth analysis of sustainability challenges and opportunities in San Mateo County. The 2025 report responded to one of the stated needs of local elected leaders, focusing on the climate impact of food systems, including dietary choices, food recovery, and waste management. SSMC hosted a launch event featuring expert panelists and facilitated discussions on how local governments, businesses, and schools can support reducing the climate impact of our food systems.
  2. $66,951 spent. SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS: The Sustainability Awards remained a cornerstone of SSMC's community engagement efforts, recognizing individuals, businesses, and organizations that demonstrate leadership in sustainability. In 2025, we brought together local leaders and advocates to celebrate achievements and inspire further action. Through this program, SSMC continued to elevate the visibility of sustainability efforts across the region and encourage broad community participation. 2025 WINNERS: SUSTAINABILITY: Caltrain, El Concilio of San Mateo, San Mateo County Community College District; YOUTH SUSTAINABILITY: Colin Chu; GREEN BUILDING: Winner - County Office Building 3, Redwood City; Honorable Mention - Belle Haven Community Campus, Menlo Park; RUTH PETERSON AWARD: John Crowell
  3. $60,327 spent. SUSTAINABILITY DASHBOARD: The Sustainability Dashboard is an interactive platform that provides timely insights across more than 100 sustainability metrics. This accessible format allows city officials, policymakers, and community members to track local progress on issues such as energy use, housing, transportation, and climate resilience. By making data more accessible and actionable, the dashboard empowers decision-makers to prioritize and implement effective sustainability policies.
  4. $43,091 spent. OTHER PROGRAMS: Ideas Bank

Source: Form 990 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 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 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 September 2002.

    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.