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Solar Cookers International

EIN 68-0153141 · Sacramento, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong100 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The mission of Solar Cookers International is to improve human health, economic well-being, womens empowerment, and the environment by promoting climate-friendly solar cooking for vulnerable populations worldwide.

Income
$1.8 million
Spending
$1.3 million
Spent on programs
82%
Reserves
25.1 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 95%
Employees
11
Volunteers
40
Highest pay
$116,137, executive dir.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 86% of charities in its peer group (environment, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 25.1 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 2% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 26% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 64% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    82% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 12 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 60% of charities in its peer group (environment, $1m to $10m).

  • 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

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

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

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 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 (1)
  1. $1.1 million spent. Solar Cookers International (SCI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization advancing human health, economic resilience, gender equity, and environmental protection by expanding access to climate-friendly solar cooking for vulnerable communities worldwide.Today, approximately 2.1 billion peopleabout one-quarter of the global populationcontinue to depend on polluting fuels for cooking. This reliance has serious consequences for both the environment and public health, with women and girls disproportionately affected due to their primary role in cooking in many areas. As environmental disasters increase and geopolitical conflicts further strain resources, the demand for clean cooking solutions like solar cooking becomes even more critical.SCI responds to this pressing need through a threefold strategy: advocacy, research, and strengthening the capacity of the global solar cooking community. SCI leverages data to guide and enhance efforts across all levels, from grassroots initiatives to international platforms. As a recognized leader in the field, SCI elevates the call for sustainable cooking solutions at the United Nations and other key decision-making forums.Drawing on its extensive experience with effective, community-based projects and its leadership within the sector, SCIs long-term strategy prioritizes scaling solar cooking initiatives. This focus aims to drive the policies, practices, and resource flows needed to accelerate the adoption and impact of solar cooking worldwide.ADVOCACYSCI engages with global decision-makers to secure recognition of solar cooking as an effective, appropriate pathway to achieving climate and health targets. In addition, SCI builds partnerships and collaborative efforts to further its mission of expanding awareness, acceptance, and adoption of solar cooking.SCI implemented the following advocacy activities in fiscal year 2024-25:Advocated for solar cooking at the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan by engaging government leaders and encouraging the inclusion of solar cooking in climate change mitigation and adaptation plans. SCI hosted four press conferences, unveiling a new collaboration with the UN Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) and featuring guest speakers who shared firsthand accounts of the transformative impact of clean cooking. SCI also hosted an exhibit booth to demonstrate solar cooker functionality and facilitate new connections. Additionally, SCI participated in eight side events alongside partners such as the CTCN, the International Network for Sustainable Energy (INFORSE), International Solar Alliance (ISA), Peace Boat, and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Participation at COP provides a critical platform to expand the solar cooking network, engage key stakeholders, raise global awareness, and build connections that lead to future implementation opportunities.Facilitated a virtual side event during the UN High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) to highlight how solar cooking advances all 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Speakers from Togo, Liberia, and India, along with experts in renewable energy, NGO leadership, government, and on-the-ground implementation, underscored the critical role of clean cooking in achieving a healthier, more sustainable future.Hosted a virtual webinar for the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) to highlight the gender implications of clean cooking. Speakers included a gender expert from Mali, a project coordinator from Tajikistan, a project leader and manufacturer from Mali, and a representative from Energia, who spoke on global economic empowerment for women.Participated in the World Health Organization (WHO) Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in Cartagena, Colombia, joining ministers, health professionals, and city leaders to discuss solutions for clean air and energy access. SCI highlighted solar cookings role in reducing household air pollution and engaged directly with global policymakers to integrate clean cooking into public health and climate strategies.Participated in the Sixth Global Conference on Climate and SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Synergies in Copenhagen, Denmark at UN City convened by UN DESA (United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs) and the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) Secretariat. Ministers, NDC (Nationally Determined Contributions) coordinators, and expert stakeholders explored integrated strategies to align the Paris Agreement with the 2030 AgendaSCI attended to glean insights on embedding solar cooking into national climate and SDG plans and forged new partnerships.Increased awareness of solar cooking through publications, contributions, and references across media and industry platforms, including the Heart of Giving Podcast, INFORSE Magazine, ASES (American Solar Energy Society) Solar Tour, AZT (Azerbaijan) News, IRENAs Off-Grid Renewable Energy Report, and the Gender and Energy Compact. These contributions were designed to inform, engage, and advocate for the adoption of solar cooking worldwide.STRENGTHENING CAPACITYSCI aims to strengthen the solar cooking sector as a whole by focusing on strategies that deliver the greatest impact. Working alongside partners, SCI designs and carries out projects and models with strong potential to scale, weaving in best practices like needs assessments and data collection. SCI also curates and freely offers a wide range of educational materials while creating spaces for knowledge sharing and networking across the sector.SCI implemented the following capacity building activities in fiscal year 2024-25:Advanced SCIs flagship initiative in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya, in partnership with local organizations to expand clean cooking access for refugees using solar cookers. Since 2018, 524 cookers have been distributed, with the potential for over 54 million meals to be

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since April 1993.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 7, 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.