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California Yimby Education Fund

EIN 85-1438188 · Sacramento, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood70 out of 100GovernanceGood85 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

California YIMBY Education Fund's mission is to ensure that California is an affordable place to live, work, and raise a family. We advance our misson by: a.) Produce original research and commission reports to inform evidence based policy b.) Provide educational opportunities and resources to the public, elected officials, and our YIMBY alliesc.) Train and support local leaders to advocate for housing reforms that serve their communities; and d.) Shape the housing narrative in California and nationally.

Income
$1.6 million
Spending
$3.0 million
Spent on programs
93%
Reserves
17 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 89%
Employees
0
Highest pay
$474,209, president

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

Good: 70 out of 100. Higher than 57% of charities in its peer group (housing, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 17.0 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 8% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 87% of income.

  • Income trend

    0 of 15

    Income fell 54% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    93% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 4 cents.

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

Governance

Good: 85 out of 100. Higher than 42% of charities in its peer group (housing, $1m to $10m).

  • 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

    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 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 (4)
  1. $1.7 million spent. EducationThe California YIMBY Education Fund hosted educational events like the New Cities Retreat, which explores the potential and challenges of building new cities as a solution to Californias housing crisis. The event underscored the need for additional research and policy reform to ensure new city projects can effectively address the states housing shortage. Additionally, we also hosted a table at the LA Sentinels annual Taste of Soul event in Los Angeles. CAY team members attended multiple speaking engagements such as panel discussions and podcasts.Two major reports were released in 2024: The Impact of Fees: Rethinking Local Revenues for More Multifamily Housing and California ADU Reform: A Retrospective.
  2. $554,438 spent. Narrative Grant and Metropolitan Abundance ProjectThe Education Fund expanded its communications efforts in 2024 through the LA Narrative Project, growing its media presence and promoting a research-backed pro-housing narrative across platforms (Instagram, X, TikTok, BlueSky).They launched a new explainer video on restoring the California Dream of homeownership and created more podcasts.A major milestone was the launch of the Metropolitan Abundance Project (MAP), a new policy center dedicated to advancing urban abundance through model legislation and innovative approaches to housing, transportation, and governance.
  3. $313,635 spent. AdvocacyIn 2024, California YIMBY Education Fund continued its mission to promote equitable, sustainable, and affordable housing opportunities. The organization conducted research, public education, and coalition-building to support housing production and land-use reform that aligns with climate goals, reduces displacement, and expands access to housing near jobs and transit. California YIMBY Education Fund provided educational resources to the public and community organizations regarding state housing laws and best practices for implementation. This included publishing policy guides, hosting trainings and briefings, and providing technical assistance to partner organizations.
  4. $295,652 spent. Wildlife Conservation NetworkThis is related to the Alliance for Housing & Climate Solutions, which the organization founded in 2021 with financial support from the Wildlife Conservation Network.The coalition focuses on crafting policies to address housing affordability and climate goals by shifting development from greenfield to infill and existing communities.In 2024, an Incentive Zoning Feasibility Report and a Missing Middle Financial Feasibility Report were completed.

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 November 6, 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 January 2021.

    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 November 4, 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.