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Sandbar Sanctuary

EIN 85-2478742 · Northridge, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak3 out of 100GovernanceNot ratedThe short tax form does not cover thisImpact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

SANDBAR SANCTUARY PROVIDES EQUINE THERAPY FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, USING HORSES WHO HAVE THEMSELVES BEEN RESCUED FROM ABUSIVE OR NEGLECTFUL SITUATIONS. OUR GOAL IS TO HELP OUR CLIENTS INCREASE THEIR CONFIDENCE AND LEARN TO SET HEALTHY BOUNDARIES VIA WORKING WITH EQUINES

Income
$145,920
Spending
$183,255
Reserves
-1 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 100%

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

Weak: 3 out of 100. Higher than 2% of charities in its peer group (health care, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    0 of 35

    Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.

  • Debt

    2 of 20

    It owes 91% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 26% of income.

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)
  1. $178,338 spent. Equine-Assisted Therapy for Domestic Violence Survivors Service Provided: Personalized, trauma-informed sessions using rescued horses to support domestic violence survivors through ground-based equine therapy. No riding required; activitieslike grooming or leading horsesare tailored to each participants physical comfort and emotional readiness. Sessions take place in a private, secure, gated facility on four serene acres in the San Fernando Valley Persons Benefited: 34 clients directly participated in one-on-one or group sessions during the year. Key Highlights: Clients gained emotional insight by recognizing and interacting with horses that reflect their own emotional states. Many report increased confidence from safely handling a large animal and reframing their self-image For many, this sanctuary offers more than therapy - its a peaceful, low-pressure environment where they decide both pace and participation.

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

  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 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 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.