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San Diego Squared

EIN 85-3336715 · San Diego, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong90 out of 100GovernanceGood85 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To advance workforce and talent development within science, technology, engineering, and mathematics ("STEM") sectors by fostering excellence in education, expanding access to opportunities, and delivering transformative resources to empower underrepresented and underserved communities.

Income
$1.7 million
Spending
$1.4 million
Spent on programs
82%
Reserves
18.1 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 86%
Employees
6
Volunteers
75
Highest pay
$215,763, co-founder

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: 90 out of 100. Higher than 81% of charities in its peer group (education, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 18.1 months of spending.

  • Debt

    10 of 20

    It owes 42% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 17% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 5% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    82% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 10 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

Good: 85 out of 100. Higher than 47% of charities in its peer group (education, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    15 of 16 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 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 (4)
  1. $658,355 spent. Squared Scholars: San Diego Squared invests directly in the success of underrepresented high school and college students and their educators. The Organization partners with innovative companies, foundations, and community leaders who take action and send a clear message: You belong in STEM. The Organization's scholarships are either direct financial support or pay for the fees to STEM-centered programs offered throughout San Diego County by one of the Organization's partners
  2. $159,662 spent. Events: In partnership with other organizations, San Diego Squared hosts life science camps, coding camps, panel discussions, and other opportunities for students, educators, and their families to engage in STEM-related fields.
  3. $154,466 spent. Squared FellowsA year long, rotation-based mentorship program for underrepresented high school 10th-12thgraders in San Diego County who are interested in STEM. In this immersive program, studentsconnect with a network of advocates and have front row access to some of San Diego's mostinnovative companies, all to help students design their unique roadmap to get where they want togo in STEM.
  4. $159,460 spent. Squared Interns: Internships can provide a gateway to full-time employment in STEM-driven companies. The Organization has identified opportunities for interns and has recruited champions within some of San Diego County's most innovative companies that are ready to help interns succeed. San Diego Squared matches promising underrepresented undergraduate, graduate, and PhD students pursuing STEM-centered degrees to paid internships.STEM CapsulesThe San Diego Squared STEM Capsules are short videos that aim to build awareness,inspiration, and STEM representation for underrepresented students. Working in partnership witha video production company, the Organization created a display of videos highlighting committedSTEM professionals sharing their stories, challenges, and advice with the aim to strengthen theSTEM identity in students.SD2 Qtrly All HandsA quarterly event beginning in 2022 where San Diego Squared brings together students, parents,educators, STEM professionals, and student organizations to strengthen the community thatbelieves that diversity belongs in STEM. San Diego Squared shares best practices andopportunities for collaboration and champion thesuccesses throughout the community.

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 December 2021.

    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.