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Senior Stewards Acting for the Environment

EIN 87-1229514 · Villa Park, IL

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood80 out of 100GovernanceNot ratedThe short tax form does not cover thisImpact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To address the climate crisis with the urgency it requires, SSAFE chapters educate and partner with their committees and administrations, with other chapters, and with other senior living communities to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 through: advancing clean energy (energy-efficient and electrified buildings and vehicles); promoting sustainable food systems, reducing and recycling waste, and protecting biodiversity (native plants and wildlife); and advocating for local, state, and federal programs that repair, protect, and conserve the ecosystems without which life on earth cannot flourish.

Income
$189,179
Spending
$193,523
Reserves
8.9 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 98%
Highest pay
$96,885, executive secretary

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

Financial health

Good: 80 out of 100. Higher than 64% of charities in its peer group (human services, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 8.9 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 2% of income.

Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, 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, 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 (6)
  1. $15,985 spent. Chapter Expansion and Resident Engagement SSAFE expanded its national network of senior living communities by adding four new chapters in 2025, bringing the total to 18 participating communities. Outreach, onboarding, and relationship-building efforts increased engagement among residents committed to advancing environmental sustainability within their communities. SSAFE leadership worked closely with prospective and existing chapters to support local initiatives, share best practices, and strengthen a connected network of climate-focused residents.
  2. $48,703 spent. Educational Programming and Speaker Series SSAFE delivered a robust schedule of educational programming designed to inform and inspire climate action in senior living communities. Monthly general meetings featured nationally recognized experts on topics such as climate science, decarbonization, biodiversity, and behavior change. Average attendance increased by approximately 20 percent year over year, reflecting growing engagement. Recordings of presentations were made publicly available to extend the reach of each program.
  3. $44,379 spent. Cross-Chapter Collaboration and Peer Learning SSAFE expanded collaboration among member communities through its Greening Our Campuses program, workgroups, and peer learning initiatives. In 2025, SSAFE developed and shared 10 new case studies highlighting successful sustainability projects. SSAFE also introduced administrative panel discussions to foster collaboration between residents and management, and launched two new workgroups focused on reducing waste and sustainable eating. These efforts supported knowledge sharing and practical climate action across communities.
  4. $19,171 spent. Public Website and Climate Action Resources SSAFE maintained and expanded its public website as a central hub for climate action resources tailored to senior living communities. In 2025, SSAFE launched a redesigned website with improved organization, expanded content, and enhanced search functionality. The site attracted more than 4,300 unique visitors and provided access to tools, case studies, presentation recordings, and educational materials to support sustainability initiatives at the community level.
  5. $14,191 spent. SSAFE Pathway to Net Zero SSAFE launched the SSAFE Pathway to Net Zero, a comprehensive, searchable online roadmap to help senior living communities reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Pathway provides guidance on measuring emissions, planning sustainability initiatives, and identifying reduction opportunities, along with supporting resources. Developed through collaboration among SSAFE members, the Pathway is a living document that will continue to evolve as new information and best practices emerge.
  6. $18,675 spent. Member Communications and Engagement Platforms SSAFE strengthened engagement and information sharing through its communications platforms. The ASK-SSAFE Listserv provides a forum for members to exchange ideas, ask questions, and support one another in advancing sustainability initiatives. SSAFE also published a quarterly newsletter featuring educational content, chapter updates, and examples of successful projects, distributed in both digital and print formats to reach a broad audience.

Source: Form 990EZ 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 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 December 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 October 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.