Sambica
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
SAMBICA is a light on the lake, inspiring youth to a relationship with Jesus Christ since 1919. SAMBICA offers youth summer camps and retreat ministries. During the fall, winter, and spring seasons SAMBICA serves other nonprofit organizations, schools, and churches through hospitality programs. SAMBICA's quality food, great customer service, and convenient locations provide the perfect setting for reflection, relaxation, and team bulding.
- Income
- $3.5 million
- Spending
- $2.9 million
- Spent on programs
- 50%
- Reserves
- 4.8 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 72%
- Employees
- 173
- Volunteers
- 0
- Highest pay
- $113,458, executive director
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: 74 out of 100. Higher than 46% of charities in its peer group (recreation and sports, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
20 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 4.8 months of spending.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 15% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 18% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 1% on the year before.
Spending floor
8 of 1550% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 19 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 65% of charities in its peer group (recreation and sports, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 25146 of 147 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
0 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports 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 (3)
- $1.3 million spent. SAMBICA provides overnight camps, day camps, and a high school leadership program during the summer months, and youth camps and events the rest of the year. Approximately 150 team members are hired each summer to run the camp operations in roles such as counselors, lifeguards, boat drivers, program operations, and kitchen. 3,144 campers served during the year.
- $213,019 spent. In 2024 the retreat ministries division (events held outside the summer months in January-May and September-December) hosted 27 different organizations. These groups were comprised of 2,412 people and represented 12,187 guest days. Overall customer satisfaction for 2024 was 95%.
- SAMBICA offers an Associates program to young adults interested in learning about and working in various areas of camping ministry. Bible Study and spiritual development is the primary focus. The program also covers three main disciplines: self-awareness, life skills and career development. In exchange for housing and a stipend, associates learn various aspects of camp operations and assist with SAMBICA programs. At regular intervals, the associates participate in community and individual discipleship to discover their natural skill sets and potential career path.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since July 1973.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
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.