Polar Bear Sustainable Energy Foundation
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The general purposes of the corporation shall be to perform charitable and educational functions related to the provision of low cost or no-cost partly or entirely subsidized green renewable services for historically marginalized individuals and populations with a focus on Highland Park and Detroit Michigan. PBSEF will partly or entirely subsidize the labor and material costs of these types of beneficial projects for those who cannot afford to fund such improvements. PBSEF will further ensure fairness in the contracting for such services and closely monitor the quality of both materials and workmanship in the execution of all projects for PBSEFs beneficiaries. In fulfilling its mission and purpose. In fulfilling its mission and purpose PBSEF seeks to improve the health comfort and basic economic well-being of marginalized Michiganders thereby providing the served community with reasonable solutions for the energy poverty that exists in Michigan.
- Income
- $100,000
- Spending
- $15,350
- Reserves
- 91 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
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
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)
- $15,000 spent. PBSE Foundation raised and granted funds to support a pilot project in four homes in Highland Park and Detroit. The goal of the pilot is to investigate the work the costs and the contractors required to provide green renewable services in these communities. The pilot included homeowners of diverse income levels to investigate the level of subsidy required to make services accessible for households of different means. Down the line the pilot will also measure impacts on energy usage and utility bills paid by the homeowners.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since September 2022.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 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.