Golden Years Sanctuary
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Provide a safe, loving, and comfortable environment senior cats in need.
- Income
- $82,750
- Spending
- $43,182
- Reserves
- 33.8 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 100%
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
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, 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 (1)
- $41,294 spent. Golden Years Sanctuary, established in 2023, is nestled on 5 acres of both cleared and wooded property. It is certified as a Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. The area offers super senior cats' peace, tranquility, with an abundance of wildlife watching within their safe and secure Catio attached to the rescues Cat Cottage. At Golden Years Sanctuary, we recognize animals come from different backgrounds. Many times, animals coming into the shelter system have an unknown history, often found as strays. At times they are surrendered for various reasons. Cats, like us Humans, have their own personalities. We do not know all of their backstory, but we can take time to learn what brings them joy, how they wish to be shown affection, and even where they prefer to sleep. It is important we respect an animals' boundaries while providing space and care as they age. Golden Years Sanctuary will not tolerate any form of abuse, mistreatment, mishandling, or neglect of any animals. We believe elderly, hospice, and palliative care cats all deserve a quiet space that enables them the opportunity to enjoy their time. We also encourage play, interactive toys, outdoor stimulation, and treats. Our FoundingMany years ago, the executive director's family made the decision to visit a local animal shelter to adopt a cat. Most shelters were bursting with kittens, and this was no different. Sprinkled among the endless choices of cute little faces were a few cats ranging in ages from 1-8 years old. Two stuck out to them. One was 8 years old and another was a guestimate of 4-5 years old. Her family mulled over the choices. Their heartstrings were pulling toward the older cats. A gentleman was there looking for a cat as well. He had his brother with him who was an adult with cognitive delays. It warmed their heart to see they were going to adopt the 8-year-old cat. This was his companion animal. The love they saw beaming from that guy's face was priceless. Being in the room with so many cats and kittens, they discussed the pros and cons of adopting an older cat. There may be health issues, he/she may pass away sooner rather than later or may have already established bad habits. Even with those minor concerns mentioned they adopted the other cat who caught my eye and committed to providing him with a home. They paid the $20 adoption fee and off they went. Their new family member became known as Stewie. He brought so much love to their family. Everyone who met him said "what a cool cat". A few years into his adoptive life they brought home two puppies, brother and sister. Stewie quickly showed them the ropes along with demonstrating who exactly was the boss, which was him of course. He spent life playing, meowing, frolicking in their fenced in yard, basking in the sun, and taking turns sleeping in all our beds. Christmas was one of his favorites. He absolutely loved jumping in the crumpled wrapping paper, sitting in boxes, waiting not so patiently for treats from his stocking, and sleeping under the Christmas tree with the twinkling lights. Stewie enjoyed his last Christmas with them in 2019. During this time, he was showing signs of aging and slowing down. His bathroom habits changed along with his eating routines. He slept 95% of the day. A visit to their vet made them aware he was nearing the end of life. In March of the following year, after another visit to their vet, confirming it was time to make a decision for Stewie. They reached out to Lowcountry Pet Hospice and Home Euthanasia. Stewie had lost much of his weight and muscle mass, was having difficulty walking, struggled to use the bathroom, and became a bit out of sorts cognitively speaking. They chose the gift of letting him go in their own home, where he was most comfortable. In passing, he was held in their arms, family surrounding him, whispering how he was the best cat ever and that we loved him. Stewie was 21 years old when he went over the rainbow bridge. Golden Years Sanctuary was created in his memory to inspire others to give older cats the opportunity to thrive and live out their lives in a comfortable environment. Noel came to us 12/20/23, five days before Christmas. We had the honor of providing her a soft place to land for 3 months. Being only 5.5 lbs, she sure showed us what she was made of. Spark, spunk, spice, and fire. We also saw vulnerability, sickness, tiredness, comfort, restlessness, trust, mistrust, but most importantly, inspiration. Our friend Jess gave her a beautiful Christmas sweater and Noel wore it so proudly. Prancing around the Catio on cooler, sunny days. A bit fragile but what light she radiated. She was the first cat under the sanctuary who departed. When Noel left, hearts were shattered. But a broken heart is just an acknowledgment that a deep love was had. She was surrounded, far and wide, by love, compassion, and care. Golden Years Sanctuary is committed to honoring Noel by continuing the spirit of giving. We've established a pet food pantry to distribute items during our Pop-Up Community Pet Food giveaways and community outreach efforts. You may have seen us at the Colleton Farmers Market, testing the reach rate. It was such a success in more ways than one. We aim to sprinkle magic where and when we can, in honor of our gal Noel. Each time one of our supporters purchases a "community pantry" item from our Amazon wish list, you are not only honoring Noel's memory but also creating the feeling of Christmas for someone in need. In December 2025 we announced Operation Luna, our initiative to further support our community by committing to assisting with TNR initiatives and expanding our reach within the rescue community. Our involvement in these areas will help our county and state by increasing awareness of Spay/Neuter opportunities, educating on proper trapping, loaning traps, and becoming a resource to those needing assistance. In 2025, Operation Noel distributed over 36,000 pet meals to community member
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
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 October 13, 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 2025.
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 2023.
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 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.