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Preservation of the Burning of Zozobra

EIN 92-3998803 · Santa Fe, NM

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthNot ratedToo small or too little detailGovernanceFair59 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To support and perpetuate the significant and the historic cultural tradition of the Burning of Zozobra event and to raise funds and distribute them in the community by supporting the youth of Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico.

Income
$511,485
Spending
$40,821
Spent on programs
95%
Reserves
Over 10 years of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 83%
Employees
0

Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 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 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Fair: 59 out of 100. Higher than 32% of charities in its peer group (international, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    10 of 10 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    0 of 15

    Reports no 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.

  • Independent check of accounts

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed 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 September 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 (1)
  1. $38,780 spent. Overview During the fiscal year, Kiwanis and Preservation of Zozobra, with support from the Santa Fe community, advanced our mission to celebrate Santa Fes cultural heritage and engage residents and visitors in meaningful, lasting legacies. Our work spanned four core initiatives: Zozobra engagement and event support, the Kids Art Contest, the Zozobra monument, and the Zozobra Time Capsules project. Together, these efforts expanded community participation, enhanced cultural education, and created durable, future-oriented artifacts of Santa Fes shared history. Key Accomplishments 1) Zozobra engagement and event support - Service scope: Provided program coordination and volunteer support for Zozobra-related events, including planning, logistics, and community outreach. - Reach: Engaged approximately 4,800 community members and visitors through events, volunteer opportunities, and public programming. - Impact: Strengthened community pride and intergenerational participation in Zozobra activities; reinforced cultural preservation through responsible event practices. 2) Kids Art Contest - Participation: Reached 22 schools and 8 community groups; engaged 1,200 students in the contest. - Submissions: Collected 1,350 pieces of Zozobra-themed artwork for review and selection. - Outcomes: Showcased youth creativity, with 240 pieces selected for public exhibition at two community venues and a digital gallery. - Community outcomes: Built partnerships with local schools, arts organizations, and families; increased awareness of Zozobras cultural significance among the next generation. 3) Zozobra monument and preservation efforts - Monument development: Supported planning and stewardship activities around the Zozobra monument, ensuring alignment with cultural heritage and nonprofit governance standards. - Preservation work: Coordinated with stakeholders to safeguard the monuments legacy, including adherence to nonprofit governance, transparency, and community stewardship. - Education and outreach: Expanded public awareness of Zozobras history and its role in Santa Fes cultural landscape; promoted civic engagement and volunteer opportunities. 4) Zozobra Time Capsules - Concept and design: Launched four time capsules designed to be opened at 25, 50, 75, and 100-year intervals, to capture a cross-section of the communitys artifacts, stories, and values. - Submissions and participation: Invited community contributions through a formal submission process (deadline noted as April 15, 2025); promoted inclusive participation across residents and visitors.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 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 October 13, 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 November 6, 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 October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending September 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since June 2023.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 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.