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Ecology Action of Santa Cruz

EIN 94-2584236 · Santa Cruz, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood83 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The primary and specific purpose for which the said corporation is formed is to empower individuals, businesses and communities to take actions today that achieve environmental and economic sustainability. The activities of the corporation shall be within the scope of section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code.

Income
$22.1 million
Spending
$20.3 million
Spent on programs
77%
Reserves
6.1 months of spending
Largest source of income
government grants, 85%
Employees
131
Volunteers
115
Highest pay
$454,326, ceo & exec dir

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: 83 out of 100. Higher than 57% of charities in its peer group (environment, $10m to $100m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 6.1 months of spending.

  • Debt

    10 of 20

    It owes 34% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 8% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 95% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    77% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 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

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 35% of charities in its peer group (environment, $10m to $100m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    11 of 11 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a 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.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited 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 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 (2)
  1. $11.2 million spent. Energy efficiency is one of the most impactful and cost-effective ways to protect the environment -- that's why we've been committed to it for over two decades. We make Energy Efficiency Actionable for California Businesses by offering energy efficiency services including, rebate/incentive processing, technical and engineering support, project management and financing options for businesses in California utility PG&E's service area.In addition, through our subsidiary Taper, a B Corp subsidiary of Ecology Action, we are dedicated to reducing pollution at scale by making energy efficiency easy for large commercial businesses. As a general contractor, Taper offers environmentally preferable solutions for HVAC, refrigeration, interior and exterior lighting, water systems and more. Our tailored approach streamlines the efficiency process and ensures delivery of large-scale solutions that yield dependable environmental benefits. It's a win for our planet, people and businesses.
  2. $4.5 million spent. Community Initiatives-Ecology Action builds a future by promoting opportunities to make simple, everyday sustainable changes in how we live and work in our communities. Ecology Action powers programs that help advance resilience in communities by providing resources, hands-on tools, training, and perhaps most importantly - connection to others through the Resilient Central Coast program.Ecology Actions local active transportation programs have helped thousands of people make the switch to low-carbon transportation. Modo, our active transportation initiative, offers community-based planning, education and engagement to help all people safely adopt active transportation modes that reduce emissions. Ecology Action acts as a catalyst on both sides of the electric vehicle equation. We help folks from all walks of life purchase an electric vehicle through our EVs For Everyone initiative and help property owners install charging station infrastructure at their buildings through our EV charging infrastructure work. All while prioritizing historically under served communities. Ecology Action designs and executes public education programs to inspire Monterey Bay Area residents and businesses to make water conservation a way of life. This lessens water dependency on our rivers, reservoirs and groundwater wells and builds resilience in our communities against drought.Ecology Actions Ratio Institute works with food retailers to create store-level and enterprise sustainability solutions that reduce the industry's outsized impact. Ratio Institutes mission is to accelerate viability and measurable sustainability in food retail through expert collaboration, industry resources and practical tools.

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

  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 October 13, 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 December 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 1979.

    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 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.