Sonoma County Economic Development Board Foundation
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
TO SUPPORT SONOMA COUNTY'S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOARD PROGRAMS
- Income
- $96,545
- Spending
- $148,734
- Spent on programs
- 97%
- Reserves
- 49.8 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 71%
- Employees
- 0
- Highest pay
- $225,806, ed/secretary
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 75 out of 100. Higher than 51% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, under $250k).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 49.8 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 6% of what it owns.
Living within its means
0 of 15Spending exceeded income by 54% of income.
Income trend
5 of 15Income fell 17% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1597% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Good: 82 out of 100. Higher than 75% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, under $250k).
Independent board
25 of 258 of 8 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
0 of 10Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
0 of 5Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 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 (4)
- $90,536 spent. Creative Sonoma - The Creative Sonoma program supported the development of a county-wide Public Art Plan, an Arts Education Workforce Plan, as well as the professional development program BIPOC Producers Lab, produced with Kimzin Creative. Funds were also used to support event photography, and honoraria and an ArtSurround public art project. These activities were primarily funded using grants received by The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and Manitou Fund.
- $27,475 spent. Research Initiatives - This program funded Business Development Tools to help local businesses recognize current industry trends, find new target markets and customer bases, and research site selection data. Sponsor-supported funding allows these reports to be offered free of charge to local businesses.
- $14,539 spent. Fall Economic Perspective -The Fall Economic Perspective Navigating Economic Shifts looked at how different election results can shape and influence local economies. Dr. Jerry Nickelsburg explored how historical election results impacted economic indicators, how policy changes could influence local sectors, and what the labor market may look like post-election. The event was held at Sonoma State University with over 200 people in attendance.
- $11,874 spent. Spring Economic Perspective - The Spring Economic Perspective: "Moving Forward: Strengthening Our Economy for the Challenges of a Changing Climate" examined strategies for addressing economic challenges and fostering inclusive growth in the face of climate change. The event featured keynote speaker Merlin Hanauer from Sonoma State University, followed by a panelist discussion focusing on disaster impacts on marginalized communities, supporting businesses through climate challenges, and disaster resilience. The event was held at Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park with over 150 people in attendance.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 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 June 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 January 2002.
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.