Community Action of Ventura County
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
HELP OUR COMMUNITY ESTABLISH PATHWAYS OUT OF PROVERTY THROUGH ADVOCACY, PARTNERSHIPS, AND SERVICES THAT PROMOTE DIGNITY AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY.
- Income
- $3.4 million
- Spending
- $3.4 million
- Spent on programs
- 99%
- Reserves
- -0.2 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- government grants, 99%
- Employees
- 37
- Volunteers
- 108
- Highest pay
- $106,656, executive director
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
Weak: 39 out of 100.
Reserves
0 of 35Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.
Debt
2 of 20It owes 82% of what it owns.
Living within its means
12 of 15Income exceeded spending by 1% of income.
Income trend
10 of 15Income fell 7% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1599% 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.
Independent board
25 of 2514 of 14 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
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports 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 (4)
- $1.1 million spent. Weatherization Program - The Weatherization Assistance Program reduces the heating and cooling costs for low-income families by improving the energy efficiency of their homes and ensuring their health and safety. Among low-income households, the program focuses on those with elderly residents, individuals with disabilities, and families with children.
- $1.1 million spent. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) - Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) provides a direct payment from the Department of Community Services and Development to an eligible familys utility bill to help offset the cost of heating or cooling their home. Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) provides assistance to low-income households that are in a crisis situation. Examples include a household that has received a 24 or 48 hour disconnect notice or service termination by their utility company or an energy-related crisis of life-threatening emergency exists in the applicants household.
- $941,262 spent. Community Services Program - The community development workshops are interactive and focuses on financial and mental wellness provided in English & Spanish. The goal of these workshops is to connect with the community and share valuable skills and resources related to these topics. Food Distribution - Our Food Pantry operates on a weekly basis, every Thursday. Distributions take place in the morning using a drive-thru model, although walk-ups are also welcome. On average, the Organization serve around 300 households per distribution. In partnership with 211 and Amazon, the Organization also provide weekly home deliveries to 68 individuals who are unable to attend our biweekly pantry due to mobility, health, or transportation challenges. Food Distribution (Continued) - The Organizations Food Program has established a strong partnership with Food Forward, through which we receive 20 pallets of fresh produce twice a month at the Organization facility. This produce is then distributed to local pantries across the region to support the broader community. Additionally, in collaboration with the Rescue Mission, The Organization distribute sack lunches to our homelessness clients. Through our Food Program, we also offer snacks and other food itemswhen availableon Mondays and Fridays to further support our unhoused clients. Homeless Services & Basic Needs - The Organization is working to meet the needs of the homeless in Ventura County by offering access to shower, laundry, clean clothes and a mailing address. Information and referral services to additional assistance and housing is also provided. The goal is to help clients achieve stability and self-sufficiency.
- $270,000 spent. Gold Coast Medical - The goal of the Medi-Cal Navigator Program was to simplify the process, provide support, and strengthen connections for Medi-Cal eligible individuals. Funded by a grant from Gold Coast Health Plan, the program helped streamline renewal applications, guided first-time applicants, answered questions, and connected members to services by supporting utilization and improving access to care.
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
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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 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 September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since January 1966.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 7, 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.