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Kern County Bar Association

EIN 95-3724546 · Bakersfield, CA

Public records raise at least one point you should look into before giving.

What it says it does

TO PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE TO LOCAL ATTORNEYS AND TO PROVIDE SERVICES THROUGH THE INDIGENT DEFENSE PROGRAM.

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

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 June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate

This return does not answer enough of the governance questions to score.

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

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (3)

$7.2 million spent. The kern county bar association's Indigent Defense Program (IDP) acts as the alternate defender in Kern county. Through its contract with the County of Kern, the IDP represents adults and juveniles when the public defender's office has a conflict of interest or otherwise cannot represent a client. Representation extends to adults and juveniles in both the criminal justice adn dependency systems.
$3.6 million spent. The Kern County Bar Association Dependency Advocacy Program provides high-quality legal representation and advocacy for parents, children, and other parties involved in juvenile dependency proceedings in Kern County. The program works to protect the rights and interests of vulnerable children, ensure due process, and promote family reunification whenever safely possible. Through the dedicated efforts of its attorneys and staff, the program helps ensure that cases move efficiently through the court system while prioritizing the safety, well-being, and permanency of children in foster care.
$455,710 spent. EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL SERVICES

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

Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(6) business league.
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? Caution.
The IRS master file records contributions to this 501(c)(6) business league as not deductible.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since July 1983.
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.

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