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The Turner Foundation - Since 1958

EIN 95-6111806 · Santa Barbara, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong100 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

THE MISSION OF THE TURNER FOUNDATION IS TO PROVIDE SAFE, AFFORDABLE HOUSING AS WELL AS PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THAT WILL IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THE RESIDENTS AND SURROUNDING SANTA BARBARA COMMUNITY.

Income
$9.8 million
Spending
$4.9 million
Spent on programs
77%
Reserves
24.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
investment income, 63%
Employees
29
Volunteers
82
Highest pay
$253,346, ceo

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

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 91% of charities in its peer group (housing, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 24.2 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 8% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 50% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 203% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    77% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 29 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 70% of charities in its peer group (housing, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    5 of 5 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. $2.8 million spent. THE TURNER FOUNDATION (SINCE 1958) OWNS AND OPERATES A 70 UNIT AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMPLEX ON THE WEST SIDE OF SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA. THE HOUSING COMMUNITY IS CALLED "THE VILLAGE OF SANTA BARBARA." THE APARTMENT COMPLEX HAS A MIX OF STUDIOS, ONE, AND TWO BEDROOM UNITS. A PLAYGROUND, BASKETBALL COURT, AND SWIMMING POOL ARE ALL AMENITIES AT THE VILLAGE. IN AUGUST OF 2014, THE TURNER FOUNDATION ACQUIRED A 45 UNIT COMPLEX ON THE WEST SIDE OF SANTA BARBARA. THIS HOUSING COMMUNITY IS CALLED "THE LIGHTHOUSE OF SANTA BARBARA." THROUGH CITY FUNDING,GRANTS, DONATIONS, AND OTHER FUNDS THE ORGANIZATION IMPROVES LIVING CONDITIONS FOR LOW INCOME FAMILIES AT BOTH PROPERTIES THROUGH NEW AND ONGOING REMODELS AND RENOVATIONS
  2. $991,704 spent. THE ORGANIZATION'S ONSITE PROGRAMMING AIMS TO PROMOTE THE WELFARE OF THE WHOLE FAMILY BY OFFERING HIGH QUALITY SERVICES. AN ONSITE LEARNING CENTER AND COMMUNITY CENTER ARE THE APEX ENVIRONMENTS FOR MEETING THE EDUCATIONAL NEEDS FOR CHILDREN (PRESCHOOL TWELFTH GRADE). ONSITE PROGRAMMING INCLUDES AN AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAM, YOUTH SUMMER PROGRAM, PERFORMING ARTS PROGRAM AND ART PROGRAM. ALL ONSITE PROGRAMS ARE AT NO COST TO THE TENANTS AND OFFER POSITIVE, EDUCATIONAL AND ENRICHING EXPERIENCES FOR THE CHILDREN LIVING IN THE COMMUNITY. PROGRAMMING IS MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS, GRANTS, DONATIONS, AND OTHER FUNDS.

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 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 December 2024.

    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 December 1964.

    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.