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Chinese Students and Scholars Association at Uc Santa Barbara

EIN 99-4132590 · Goleta, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair57 out of 100GovernanceNot ratedThe short tax form does not cover thisImpact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The UCSB Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA) is dedicated to building a supportive and inclusive community for Chinese students and scholars at UC Santa Barbara. The organization promotes cultural exchange, student engagement, and professional development through a wide range of programs and activities. Signature events such as the Chinese New Year Gala, the Supernova talent show, the Don't Be Shy Show, and the campus-wide Career Fair celebrate Chinese culture, provide platforms for students to showcase their talents, foster peer connections, and create opportunities for career exploration.

Income
$39,111
Spending
$58,749
Reserves
5.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 94%

Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending April 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Fair: 57 out of 100. Higher than 21% of charities in its peer group (education, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 5.2 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 50% of income.

Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending April 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.

Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending April 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)
  1. $29,226 spent. The Chinese New Year Gala is the UCSB CSSA's flagship annual cultural event, celebrating the most important traditional holiday in Chinese culture. In the most recent year, the gala welcomed more than 800 participants - including students, faculty, staff, and parents - who gathered for an evening of festivity and community connection.The nearly three-hour program featured a diverse lineup of performances such as vocal and dance pieces, folk music, and classical Chinese acts, creating a vibrant showcase of cultural heritage. The gala's purpose is to honor tradition, strengthen community bonds, and provide a joyful, home-like atmosphere for those celebrating away from their families. Its continued success highlights CSSA's role in enriching campus life and promoting meaningful cultural exchange.
  2. $9,892 spent. The Supernova Singing Contest 2024 was an exciting student-only competition hosted by UCSB CSSA, beginning with more than 60 UCSB student participants. The contest advanced through three competitive rounds, culminating in a final showcase of the top 10 performers. Each round drew strong campus engagement, with the final round attracting more than 300 attendees who gathered to support and cheer for their favorite singers.Featuring a wide range of musical styles - from pop and rock to traditional Chinese music - the contest provided a dynamic platform for students to display their talents while fostering connection, school spirit, and cultural appreciation within the UCSB community.
  3. $2,274 spent. The Welcome Incoming Student Events in Shanghai and Beijing are UCSB CSSA's annual outreach initiatives designed to help newly admitted students from China transition smoothly into university life. In 2024, the Beijing event welcomed more than 100 students and parents, while the Shanghai event drew over 200 attendees.These gatherings offered pre-departure guidance, introductions to UCSB campus life, and interactive Q&A sessions with current students and alumni. By fostering early connections and addressing common questions, the events built a supportive community and instilled confidence in incoming students even before they arrived on campus.
  4. $11,669 spent. In addition to its major events, UCSB CSSA offers a range of other programs and services that enrich student life and foster community. The Don't Be Shy Show is a social event designed to help students make new friends and meet more people, drawing over 500 attendees for an evening of performances and interactive games. The Career Fair connects students with job and internship opportunities, attracting around 100 participants and offering valuable professional development resources. Ultimate Hat is a popular outdoor sports and networking event, bringing together over 100 students for fun and connection. CSSA also runs the Winter Quarter Class Group Chat Program, which benefits over 1,000 students by creating WeChat groups for each course to help classmates collaborate and support one another. Additionally, CSSA established group chats for incoming Class of 2029 students and their parents, offering early access to information about UCSB and building a supportive community before students even arrive on campus.

Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending April 30, 2025, 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 April 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 August 2024.

    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.