Zozoera the Balloon
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Our mission is to inspire curiosity and lifelong learning by leveraging the Zozobra Air Balloon as a hands-on educational platform. We aim to:Spark excitement in kids about culture and history through the rich traditions surrounding Zozobra and the region.Introduce basic avionics engineering concepts in a safe, age-appropriate manner.Highlight the intersection of art, culture, science, and technology to foster curiosity and critical thinking.Promote responsible stewardship of air and aviation history while encouraging STEM exploration.Key focus areas:Educational outreach: classroom-friendly materials, demonstrations, and guided tours.Cultural appreciation: storytelling and historical context surrounding Zozobra and local heritage.Avionics and engineering: simplified explanations of balloon design, navigation, and safety systems.Community engagement: partnerships with schools, museums, and aviation clubs.Our goal is to empower youth with knowledge, inspire future scientists and engineer
- Income
- $135,100
- Spending
- $71,086
- Reserves
- 10.8 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 100%
- Highest pay
- $11,900, treasurer
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
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 990EZ for the year ending September 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 September 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 (1)
- $71,086 spent. Zozobra, the balloon, flew four times during the fiscal year at the community events, which include the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, the 4th of July, New Year's Eve, and the burning of Zozobra in Santa Fe.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending September 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 September 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 August 2024.
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.