Valley Center Nonprofits and Charities

CharityWatch Rating <br> <br>For our complete review visit: https://www.charitywatch.org/charities/castleton-ranch-horse-rescue <br> <br>CharityWatch conducted an in-depth analysis of Castleton Ranch Horse Rescue’s audited financial statements and IRS tax Form 990 (Tax ID#11-3731839) for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. Based on this analysis, CharityWatch assigned the charity a rating of C-minus on our “A+” to “F” rating scale for spending 55% of its cash expenses on programs, 45% on overhead, and for spending $43 to raise each $100 of cash support. <br> <br>Fundraising <br> <br>According to the Castleton Ranch Horse Rescue audit of December 31, 2023 (Note A, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Concentrations): <br> <br>“…During the year ended December 31, 2023, Castleton derived $1,450,943 or 75% of its revenues through its direct mail campaign conducted by Fundraising Strategies…Any significant interruptions or impairment of campaign revenues would have a significant adverse impact on Castleton.” <br> <br>Of the charity’s $1,914,443 total reported cash expenses, the charity reports spending $736,992 on “Direct Mail Expense” and $63,283 on “Professional fundraising services.” <br> <br>Governance & Transparency <br> <br>Castleton Ranch Horse Rescue meets CharityWatch’s Transparency benchmark but fails our Governance benchmark based on our analysis of its financial reporting for fiscal year 2023. <br> <br>CharityWatch evaluates certain criteria related to a charity’s Governance and Transparency. Donors may want to consider a charity’s willingness to be open and transparent with CharityWatch to be a good litmus test for determining its commitment to public accountability. <br> <br>Governance Benchmarks: Charities required to file a Form 990 with the IRS are asked to answer basic questions each year about their governing body and management, governance policies, and disclosure practices. CharityWatch reviews a charity’s tax form to see if it reports having certain policies in place, a sufficiently large and independent governing body, and other basic governance information that serve as standard benchmarks for large charities of national scope or interest. Charities must pass all nine benchmarks in order to meet CharityWatch’s overall benchmark for Governance. <br> <br>Castleton Ranch Horse Rescue fails CharityWatch’s Governance benchmark due to not having a sufficiently large or independent governing body. The charity reports that its board of directors is comprised of only 3 people, of which only 1 is considered “independent.” To meet CharityWatch’s governance benchmark, a charity’s board must be comprised of at least 5 voting members with majority independence to help ensure that the board can meet its fiduciary duties to make decisions that are in the best interest of the charity. <br> <br>Transparency Benchmark: Indicates whether a charity has met CharityWatch’s Transparency benchmarks for the fiscal year analyzed. To meet transparency benchmarks, a charity must post a complete copy of its most current, independent audited financial statements on its public website. It must provide complete copies of its IRS Form(s) 990 to CharityWatch upon request and may be required to answer questions related to its financial reporting and/or provide additional documentation if such information is necessary for CharityWatch to complete a meaningful evaluation. <br> <br>Related Party Disclosures <br> <br>According to the Castleton Ranch Horse Rescue audit of December 31, 2023 (Note H, Related Party Disclosures): <br> <br>“The president of Castleton, Lisa Thomas, is in charge of all activities and transactions. During the course of the year ended December 31, 2023, Castleton compensated Ms. Thomas for work performed. <br> <br>In addition, all directors reside at the Valley Center Ranch location and have corporate vehicles and phones available for personal use.”

ML Guernsey and her crew have saved dozens of hounds lives by transporting them out of bad situations in the South and East and getting them to forever homes elsewhere. A very worthwhile organization.

SCYBR is a fantastic group! The president and secretary work extremely hard to give back to the youth. They are patient and great leaders. SCYBR is a great family friendly association and the friends made are life long. I’d recommend SCYBR to everyone!

You are kidding...right? They are still asking for donations when there status with the State is "suspended"/

I am a member of R.E.A.R.S. Riverside County Animal Rescue Service which is we are volunteers. We are part of the Riverside County Animal Control our duties are evacuating animals caught up in wild fires around Riverside co, confiscation of abused animals etc. I have taken many horses to Falcon Ridge thru REARS in addition I picked up horses from up north and local areas taking them to Falcon Ridge. I first met Nicki at Falcon Ridge when I found an abandoned injured horse in our community round pen. I call my captain at Riverside animal control and asked if she could suggesting a rescue that might take the poor horse and she told me about Falcon Ridge. Ever since then I do volunteer transporting for this rescue. Check out Falcon Ridge Equine Rescue on facebook. <br>Denise C.

its not often we in southern california have access to a service that protects native women from domestic violence and sexual assault. I know its now easy to find funding for Non-Profits, they have host a golf event annually to help with funds to help protect our native women. contact strong hearted native womens coalition at strongheartednativewomen@yahoo.com

I have personally witnessed the work OLAC has done in the schools and communities. Ed White and his staff are bringing art to those who greatly benefit from it, especially children who have special needs. The hands-on approach that is used gets everyone involved and expands the recipients' horizons. In a time when the arts are being cut back in schools, this program fulfills a need in a very positive manner.