Santa Barbara Wildfire Protection Team

What it reported doing in 2024

Public Education and Awareness: We research, develop, and disseminate educational materials to the community. This education focuses on identifying human activities that significantly increase fire danger and compromise public safety. We inform residents and visitors about the direct and indirect impacts of these fire risks on their safety, property, community well-being, and the natural environment. These activities are conducted by members of the Santa Barbara Wildfire Prevention Team (SBWFPT), particularly our Social Media Group, which manages digital outreach and public awareness campaigns. This activity is conducted broadly across Santa Barbara County, with an initial focus on the Hot Springs Canyon neighborhood. We disseminate information through public forums held at local schools, libraries, and fire stations, as well as through digital outreach (e.g., social media, website, and email newsletters).Stakeholder Collaboration: We actively convene and facilitate dialogue between local community groups, government agencies (federal, state, and local), and public safety organizations (such as the US Forest Service and Montecito Fire Department). Our goal is to provide a structured framework for these stakeholders to share information, identify challenges, and coordinate efforts, which they may not otherwise do. These activities are conducted by members of the SBWFPT, particularly our Public Safety Group, which liaises directly with agencies and stakeholders. This activity is primarily conducted at the facilities of the agencies and officials we engage with, including the various Departments of the County of Santa Barbara, the United States Forest Service, the Montecito Fire Department, and the district offices of our local Congressmember, State Senator, and State Assemblymember. This activity directly furthers our exempt purposes by promoting public safety and lessening the burdens of government. By serving as the central coordinator and facilitator, we provide a crucial channel for communication and problem-solving that supports government agencies in developing more effective and responsive public safety policies, thereby saving them time and resources.

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 24.6%; rating input score 25
• Program expense ratio: 99.7%; rating input score 100

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 52nd percentile among comparable filings
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100

Sustainability

• Operating margin: 75.3%; rating input score 96; 96th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 3.05; rating input score 75; 75th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: Limited
• Officer compensation ratio: 94.2%; rating input score 0; 0th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: Limited
• Revenue growth: Limited
• Asset growth: Limited