California has nineteen “Funds to which you can Contribute” and take the “contribution” as a credit on your State taxes. In each case, the fund” has been approved by the IRS and the money actually goes to the thing for which you are making the contribution.
Examples:
California Seniors Special Fund
Alzheimer’s Disease/Related Disorders Fund
Rare and Endangered Species Preservation Program
California Sea Otter Fund
School Supplies for Homeless Children Fund
California Peace Officer Memorial Foundation Fund
Revive the Salton Sea Fund
Supposedly, none of the money collected, goes into the State’s operating budget.