Cheer for Life Foundation Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
To improve the lives of at-risk individuals in the communities we serve by serving as true ambassadors of goodwill. We inspire, entertain, and amaze audiences through powerful performances while challenging others to be their best and supporting organizations that strengthen our communities. We are an adult, all-volunteer 501(c)(3) charitable organization supporting beneficiaries that assist those living with HIV/AIDS, breast cancer, and other life-challenging conditions.
- Income
- $139,905
- Spending
- $84,215
- Reserves
- 31.5 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 67%
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 94 out of 100. Higher than 79% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, under $250k).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 31.5 months of spending.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 16% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 40% of income.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending June 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 June 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)
- $82,215 spent. CHEER San Francisco, the Official Cheer Team of the City and County of San Francisco, has been thrilling crowds locally, nationally, and internationally for the last 37 years with a unique brand of high-energy performances. This all-volunteer group is dedicated not only to providing polished entertainment but also to the philanthropic mission of the squad, serving as true ambassadors of goodwill to the communities in which we perform.The core team of 60 individuals works together with about 40 additional volunteers to develop cutting-edge cheerleading shows for annual events like the Castro Street Fair in the fall and Pride parades and festivals in the spring and summer. Throughout the year, CHEER SF enjoys the challenge of preparing for corporate events, community fundraisers, private parties, and more. Our charitable cheerleading efforts are a year-round labor of love that we embrace and cherish.Achievements & Accolades: CHEER SF has achieved immense success in our 37-year history. Our performances have touched millions of people around the world, and our fundraising has impacted the lives of thousands with life-challenging conditions. In return, we are honored and humbled by the appreciation that we have received at numerous moments in our story:Named the Official Cheer Team of the City and County of San Francisco in June 2015 on the occasion of our 35th anniversary (2015)Became the first cheer team to perform in the San Francisco Giants World Series Victory Parade (2012 and 2014)Became the first cheer team to advance to the Top 48 on America's Got Talent (2010)Received proclamation of "CHEER SF Day" in the City of San Francisco on May 25, 2005 by Mayor Gavin Newsom (2005)Awarded first place trophies and cash awards at parades such as the Chinese New Year, SF Italian Heritage Day, SF St. Patrick's Day, SF Pride, San Jose Pride, West Hollywood Pride, Dallas Pride, Edmonton, Canada Pride, and Larkspur/Corte Madera July 4th (2002-2014)Became the first American cheerleading team to perform in Singapore (2002)Received the first 2 team Gold Medals for Cheerleading in Gay Games history at Gay Games 8 in Cologne, Germany (2010)Was multiple-time recipient of the Leadership Trophy, awarded at College Cheer Camp to the team most admired by other teams (2000-2011)Became the first LGBTQ-identified cheer team to be invited to perform at a US Presidential Inauguration (1997)Delivered performances at world renowned venues such as the Sydney Opera House, New York's Paramount Theater, Wrigley Field in Chicago, Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington DC, and Dam Square in front of the Royal Palace in Amsterdam (1997-present)Serve as largest, most seen, most fiscally successful, and longest-running charitable nonprofit cheerleading team in the world (ongoing)Further, CHEER SF is distinguished as the only cheerleading team to have appeared at all nine Gay Games (Olympic Games-style international quadrennial athletic event): San Francisco in 1982 and 1986; Vancouver, Canada in 1990; New York City in 1994; Amsterdam, The Netherlands in 1998; Sydney, Australia in 2002; Chicago in 2006; Cologne, Germany in 2010; and Cleveland, Ohio in 2014. We have also been honored with recent appearances on television: on NBC's America's Got Talent: Season 5 in 2010 as a Top 48 contender; on USA Network's WWE Tough Enough in 2011; and on ABC's Good Morning America as the opening act for Britney Spears in 2011. We are no strangers to cameras. Learn more at www.cheersf.org
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending June 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 June 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 February 2005.
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.