Colorado Urban Leadership Foundation
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- Only 24% of its spending went to programs.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
The mission of the Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado is to invest in the development of minority leaders, empower them to serve in the interest of community, and leverage all resources to address the racial, economic, education, social, and health inequities experienced by member of the Black and African American community.
- Income
- $665,949
- Spending
- $720,185
- Spent on programs
- 24%
- Reserves
- 20.1 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 100%
- Employees
- 4
- Volunteers
- 0
- Highest pay
- $242,000, president & ceo
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Fair: 69 out of 100. Higher than 36% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 20.1 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 10% of what it owns.
Living within its means
4 of 15Spending exceeded income by 8% of income.
Income trend
10 of 15Income fell 7% on the year before.
Spending floor
0 of 1524% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 46 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 91 out of 100. Higher than 81% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
25 of 257 of 7 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
6 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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 (3)
- $96,969 spent. The Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado 501(c)(3) non-profit is one of Colorado's most recognized and accomplished leadership organizations within the Denver metro area. Our programming provides participants with leadership training and education as it relates to becoming a more effective business, political and/or community leader. Our primary goal is leadership training, civic engagement, advancement services, cultural and identity exploration to the next generation of African American Leaders. Our secondary objective is to create and inspire meaningful service in the public's interest. Through our ten-month program flagship program ULF Connect Leadership Fellowship, we expose our participants to various leaders, opportunities to engage civically and in the community, to small businesses and the principles of entrepreneurship, advancement in the workplace, and insight into politics. Our training not only equips individuals with the tool necessary to become more effective leaders but also inspire them to lead. To date we've had over 450 alumni with 28 graduates in 2024.
- $68,978 spent. The Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado partners with community organizations and businesses to bring holiday cheer to families who may be experiencing financial hardships due to the pandemic or other personal matters. We provided toys and monetary donations to over 100 families in 2024.
- $4,048 spent. During these tumultuous times we have expanded our service priorities to have an intentional focus on mental fitness, homelessness, basic community needs, access to information, financial literacy, and support for families and small business owners from the community severely impacted by the pandemics. The Bridging the Gap Program centers on the following services: - Social, Emotional, and Mental Health support - Providing resources for those experiencing varying levels of homelessness - Professional development, health & wellness, emotional wellness and social engagement. - Career and Tech education program scholarship support - Small stipends/grants to help with household expenses and groceries. - Limited Operational grants for small businesses and entrepreneurs to support operating expenses.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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 November 6, 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 December 2024.
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 2008.
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 November 4, 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.