Cheyenne River Youth Project Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
THE CHEYENNE RIVER YOUTH PROJECT THE PROJECT, A YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES ORGANIZATION ESTABLISHED IN 1988, IS INTEGRAL TO THE CHEYENNE RIVER RESERVATIONS SUPPORT SYSTEM IN EAGLE BUTTE, SOUTH DAKOTA. THE PROJECT IS A GRASSROOTS INITIATIVE TAILORED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE
- Income
- $3.2 million
- Spending
- $1.7 million
- Spent on programs
- 79%
- Reserves
- 44.2 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- government grants, 91%
- Employees
- 24
- Volunteers
- 146
- Highest pay
- $116,830, executive director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 95 out of 100. Higher than 89% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 44.2 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 2% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 48% of income.
Income trend
10 of 15Income fell 2% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1579% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 3 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 94 out of 100. Higher than 59% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 258 of 8 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
9 of 15Its accounts were reviewed or compiled by an independent accountant, but not audited.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 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 (2)
- YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, INCLUDING MANY ACTIVITIES FOR YOUTH ON THE RESERVATION ON OUR 5 ACRE CAMPUS, WHICH IS COMPRISED OF EDUCATIONAL AND RECREATIONAL SPACES THAT OFFER SAFE SPACES FOR CHILDREN AGES 4-18 MENTORED BY STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS. THE MAIN YOUTH CENTER, FOR AGES 4-12, OFFERS ACTIVE AREAS, A COMMERCIAL KITCHEN TO SERVE DAILY MEALS AND SNACKS, AN ART ROOM AND LIBRARY IN ADDITION TO VOLUNTEER LIVING QUARTERS. THE COKATA WICONI TEEN CENTER SERVICES YOUTH, AGES 13-18, AND WITHIN THE FACILITY OFFERS A DANCE STUDIO, GYMNASIUM AND FITNESS CENTER, LIBRARY, CLASSROOMS, COMPUTER LAB AND ART STUDIO, IN ADDITION TO VOLUNTEER LIVING QUARTERS AND OFFICE SPACES. THIS FACILITY IS ALSO HOME TO THE KEYA CAFE COFFEE SHOP AND THE KEYA GIFT SHOP. THE WINYAN TOKA GARDEN IS A 3 ACRE NATURALLY GROWN GARDEN AND THE WANIYETU WOWAPI PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS ART PARK IS A PUBLIC ART SPACE AS WELL AS A PLACE TO CREATE ART. THE MAIN YOUTH CENTER OUR YOUTH CENTER IS MANY THINGS TO THE 4 TO 12 YEAR OLDS ON CHEYENNE RIVER. ITS A PLACE TO COME WHEN THERE IS NOWHERE ELSE TO GO A PLACE TO LEARN AND EXPLORE, A PLACE TO PLAY AND SOCIALIZE WITH FRIENDS, AND A PLACE TO RECEIVEA HEALTHY, HOT MEAL. WE HAVE CAREFULLY CREATED EACH PROGRAM AND ACTIVITY WITH THE IDEA THAT EVERY CHILD DESERVES THE CHANCE TO HAVE A HEALTHY AND HAPPY FUTURE. THIS IS WHERE WE MAKE OUR FIRST CONTACT WITH YOUTH ON CHEYENNE RIVER AND WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON BEING ABLE TO ESTABLISH STRONG RELATIONSHIPS THAT WILL LAST FOR MANY YEARS. AT THE MAIN, WE LAY THE GROUNDWORK FOR THESE LONG TERM RELATIONSHIPS, INSTILLING CORE VALUES THAT WILL HELP OUR LITTLE ONES MAKE A SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION TO YOUR ADULTHOOD. DAILY ARTS CRAFTS ALL CULTURES UTILIZE THE ARTS TO PROVIDE SOCIAL COMMENTARY, WHETHER IT IS THE EXPRESSION OF EMOTIONS, THE DOCUMENTATION OF HISTORICAL EVENTS OR THE PRESERVATION OF HERITAGE. THE LAKOTA, ALSO, HAVE A RICH HISTORY AS CRAFTS PEOPLE AND ARTISANS, A TRADITION THAT THE CHEYENNE RIVER YOUTH PROJECT RESPECTS AND PROMOTES IN ITS ACTIVITIES. STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS INCLUDE ARTS CRAFTS IN OUR DAILY PROGRAM BECAUSE IT ENCOURAGES CREATIVITY, PROVIDES A HEALTHLY OUTLET FOR THE CHILDREN AND GIVES US ANOTHER AVENUE TO DISCOVER THE TALENTS OF OUR CHILDREN, TALENTS WHICH WE CAN FURTHER AND INSPIRE. THESE ACTIVITIES MIGHT INCLUDE PAINTING A MURAL, WORKING WITH PLASTER MOLDS, OR MAKING PUPPETS. TABLES COVERED IN SUPPLIES ARE PLACED AROUND OUR LARGE ACTIVITY ROOM SO THAT THE CHILDREN HAVE PLENTY OF SPACE AND ALL OF THE TOOLS THAT THEY NEED TO CREATE THEIR MASTERPIECES. LITERACY FOR THE CHEYENNE RIVER YOUTH PROJECT, LITERACY IS NOT JUST ABOUT READING. IT IS ABOUT COMPREHENSION, EXPRESSION OF ONESELF AND COMMUNICATION. CREATED OVER TEN YEARS AGO, OUR YEAR-ROUDN LITERACY PROGRAM INCORPORATES READING ALOUD, CREATIVE AND PERSUASIVE WRITING AND LETTER WRITING. OUR DAILY LITERACY ACTIVITIES INCLUDE A LIBRARY HOUR, DURING WHICH THE CHILDREN CAN CHOOSE TO READ A BOOK QUIETLY, OR WORK WITH A VOLUNTEER ON THEIR READING AND COMPREHENSION SKILLS. DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS, CRYP ENDEVOURS TO KEEP THE CHILDRENS READING SKILLS ACTIVE THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER READING PROGRAM. WELLNESS THE CHEYENNE RIVER YOUTH PROJECT UNDERSTANDS THE IMPORTANCE OF A HEALTHY BODY FOR IMPROVING SELF-ESTEEM, GAINING CONFIDENCE AND KEEPING THE MIND OPEN TO NEW IDEAS AND INFORMATION. THROUGH OUR WELLNESS ACTIVITIES, WE INCORPORATE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY WITH RECREATION AND MENTORSHIP WHETHER IT IS PLAYING KICKBALL ON THE PLAYGROUND OR TAKING THE KIDS ON A NATURE WALK, WE ALWAYS FIND A WAY TO INCLUDE EDUCATION INTO THE MIX. STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS TEACH THE CHILDREN TO APPRECIATE GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP, LEARN MORE ABOUT INDIGENOUS WILD-AND PLANT LIFE, OR TO CHALLENGE THEMSELVES JUST THAT LITTLE BIT MORE DAILY OUTDOOR ACTIVITY WITH THE CHILDREN WEATHER PERMITTING IS SCHEDULED, LIKE TEAM SPORTS OR AN HOUR IN THE CHILDRENS GARDEN, WEEDING AND HARVESTING. NOT ONLY DO THESE ACTIVITIES HELP THE CHILDREN TO WORK OFF EXCESS ENERGY FROM SITTING IN SCHOOL ALL DAY, BUT THEY ENCOURAGE CHILDREN TO RECONNECT WITH THE OUTDOORS. FOR THE LAKOTA, A STRONG CONNECTION TO THE EARTH HAS BEEN A PART OF THEIR SPIRITUAL AND DAILY LIFE. UNFORTUNATELY, MANY CHILDREN NO LONGER VALUE THIS RELATIONSHIP AS MUCH AS THEY COULD AND WE TRY TO HELP THEM FIND NEW WAYS TO REDISCOVER THIS ASPECT OF THEIR CULTURE. IN ADDITION TO OUR DAILY ACTIVITIES, THE CHEYENNE RIVER YOUTH PROJECT HAS DEVELOPED A SUMMER CAMPING PROGRAM. THE PROGRAM HELPS THE CHILDREN TO FIND ADVENTURE AND FUN OUTSIDE OF THE INTERNET AND VIDEO GAMES. THE CHILDREN GO ON HIKES AND ARE TAUGHT ABOUT THEIR LIVES IN A MORE CANDID ENVIRONMENT. MAIN UNIVERSITY THE MAIN UNIVERSITY BEGUN IN JANUARY 2002, IS DESIGNED TO ENHANCE THE CHILDRENS CURRENT EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION IN SCHOOL WITH A SERIES OF STAFF/VOLUNTEER INSTRUCTED CLASSES ON A VARIETY OF SUBJECTS, THE PARTICIPANTS MUST COMPLETE 4 CLASSES IN EIGHT WEEKS IN ORDER TO GRADUATE FROM THE UNIVERSITY. CHILDREN WITH FIVE OR MORE CLASSES RECEIVE HONORS. THE GRADUATES ARE GIVEN A SMALL CEREMONY COMPLETE WITH CERTIFICATES OF EXCELLENCE THE CHILDREN GET THE BENEFIT OF LEARNING FROM A DIFFERENT KIDS OF PEOPLE. COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS WITH EXPERTISE ARE ALSO INVITED TO TEACH CLASSES. MAIN UNIVERSITY PROVES THAT CHILDREN CARE ABOUT THEIR EDUCATION AND EXPANDING THEIR HORIZONS. COKATA WICONI CENTER FOR LIFE TEEN CENTER ORGANIZATION CREATED COKATA WICONI TO MEET THE SPECIFIC NEEDS OF CHEYENNE RIVERS TEENS, WHO TOLD US EXACTLY WHAT THEY WANTED IN TERMS OF FACILITIES, RESOURCES AND PROGRAMS. COKATA WICONI OFFERS AN ART STUDIO, CLASSROOM, DANCE STUDIO, COMPUTER LAB, LIBRARY AND FULL SIZE GYMNASIUM. ITS PROGRAMS ALLOW US TO TEACH VALUABLE JOB AND LIFE SKILLS, FOSTER WELLNESS, ADDRESS SELF-ESTEEM ISSUES AND GIVE OUR KIDS A POSITIVE, HEALTHY PLACE TO SOCIALIZE, LEARN AND EXPRESS THEMSELVES. EDUCATION INTERNSHIPS AND EMPLOYMENT INITIATIVES CRYP HAS TEEN INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE IN 5 TRACKS SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE, SOCIAL ENTERPRISES, WELLNESS, ARTS, INDIGENOUS COOK
- $1.3 million spent. FAMILIES CAN PURCHASE ANNUAL MEMBERSHIPS WHICH ALLOW ACCESS TO EMERGENGY HYGIENE AND HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS. FAMILIES MAY QUALIFY FOR CLEANING SUPPLIES, FURNITURE, CLOTHING, SCHOOL SUPPLIES AND DIAPERS. PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS EXPRESS THEMSELVES THROUGH THE ARTS. CRYPS REDCAN GRAFFITI JAM BEGAN IN 2015, WHERE ARTISTS FROM THROUGHOUT THE WORLD COME TO OUR COMMUNITY AND RECLAIM DILAPIDATED BUILDINGS BY PAINTING MURALS, WORKING ALONGSIDE OUR YOUTH AS THEY LEARN FROM ESTABLISHED ARTISTIC MENTORS.
Source: Form 990 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 October 2012.
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.
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