Cen Cal Sports
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Cen Cal Sports is committed to empowering the Central Valleys underserved yet talented youth by creating opportunities for athletic, social, intellectual, and academic development. Through sports camps, clinics, tournaments, leagues, and other youth-focused programs, we strive to instill the values of perseverance, sportsmanship, teamwork, and leadership. Our goal is to help young people build confidence, reach their full potential, and become the leaders of tomorrow
- Income
- $128,998
- Spending
- $135,496
- Reserves
- 1.8 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 100%
- Highest pay
- $19,200, president
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Weak: 43 out of 100. Higher than 15% of charities in its peer group (youth development, under $250k).
Reserves
10 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 1.8 months of spending.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 19% of what it owns.
Living within its means
4 of 15Spending exceeded income by 5% of income.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 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 December 31, 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 (3)
- $12,430 spent. Cen Cal Sports Basketball Program OverviewOur basketball program is focused on creating opportunities for youth of all ages to develop a love for the game and experience the joy that comes from being part of a team and working toward shared goals. Through participation in basketball, young athletes build confidence, develop friendships, and gain valuable life skills that extend beyond the court.Over the years, Cen Cal Sports has successfully hosted basketball camps, clinics, and tournaments throughout the Central Valley. Currently, we organize three junior high basketball tournaments annually at Baird Middle School and Fresno Pacific University. These events bring together 16 schools and more than 350 student-athletes for structured, two-day competitions that emphasize both development and competitive play.Our program takes both a micro and macro approach to youth development. On the court, we focus on teaching fundamental skills and improving athletic performance. At the same time, we emphasize the broader life lessons that come through sports participation. Basketball helps develop teamwork, encourages creativity, promotes full-body physical fitness, fosters community engagement, builds confidence, and strengthens discipline, focus, and perseverance.We have a proven track record of successfully hosting clinics, camps, and tournaments that provide meaningful and positive experiences for participants. Parents consistently express appreciation for these opportunities, as the discipline, structure, and work ethic developed through sports often translate into improved performance and behavior in other areas of life.Program Impact ExamplesThe following examples highlight the impact our basketball programs have on participating youth:Of the 350+ student-athletes who participated in our tournaments at Baird Middle School and Fresno Pacific University, many experienced their first organized team basketball tournament within Fresno Unified School District and the surrounding community.For many participants, these events provided their first exposure to structured basketball competition, including tournament etiquette, sportsmanship, teamwork, and respect for officials.Through our tournaments, camps, and clinics, many students were introduced to basketball fundamentals and skill-development drills for the first time.By the conclusion of each clinic or tournament experience, participants demonstrated a stronger understanding of the game and increased confidence in their ability to compete and participate in basketball.Through these programs, Cen Cal Sports continues to provide meaningful opportunities that support athletic development, personal growth, and long-term success for youth throughout the Central Valley.
- $2,665 spent. Chess Program OverviewOur chess program is focused on creating a supportive learning environment that introduces students to the fundamentals of chess, builds confidence, and encourages participation in clinics, camps, and tournaments. The goal is to help students not only learn the game, but also feel comfortable competing and growing through structured play.For many of the youth we serve, access to equipment and prior exposure to structured play can be a barrier. In many cases, students have never participated in a tournament or been introduced to official chess rules before engaging in our programs.We host Cen Cal Chess Clubs over the summer, serving approximately 30 children ages 612, which has been very well received by parents who consistently express strong satisfaction with the outcomes. In addition, we support a weekly chess club at a local elementary school serving approximately 27 students, for whom we also organized a tournament experience. Providing trophies and a structured competitive environment helps create an engaging experience that fosters enjoyment and builds a lasting interest in chess.Our program takes both a micro and macro approach to student development. We emphasize that chess helps sharpen critical thinking, encourages creativity, develops patience, fosters community, builds confidence, and strengthens focus, discipline, and memory. We have a proven track record of successfully hosting clinics, camps, and tournaments, and parents consistently value how participation in chess helps students build discipline and cognitive skills that carry over into other areas of their lives.Our approach is to introduce chess early at the elementary level, where students are best able to absorb foundational concepts. We also encourage practice through both in-person play and online platforms, as well as peer-to-peer learning, which helps build confidence and reinforces strategic thinking. We strongly believe that consistent play is the key to improvement.Looking ahead, our long-term goal is to expand the number of tournaments and workshops now that restrictions have lifted. We also recognize that transportation is a challenge for many families, and we aim to continue hosting clinics and tournaments directly at local schools to improve accessibility.Program Impact ExamplesThe following examples highlight the impact of our chess programs on participating youth:Of the 27 students who participated in the chess tournament at Lowell Elementary, many were competing in an organized chess tournament for the first time.For many participants, this was their first experience receiving coaching and mentorship during a structured chess tournament.Many students were introduced to chess tournament etiquette, including rules, conduct, and competitive expectations, for the first time.Approximately 12 of the 30 clinic participants were exposed to chess for the very first time.By the end of the school year, all students demonstrated a basic understanding of the game and increased confidence in playing chess.
- $2,650 spent. Running Program OverviewOur running program is focused on promoting the benefits of running, both as a competitive sport and as a foundational training component for athletics that involve speed, endurance, and overall conditioning. We recognize the importance of physical activity in youth development and aim to build early awareness of running as both a healthy habit and a lifelong skill.In partnership with local elementary schools, we launched a Fun Run / Field Day, which engaged over 700 students in a schoolwide running activity. During the event, students learned about the fundamentals of running as well as the physical and health benefits associated with regular exercise. We were also invited to two elementary schools to observe schoolwide fun run events, where 810 students competed in timed endurance runs. In addition, we brought in local college athletes to assist with and support event activities, helping to engage and inspire participating students.Looking ahead, our goal is to expand the running program and increase youth participation at an earlier age. We plan to reintroduce Fun Run / Field Day events and develop running clubs at the elementary level. These programs are designed to help prepare students for participation in other sports while building awareness of running as both a competitive sport and a lifelong recreational activity.Program Impact ExamplesThe following examples highlight the impact of our running programs on participating youth:Over 700 students who participated in Fun Run / Field Day were introduced to the history and importance of running as a sport and form of physical fitness.Participants in Fun Run / Field Day received capes that reinforced the positive messaging and excitement of the event.More than 700 students received instruction from a medical professional on the importance of hydration and proper pre-workout preparation before engaging in physical activity.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 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 December 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 2015.
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.