Tradition of Excellence Foundation for the Cheyenne Mountain Schools
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
THE TRADITION OF EXELLENCE FOUNDATION IS A NON-PROFIT 501(C)(3)ORGANIZATION CREATED TO PROMOTE AND SUPPORT PROGRAMS OF ACADEMIC, ARTISTIC, AND ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE IN THE CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN DISTRICT 12 SCHOOLS. FOUNDED IN 1988, THE FOUNDATION PROVIDES A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE VEHICLE FOR CITIZENS, BUSINESSES, AND FOUNDATIONS TO CONTRIBUTE TO CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN SCHOOL DISTRICT 12. THE TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE FOUNDATION OPERATES INDEPENDENTLY FROM, BUT IN COOPERATION WITH, THE D12 BOARD OF EDUCATION AND DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS AND STAFF TO IDENTIFY SPECIFIC NEEDS THAT THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IS UNABLE TO FUND, EITHER BY LAW OR BY BUDGETARY LIMITATIONS.
- Income
- $112,085
- Spending
- $50,604
- Reserves
- 54.8 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 86%
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
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
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 (1)
- $48,456 spent. PROMOTED AND SUPPORTED PROGRAMS OF ACADEMIC, ARTISTIC, AND ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE IN THE CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN DISTRICT 12 SCHOOLS THROUGH GRANTS AND VOLUNTEER INVOLVEMENT.
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? Worth knowing.
Status was revoked on May 15, 2010 for not filing returns for three years, and reinstated on August 15, 2011.
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 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 March 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 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.