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Colorado Youth Bands

EIN 84-6034837 · Denver, CO

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood76 out of 100GovernanceStrong94 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To provide an inclusive youth instrumental music program that promotes youth development, fosters peer camaraderie, instills respect for culture, and develops a pursuit of excellence.

Income
$237,047
Spending
$240,771
Spent on programs
81%
Reserves
11.5 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 39%
Employees
4
Volunteers
35
Highest pay
$50,000, program director

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 76 out of 100.

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 11.5 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes -0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 2% of income.

  • Income trend

    5 of 15

    Income fell 20% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    81% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 2 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 94 out of 100.

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    10 of 10 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 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 (4)
  1. $145,046 spent. Colorado Youth Bands' extra-curricular program is an education model that blends full-ensemble instruction, small-group training, and one-on-one coaching. Founded in 1953, we serve over 200 families while upholding the values of high-quality instruction, inclusivity, and performance excellence. We believe the community can be strengthened via strong music experiences. Student members are enrolled in one of four program levels ranging from beginners to an advanced high school band that performs college-level repertoire. In addition, participation in a brass band ensemble is available. Instrumental work shops, rehearsals and master classes for all band levels are held on a weekly basis in Denver and Arapahoe counties in Colorado. Beginning Band and Intermediate Band are offered in various locations and students may choose to attend whichever class is most convenient. Concert Band and Honor Winds meet weekly at a single location in Denver. Participants from the four band levels come together at the end of the school term to perform a concert with students of similar expertise. Annually the organization hosts a Solo and Small Ensemble Festival which allows students and small groups, including students who are not organization members, to perform before an independent judge to receive constructive feedback and encouragement (revenue and expenses for the Festival are included in accomplishment #4d).
  2. $41,780 spent. In addition to music instruction during the regular school semester, Colorado Youth Bands provides for students the opportunity to be part of a summer program with similar instruction and free summer concerts open to the public. It includes an opportunity to attend a week-long summer band camp culminating in a concert involving all camp participants.
  3. $3,029 spent. Our concerts are part of our educational model, but we list it as a separate program as it involves not only the students, but showcases the student's evolving music skills to their families and friends. Normally we hold two major concerts, one in January and one in May, that bring our students together to perform separately within their own band level, and once with all students performing together with the entire student body. We also perform smaller concerts during the school year, and concerts during the summer. All of our concerts are free family-friendly events.
  4. $5,090 spent. Other expenses include miscellaneous program expenses. In addition it includes expenses for the annual Solo and Small Ensemble Festival where students prepare and play music for an independent judge and receive constructive feedback to help them improve.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. 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 September 7, 2026.

  2. 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 September 30, 2026.

  3. 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 September 10, 2026.

  4. 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 September 7, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since August 1957.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  6. 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 7, 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.