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Cultural Enrichment Center of Fort Collins

EIN 85-2096204 · Fort Collins, CO

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak36 out of 100GovernanceStrong97 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

Points to look into

  • Only 29% 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

SERVICING THE CULTURAL, ACADEMIC, CAREER, AND SOCIAL NEEDS OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HIGH SCHOOL AND MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS IN FORT COLLINS COLORADO

Income
$272,462
Spending
$264,904
Spent on programs
29%
Reserves
0 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 100%
Employees
1
Highest pay
$70,326, executive 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

Weak: 36 out of 100. Higher than 8% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    4 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 0.0 months of spending.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 3% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 9% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    0 of 15

    29% 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: 97 out of 100. Higher than 91% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    4 of 5 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

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    12 of 15

    Its accounts were reviewed or compiled by an independent accountant, but not audited.

  • 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 (11)
  1. $7,090 spent. Our music program has not only been the most popular attendance day for our students but it has also been the first program to incorporate other young people from the community. This expands the number of youth we serve and grants our CEC students with a greater sense of belonging to their community
  2. $900 spent. Art Program
  3. $10,448 spent. Garden Program
  4. Video Production Program
  5. $11,889 spent. Transportation Program
  6. $15,739 spent. Social Exploration Education Program
  7. Our Art Program offers a space for creative expression rooted in African American culture and history Through various mediums like painting drawing sculpture collage and digital art students explore themes stories and artistic traditions that resonate with their heritage giving them cultural prided and Identity through creative expression and innovation
  8. Our Garden Program is a hands on program will engage students in the process of planting cultivating and harvesting food It can incorporate culturally relevant crops and explore the historical significance of agriculture within our community giving the students a connection to nature and well-being in an otherwise digital world.
  9. Our video production class has been focused on creating a documentary about the experience of black youth in Fort Collins and is looking forward to getting to share their work publicly when editing is completed. This final product is a source of pride as well as educational for adults in our community who may not otherwise understand our youths perspective
  10. Transportation Program Recognizing the importance of accessibility, our program offers comprehensive transportation services to ensure students can fully participate in all our enriching activities. From their school dismissal, students are safely transported to the Cultural Enrichment Center. At the end of the program day, reliable transportation is provided directly to their homes. Furthermore, our transportation program extends to all off-site activities, including community events and visits to our Garden Program, ensuring a seamless and worry-free experience for both students and their families
  11. Social Exploration Education Program is a dynamic program empowers young scholars to delve into the rich tapestry of Black history. Through engaging lessons and interactive presentations, students gain a deep understanding of significant historical figures, pivotal organizations, and transformative events. The program culminates in a unique opportunity with fully funded trips to historically significant cities These immersive experiences that are guided by knowledgeable experts bring classroom learning to life To participate in these enriching journeys students prepare and present their research to the program board, fostering independent learning public speaking skills and a deeper connection to the material

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 October 13, 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 October 13, 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 October 13, 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 October 13, 2026.

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

    Recognized by the IRS since August 2020.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 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.