Cherokee Outlaw Ranch
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Utilizing the unique spirit of horses, to aid children and adults in overcoming challenges, fear, and abuses that have left them scarred. We rescue horses, and use them to communicate with those who are going through difficult situations, whether it be physical, emotional, psychological, mental or social. Since many of our horses themselves are survivors of abuse and neglect, they are uniquely equipped to work with people who are also enduring hardship. Fortified with the will of a survivor and the heart of a victor, our horses lead by their own example to keep choosing to move through their troubled times toward hope.
- Income
- $140,366
- Spending
- $64,900
- Reserves
- 17.6 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 99%
- Highest pay
- $8,279, founder
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 94 out of 100. Higher than 87% of charities in its peer group (youth development, under $250k).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 17.6 months of spending.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 17% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 54% of income.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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, 2024, 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)
- $23,372 spent. to aid children and adults in overcoming challenges, fear, and abuses that have left them scarred.
- $16,510 spent. Rescue horses from abuse and neglect
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since May 2022.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 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.