Champions in Service San Fernando Valley and Greater Los Angeles
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
PROVIDE COUNSELING, GANG PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION SERVICES, CASE MANAGEMENT, ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES, JOB READINESS TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT AND OTHER SERVICES TO DISADVANTAGED YOUTH IN THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY AND GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA.
- Income
- $5.5 million
- Spending
- $5.4 million
- Spent on programs
- 85%
- Reserves
- 2.6 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- government grants, 98%
- Employees
- 61
- Volunteers
- 15
- Highest pay
- $116,653, president
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Fair: 65 out of 100. Higher than 33% of charities in its peer group (crime and legal services, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
10 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 2.6 months of spending.
Debt
10 of 20It owes 37% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 2% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 20% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1585% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 1 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Good: 80 out of 100. Higher than 25% of charities in its peer group (crime and legal services, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 257 of 7 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
0 of 5Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.
Independent check of accounts
0 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 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)
- $4.6 million spent. The fiscal year 2024-2025 again was filled with challenges that CIS endeavored to provide street crisis violence intervention intensive services and integrative case management services, to provide positive life changing opportunities, to primarily throughout the San Fernando Valley. Though the report will indicate we have had several accomplishments, the most important aspect of our work was creating hope in our community impacted by violence, the realities of poverty, drug addiction, and gang violence. The following represents a synopsis of the activities through the various that CIS provides:Gang Reduction Youth Development (GRYD)is Now in our 16th year of providing services. Gang intervention services to the San Fernando Valley, in particular, the Foothill and Mission Police Divisions. Our 12 Community Intervention Workers and 5 case managers succeeded in providing our over 372 clients with the following services: one-on-one mentoring,court advocacy, education advocacy, and support, including food and hygiene products, providing resources to keep clients housed and in rehabilitation centers, unemployment through finding job opportunities, trade schools, and paying utilities bills, Boxing/gym classes, and providing safe passages to and from schools and after-school recreation programs. Through the GRYD Program, CIS hosted community 15 events and field trips to promote peace and deter violent activity. We helped with burials and resources for families and victims.California Violence Intervention and Prevention (CalVIP)Program is a comprehensive gang violence reduction program in the San Fernando Valley, that has demonstrated measurable success in reducing violence, expanding outreach and prevention efforts, and strengthening support systems for high-risk individuals and communities. The project also provided 215 substances use and health treatment services, removed 200 tattoos in support of participant transformation and reentry efforts, delivered 19,323 supportive service interactions, and created 9,852 outreach opportunities. In addition, the program contributed 26,810 community engagement hours, strengthening relationships, trust, and visibility throughout the San Fernando Valley community. These accomplishments were achieved by a dedicated team of 11 staff members. The program also demonstrated substantial growth across its core service areas. Community engagement and outreach efforts remained consistently high, reaching a combined total of 39,487 hours over the grant period. Mental health and treatment services expanded significantly, totaling 842 hours and reflecting the program's increased integration of behavioral health supports focused on trauma, stabilization, and recovery. Case management services grew to a total of 22,879 hours, demonstrating continued investment in individualized participant care.Gang intervention and prevention services experienced the most dramatic growth, reaching a total of 10,243 service hours. Substance use of treatment and prevention services totaled 329 hours. Reentry Integrative Case Management Services (R.I.C.M.S.): Over the past year, our reentry program successfully served 365 justice-involved individuals by providing comprehensive support services focused on stability, rehabilitation, and long-term success. Through case management, mentorship, employment readiness, housing navigation, behavioral health referrals, and life skills development, participants were connected to critical resources that supported successful community reintegration and reduced barriers to self-sufficiency. The program continued to strengthen pathways toward positive outcomes by promoting accountability, personal growth, and increased access to opportunities for individuals returning to the community. Juvenile Justice Diversion Program (JJDP) Successfully served 60 youth through a comprehensive, trauma-informed approach designed to reduce justice system involvement and promote positive youth development. The program empowered participants to overcome personal challenges, build critical life skills, and strengthen resilience through individualized care plans, mentorship, therapeutic support, and skill-building workshops. As a result, many youths successfully re-engaged in education, explored employment opportunities, and improved their family and community relationships while developing healthier pathways toward long-term success. Restorative Enhanced Diversion for Youth (REDY) Successfully served over 30 youth through a transformative, strengths-based program dedicated to reducing justice system involvement and creating pathways toward long-term success. Through intensive mentorship, individualized case management, life skills development, and restorative support services, participants demonstrated growth in personal accountability, emotional resilience, and community engagement. The program helped youth strengthen positive decision-making skills, reconnect with educational and employment opportunities, and build healthier relationships with their families and communities. REDY continues to empower young people with the confidence, support, and resources needed to achieve stability and create meaningful futures. Employment Development Program: Our employment program successfully served 150 clients through workforce development, job-readiness training, resume assistance, interview reparation, and ongoing career support. Through individualized employment planning and strong employer partnerships, the program successfully placed 40 participants into employment opportunities, helping clients increase financial stability, build confidence, and create pathways toward long-term self-sufficiency and career growth.Care First-Community Investment (CFCI): The CFCI program integrates conventional crisis intervention techniques with a faith-based approach to provide holistic support for individuals navigating personal challenges. By combining practical strategies with spiritual gui
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 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 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 June 2025.
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 November 1995.
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.
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