Quick charity verification for Niagara University (EIN: 160755807)
Verdict: Niagara University appears trustworthy
75/100Mission Score
$179.8MRevenue
$270.0MAssets
1Red Flags
4Strengths
Red Flags
Consistent 0% officer compensation reported, which may obscure actual executive pay.
Strengths
Consistent revenue growth over the past decade, from $117M in 2014 to $156M in 2023.
Healthy asset base with consistent growth, reaching $277M in 2023.
Revenues consistently exceed expenses in most periods, indicating financial stability.
Manageable liabilities relative to assets, suggesting good financial risk management.
Spending Breakdown
How Niagara University allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
85%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
10%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
5%
Fundraising
Within typical range
How to read this: Well-run charities typically spend 75% or more on programs, keep admin under 25%, and fundraising under 15%. A high program ratio means more of every dollar goes directly to the mission.
How to Interpret This Report
What Red Flags Mean
Red flags are potential warning signs identified by AI analysis of IRS 990 filings. They may indicate issues like declining revenue, high executive pay relative to program spending, lack of transparency, or governance concerns. A single red flag does not necessarily mean an organization is untrustworthy, but multiple flags warrant further investigation before donating.
What Mission Score Measures
The Mission Score (0-100) evaluates how effectively a nonprofit fulfills its stated purpose. It combines multiple factors: program spending efficiency (how much goes to programs vs. overhead), financial health and sustainability, governance quality, transparency in reporting, and consistency of operations over time. A score of 70+ indicates strong alignment with the organization’s mission.
Using This Data for Donation Decisions
Use this report as one input in your decision. Look at the overall Mission Score for a quick assessment, review red flags and strengths for specific concerns, check the spending breakdown to see where money goes, and compare executive compensation to the organization’s size. Consider viewing the full transparency report for deeper analysis, and always verify tax-exempt status with the IRS before making large donations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Niagara University
Is Niagara University a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Niagara University (EIN: 160755807) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 75/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is Niagara University a good charity to donate to?
Niagara University has a Mission Score of 75/100. Revenue: $179.8M. Assets: $270.0M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Niagara University?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Niagara University is 160755807. This is the unique tax ID assigned by the IRS.
What is a Mission Score?
The Mission Score is a 0-100 rating that measures how effectively a nonprofit fulfills its stated mission. It factors in program spending efficiency, financial transparency, governance practices, and outcome reporting. Scores above 70 indicate strong mission alignment, 40-69 suggest mixed performance, and below 40 signals potential concerns.
How does Niagara University spend its money?
Niagara University allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Niagara University's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Niagara University's tax-exempt status using EIN 160755807 on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) at apps.irs.gov/app/eos. You can also request copies of their Form 990 directly from the organization, as they are required by law to provide them upon request.
AI Transparency Report
Niagara University demonstrates consistent financial operations, with revenues generally exceeding expenses over the past decade, indicating a stable financial position. For instance, in the 202305 period, revenue was $156,264,811 against expenses of $152,133,114. The organization's assets have also shown growth, reaching $277,032,398 in 202305, while liabilities remain manageable relative to assets. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings suggests that executive compensation is either not reported in this section or is handled in a way that doesn't appear as direct officer compensation, which could warrant further investigation for complete transparency. Overall, the university appears to be financially sound, effectively managing its resources to support its educational mission.