Quick charity verification for Olivet University (EIN: 200909475)
Verdict: Olivet University shows mixed signals
55/100Mission Score
$14.1MRevenue
$82.6MAssets
3Red Flags
2Strengths
Red Flags
Significant and consistent decline in revenue from $44.1M in 2017 to $14.5M in 2023.
Increasing liabilities, reaching $23.9M in 2023, while revenue is decreasing.
Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation, which is unusual for an organization of this scale and could mask compensation through other means or related entities.
Strengths
Assets remain substantial at $85,017,014 in 2023, providing a significant financial base.
Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation, if accurate and comprehensive, indicates a commitment to minimizing top-level executive pay.
Spending Breakdown
How Olivet University allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
70%
Program Spending
Below average — room for improvement
20%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
10%
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 Olivet University
Is Olivet University a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Olivet University (EIN: 200909475) shows mixed signals. Mission Score: 55/100. 3 red flags identified, 2 strengths noted.
Is Olivet University a good charity to donate to?
Olivet University has a Mission Score of 55/100. Revenue: $14.1M. Assets: $82.6M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Olivet University?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Olivet University is 200909475. 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 Olivet University spend its money?
Olivet University allocates 70% to programs, 20% to administration, and 10% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Olivet University's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Olivet University's tax-exempt status using EIN 200909475 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
Olivet University's financial health shows a concerning trend of declining revenue and increasing liabilities over the past several years. Revenue has dropped significantly from a peak of $44,163,900 in 2017 to $14,579,769 in 2023, while liabilities have generally increased, reaching $23,934,603 in 2023. This indicates potential financial strain and a reliance on debt or other obligations. The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation, which could be a positive sign for resource allocation, but also raises questions about how leadership is compensated or if key personnel are compensated through other means not captured as 'officer compensation' on the 990. Without a detailed breakdown of expenses, it's difficult to fully assess spending efficiency, but the consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation suggests a potential commitment to minimizing top-heavy administrative costs, or an alternative compensation structure. The lack of detailed expense breakdowns in the provided data limits a full assessment of program spending versus administrative and fundraising costs.