Ave Maria University Land Trust Inc
Ave Maria University Land Trust Inc. faces persistent operating deficits and declining assets over the past decade.
EIN: 200154974 · Ave Maria, FL · NTEE: B114 · Updated: 2026-03-28
Is Ave Maria University Land Trust Inc Legit?
Significant Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Ave Maria University Land Trust Inc directs 70% of its spending to programs. This meets the industry benchmark of 65% for efficient nonprofits.
About Ave Maria University Land Trust Inc
Ave Maria University Land Trust Inc (EIN: 200154974) is a nonprofit organization based in Ave Maria, FL, classified under NTEE code B114. The organization reported total revenue of $4.5M and total assets of $36.9M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Ave Maria University Land Trust Inc's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Ave Maria University Land Trust Inc is a mid-size nonprofit that has been operating for 21 years, with 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of -3.0%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $2.3M |
| Total Expenses | $3.2M |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-948,863 |
| Total Assets | $43.1M |
| Total Liabilities | $4.6M |
| Net Assets | $38.5M |
| Operating Margin | -41.7% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 10.7% |
| Months of Reserves | 160.6 months |
Financial Health Grade: B
In 2023, Ave Maria University Land Trust Inc reported a deficit of $949K with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 160.6 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 10.7% (very low leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 13 years of filings (2011–2023), Ave Maria University Land Trust Inc's revenue has declined at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -3.0%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | -12.0% | -53.0% | -4.8% |
| 2022 | +9.3% | — | -10.5% |
| 2021 | +66.5% | -100.0% | +1.7% |
| 2020 | +34.0% | +40.5% | +1.7% |
| 2019 | -36.4% | -24.5% | -3.2% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1200 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 2005 |
Classification data from ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Additional BMF data may be available after enrichment.
AI Transparency Report
Mission Effectiveness Score
NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates Ave Maria University Land Trust Inc with a Mission Score of 45 out of 100 (Fair). This score reflects the organization's overall financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance indicators derived from IRS 990 public filings.
Spending Breakdown
- admin: 20%
- programs: 70%
- fundraising: 10%
According to IRS 990 filings, Ave Maria University Land Trust Inc allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 20%, programs: 70%, fundraising: 10%. Approximately 70% goes to programs, indicating moderate mission focus.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
- The organization reported a deficit of $949K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 10.7%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, indicating that no salaries or benefits are paid to its officers, which is unusual for an organization of its asset size ($43,116,650 in 2023).
Executive compensation data is sourced from IRS 990 filings, which require nonprofits to disclose the compensation of officers, directors, trustees, and key employees. NonprofitSpending analyzes this data relative to the organization's total revenue and sector benchmarks to assess whether executive pay is reasonable.
Red Flags
The following concerns were identified during AI analysis of Ave Maria University Land Trust Inc's IRS 990 filings:
- Consistent operating deficits (e.g., $3,222,000 expenses vs. $2,273,137 revenue in 2023)
- Significant decline in total assets over the past decade (from $55,391,292 in 2014 to $43,116,650 in 2023)
- Lack of detailed expense breakdown (program, admin, fundraising) in provided data
- Large expense spikes without corresponding revenue increases (e.g., $6,850,000 expenses in 2022 against $2,581,791 revenue)
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Ave Maria University Land Trust Inc:
- Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation, indicating no direct salary payments to officers
- Substantial asset base ($43,116,650 in 2023) despite recent declines, providing some financial cushion
Frequently Asked Questions about Ave Maria University Land Trust Inc
Is Ave Maria University Land Trust Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Ave Maria University Land Trust Inc (EIN: 200154974) significant concerns. Mission Score: 45/100. 4 red flags identified, 2 strengths noted.
How does Ave Maria University Land Trust Inc spend its money?
Ave Maria University Land Trust Inc directs 70% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Ave Maria University Land Trust Inc tax-deductible?
Ave Maria University Land Trust Inc is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 200154974). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Is Ave Maria University Land Trust Inc. financially sustainable given its consistent operating deficits?
The organization has consistently reported expenses exceeding revenue in most years, such as $3,222,000 in expenses vs. $2,273,137 in revenue in 2023. This pattern of operating deficits, coupled with declining assets from $55,391,292 in 2014 to $43,116,650 in 2023, raises significant concerns about its long-term financial sustainability.
How does the organization cover its operating deficits?
With expenses frequently exceeding revenue, the organization appears to be drawing down on its existing assets or relying on other non-revenue sources to cover its operational costs. This is evidenced by the consistent decline in total assets over the past decade.
What is the impact of 0% officer compensation on the organization's operations?
Reporting 0% officer compensation suggests that leadership may be unpaid or compensated through other entities, which could be a strength in terms of direct resource allocation to the mission. However, it also raises questions about the operational structure and potential reliance on volunteer leadership or external support for management functions.
What are the primary drivers of the organization's expenses?
Without a detailed breakdown of expenses into program, administrative, and fundraising categories in the provided data, it is difficult to pinpoint the primary drivers. However, the NTEE code B114 (University or College) suggests expenses are likely related to supporting educational institutions or land management for such purposes.
Why did assets decline significantly from $50,558,241 in 2021 to $43,116,650 in 2023?
The decline in assets, particularly the drop from $50,558,241 in 2021 to $43,116,650 in 2023, is likely due to the consistent operating deficits where expenses ($6,850,000 in 2022, $3,222,000 in 2023) have significantly outpaced revenue ($2,581,791 in 2022, $2,273,137 in 2023), requiring the organization to draw from its reserves.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Ave Maria University Land Trust Inc showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Ave Maria University Land Trust Inc's revenue has declined by 30.3%, moving from $3.3M to $2.3M. Total assets decreased by 27.6% over the same period, from $59.6M to $43.1M. Total functional expenses rose by 1.8%, from $3.2M to $3.2M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Ave Maria University Land Trust Inc reported a deficit of $949K, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $4.6M in liabilities against $43.1M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 10.7%), resulting in net assets of $38.5M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $2.3M | $3.2M | $43.1M | $4.6M | — | — |
| 2022 | $2.6M | $6.8M | $45.3M | $5.8M | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $2.4M | $0 | $50.6M | $6.9M | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $1.4M | $2.7M | $49.7M | $8.4M | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $1.1M | $1.9M | $48.9M | $6.2M | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $1.7M | $2.6M | $50.5M | $6.9M | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $1.4M | $3.0M | $52.8M | $8.4M | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $2.0M | $2.2M | $54.9M | $8.9M | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $1.3M | $1.9M | $55.8M | $9.6M | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $839K | $1.5M | $55.4M | $9.0M | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $363K | $2.8M | $56.2M | $9.2M | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $737K | $1.3M | $58.6M | $9.2M | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $3.3M | $3.2M | $59.6M | $9.7M | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $2.3M, expenses of $3.2M, and assets of $43.1M (revenue -12.0% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $2.6M, expenses of $6.8M, and assets of $45.3M (revenue +9.3% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $2.4M, expenses of $0, and assets of $50.6M (revenue +66.5% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $1.4M, expenses of $2.7M, and assets of $49.7M (revenue +34.0% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $1.1M, expenses of $1.9M, and assets of $48.9M (revenue -36.4% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $1.7M, expenses of $2.6M, and assets of $50.5M (revenue +15.0% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $1.4M, expenses of $3.0M, and assets of $52.8M (revenue -29.3% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $2.0M, expenses of $2.2M, and assets of $54.9M (revenue +59.4% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $1.3M, expenses of $1.9M, and assets of $55.8M (revenue +53.2% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $839K, expenses of $1.5M, and assets of $55.4M (revenue +131.2% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $363K, expenses of $2.8M, and assets of $56.2M (revenue -50.8% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $737K, expenses of $1.3M, and assets of $58.6M (revenue -77.4% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $3.3M, expenses of $3.2M, and assets of $59.6M.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Ave Maria University Land Trust Inc:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Ave Maria University Land Trust Inc is generated by NonprofitSpending's AI analysis engine. The data is sourced from publicly available IRS 990 filings accessed through the ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer API and IRS electronic filing records. The Mission Score, spending breakdown, and other analytical insights are produced by artificial intelligence and should be used as one of multiple factors when evaluating a nonprofit organization.
IRS 990 forms are annual information returns that most tax-exempt organizations must file with the IRS. These forms provide detailed financial information including revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and compensation of officers. NonprofitSpending processes this data to provide accessible transparency reports for donors, researchers, and the general public.
Disclaimer
AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.