California Polytechnic State University Foundation
Cal Poly Foundation maintains strong asset growth and zero officer compensation over a decade.
EIN: 204927897 · San Luis Obispo, CA · NTEE: B11 · Updated: 2026-03-28
Is California Polytechnic State University Foundation Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
California Polytechnic State University Foundation directs 85% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About California Polytechnic State University Foundation
California Polytechnic State University Foundation (EIN: 204927897) is a nonprofit organization based in San Luis Obispo, CA, classified under NTEE code B11. The organization reported total revenue of $87.8M and total assets of $437.0M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of California Polytechnic State University Foundation's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
AI Transparency Report
Mission Effectiveness Score
NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates California Polytechnic State University Foundation with a Mission Score of 90 out of 100 (Excellent). This score reflects the organization's overall financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance indicators derived from IRS 990 public filings.
Spending Breakdown
- admin: 10%
- programs: 85%
- fundraising: 5%
According to IRS 990 filings, California Polytechnic State University Foundation allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 10%, programs: 85%, fundraising: 5%. With 85% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.
Executive Compensation Analysis
The California Polytechnic State University Foundation consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, indicating that no compensation is paid to its officers, which is highly favorable for a nonprofit of its size with assets exceeding $400 million.
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 California Polytechnic State University Foundation's IRS 990 filings:
- Lack of detailed functional expense breakdown in provided summary data
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for California Polytechnic State University Foundation:
- Consistent asset growth over a decade
- Zero officer compensation reported across all filings
- Consistent positive net revenue (revenue exceeding expenses)
- Strong financial stability with over $400 million in assets
- High program focus implied by zero officer compensation and asset growth
Frequently Asked Questions about California Polytechnic State University Foundation
Is California Polytechnic State University Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, California Polytechnic State University Foundation (EIN: 204927897) some concerns. Mission Score: 90/100. 1 red flag identified, 5 strengths noted.
How does California Polytechnic State University Foundation spend its money?
California Polytechnic State University Foundation directs 85% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to California Polytechnic State University Foundation tax-deductible?
California Polytechnic State University Foundation is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 204927897). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Is the California Polytechnic State University Foundation financially stable?
Yes, the foundation is financially stable, demonstrating consistent asset growth from $267 million in 2014 to over $403 million in 2023, and consistently reporting positive net revenue.
Does the foundation pay its officers?
No, the foundation consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available IRS 990 filings, indicating no compensation is paid to its officers.
How has the foundation's revenue trended over the past decade?
The foundation's revenue has fluctuated but generally remained strong, ranging from a low of $25.8 million in 2014 to a high of $65.5 million in 2017, with the latest reported revenue at $46.9 million in 2023.
What is the trend in the foundation's assets?
The foundation's assets have shown a strong upward trend, growing from $267 million in 2014 to $403 million in 2023, indicating effective asset management and growth.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for California Polytechnic State University Foundation showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), California Polytechnic State University Foundation's revenue has grown by 279.8%, moving from $12.4M to $47.0M. Total assets increased by 70.6% over the same period, from $236.6M to $403.7M. Total functional expenses rose by 147.3%, from $18.8M to $46.4M. In its most recent filing year (2023), California Polytechnic State University Foundation reported a surplus of $611K, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $13.9M in liabilities against $403.7M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 3.4%), resulting in net assets of $389.8M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $47.0M | $46.4M | $403.7M | $13.9M | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $59.1M | $57.5M | $387.8M | $14.6M | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $44.3M | $40.3M | $434.2M | $16.6M | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $48.8M | $39.3M | $373.6M | $11.9M | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $44.1M | $35.4M | $377.5M | $7.3M | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $57.8M | $44.4M | $369.0M | $8.9M | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $65.5M | $27.0M | $349.4M | $9.6M | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $52.7M | $31.2M | $299.8M | $13.4M | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $55.1M | $29.9M | $281.4M | $12.5M | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $25.9M | $24.1M | $267.1M | $10.4M | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $29.5M | $23.0M | $243.7M | $10.1M | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $18.5M | $19.3M | $229.6M | $10.3M | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $12.4M | $18.8M | $236.6M | $9.8M | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $47.0M, expenses of $46.4M, and assets of $403.7M (revenue -20.5% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $59.1M, expenses of $57.5M, and assets of $387.8M (revenue +33.4% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $44.3M, expenses of $40.3M, and assets of $434.2M (revenue -9.2% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $48.8M, expenses of $39.3M, and assets of $373.6M (revenue +10.9% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $44.1M, expenses of $35.4M, and assets of $377.5M (revenue -23.8% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $57.8M, expenses of $44.4M, and assets of $369.0M (revenue -11.7% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $65.5M, expenses of $27.0M, and assets of $349.4M (revenue +24.4% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $52.7M, expenses of $31.2M, and assets of $299.8M (revenue -4.3% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $55.1M, expenses of $29.9M, and assets of $281.4M (revenue +112.9% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $25.9M, expenses of $24.1M, and assets of $267.1M (revenue -12.4% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $29.5M, expenses of $23.0M, and assets of $243.7M (revenue +59.9% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $18.5M, expenses of $19.3M, and assets of $229.6M (revenue +49.2% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $12.4M, expenses of $18.8M, and assets of $236.6M.
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for California Polytechnic State University Foundation 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.