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

$87.8MRevenue
$74.7MGross Revenue
$437.0MAssets
90/100Mission Score (Excellent)
B11

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California Polytechnic State University Foundation Financial Summary
MetricValue
Total Revenue$87.8M
Total Expenses$46.4M
Program Spending85%
CEO/Top Officer Pay$400
Net Assets$389.8M
Transparency Score90/100

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California Polytechnic State University Foundation Form 990, Revenue, CEO Pay, and IRS Filing Signals

California Polytechnic State University Foundation is surfaced here as a decision-ready nonprofit financial profile, not just a charity listing. The page consolidates IRS Form 990 revenue, expenses, assets, tax-exempt classification, executive compensation, mission score, red flags, and year-by-year filing history so donors, researchers, journalists, and grant teams can answer the common search questions around California Polytechnic State University Foundation in one place.

Form 990 Filing Summary

13 filing years are available, with latest revenue of $47.0M and expenses of $46.4M.

Revenue and Expenses

California Polytechnic State University Foundation reported $47.0M in revenue and $46.4M in expenses, a surplus of $611K.

Executive Compensation

Top officer compensation appears as $400 in the stored analysis, with context against revenue and expenses below.

Charity Score and Red Flags

90/100 mission score, 1 red flag, and 5 strengths are shown from structured and AI review.

Is California Polytechnic State University Foundation Legit?

Some Concerns

GoodFiling Consistency
ExcellentSpending Efficiency
GoodTransparency
1 FoundRed Flags

Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →

IRS 990 Data Cockpit

Where the Money Comes From and Where It Goes

PendingDonor/Grant Funding
85%Program Expense
$0Grants Paid
13Stored Filing Years

Revenue Source Mix

Revenue-source line items are not available on the stored filing yet. Future ingestion now preserves contribution, program-revenue, and investment-income fields when ProPublica provides them.

Expense Deployment

California Polytechnic State University Foundation Expense Deployment
Program services$39.4M (85%)

Across stored filings, California Polytechnic State University Foundation shows contribution history pending. Next enrichment targets: revenue-source fields, IRS BMF classification.

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California Polytechnic State University Foundation Donor Decision Matrix
Decision LensSignalWhat to Inspect Next
LegitimacySome ConcernsGood filing record; 1 red flag identified
Mission spend85% to programsExcellent
Financial durabilityGrade A13 stored filing years
Peer contextCompare with Butte County Fire Safe CouncilCalifornia and Education context

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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.

Organization Overview

20Years Operating
MajorSize Classification
13Years of Filings
MixedRevenue Trajectory

California Polytechnic State University Foundation is a major nonprofit that has been operating for 20 years, with 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 11.8%.

Key Financial Metrics (2023)

From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:

Total Revenue$47.0M
Total Expenses$46.4M
Surplus / Deficit+$611K
Total Assets$403.7M
Total Liabilities$13.9M
Net Assets$389.8M
Operating Margin1.3%
Debt-to-Asset Ratio3.4%
Months of Reserves104.5 months

Financial Health Grade: A

In 2023, California Polytechnic State University Foundation reported a surplus of $611K with revenue exceeding expenses, holds 104.5 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 3.4% (very low leverage).

Financial Trends

Over 13 years of filings (2011–2023), California Polytechnic State University Foundation's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.8%.

YearRevenue ChangeExpense ChangeAsset Change
2023-20.5%-19.4%+4.1%
2022+33.4%+42.7%-10.7%
2021-9.2%+2.7%+16.2%
2020+10.9%+11.0%-1.0%
2019-23.8%-20.3%+2.3%

IRS Tax-Exempt Classification

IRS Classification Codes2000
IRS Ruling Date2006

Classification data from ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Additional BMF data may be available after enrichment.

AI Transparency Report

The California Polytechnic State University Foundation demonstrates consistent financial health, with assets growing from $267 million in 2014 to over $403 million in 2023. The organization consistently reports zero officer compensation, which is a strong indicator of transparency and a focus on mission-related spending rather than executive enrichment. While specific program, administrative, and fundraising expense breakdowns are not provided in the summary data, the consistent positive net revenue (revenue exceeding expenses) across all reported periods suggests sound financial management and an ability to build reserves. The foundation's spending efficiency appears robust, as evidenced by its ability to maintain significant asset growth while incurring substantial expenses related to its mission. For instance, in 2023, with revenues of $46,982,068 and expenses of $46,371,070, the foundation operated very close to its revenue, indicating active deployment of funds. The absence of reported officer compensation further enhances the perception of efficient resource allocation. However, without detailed functional expense breakdowns, a precise assessment of program spending ratio versus administrative and fundraising costs is limited. Overall, the foundation exhibits strong financial stability and a commitment to its educational mission, supported by a healthy balance sheet and a history of responsible financial operations. The lack of officer compensation is a notable positive for transparency. To further enhance transparency, providing detailed functional expense breakdowns would allow for a more granular analysis of spending efficiency.

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.

Key Financial Metrics (2023)

From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:

$47.0MTotal Revenue
$46.4MTotal Expenses
$403.7MTotal Assets
$13.9MTotal Liabilities
$389.8MNet Assets
  • The organization reported a surplus of $611K, with revenue exceeding expenses.
  • Debt-to-asset ratio: 3.4%.

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?

California Polytechnic State University Foundation (EIN: 204927897) is a registered tax-exempt nonprofit based in California. Our AI analysis gives it a Mission Score of 90/100. It has 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record. Total revenue: $87.8M. 1 red flag identified. 5 strengths noted. Financial health grade: A.

How does California Polytechnic State University Foundation spend its money?

California Polytechnic State University Foundation directs 85% of its spending to programs and services. Fundraising costs 5%. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark.

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.

How much does the California Polytechnic State University Foundation CEO make?

California Polytechnic State University Foundation's highest-compensated officer earns $400 annually. The organization reported $87.8M in total revenue. Executive compensation data is disclosed in IRS 990 filings.

What percentage of California Polytechnic State University Foundation's spending goes to programs?

California Polytechnic State University Foundation directs 85% to programs, 5% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.

How does California Polytechnic State University Foundation compare to similar nonprofits?

With a transparency score of 90/100 (Excellent), California Polytechnic State University Foundation is above average for NTEE category B11 nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.

Where is California Polytechnic State University Foundation located?

California Polytechnic State University Foundation is headquartered in San Luis Obispo, California and files with the IRS under EIN 204927897. It is classified under NTEE code B11.

How many years of IRS 990 filings does California Polytechnic State University Foundation have?

California Polytechnic State University Foundation has 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record at NonprofitSpending. This extensive filing history provides a strong basis for evaluating long-term financial trends. The most recent filing shows $87.8M in total revenue.

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.

YearRevenueExpensesAssetsLiabilitiesOfficer Comp. %PDF
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.

View Individual Filing Years

Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for California Polytechnic State University Foundation:

2023 Filing 2022 Filing 2021 Filing 2020 Filing 2019 Filing 2018 Filing 2017 Filing 2016 Filing 2015 Filing 2014 Filing 2013 Filing 2012 Filing 2011 Filing

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.

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