Canisius University Of Buffalo New York
Canisius University consistently operates at a deficit, with expenses exceeding revenue in most recent years.
EIN: 160743942 · Buffalo, NY · NTEE: B430 · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $122.9M |
| Total Expenses | $104.6M |
| Program Spending | 85% |
| CEO/Top Officer Pay | $100 |
| Net Assets | $210.4M |
| Transparency Score | 70/100 |
Is Canisius University Of Buffalo New York Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Canisius University Of Buffalo New York directs 85% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Canisius University Of Buffalo New York
Canisius University Of Buffalo New York (EIN: 160743942) is a nonprofit organization based in Buffalo, NY, classified under NTEE code B430. The organization reported total revenue of $122.9M and total assets of $278.8M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Canisius University Of Buffalo New York's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Canisius University Of Buffalo New York is a major nonprofit that has been operating for 55 years, with 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of -3.3%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $99.9M |
| Total Expenses | $104.6M |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-4,645,502 |
| Total Assets | $276.1M |
| Total Liabilities | $65.7M |
| Net Assets | $210.4M |
| Operating Margin | -4.6% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 23.8% |
| Months of Reserves | 31.7 months |
Financial Health Grade: B
In 2023, Canisius University Of Buffalo New York reported a deficit of $4.6M with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 31.7 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 23.8% (moderate leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 13 years of filings (2011–2023), Canisius University Of Buffalo New York's revenue has declined at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -3.3%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | -4.1% | -3.8% | -4.6% |
| 2022 | +6.5% | +6.4% | -5.4% |
| 2021 | -6.6% | -6.7% | +13.0% |
| 2020 | +0.5% | +3.4% | -2.6% |
| 2019 | -19.0% | -21.9% | -4.5% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 2000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 1971 |
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 Canisius University Of Buffalo New York with a Mission Score of 70 out of 100 (Good). 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, Canisius University Of Buffalo New York 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:
- The organization reported a deficit of $4.6M, with expenses exceeding revenue.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 23.8%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Executive compensation is consistently reported as 0% across all available filings, which is unusual for an organization of this size with over $100 million in annual revenue and nearly $280 million in assets. This suggests either no compensation for officers or that it is categorized differently in the provided summary data.
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 Canisius University Of Buffalo New York's IRS 990 filings:
- Consistent operational deficits, with expenses frequently exceeding revenue (e.g., $104.5M expenses vs. $99.9M revenue in 202305).
- Unusually reported 0% officer compensation for an organization of this scale, which may obscure actual executive pay practices.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Canisius University Of Buffalo New York:
- Substantial asset base ($278,789,656 in 202305) providing financial stability despite operational deficits.
- Clear NTEE code (B430) indicating a focus on higher education, aligning with its mission as a university.
Frequently Asked Questions about Canisius University Of Buffalo New York
Is Canisius University Of Buffalo New York a legitimate charity?
Canisius University Of Buffalo New York (EIN: 160743942) is a registered tax-exempt nonprofit based in New York. Our AI analysis gives it a Mission Score of 70/100. It has 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record. Total revenue: $122.9M. 2 red flags identified. 2 strengths noted. Financial health grade: B.
How does Canisius University Of Buffalo New York spend its money?
Canisius University Of Buffalo New York directs 85% of its spending to programs and services. Fundraising costs 5%. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark.
Are donations to Canisius University Of Buffalo New York tax-deductible?
Canisius University Of Buffalo New York is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 160743942). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
How much does the Canisius University Of Buffalo New York CEO make?
Canisius University Of Buffalo New York's highest-compensated officer earns $100 annually. The organization reported $122.9M in total revenue. Executive compensation data is disclosed in IRS 990 filings.
What percentage of Canisius University Of Buffalo New York's spending goes to programs?
Canisius University Of Buffalo New York directs 85% to programs, 5% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
How does Canisius University Of Buffalo New York compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 70/100 (Good), Canisius University Of Buffalo New York is above average for NTEE category B430 nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.
Where is Canisius University Of Buffalo New York located?
Canisius University Of Buffalo New York is headquartered in Buffalo, New York and files with the IRS under EIN 160743942. It is classified under NTEE code B430.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Canisius University Of Buffalo New York have?
Canisius University Of Buffalo New York 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 $122.9M in total revenue.
How does Canisius University cover its consistent operational deficits?
The university consistently reports expenses exceeding revenue. For example, in 202305, expenses were $104,578,532 while revenue was $99,933,030. This suggests they may be drawing from endowment funds, other unrestricted net assets, or experiencing non-operating income not reflected in the 'Revenue' figure provided.
What is the actual executive compensation for Canisius University?
The provided data consistently shows 'Officer Comp' as 0% for all periods. This is highly unusual for an institution of this size and suggests that either the officers are uncompensated, or their compensation is reported under a different category not captured in this summary, requiring a deeper dive into the full Form 990.
Is the university's asset base sufficient to sustain its operations given the deficits?
With assets of $278,789,656 and liabilities of $65,677,263 in 202305, the university has a substantial net asset position. While this provides a buffer, sustained operational deficits, such as the $4.6 million deficit in 202305, will erode this base over time if not reversed.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Canisius University Of Buffalo New York showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Canisius University Of Buffalo New York's revenue has declined by 33.2%, moving from $149.5M to $99.9M. Total assets increased by 2.4% over the same period, from $269.5M to $276.1M. Total functional expenses fell by 25.7%, from $140.8M to $104.6M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Canisius University Of Buffalo New York reported a deficit of $4.6M, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $65.7M in liabilities against $276.1M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 23.8%), resulting in net assets of $210.4M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $99.9M | $104.6M | $276.1M | $65.7M | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $104.2M | $108.7M | $289.5M | $70.0M | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $97.8M | $102.1M | $306.1M | $80.7M | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $104.8M | $109.5M | $270.9M | $79.1M | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $104.3M | $105.9M | $278.1M | $77.8M | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $128.7M | $135.6M | $291.1M | $85.4M | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $135.3M | $135.2M | $291.7M | $82.9M | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $144.6M | $140.2M | $285.2M | $87.8M | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $147.0M | $140.8M | $306.7M | $100.7M | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $156.6M | $143.6M | $301.8M | $100.7M | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $161.1M | $150.5M | $291.0M | $103.1M | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $151.3M | $149.6M | $278.3M | $99.4M | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $149.5M | $140.8M | $269.5M | $88.3M | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $99.9M, expenses of $104.6M, and assets of $276.1M (revenue -4.1% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $104.2M, expenses of $108.7M, and assets of $289.5M (revenue +6.5% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $97.8M, expenses of $102.1M, and assets of $306.1M (revenue -6.6% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $104.8M, expenses of $109.5M, and assets of $270.9M (revenue +0.5% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $104.3M, expenses of $105.9M, and assets of $278.1M (revenue -19.0% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $128.7M, expenses of $135.6M, and assets of $291.1M (revenue -4.9% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $135.3M, expenses of $135.2M, and assets of $291.7M (revenue -6.5% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $144.6M, expenses of $140.2M, and assets of $285.2M (revenue -1.6% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $147.0M, expenses of $140.8M, and assets of $306.7M (revenue -6.1% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $156.6M, expenses of $143.6M, and assets of $301.8M (revenue -2.8% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $161.1M, expenses of $150.5M, and assets of $291.0M (revenue +6.5% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $151.3M, expenses of $149.6M, and assets of $278.3M (revenue +1.2% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $149.5M, expenses of $140.8M, and assets of $269.5M.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Canisius University Of Buffalo New York:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Canisius University Of Buffalo New York 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.