Night Owl Foundation

Night Owl Foundation experiences recent operating deficits while maintaining substantial assets and no executive compensation.

EIN: 205905161 · Buffalo Grove, IL · NTEE: T20 · Updated: 2026-03-28

$2.4MRevenue

$12.9MAssets

85/100Mission Score (Excellent)

T20

About Night Owl Foundation

Night Owl Foundation (EIN: 205905161) is a nonprofit organization based in Buffalo Grove, IL, classified under NTEE code T20. The organization reported total revenue of $2.4M and total assets of $12.9M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Night Owl Foundation's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.

AI Transparency Report

The Night Owl Foundation demonstrates a generally stable financial position with significant assets, though recent years show a trend of expenses exceeding revenue. In 2023, expenses were $1,396,945 against revenue of $845,847, and similarly in 2022, expenses were $1,400,020 against revenue of $803,870. This indicates the organization is drawing down on its substantial asset base, which stood at $12,450,360 in 2023. The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation, which is a strong indicator of transparency and efficient use of funds at the executive level. However, without a detailed breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses, a complete assessment of spending efficiency is challenging. The low liabilities across most years also suggest good financial management.

Mission Effectiveness Score

NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates Night Owl Foundation with a Mission Score of 85 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: 80%
fundraising: 10%

According to IRS 990 filings, Night Owl Foundation allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 10%, programs: 80%, fundraising: 10%. With 80% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.

Executive Compensation Analysis

The Night Owl Foundation consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, indicating that no salaries or other compensation are paid to officers, which is highly commendable for a nonprofit of its size with assets exceeding $12 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 Night Owl Foundation's IRS 990 filings:

Expenses exceeding revenue in recent years (2022 and 2023), indicating reliance on reserves or unsustainable spending without revenue growth.
Significant year-over-year revenue volatility, making financial planning potentially challenging.

Strengths

The following positive indicators were identified for Night Owl Foundation:

Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation, demonstrating excellent financial stewardship at the executive level.
Substantial asset base (over $12 million in recent years) provides financial stability and resilience.
Low liabilities across most filing periods, indicating sound financial management and minimal debt.

Frequently Asked Questions about Night Owl Foundation

Why have expenses exceeded revenue in the last two reported periods (2022 and 2023)?

In 2023, expenses were $1,396,945 while revenue was $845,847, and in 2022, expenses were $1,400,020 against revenue of $803,870. This suggests the organization is either utilizing reserves or experiencing a temporary dip in funding relative to its operational costs. Further detail from the 990 on the nature of these expenses would be needed to fully understand this trend.

What is the primary source of the organization's revenue, given the fluctuations?

Revenue has fluctuated significantly, from a high of $5,220,885 in 2021 to $845,847 in 2023. This volatility suggests reliance on grants, large donations, or investment income that can vary year-to-year. A deeper dive into the 990's revenue schedules would clarify the specific sources.

How does the organization manage its substantial assets?

With assets consistently over $12 million in recent years, and reaching $13,882,139 in 2021, the organization holds significant financial reserves. The management of these assets, whether through investments or endowments, is crucial for long-term sustainability, especially given recent operating deficits.

Filing History

IRS 990 filing history for Night Owl Foundation showing financial trends over 10 years of public records:

Over 10 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Night Owl Foundation's revenue has declined by 35.3%, moving from $1.3M to $846K. Total assets increased by 197.8% over the same period, from $4.2M to $12.5M. Total functional expenses rose by 214%, from $445K to $1.4M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Night Owl Foundation reported a deficit of $551K, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $1 in liabilities against $12.5M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 0.0%), resulting in net assets of $12.5M.

Year	Revenue	Expenses	Assets	Liabilities	Officer Comp.	PDF
2023	$846K	$1.4M	$12.5M	$1	—	—
2022	$804K	$1.4M	$12.8M	$140	—	View 990
2021	$5.2M	$1.3M	$13.9M	$1	—	View 990
2020	$2.0M	$1.3M	$12.6M	$1	—	View 990
2019	$2.8M	$1.2M	$12.2M	$0	—	View 990
2015	$2.0M	$627K	$8.6M	$0	—	View 990
2014	$1.6M	$642K	$7.2M	$405	—	View 990
2013	$1.5M	$490K	$6.8M	$516K	—	View 990
2012	$1.5M	$470K	$5.2M	$0	—	View 990
2011	$1.3M	$445K	$4.2M	$0	—	View 990

Year-by-Year Financial Summary

2023: Revenue of $846K, expenses of $1.4M, and assets of $12.5M (revenue +5.2% year-over-year).
2022: Revenue of $804K, expenses of $1.4M, and assets of $12.8M (revenue -84.6% year-over-year).
2021: Revenue of $5.2M, expenses of $1.3M, and assets of $13.9M (revenue +165.5% year-over-year).
2020: Revenue of $2.0M, expenses of $1.3M, and assets of $12.6M (revenue -31.0% year-over-year).
2019: Revenue of $2.8M, expenses of $1.2M, and assets of $12.2M (revenue +40.5% year-over-year).
2015: Revenue of $2.0M, expenses of $627K, and assets of $8.6M (revenue +30.6% year-over-year).
2014: Revenue of $1.6M, expenses of $642K, and assets of $7.2M (revenue +2.8% year-over-year).
2013: Revenue of $1.5M, expenses of $490K, and assets of $6.8M (revenue -1.8% year-over-year).
2012: Revenue of $1.5M, expenses of $470K, and assets of $5.2M (revenue +17.6% year-over-year).
2011: Revenue of $1.3M, expenses of $445K, and assets of $4.2M.

Data Sources and Methodology

This transparency report for Night Owl 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.