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
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $2.4M |
| Total Expenses | $1.4M |
| Program Spending | 80% |
| CEO/Top Officer Pay | $12 |
| Net Assets | $12.5M |
| Transparency Score | 85/100 |
Search Intent Cockpit
Night Owl Foundation Form 990, Revenue, CEO Pay, and IRS Filing Signals
Night Owl 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 Night Owl Foundation in one place.
Form 990 Filing Summary
10 filing years are available, with latest revenue of $846K and expenses of $1.4M.
Revenue and Expenses
Night Owl Foundation reported $846K in revenue and $1.4M in expenses, a deficit of $551K.
Executive Compensation
Top officer compensation appears as $12 in the stored analysis, with context against revenue and expenses below.
Charity Score and Red Flags
85/100 mission score, 2 red flags, and 3 strengths are shown from structured and AI review.
Is Night Owl Foundation Legit?
Some Concerns
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
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
| Program services | $1.1M (80%) |
Across stored filings, Night Owl Foundation shows contribution history pending. Next enrichment targets: revenue-source fields, IRS BMF classification.
Decision Cockpit
One-Stop Donor, Research, and Peer Context Hub
| Decision Lens | Signal | What to Inspect Next |
|---|---|---|
| Legitimacy | Some Concerns | Good filing record; 2 red flags identified |
| Mission spend | 80% to programs | Excellent |
| Financial durability | Grade B | 10 stored filing years |
| Peer context | Compare with Shorefront | Illinois and Philanthropy context |
Trust Check
Review legitimacy, deductibility, red flags, and filing consistency.
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Local and Sector Spokes
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Buffalo Grove, IL nonprofitsPhilanthropy in Illinois
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Follow the Money
Jump into spending, compensation, rankings, and filing-year evidence.
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Keep the Investigation Moving
Night Owl Foundation directs 80% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
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.
Organization Overview
Night Owl Foundation is a mid-size nonprofit that has been operating for 18 years, with 10 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of -3.6%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $846K |
| Total Expenses | $1.4M |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-551,098 |
| Total Assets | $12.5M |
| Total Liabilities | $1 |
| Net Assets | $12.5M |
| Operating Margin | -65.2% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 0.0% |
| Months of Reserves | 107.0 months |
Financial Health Grade: B
In 2023, Night Owl Foundation reported a deficit of $551K with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 107.0 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 0.0% (very low leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 10 years of filings (2011–2023), Night Owl Foundation's revenue has declined at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -3.6%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | +5.2% | -0.2% | -3.0% |
| 2022 | -84.6% | +5.8% | -7.5% |
| 2021 | +165.5% | +0.5% | +9.8% |
| 2020 | -31.0% | +10.4% | +3.5% |
| 2019 | +40.5% | +90.2% | +42.3% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 2008 |
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 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.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
- The organization reported a deficit of $551K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 0.0%.
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
Is Night Owl Foundation a legitimate charity?
Night Owl Foundation (EIN: 205905161) is a registered tax-exempt nonprofit based in Illinois. Our AI analysis gives it a Mission Score of 85/100. It has 10 years of IRS 990 filings on record. Total revenue: $2.4M. 2 red flags identified. 3 strengths noted. Financial health grade: B.
How does Night Owl Foundation spend its money?
Night Owl Foundation directs 80% of its spending to programs and services. Fundraising costs 10%. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark.
Are donations to Night Owl Foundation tax-deductible?
Night Owl Foundation is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 205905161). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
How much does the Night Owl Foundation CEO make?
Night Owl Foundation's highest-compensated officer earns $12 annually. The organization reported $2.4M in total revenue. Executive compensation data is disclosed in IRS 990 filings.
What percentage of Night Owl Foundation's spending goes to programs?
Night Owl Foundation directs 80% to programs, 10% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
How does Night Owl Foundation compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 85/100 (Excellent), Night Owl Foundation is above average for NTEE category T20 nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.
Where is Night Owl Foundation located?
Night Owl Foundation is headquartered in Buffalo Grove, Illinois and files with the IRS under EIN 205905161. It is classified under NTEE code T20.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Night Owl Foundation have?
Night Owl Foundation has 10 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 $2.4M in total revenue.
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. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Night Owl Foundation:
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.