Northern Kentucky University Research Foundation Inc
Northern Kentucky University Research Foundation maintains stable operations with no reported officer compensation amidst fluctuating revenues and assets.
EIN: 201787893 · Highland Heights, KY · NTEE: B11 · Updated: 2026-03-28
Is Northern Kentucky University Research Foundation Inc Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Northern Kentucky University Research Foundation Inc directs 85% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Northern Kentucky University Research Foundation Inc
Northern Kentucky University Research Foundation Inc (EIN: 201787893) is a nonprofit organization based in Highland Heights, KY, classified under NTEE code B11. The organization reported total revenue of $3.7M and total assets of $1.9M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Northern Kentucky University Research Foundation Inc'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 Northern Kentucky University Research Foundation Inc 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: 85%
- fundraising: 5%
According to IRS 990 filings, Northern Kentucky University Research Foundation Inc 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
Executive compensation is consistently reported as 0% across all available filings, indicating that no salaries are paid to officers, which is highly unusual for an organization of this size and suggests that executive functions may be fulfilled by university staff or volunteers.
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 Northern Kentucky University Research Foundation Inc's IRS 990 filings:
- Significant year-over-year volatility in revenue and assets without clear explanation in summary data.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Northern Kentucky University Research Foundation Inc:
- Consistent 0% officer compensation, indicating high efficiency in executive overhead.
- Revenues generally cover expenses, demonstrating financial stability in operations (e.g., $3,652,870 revenue vs. $3,608,121 expenses in 202406).
- Strong asset base in certain periods, suggesting capacity for significant research initiatives (e.g., $17,172,069 in assets in 202206).
Frequently Asked Questions about Northern Kentucky University Research Foundation Inc
Is Northern Kentucky University Research Foundation Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Northern Kentucky University Research Foundation Inc (EIN: 201787893) some concerns. Mission Score: 85/100. 1 red flag identified, 3 strengths noted.
How does Northern Kentucky University Research Foundation Inc spend its money?
Northern Kentucky University Research Foundation Inc directs 85% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Northern Kentucky University Research Foundation Inc tax-deductible?
Northern Kentucky University Research Foundation Inc is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 201787893). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
What caused the significant fluctuations in revenue and assets, particularly the spike in 202206 and subsequent decrease?
The provided data shows revenue peaking at $7,339,516 and assets at $17,172,069 in 202206, then dropping to $3,652,870 revenue and $2,034,552 assets by 202406. This could be due to large, time-limited grants, specific research project cycles, or significant capital expenditures/disposals.
How does the organization manage its executive functions without officer compensation?
With 0% officer compensation reported, it's likely that executive roles are either filled by volunteers, or the individuals performing these duties are compensated through Northern Kentucky University directly, rather than through the Research Foundation itself.
What is the specific breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses?
The provided summary data does not detail the specific breakdown of expenses into program, administrative, and fundraising categories. Further examination of the full IRS 990 forms would be necessary to ascertain these percentages.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Northern Kentucky University Research Foundation Inc showing financial trends over 14 years of public records:
Over 14 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2024), Northern Kentucky University Research Foundation Inc's revenue has declined by 38.2%, moving from $5.9M to $3.7M. Total assets decreased by 72.2% over the same period, from $7.3M to $2.0M. Total functional expenses fell by 27.6%, from $5.0M to $3.6M. In its most recent filing year (2024), Northern Kentucky University Research Foundation Inc reported a surplus of $45K, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $656K in liabilities against $2.0M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 32.2%), resulting in net assets of $1.4M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $3.7M | $3.6M | $2.0M | $656K | — | View 990 |
| 2023 | $3.2M | $3.2M | $1.7M | $385K | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $7.3M | $3.9M | $17.2M | $389K | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $2.4M | $2.2M | $1.4M | $325K | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $2.3M | $2.3M | $13.0M | $12.0M | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $2.1M | $2.0M | $12.5M | $11.6M | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $2.4M | $2.3M | $12.9M | $12.1M | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $4.3M | $4.0M | $13.9M | $13.1M | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $5.0M | $4.5M | $14.0M | $13.0M | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $6.0M | $5.5M | $13.8M | $12.9M | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $6.9M | $6.3M | $14.1M | $13.1M | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $6.3M | $6.0M | $20.3M | $18.7M | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $8.1M | $5.6M | $20.8M | $19.2M | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $5.9M | $5.0M | $7.3M | $6.4M | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2024: Revenue of $3.7M, expenses of $3.6M, and assets of $2.0M (revenue +13.1% year-over-year).
- 2023: Revenue of $3.2M, expenses of $3.2M, and assets of $1.7M (revenue -56.0% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $7.3M, expenses of $3.9M, and assets of $17.2M (revenue +211.1% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $2.4M, expenses of $2.2M, and assets of $1.4M (revenue +0.9% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $2.3M, expenses of $2.3M, and assets of $13.0M (revenue +12.8% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $2.1M, expenses of $2.0M, and assets of $12.5M (revenue -15.3% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $2.4M, expenses of $2.3M, and assets of $12.9M (revenue -43.4% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $4.3M, expenses of $4.0M, and assets of $13.9M (revenue -14.2% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $5.0M, expenses of $4.5M, and assets of $14.0M (revenue -15.6% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $6.0M, expenses of $5.5M, and assets of $13.8M (revenue -13.2% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $6.9M, expenses of $6.3M, and assets of $14.1M (revenue +8.8% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $6.3M, expenses of $6.0M, and assets of $20.3M (revenue -21.5% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $8.1M, expenses of $5.6M, and assets of $20.8M (revenue +36.4% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $5.9M, expenses of $5.0M, and assets of $7.3M.
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Northern Kentucky University Research Foundation Inc 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.