Shepherd International University
Shepherd International University shows historical financial growth but recent filings report zero revenue and assets.
EIN: 203979266 · Los Angeles, CA · Updated: 2026-03-28
Is Shepherd International University Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Shepherd International University directs 75% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Shepherd International University
Shepherd International University (EIN: 203979266) is a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles, CA. The organization reported total revenue of $0 and total assets of $0 according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Shepherd International University's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Shepherd International University is a mid-size nonprofit, with 7 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2016). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 14.6%.
Key Financial Metrics (2016)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $3.0M |
| Total Expenses | $2.2M |
| Surplus / Deficit | +$788K |
| Total Assets | $2.9M |
| Total Liabilities | $72K |
| Net Assets | $2.8M |
| Operating Margin | 26.5% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 2.5% |
| Months of Reserves | 15.8 months |
Financial Health Grade: A
In 2016, Shepherd International University reported a surplus of $788K with revenue exceeding expenses, holds 15.8 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 2.5% (very low leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 7 years of filings (2011–2016), Shepherd International University's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.6%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | +23.9% | +18.3% | +38.9% |
| 2015 | +21.6% | +27.2% | +30.6% |
| 2014 | +160.3% | +141.0% | +67.3% |
| 2013 | +9.9% | +19.9% | +18.6% |
| 2012 | -68.2% | -71.7% | -1.4% |
AI Transparency Report
Mission Effectiveness Score
NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates Shepherd International University with a Mission Score of 65 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: 15%
- programs: 75%
- fundraising: 10%
According to IRS 990 filings, Shepherd International University allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 15%, programs: 75%, fundraising: 10%. With 75% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.
Key Financial Metrics (2016)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
- The organization reported a surplus of $788K, with revenue exceeding expenses.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 2.5%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
No officer compensation was reported across all available filings, which is unusual for an organization with revenues reaching nearly $3 million, suggesting either a fully volunteer executive team or compensation is categorized differently.
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 Shepherd International University's IRS 990 filings:
- Latest period reports $0 revenue and assets, contrasting sharply with historical activity.
- No officer compensation reported across all filings, raising questions about executive pay transparency.
- Lack of detailed expense breakdown (program, admin, fundraising) in the provided data.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Shepherd International University:
- Consistent positive net income in most historical periods, indicating financial stability.
- Demonstrated asset growth over several years, reaching $2,887,371 in 2016.
- History of filing IRS 990s, indicating some level of compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shepherd International University
Is Shepherd International University a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Shepherd International University (EIN: 203979266) some concerns. Mission Score: 65/100. 3 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
How does Shepherd International University spend its money?
Shepherd International University directs 75% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Shepherd International University tax-deductible?
Shepherd International University is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 203979266). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
What is the reason for the $0 revenue and assets reported in the latest period?
The provided data shows $0 for both revenue and assets in the latest period, which is a significant departure from previous years where revenue was in the millions. This could indicate a cessation of operations, a change in reporting status, or an error in the provided summary data.
Why is there no officer compensation reported across all filings?
The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings is unusual for an organization of this size and revenue. It could mean that executive leadership is entirely volunteer-based, or that compensation is included within other expense categories, which would reduce transparency regarding executive pay.
What are the detailed breakdowns of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses?
The provided summary data does not include a detailed breakdown of expenses into program, administrative, and fundraising categories. This information is crucial for a comprehensive assessment of spending efficiency and how funds are allocated to the organization's mission.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Shepherd International University showing financial trends over 7 years of public records:
Over 7 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2016), Shepherd International University's revenue has grown by 97.6%, moving from $1.5M to $3.0M. Total assets increased by 373.1% over the same period, from $610K to $2.9M. Total functional expenses rose by 62.1%, from $1.3M to $2.2M. In its most recent filing year (2016), Shepherd International University reported a surplus of $788K, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $72K in liabilities against $2.9M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 2.5%), resulting in net assets of $2.8M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $3.0M | $2.2M | $2.9M | $72K | — | — |
| 2015 | $2.4M | $1.8M | $2.1M | $51K | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $2.0M | $1.5M | $1.6M | $117K | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $758K | $603K | $951K | $-2,950 | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $690K | $503K | $803K | $3K | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $2.2M | $1.8M | $814K | $814 | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $1.5M | $1.3M | $610K | $0 | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2016: Revenue of $3.0M, expenses of $2.2M, and assets of $2.9M (revenue +23.9% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $2.4M, expenses of $1.8M, and assets of $2.1M (revenue +21.6% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $2.0M, expenses of $1.5M, and assets of $1.6M (revenue +160.3% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $758K, expenses of $603K, and assets of $951K (revenue +9.9% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $690K, expenses of $503K, and assets of $803K (revenue -68.2% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $2.2M, expenses of $1.8M, and assets of $814K (revenue +44.1% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $1.5M, expenses of $1.3M, and assets of $610K.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Shepherd International University:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Shepherd International University 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.