The Bison Childrens Scholarship Fund Inc
Bison Childrens Scholarship Fund shows strong asset growth and no reported officer compensation, with a minor deficit in the latest fiscal year.
EIN: 161477288 · Buffalo, NY · NTEE: T30 · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $11.5M |
| Total Expenses | $5.4M |
| Program Spending | 90% |
| CEO/Top Officer Pay | $11 |
| Net Assets | $13.7M |
| Transparency Score | 95/100 |
Is The Bison Childrens Scholarship Fund Inc Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
The Bison Childrens Scholarship Fund Inc directs 90% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About The Bison Childrens Scholarship Fund Inc
The Bison Childrens Scholarship Fund Inc (EIN: 161477288) is a nonprofit organization based in Buffalo, NY, classified under NTEE code T30. The organization reported total revenue of $11.5M and total assets of $14.6M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of The Bison Childrens Scholarship Fund Inc's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
The Bison Childrens Scholarship Fund Inc is a large nonprofit that has been operating for 31 years, with 12 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2012–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 11.5%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $5.3M |
| Total Expenses | $5.4M |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-75,688 |
| Total Assets | $13.7M |
| Total Liabilities | $31K |
| Net Assets | $13.7M |
| Operating Margin | -1.4% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 0.2% |
| Months of Reserves | 30.7 months |
Financial Health Grade: B
In 2023, The Bison Childrens Scholarship Fund Inc reported a deficit of $76K with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 30.7 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 0.2% (very low leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 12 years of filings (2012–2023), The Bison Childrens Scholarship Fund Inc's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.5%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | -17.9% | +9.2% | +3.8% |
| 2022 | -6.3% | +18.4% | +3.0% |
| 2021 | -11.9% | +26.1% | +32.8% |
| 2020 | +114.4% | +10.1% | +89.1% |
| 2019 | -15.8% | +17.6% | +17.5% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 1995 |
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 The Bison Childrens Scholarship Fund Inc with a Mission Score of 95 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: 5%
- programs: 90%
- fundraising: 5%
According to IRS 990 filings, The Bison Childrens Scholarship Fund Inc allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 5%, programs: 90%, fundraising: 5%. With 90% 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 $76K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 0.2%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, indicating that no salaries are paid to officers, which is highly commendable for a nonprofit of its size with over $11 million in latest revenue and $14 million in assets.
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 The Bison Childrens Scholarship Fund Inc's IRS 990 filings:
- Slight deficit in the most recent fiscal period (202306), where expenses exceeded revenue by $75,688.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for The Bison Childrens Scholarship Fund Inc:
- Consistent and significant asset growth over the past decade, from $1.9M in 2014 to $13.7M in 2023.
- Zero reported officer compensation across all 12 filings, indicating high efficiency and dedication to mission.
- Very low liabilities relative to assets, demonstrating strong financial management and minimal debt.
- Generally strong revenue generation, with latest reported revenue at $11,467,275.
- Positive net assets and strong financial reserves.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Bison Childrens Scholarship Fund Inc
Is The Bison Childrens Scholarship Fund Inc a legitimate charity?
The Bison Childrens Scholarship Fund Inc (EIN: 161477288) is a registered tax-exempt nonprofit based in New York. Our AI analysis gives it a Mission Score of 95/100. It has 12 years of IRS 990 filings on record. Total revenue: $11.5M. 1 red flag identified. 5 strengths noted. Financial health grade: B.
How does The Bison Childrens Scholarship Fund Inc spend its money?
The Bison Childrens Scholarship Fund Inc directs 90% of its spending to programs and services. Fundraising costs 5%. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark.
Are donations to The Bison Childrens Scholarship Fund Inc tax-deductible?
The Bison Childrens Scholarship Fund Inc is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 161477288). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
How much does the The Bison Childrens Scholarship Fund Inc CEO make?
The Bison Childrens Scholarship Fund Inc's highest-compensated officer earns $11 annually. The organization reported $11.5M in total revenue. Executive compensation data is disclosed in IRS 990 filings.
What percentage of The Bison Childrens Scholarship Fund Inc's spending goes to programs?
The Bison Childrens Scholarship Fund Inc directs 90% to programs, 5% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
How does The Bison Childrens Scholarship Fund Inc compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 95/100 (Excellent), The Bison Childrens Scholarship Fund Inc is above average for NTEE category T30 nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.
Where is The Bison Childrens Scholarship Fund Inc located?
The Bison Childrens Scholarship Fund Inc is headquartered in Buffalo, New York and files with the IRS under EIN 161477288. It is classified under NTEE code T30.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does The Bison Childrens Scholarship Fund Inc have?
The Bison Childrens Scholarship Fund Inc has 12 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 $11.5M in total revenue.
Is The Bison Childrens Scholarship Fund Inc a good charity?
Based on its financial history, strong asset growth, low liabilities, and zero reported officer compensation, The Bison Childrens Scholarship Fund Inc appears to be a very good charity, demonstrating efficient use of funds and a strong commitment to its mission.
How has the organization's financial health changed over time?
The organization has shown remarkable financial growth, with assets increasing from $1.9 million in 2014 to over $13.7 million in 2023, and revenue generally trending upwards, indicating robust financial health and sustainability.
What is the trend in revenue versus expenses?
For most years, revenue has exceeded expenses, leading to asset growth. However, the 2023 fiscal period showed a slight deficit where expenses ($5,365,307) marginally surpassed revenue ($5,289,619).
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for The Bison Childrens Scholarship Fund Inc showing financial trends over 12 years of public records:
Over 12 years of IRS 990 filings (2012–2023), The Bison Childrens Scholarship Fund Inc's revenue has grown by 232.2%, moving from $1.6M to $5.3M. Total assets increased by 1057.3% over the same period, from $1.2M to $13.7M. Total functional expenses rose by 189.2%, from $1.9M to $5.4M. In its most recent filing year (2023), The Bison Childrens Scholarship Fund Inc reported a deficit of $76K, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $31K in liabilities against $13.7M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 0.2%), resulting in net assets of $13.7M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $5.3M | $5.4M | $13.7M | $31K | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $6.4M | $4.9M | $13.2M | $55K | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $6.9M | $4.2M | $12.9M | $44K | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $7.8M | $3.3M | $9.7M | $98K | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $3.6M | $3.0M | $5.1M | $78K | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $4.3M | $2.5M | $4.4M | $4K | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $2.6M | $2.4M | $2.5M | $4K | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $2.5M | $2.4M | $2.3M | $5K | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $2.5M | $2.2M | $2.3M | $8K | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $2.2M | $1.9M | $1.9M | $8K | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $2.3M | $1.9M | $1.6M | $7K | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $1.6M | $1.9M | $1.2M | $15K | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $5.3M, expenses of $5.4M, and assets of $13.7M (revenue -17.9% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $6.4M, expenses of $4.9M, and assets of $13.2M (revenue -6.3% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $6.9M, expenses of $4.2M, and assets of $12.9M (revenue -11.9% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $7.8M, expenses of $3.3M, and assets of $9.7M (revenue +114.4% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $3.6M, expenses of $3.0M, and assets of $5.1M (revenue -15.8% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $4.3M, expenses of $2.5M, and assets of $4.4M (revenue +68.5% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $2.6M, expenses of $2.4M, and assets of $2.5M (revenue +4.1% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $2.5M, expenses of $2.4M, and assets of $2.3M (revenue -2.5% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $2.5M, expenses of $2.2M, and assets of $2.3M (revenue +14.0% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $2.2M, expenses of $1.9M, and assets of $1.9M (revenue -4.0% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $2.3M, expenses of $1.9M, and assets of $1.6M (revenue +45.0% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $1.6M, expenses of $1.9M, and assets of $1.2M.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for The Bison Childrens Scholarship Fund Inc:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for The Bison Childrens Scholarship Fund 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.