Union Theological Seminary

Union Theological Seminary maintains substantial assets and reports no officer compensation, despite fluctuating revenues and expenses.

EIN: 131624238 · New York, NY · NTEE: B500 · Updated: 2026-03-28

$74.4MRevenue

$223.7MAssets

85/100Mission Score (Excellent)

B500

About Union Theological Seminary

Union Theological Seminary (EIN: 131624238) is a nonprofit organization based in New York, NY, classified under NTEE code B500. The organization reported total revenue of $74.4M and total assets of $223.7M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Union Theological Seminary's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.

AI Transparency Report

Union Theological Seminary demonstrates a generally stable financial position with significant assets, though revenue and expense figures show considerable fluctuation year-over-year. For instance, revenue in 202006 was $83,857,072, while in 202206 it dropped to $27,425,534, indicating reliance on variable funding sources or significant one-time gains. The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation, which is a strong indicator of transparency and a commitment to directing funds towards its mission rather than executive salaries. However, without a detailed breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses in the provided data, a precise assessment of spending efficiency is challenging. The substantial asset base of $223,719,296 suggests long-term financial stability and capacity to support its educational mission.

The organization's liabilities have also varied, from a low of $15,323,734 in 201706 to a high of $62,777,224 in 202006, which should be monitored. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings is a notable positive for transparency. While the overall financial health appears robust given the asset base, the volatility in revenue and expenses warrants closer examination to understand the underlying drivers and ensure sustainable operations. The lack of detailed expense categories in the provided data limits a full assessment of spending efficiency beyond the executive compensation aspect.

Mission Effectiveness Score

NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates Union Theological Seminary 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, Union Theological Seminary 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

Union Theological Seminary consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, indicating that no portion of its expenses is allocated to executive salaries, which is highly commendable for a nonprofit of its size with assets exceeding $200 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 Union Theological Seminary's IRS 990 filings:

Significant year-over-year revenue volatility, making financial planning potentially challenging.
Fluctuating liabilities, which could indicate varying debt levels or financial commitments.

Strengths

The following positive indicators were identified for Union Theological Seminary:

Consistently reports 0% officer compensation, demonstrating strong commitment to mission-focused spending.
Maintains a substantial asset base, with assets reaching $223,719,296, indicating long-term financial stability.
Generally positive net assets (Assets - Liabilities) across most periods, suggesting good financial health.

Frequently Asked Questions about Union Theological Seminary

What caused the significant revenue fluctuations, such as the jump to $83,857,072 in 202006 and the subsequent drop?

The provided data does not specify the reasons for these fluctuations, but they could be due to large one-time donations, investment gains/losses, or changes in grant funding cycles.

How does Union Theological Seminary manage its liabilities, which have varied significantly from $15.3M to $62.7M?

The data shows liabilities have fluctuated, peaking at $62,777,224 in 202006. Understanding the nature of these liabilities (e.g., bonds, mortgages, program-related investments) and the repayment strategy would provide more insight.

What is the detailed breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses?

The provided IRS 990 summary data does not include a detailed breakdown of these expense categories, which is crucial for a comprehensive spending efficiency analysis.

Filing History

IRS 990 filing history for Union Theological Seminary showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:

Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Union Theological Seminary's revenue has grown by 109.5%, moving from $22.2M to $46.6M. Total assets increased by 87.6% over the same period, from $116.1M to $217.8M. Total functional expenses rose by 100.3%, from $19.4M to $38.9M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Union Theological Seminary reported a surplus of $7.7M, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $34.7M in liabilities against $217.8M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 15.9%), resulting in net assets of $183.1M.

Year	Revenue	Expenses	Assets	Liabilities	Officer Comp.	PDF
2023	$46.6M	$38.9M	$217.8M	$34.7M	—	—
2022	$27.4M	$37.0M	$207.4M	$55.0M	—	View 990
2021	$35.3M	$28.8M	$238.7M	$48.9M	—	View 990
2020	$83.9M	$30.4M	$221.1M	$62.8M	—	View 990
2019	$25.8M	$30.2M	$161.4M	$55.6M	—	View 990
2018	$23.0M	$27.4M	$127.5M	$19.6M	—	View 990
2017	$18.6M	$23.7M	$123.8M	$15.3M	—	View 990
2016	$18.5M	$24.4M	$115.7M	$16.6M	—	View 990
2015	$24.2M	$23.5M	$131.1M	$17.9M	—	View 990
2014	$16.1M	$21.9M	$129.3M	$17.1M	—	View 990
2013	$16.0M	$21.0M	$118.6M	$15.9M	—	View 990
2012	$19.5M	$20.0M	$112.0M	$16.1M	—	View 990
2011	$22.2M	$19.4M	$116.1M	$16.1M	—	View 990

Year-by-Year Financial Summary

2023: Revenue of $46.6M, expenses of $38.9M, and assets of $217.8M (revenue +69.9% year-over-year).
2022: Revenue of $27.4M, expenses of $37.0M, and assets of $207.4M (revenue -22.4% year-over-year).
2021: Revenue of $35.3M, expenses of $28.8M, and assets of $238.7M (revenue -57.8% year-over-year).
2020: Revenue of $83.9M, expenses of $30.4M, and assets of $221.1M (revenue +225.3% year-over-year).
2019: Revenue of $25.8M, expenses of $30.2M, and assets of $161.4M (revenue +12.2% year-over-year).
2018: Revenue of $23.0M, expenses of $27.4M, and assets of $127.5M (revenue +23.6% year-over-year).
2017: Revenue of $18.6M, expenses of $23.7M, and assets of $123.8M (revenue +0.3% year-over-year).
2016: Revenue of $18.5M, expenses of $24.4M, and assets of $115.7M (revenue -23.4% year-over-year).
2015: Revenue of $24.2M, expenses of $23.5M, and assets of $131.1M (revenue +50.4% year-over-year).
2014: Revenue of $16.1M, expenses of $21.9M, and assets of $129.3M (revenue +0.5% year-over-year).
2013: Revenue of $16.0M, expenses of $21.0M, and assets of $118.6M (revenue -18.1% year-over-year).
2012: Revenue of $19.5M, expenses of $20.0M, and assets of $112.0M (revenue -12.2% year-over-year).
2011: Revenue of $22.2M, expenses of $19.4M, and assets of $116.1M.

Data Sources and Methodology

This transparency report for Union Theological Seminary 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.