The Governors of the University of Calgary
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The University of Calgary is a global intellectual hub located in Canada's most enterprising city. In this spirited, high quality learning environment students will thrive in programs made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking.
- Income
- $1.3 billion
- Spending
- $1.2 billion
- Spent on programs
- 94%
- Reserves
- -10.1 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- government grants, 49%
- Employees
- 0
- Volunteers
- 600
- Highest pay
- $483,740, president - incumbent
Source: Form 990 for the year ending March 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Fair: 55 out of 100.
Reserves
0 of 35Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.
Debt
10 of 20It owes 50% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 4% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 2% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1594% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 2 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending March 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 90 out of 100.
Independent board
25 of 2516 of 26 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
0 of 10Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending March 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (3)
- $729.6 million spent. General Operations: The University provides education so that society's individuals may advance themselves by graduating with degrees from various faculties and programs. Revenue from general operations includes the provincial government operating grant, tuition fee revenue, investment income available for general spending, and any new revenue generated by faculties and administrative units. Approximately 38,000 students from all Canadian provinces and 100+ other countries participating in 14 faculties: Arts, Cumming School of Medicine, Environmental Design, Graduate Studies, Haskayne School of Business, Kinesiology, Law, Nursing, Qatar Faculty, Schulich School of Engineering, Science, Social Work, Veterinary Medicine, Werklund School of Education
- $391.1 million spent. Sponsored Research: The University conducts research activities to fulfill its mission to seek truth and disseminate knowledge. Funded by grants and contracts from external sponsors, donations and endowment investment income.
- $28.6 million spent. Ancillary Services: The University provides goods and services to the University community and to individuals, companies, and organizations external to the University.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending March 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Worth knowing.
Status was revoked on August 15, 2024 for not filing returns for three years. The IRS now lists it as tax-exempt again.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending March 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since December 1969.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.