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Simon Fraser University

EIN 30-0505256 · Canada

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak42 out of 100GovernanceGood70 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

SFUs mission is to advance knowledge through teaching research and engagement with the community. We are an open inclusive university whose foundation is intellectual and academic freedom. Our scholarship unites teaching and research: we celebrate discovery diversity and dialogue. Our students and communities can expect teaching that is personal and learning opportunities that are lifelong. We champion the liberal arts and sciences and pioneering interdisciplinary and professional programs. We are a university where risks can be taken and bold initiatives embraced. Upon these foundations we will engage all our communities in building a robust and ethical society.

Income
$709.1 million
Spending
$704.5 million
Spent on programs
85%
Reserves
-3.7 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 50%
Employees
0
Volunteers
0
Highest pay
$329,738, president vice - chancellor

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

Weak: 42 out of 100. Higher than 8% of charities in its peer group (education, over $100m).

  • Reserves

    0 of 35

    Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.

  • Debt

    5 of 20

    It owes 56% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    12 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 1% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 2% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    84% 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

Good: 70 out of 100. Higher than 2% of charities in its peer group (education, over $100m).

  • Independent board

    5 of 25

    6 of 13 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    0 of 10

    Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports 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 (4)
  1. $436.9 million spent. Post Secondary Education Teaching: Delivery of Academic courses to students enrolled in Undergraduate Master and Doctorate programs as well as distance education and non-credit courses offered through Life-Long Learning. Number of students enrolled in our fiscal year April 1 2024 through March 31 2025 29,001 Undergraduates; 5,074 Graduates; including 6,927 International Students in total. Degrees awarded in the 2024 calendar year: 5,019 Bachelor; 1,253 Master; 170 PHD; 863 Other Grad Certificates and Diplomas
  2. $95.7 million spent. Research: At SFU Research Matters its an essential component of SFUs mission and also a major instructional activity as faculty work closely with graduate and undergraduate students in a wide variety of research settings including the Library laboratories computer facilities and studios. Research collaborations extend far beyond our campuses to include many projects conducted jointly with business and industry community organizations and agencies in all levels of government. SFU researchers are establishing or strengthening programs in areas facing the most pressing social demand including international studies urban growth management public policy analysis and health sciences.
  3. $20.2 million spent. Ancillary Services: The University provides goods and services with a student and community focus. Examples of such services include: student residences bookstore printing parking food meetings and events. In 2024 2025 these services were delivered internally alone to 29,001 Undergrad students 5,074 Grad students 3,716 full time faculty & staff and 2,396 part time faculty & staff
  4. $42.2 million spent. Other program services include Specific Purpose Funds: Typically these programs are funded by grants and contracts from external sponsors donors various levels of government and endowment investment income attributed for spending. Expenditures include scholarships bursaries community services and other teaching priorities. Funds are often designated for the acquisition of buildings furniture and equipment including major renovations.

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

  1. 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.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since April 2009.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. 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.

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