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University District Organization Inc

EIN 31-0805765 · Columbus, OH

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair59 out of 100GovernanceStrong91 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE UNIVERSITY DISTRICT FOR AREA RESIDENTS THROUGH COMMUNITY ORGANIZING & PLANNING TO ADDRESS THE ENVIRONMENT, PUBLIC SAFETY, AND DELIVERY OF COMMUNITY SERVICES.

Income
$656,617
Spending
$733,725
Spent on programs
100%
Reserves
5 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 74%
Employees
1
Volunteers
88
Highest pay
$80,000, executive director

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Fair: 59 out of 100. Higher than 28% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 5.0 months of spending.

  • Debt

    10 of 20

    It owes 32% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    4 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 12% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 2% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    100% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 91 out of 100. Higher than 75% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    10 of 10 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

    10 of 10

    Gave 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

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed 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 December 31, 2024, 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 (6)
  1. $485,112 spent. SPECIAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT. NEIGHBORHOOD ENVIRONMENT MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY PROGRAM
  2. $38,012 spent. Arts and character programming involves promoting emerging local artists through performance and visual art as well as enhancing and preserving the neighborhoods through beautification projects such as building a pocket park
  3. $181,589 spent. Outreach and community services for the unhoused community of the University District. A licensed social worker provides light case work, while creating linkages to treatment and immediate recovery supports to our most vulnerable clients. The social worker is provided through Southeast Healthcare as a partner in this initiative to support and improve the quality of life of those living on the streets.
  4. $12,100 spent. MISCELANEOUS EXPENSES - SUPER SAVERS CLUB AND GIFTS OF KINDNESS PROGRAMMING TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL LITERACY EDUCATION AND SUPPORT PARTICIPANTS GO THROUGH A PROGRAM CALLED SUPER SAVERS FOR FINANICAL WELLNESS, WHICH WE MANAGE BUT THE MONEY IS FUNDED THROUGH A GRANT FROM COLUMBUS FOUNDATION, WHICH WE DISTRIBUTE TO PARTICIPANTS WHO COMPLETE THE PROGRAMMING.
  5. $2,624 spent. Miscellaneous program expenses
  6. $14,288 spent. Additional Administrative costs

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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? Worth knowing.

    Status was revoked on May 15, 2014 for not filing returns for three years, and reinstated on May 15, 2014.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 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 December 2024.

    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 July 2015.

    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 November 4, 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.