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Culver Educational Foundation

EIN 35-0868071 · Culver, IN

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong90 out of 100GovernanceStrong90 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Culver's mission is to educate its students for leadership and responsible citizenship in society by nurturing the whole individual- mind, spirit and body - through integrated programs that emphasize the cultivation of character.

Income
$140.1 million
Spending
$115.1 million
Spent on programs
83%
Reserves
24.8 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 48%
Employees
1,094
Volunteers
1,000
Highest pay
$648,444, head of schools

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Strong: 90 out of 100. Higher than 84% of charities in its peer group (education, over $100m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 24.8 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 3% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 18% of income.

  • Income trend

    5 of 15

    Income fell 22% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    83% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 25 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 90 out of 100. Higher than 14% of charities in its peer group (education, over $100m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    39 of 39 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 June 30, 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 (5)
  1. $44.8 million spent. Culver promises top academics, competitive athletics and education you need to be a leader and a responsible global citizen in high school, in college and beyond. Culver encourages you to develop your individual interests and talents, all while helping you move beyond self-imposed limitations. Our mission to develop and nurture the whole person - mind, spirit and body - with our unique focus on leadership training means you receive the total educational experience that has set Culver above other schools for more than a century. Instruction is for grades 9-12, ranging from the arts and music to science, math and humanities as well as unique programs in leadership, wellness and a servant leadership project requirement for graduation. (Expenses $ 22,329,059 including grants of $)(Revenue $ 914,003) Student Services Programs: A variety of student services and activities were provided, including Barber Shop, Laundry-Dry Cleaning, Dining Hall, and Student Health Services. (Expenses $ including grants of $) Student Services Programs, General/Other: Auxiliary services such as required uniform and a campus bookstore provided for the convenience of students.
  2. $17.3 million spent. Culver Academies understands the financial commitment of an independent school education and focuses on maximizing our resources to provide opportunities to those families who qualify or warrant assistance. Culver offers need based financial aid assistance as well as non-need-based awards. Need based aid depends solely on a family's financial profile and is independent from the admissions process. Scholarships / Merit awards are based on the strength of the candidate and can range from small amounts to full awards.
  3. $10.8 million spent. Founded in 1902, Culver Summer Schools and Camps is a fun- filled, naturally beautiful 1,800-acre setting where nearly 1,400 young people from around the world, ages 7-17, develop positive self-esteem through accomplishment and self-discipline. It is a high challenge-high support-high reward environment for learning leadership skills that improve personal confidence. (Expenses $ 22,329,059 including grants of $)(Revenue $ 914,003) Student Services Programs: A variety of student services and activities were provided, including Barber Shop, Laundry-Dry Cleaning, Dining Hall, and Student Health Services. (Expenses $ including grants of $) Student Services Programs, General/Other: Auxiliary services such as required uniform and a campus bookstore provided for the convenience of students.
  4. $22.3 million spent. Student Services Programs: A variety of student services and activities were provided, including Barber Shop, Laundry-Dry Cleaning, Dining Hall, and Student Health Services.
  5. Student Services Programs, General/Other: Auxiliary services such as required uniform and a campus bookstore provided for the convenience of students.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

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

    Recognized by the IRS since July 1935.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 7, 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.