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Winston-Salem State University Foundation Incorporated

EIN 56-0989620 · Winston Salem, NC

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong96 out of 100GovernanceStrong95 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To provide financial support to the students and faculty of Winston-Salem State University.

Income
$15.6 million
Spending
$14.5 million
Spent on programs
88%
Reserves
17.4 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 38%
Employees
47
Highest pay
$235,000, executive director

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: 96 out of 100. Higher than 93% of charities in its peer group (education, $10m to $100m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 17.4 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 28% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 7% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 73% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    88% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 1 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: 95 out of 100. Higher than 44% of charities in its peer group (education, $10m to $100m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    17 of 17 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

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • 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 (4)
  1. $1.2 million spent. Scholarship Assistance to students The Foundation supports students through scholarship assistance and related educational support.
  2. $7.3 million spent. Student/Faculty Special Assistance The Foundation extended its support to various campus programs and initiatives, including the university choir, the Red Sea of Sound marching band, and the athletics department, which encompasses golf, basketball, football, volleyball, and cheerleading. Furthermore, it contributed to AI training and development, as well as technological advancements. Additionally, the foundation supported international programs aimed at enhancing study abroad opportunities for faculty and staff, fostering student leadership development, and providing career services.
  3. $1.6 million spent. Operational and Program Support The Foundation has successfully enhanced operational efficiency and effectiveness by utilizing administrative fees and contract services, which have allowed for improved resource management, regulatory compliance, and mission execution. Additionally, alumni engagement has been significantly strengthened through events and entertainment designed to foster connections and encourage ongoing support for the university. Furthermore, the foundation has actively supported university activities and initiatives by covering expenses related to meals, travel, lodging, and other costs associated with faculty development, student recruitment, and special projects. Student Housing Facility The Foundation, through wholly owned subsidiary, Winston-Salem State University Housing Foundation, LLC the LLC, operates three student housing facilities. The first, Rams Commons, is a 446-bed facility situated on approximately 7.7 acres adjacent to the University campus. It includes four residential buildings, one community center, and off-site parking. The second student housing facility, Gleason-Hairston Terrace, is situated on approximately 8.3 acres. The 405-bed facility is located on the southwest side of the University campus. Gleason-Hairston opened for student occupancy in August 2025. Foundation Heights, the third privatized student housing project sponsored by the foundation was funded through and additional bond issue. This four-story apartment community, situated on approximately 6 acres on the southwest side of the campus, includes one residential building containing 72 units and a total of 316 beds. Foundation Heights opened for student occupancy in 2007. Rams Commons, Gleason-Hairston Terrace and Foundation Heights are leased to Winston Salem State University by the LLC.
  4. Program Service Expenses 2,709,730, Grants and allocations 0, Revenue 0 Foundation Management and Development The Foundation has successfully modernized its infrastructure by investing in technology software and website enhancements, significantly improving its online presence, communication, and data management capabilities. Additionally, the foundation has achieved financial stability through effective management of interest expenses related to debt and investments, thereby strengthening its overall financial health and enhancing its capacity to support the university in the long term.

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 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 June 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 March 1972.

    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.

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.