Montana State University Billings Foundation & Alumni
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Montana State University Billings Foundation is a publicly supported, non-profit corporation founded in 1968 to advance the goals of Montana State University Billings by (1) establishing lifelong relationships(Continued on Schedule O)with university students, parents, faculty, alumni, friends and community partners; (2) creating pathways to success and sustaining them through philanthropy, stewardship and community engagement; (3) seeking and nurturing innovative partnerships to support the realization of current and emerging university priorities; and (4) fostering a culture of inclusivity that celebrates diversity on campus and beyond.
- Income
- $4.5 million
- Spending
- $4.4 million
- Spent on programs
- 74%
- Reserves
- 15.3 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 81%
- Employees
- 14
- Volunteers
- 238
- Highest pay
- $147,096, president/ceo
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
Good: 82 out of 100. Higher than 69% of charities in its peer group (education, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 15.3 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 7% of what it owns.
Living within its means
12 of 15Income exceeded spending by 1% of income.
Income trend
0 of 15Income fell 44% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1574% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 14 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: 100 out of 100. Higher than 74% of charities in its peer group (education, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 2513 of 13 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
10 of 10Gave 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 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 (2)
- $2.8 million spent. Campus Programs and Scholarships Academic program expenditures are used to support faculty scholarships and the many available academic disciplines offered at MSU Billings as well as student scholarships that provide direct financial support for MSU Billings students. The Foundation provided funds to MSU Billings for 1,542 scholarships to students ranging in value from $250 to $8,500.Campus Projects - Activities related to capital expenditures for MSU Billings, including the planning, development, renovation, and ongoing stewardship of the University's physical and digital campus infrastructure. (Continued on Schedule O)These projects support the academic mission, enhance the student experience, promote cultural programming, and advance the long term sustainability of the campus. Current projects include, but are not limited to: - Construction of a new Sculpture and Ceramic Studio Art Building - Athletic Team Room remodels - Library remodel projects - Native American Achievement Center remodel Alumni Relations - Activities related to the MSU Billings Alumni Association are focused on fostering engagement, communication, and lifelong relationships with graduates and former students. These efforts include organizing regional alumni events and reunions to strengthen connections to the University and to one another. Alumni Relations also supports communication and outreach initiatives designed to improve alumni engagement, including social media outreach. Additional activities include student alumni networking events and recognition ceremonies that celebrate alumni achievements and contributions.
- $458,682 spent. Campus and Community Outreach - Activities related to the Foundation's public relations efforts to promote MSU Billings throughout the greater community.
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
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? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 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 June 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 June 1968.
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 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.