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University City Foundation Inc

EIN 81-4461399 · Charlotte, NC

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak25 out of 100GovernanceFair61 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Create opportunities to convene the community through events and programs to share information, build community relationships/trust and rally support of an idea or cause and engage participation from the community.

Income
$449,135
Spending
$482,903
Spent on programs
92%
Reserves
0 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 100%
Employees
0
Volunteers
20

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

Weak: 25 out of 100. Higher than 3% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    4 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 0.0 months of spending.

  • Debt

    2 of 20

    It owes 97% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    4 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 8% of income.

  • Income trend

    0 of 15

    Income fell 35% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    92% of spending went to programs.

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

Governance

Fair: 61 out of 100. Higher than 28% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    18 of 25

    4 of 4 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    0 of 15

    Reports no written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    0 of 7

    Reports no 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.

  • 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 (7)
  1. $182,345 spent. University City Wine Fest - Annual community festival held at the University City Lake. Participants can sample a variety of wines from local and regional vendors. Net proceeds are allocated to support local area libraries.
  2. $81,312 spent. UCity Lights - a magical evening filled with sparkling lights, joyful entertainment, and activities for the whole family. The event is free to the community.
  3. $58,311 spent. HOLA Community Ambassador Program collaborate with Mayfield Memorial Community Development Corporation, Charlotte Community Health Clinic, Mental Health America and UNC Charlotte ARCHES to provide community health training, expanded behavioral health education, outreach and clinic based medical and behavioral health treatment where needed.
  4. $46,904 spent. Community events supporting local schools and the general University City area. Events include Juneteenth and Inn The Gardens and UCity Family Zone.
  5. $38,701 spent. The New Years Day 5K presented by Atrium Health raises awareness about hunger challenges in Charlotte. The race proceeds will benefit Camino Food Pantry, Hope Street Food Pantry and Jamil Niner Student Pantry, all food pantries serving hundreds of families in need in University City.
  6. $34,606 spent. University City Farmers Market - The only farmers market in University City serving up local produce and food preparation programs for the community. The market includes farmers,food artisans and select local crafters.
  7. $510 spent. University City Kids Fest Festival - The mission of the University City Kids Fest is to inspire and motivate young minds with professional artistic, creative, educational and playful experiences that transform a childs understanding of the world around them and what is possible. Net Proceeds are allocated to support local libraries.

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? Worth knowing.

    Status was revoked on November 15, 2019 for not filing returns for three years. The IRS now lists it as tax-exempt again.

    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 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 February 2021.

    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.

  7. Could it be confused with another charity? Worth knowing.

    A much larger organization has a similar name: Clemson University Foundation (Clemson, SC), EIN 57-0426335. If that is the one you meant, check the EIN before giving.

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