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California State University

EIN 94-1085570 · Fresno, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong100 out of 100GovernanceStrong95 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To inspire, engage, and celebrate alumni to support student success.

Income
$1.1 million
Spending
$683,717
Spent on programs
75%
Reserves
48.4 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 34%
Employees
0
Volunteers
315
Highest pay
$220,029, ed/secretary

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: 100 out of 100.

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 48.4 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 4% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 36% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 8% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    75% 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.

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    20 of 20 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 (2)
  1. $301,113 spent. The exempt purpose was carried out by providing scholarships to students at Fresno State. Students must apply for the scholarships and must meet certain qualification requirements. 130 scholarships were awarded by the Fresno State Alumni Association (FSAA) during the current fiscal year. The FSAA is a leader among the 23 campus alumni associations of the CSU system in scholarship giving.
  2. $209,578 spent. The Fresno State Alumni Association fulfills its exempt purpose through our mission of inspiring, engaging and celebrating alumni to support student success. We build an opportunity for connection, keeping students connected to alumni and our alumni and community of friends connected to Fresno State. The Alumni Association, along with our 16 chapters and clubs, host many in-person events throughout the year. More details about our events may be found below.Tailgates: The Alumni Association hosts the Homecoming Tailgate on campus each year. In addition, tailgate parties are held once or twice a year prior to an away football game to encourage alumni and families from out of the area to remain connected to Fresno State.Top Dog Alumni Awards: The Top Dog Alumni Awards is an FSAA signature event, whereby outstanding alumni are honored from the eight schools and colleges along with four awards from divisions on campus. In addition, an award is given to someone who has given outstanding service to Fresno State and the alumni Associate, plus an overall recipient as the distinguished Alumnus/Alumna. This event is both an in-person and televised and live streamed event showcasing to the community our commitment to excellence.Grad Fest: All students who are eligible to graduate are invited to Grad Fest. They are encouraged to support the FSAA and get a grad box which includes their cap and gown, alumni merchandise, and off-campus benefits. Hopefully this will keep them in touch with the FSAA after graduation, therefore keeping them informed of campus activities.Chapter and Club Events: These alumni-led volunteer groups support student needs and help alumni stay connected to their alma mater through events, networking and by raising funds to support student scholarships and campus programs. Events include, but are not limited to golf tournaments, wine tasting, tailgates, conferences and award functions.Live Mascot Program: Fresno State's live mascot, Victor E. Bulldog III, is owned by the Alumni Association. He brings the spirit of the university to more than 300 appearances each year. Victor's appearances take place on campus, within the Fresno community and across the state of California. These events allow the University to engage with alumni, students, friends of the university and future Bulldogs.Alumni and Community e-Newsletter: This e-communication is sent throughout the year to alumni and friends to recognize and tell the stories of our alumni and students and to let people know what is happening on campus with our chapters and clubs as well as with our programs and events.

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 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 June 1998.

    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: California State University Fresno Foundation (Fresno, CA), EIN 94-6003272. 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.