University of Nevada Las Vegas Foundation
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that raises and manages private funds for the benefit of UNLV. Our mission is to increase philanthropic support for the university, grow its endowment for long-term financial stability, and enhance the future growth of UNLV.
- Income
- $93.5 million
- Spending
- $75.1 million
- Spent on programs
- 77%
- Reserves
- -0.4 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 77%
- Employees
- 98
- Volunteers
- 100
- Highest pay
- $710,513, president, unlv
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
Fair: 65 out of 100. Higher than 55% of charities in its peer group (education, $10m to $100m).
Reserves
0 of 35Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 1% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 20% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 67% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1577% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 7 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 25% of charities in its peer group (education, $10m to $100m).
Independent board
25 of 2557 of 57 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
0 of 10Did not give 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 (1)
- $57.7 million spent. SIGNS POINT TO A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR UNLV This past year has been one of remarkable momentum and growth for UNLV and the UNLV Foundation. Our campus welcomed a record-setting 33,000 students this fall, continuing a three-year enrollment streak and affirming the confidence that students and families place in the value of a UNLV degree. More than half of our graduates are the first in their families to earn a bachelor's degree, and their success stories demonstrate the transformative power of education in shaping lives and strengthening Nevada's future. The Rebel community has also rallied behind bold philanthropy, fueling extraordinary achievements. We saw historic fundraising milestones, including a $13 million gift to expand the Lynn Bennett Early Childhood Education Center-doubling opportunities for our youngest Rebels-and the launch of the Sands Institute for Chinese Language and Culture at UNLV and the Kerestesi Center for Insurance and Risk Management, opening new career pathways for our students. Our Annual Dinner more than doubled last year's fundraising totals, Rebels Give soared beyond expectations, and overall giving increased by 40% over the prior year. These results reflect the trust our community places in UNLV's leadership and vision. The impact extends across every corner of campus. In FY25, donors contributed more than $72.6 million in new gifts, pledges, and services, advancing student success, research excellence, and economic development. The Office of the Provost led the year with $15.1 million raised, while Athletics and the College of Fine Arts both raised over $5.6 million. The Foundation's endowment also grew to $393.4 million, an 113.6% increase over the past decade, ensuring long-term support for our mission. Together, all these successes demonstrate the strength, resilience, and generosity of the Rebel family. They are more than numbers; they represent lives changed, opportunities created, and confidence in a brighter future. On behalf of the Foundation, thank you for believing in UNLV and for helping us shape Nevada's future.
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 October 13, 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 August 1982.
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 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.