Calvin University
95% goes to programs $12 to raise $100 Strong reserves
Calvin University is a 501(c)(3) organization based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, registered in 1993, with $184,861,512 in FY2023 revenue. CharityIndex grades it A, and it directs about 95% of spending to programs.
3201 Burton St Se, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546 EIN 38-3071514 Since 1993
Revenue (FY2023)
$184.9M
▼ 3.1% vs prior year
Education median: $200K
Expenses (FY2023)
$198.0M
Net assets
$495.3M
Employees
2,846
CharityIndex rating
One independent A+ to F grade from four published criteria, each scored separately from IRS filings and combined by weight.
A
A+Program efficiency40% of the rating95% to programs · $12 to raise $100
Measures how much of every dollar spent actually reaches programs, plus what it costs to raise $100 of donations. The worse of the two measures sets the letter (85%+ to programs is an A; under $15 to raise $100 is an A), averaged over the three most recent filings. For Calvin University: 95% to programs · $12 to raise $100 earns a A+ on this criterion. See the exact thresholds →
B+Financial health25% of the rating30 mo reserves · -7% margin
Measures whether the organization is built to last: how many months its reserves would cover expenses (3+ months earns an A-range score, but hoarding 5+ years of budget is capped) and whether it runs a surplus or a deficit. For Calvin University: 30 mo reserves · -7% margin earns a B+ on this criterion. See the exact thresholds →
A+Governance25% of the rating6 of 6 checks met
Checks how the organization is run, from its own Form 990: an independent board majority, a board of five or more, conflict-of-interest, whistleblower and document-retention policies, and independently audited financials. The share of disclosed checks that pass sets the letter. For Calvin University: 6 of 6 checks met earns a A+ on this criterion. See the exact thresholds →
A+Transparency10% of the rating5 of 5 disclosure signals
Counts five disclosure signals: a recent filing, a mission statement, program descriptions, a listed website, and the full expense breakdown. More disclosure, better letter. For Calvin University: 5 of 5 disclosure signals earns a A+ on this criterion. See the exact thresholds →
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Mission
To equip students to think deeply, to act justly, and to live wholeheartedly as christ's agents of renewal in the world. calvin university is a christian academic community dedicated to rigorous intellectual inquiry. students study the liberal arts and a broad range of majors. a calvin education prepares students to answer god's call to live and serve in god's world as agents of renewal.
What they do
Calvin university's student services and activities are intended to enhance students' spiritual, social, emotional, and physical well-being. the university's student services and activities include areas such as regular worship and biblical learning opportunities, a health services clinic, emotional wellness support, student organizations, campus traditions, sports and recreation, service-learning, dedicated campus safety department, sustainability efforts, numerous scholarship opportunities, and other financial aid.
Calvin university provides academic support services for the primary missions of instruction, research, and public service. academic support services include areas such as libraries, technology support, academic tutoring and coaching, writing assistance, on-campus museums/galleries, and other services that directly assist instructional activities.
Other university expenses include, but are not limited to auxiliary services, research, maintenance of grounds and buildings, and public services.
Contact & location
- Address
- 3201 Burton St Se, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546
- City
- Grand Rapids
- State
- Michigan
- Category
- Education
- Subcategory
- Colleges & Universities
- Phone
- …
- Website
- …
Financial trends
Revenue declined from $196.1M (FY2013) to $184.9M (FY2023) across 10 reported years.
Financial snapshot
Financial health & position (FY2023)
Liabilities $125.7MNet assets $495.3M
Operating margin
-7.1%
Spent more than it raised in the latest fiscal year.
Total assets
$620.9M
Total liabilities
$125.7M
Net assets
$495.3M
Salaries & benefits
$69.8M
35% of expenses
Board members
31
31 independent
Financials by year
| Fiscal year | Revenue | Expenses | Net assets | Total assets | Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $184,861,512▼3.1% | $198,033,650▲10.0% | $495,257,546▲3.7% | $620,917,006▲3.2% | 990 |
| 2022 | $190,867,663▲0.3% | $180,039,650▲6.6% | $477,474,929▲5.8% | $601,584,833▲3.2% | 990 |
| 2021 | $190,369,265▲14.0% | $168,886,336▲10.2% | $451,390,770▲0.1% | $582,902,399▼0.6% | 990 |
| 2020 | $166,988,840▼10.2% | $153,262,573▼13.0% | $451,036,882▲28.7% | $586,373,912▲20.0% | 990 |
| 2018 | $185,893,983▼2.0% | $176,102,407▲0.1% | $350,407,068▲2.9% | $488,669,511▲3.5% | 990 |
| 2017 | $189,610,675▲4.2% | $176,002,739▲1.8% | $340,397,180▲7.4% | $472,086,218▲3.6% | 990 |
| 2016 | $182,021,236▲3.1% | $172,843,368▲1.8% | $317,014,080▲9.7% | $455,851,797▼2.4% | 990 |
| 2015 | $176,514,071▲0.6% | $169,703,960▲0.6% | $288,865,721▼1.4% | $466,838,360▲0.3% | 990 |
| 2014 | $175,380,414▼10.6% | $168,635,790▲2.1% | $293,037,830▲1.0% | $465,255,756▼1.2% | 990 |
| 2013 | $196,085,389 | $165,096,662▲0.3% | $290,128,097▲11.9% | $470,826,119▲3.9% | 990 |
| 2012 | — | $164,591,540▲3.8% | $259,370,909▲18.6% | $453,192,104▲2.5% | 990 |
| 2011 | — | $158,525,190▲3.9% | $218,737,837▼19.8% | $442,094,541▼1.3% | 990 |
| 2010 | — | $152,559,590▲0.6% | $272,650,284▲8.7% | $447,822,374▲1.0% | 990 |
| 2009 | — | $151,698,678 | $250,841,898 | $443,459,193 | 990 |
Original Form 990 PDFs (the Form column) are served by ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, as filed with the IRS. Create a free account to download the CSV report.
Leadership & compensation (FY2023)
Highest-paid: Dr Wiebe Boer — $669,522 (0.34% of total expenses)
| Name | Title | Hours/week | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr Wiebe Boer | President | 40 | $669,522 |
| Dr Sarah Visser | Executive Vp For Student Experience and Strategy | 40 | $230,937 |
| Dr Noah Toly | Provost | 40 | $230,393 |
| Dirk Pruis | Vice President of Finance and Administration | 40 | $216,543 |
| Greg Elzinga | Vice President For Advancement | 40 | $209,379 |
| Lauren Jensen | Vice President For Enrollment Strategy | 40 | $199,514 |
| Dr Amber Warners | Professor - Kinesiology | 40 | $196,233 |
| Dr James Ludema | Dean For the School of Business | 40 | $180,683 |
| Dr Laura Champion | Director of Health Service | 40 | $178,144 |
| Tim Fennema | Former Officer | 40 | $144,800 |
| Adam Ramirez | Board Member | 1 | — |
| Alice Klamer | Board Member | 1 | — |
| Andrea Karsten | Board Member | 1 | — |
| Andrew Elliot | Board Member | 1 | — |
| Anthony Brookhouse | Board Member | 1 | — |
| Ben Ipema | Board Member | 1 | — |
| Bill Boer | Board Member - Part Year | 1 | — |
| Bruce Los | Chair | 4 | — |
| Bryan Dik | Board Member | 1 | — |
| Carl Triemstra | Board Member | 1 | — |
Top vendors & contractors (FY2023)
| Contractor | Services | Paid |
|---|---|---|
| Gdk Construction Co | Construction | $12,451,850 |
| Pioneer General Contractors Inc | Construction | $4,908,485 |
| Gmb Architecture & Engineering | Construction | $3,913,971 |
| Keystone Facilities Management LLC | Management | $3,824,738 |
| Risepoint LLC | Revenue Share | $1,725,169 |
Grants received · $33.5M total
177 grants to Calvin University totaling $33.5M, reported by foundations on their Schedule I filings — showing the 15 most recent.
Grants made · $1.6M in FY2023
134 grants totaling $1.6M in FY2023 — showing the 15 largest. All grants made by Calvin University →
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Fuller Theological Seminary | Worship renewal project | $59,538 |
| Samford University | Worship renewal project | $36,858 |
| Wheaton College | Worship renewal project | $25,000 |
| Scholarleaders International | Worship renewal project | $25,000 |
| Disability Ministry Network Inc | Worship renewal project | $25,000 |
| Emory University | Worship renewal project | $25,000 |
| Banquet Network Inc | Worship renewal project | $25,000 |
| Iskali | Worship renewal project | $25,000 |
| Central Plains Mennonite Conference | Worship renewal project | $25,000 |
| Seattle Pacific University | Worship renewal project | $24,013 |
| Baylor University | Worship renewal project | $22,500 |
| Denver Seminary | Worship renewal project | $18,500 |
| University of Notre Dame Du Lac | Worship renewal project | $17,765 |
| Nueva Esperanza Covenant Church Simi Valley Ca | Worship renewal project | $15,000 |
| Pueblo De Dios Evangelical Lutheran Church In America | Worship renewal project | $15,000 |
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Compare Calvin University
Frequently asked questions
- Is Calvin University a legitimate nonprofit?
- Yes. Calvin University is a 501(c)(3) organization registered with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service under EIN 38-3071514, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Donations are tax-deductible.
- What is Calvin University's EIN?
- Calvin University's Employer Identification Number (EIN) is 38-3071514.
- How much revenue does Calvin University report?
- Calvin University reported $184,861,512 in total revenue on its fiscal year 2023 IRS Form 990 filing.
- How much of Calvin University's spending goes to programs?
- Calvin University spends about 95% of its total expenses on programs, based on its latest IRS Form 990.
- What financial grade does Calvin University have?
- CharityIndex grades Calvin University A, based on program efficiency and fundraising cost.
- How much does Calvin University's highest-paid employee make?
- The highest reported compensation on Calvin University's latest Form 990 is $669,522, paid to Dr Wiebe Boer (President).
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Data for Calvin University (EIN 38-3071514) comes from the IRS Business Master File and e-filed Form 990 returns, via CharityIndex. Figures reflect what the organization reported to the IRS for each fiscal year.