Do US non-profit organizations with tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of its Internal Revenue Code which have investments (such as university endowment funds) have to divulge these investments in any sort of filings? If so, are these required to be available to the public? Solution Form 990 and associated schedules: The Form 990 provides the public with financial information about a nonprofit organization, and is often the only source of such information. It is also used by government agencies to prevent organizations from abusing their tax-exempt status. In June 2007, the IRS released a new Form 990 that requires significant disclosures on corporate governance and boards of directors. These new disclosures are required for all nonprofit filers for the 2009 tax year, with more significant reporting requirements for nonprofits with over $1 million in revenues or $2.5 million in assets. In addition, certain nonprofits have more comprehensive reporting requirements, such as hospitals and other health care organizations (Schedule H). The Form 990 may be filed with the IRS by mail or electronically with an Authorized IRS e-file Provider. The Form 990 disclosures do not require but strongly encourage nonprofit boards to adopt a variety of board policies regarding governance practices. These suggestions go beyond Sarbanes- Oxley requirements for nonprofits to adopt whistleblower and document retention policies. The IRS has indicated they will use the Form 990 as an enforcement tool, particularly regarding executive compensation. For example, nonprofits that adopt specific procedures regarding executive compensation are offered safe harbor from excessive compensation rules under section 4958 of the Internal Revenue Code and Treasury Regulation section 53.4958-6. Wikipedia on Form 990 In particular, SCHEDULE D. The level of detail is not rich but the information is public enough for Charity Navigator to make use of these filings in their evaluations..

1. Do US non-profit organizations with tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of its Internal
Revenue Code which have investments (such as university endowment funds) have to divulge
these investments in any sort of filings? If so, are these required to be available to the public?
Solution
Form 990 and associated schedules:
The Form 990 provides the public with financial information about a nonprofit organization, and
is often the only source of such information. It is also used by government agencies to prevent
organizations from abusing their tax-exempt status. In June 2007, the IRS released a new Form
990 that requires significant disclosures on corporate governance and boards of directors. These
new disclosures are required for all nonprofit filers for the 2009 tax year, with more significant
reporting requirements for nonprofits with over $1 million in revenues or $2.5 million in assets.
In addition, certain nonprofits have more comprehensive reporting requirements, such as
hospitals and other health care organizations (Schedule H). The Form 990 may be filed with the
IRS by mail or electronically with an Authorized IRS e-file Provider.
The Form 990 disclosures do not require but strongly encourage nonprofit boards to adopt a
variety of board policies regarding governance practices. These suggestions go beyond Sarbanes-
Oxley requirements for nonprofits to adopt whistleblower and document retention policies. The
IRS has indicated they will use the Form 990 as an enforcement tool, particularly regarding
executive compensation. For example, nonprofits that adopt specific procedures regarding
executive compensation are offered safe harbor from excessive compensation rules under section
4958 of the Internal Revenue Code and Treasury Regulation section 53.4958-6.
Wikipedia on Form 990
In particular, SCHEDULE D. The level of detail is not rich but the information is public enough
for Charity Navigator to make use of these filings in their evaluations.