Skip to content
Nonprofiteer
← CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION

Form 990 for tax year 2024

Filed by CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION.

Totals

Total revenue
$4,962,254
Total expenses
$4,860,824
Contributions and grants received
$2,909,660
Grants paid
$4,084,108
Program service revenue
$50,025
Investment income
$1,982,588
Other revenue
$19,981
Total assets, end of year
$58,018,753
Total liabilities, end of year
$9,872,954
Net assets or fund balances, end of year
$48,145,799
Program services expenses (Part IX)
$4,669,272
Management and general expenses
$151,289
Fundraising expenses
$40,263
Program service expenses (Part III)
$4,669,272

Program services were 96.1% of total expenses calculated — Part IX's program-services column over total expenses, both as filed.

Line items

Every line the filer filed in Parts VIII, IX and X, as filed and in filed order. Blank columns are left out, and the lines are not forced to add up to the totals above.

Revenue

Part VIII, the statement of revenue.

  • 1f · All other contributions, gifts and grants

    $2,909,660

  • 1g · Noncash contributions included above

    $2,141

  • 2a · Program service revenue: MEETING REGISTRATIONS

    total $50,025 · related or exempt $50,025

  • 3 · Investment income

    total $724,529 · unrelated business -$6,223 · excluded $730,752

  • 7a · Gross sales of assets other than inventory

    securities $19,299,637

  • 7b · Less cost or other basis and sales expenses

    securities $18,041,578

  • 7c · Gain or loss

    securities $1,258,059

  • 7d · Net gain or loss

    total $1,258,059 · excluded $1,258,059

  • 11a · Other revenue: ADMINISTRATIVE FEES

    total $19,973 · related or exempt $19,973

  • 11b · Other revenue: MISCELLANEOUS INCOME

    total $8 · excluded $8

  • 11e · Other revenue, total

    $19,981

Functional expenses

Part IX, the statement of functional expenses.

  • 1 · Grants to domestic organizations and governments

    total $1,773,923 · program services $1,773,923

  • 2 · Grants to domestic individuals

    total $2,310,185 · program services $2,310,185

  • 11c · Fees: accounting

    total $47,325 · management and general $47,325

  • 11d · Fees: lobbying

    total $8,900 · program services $8,900

  • 11f · Fees: investment management

    total $47,022 · management and general $47,022

  • 11g · Fees: other

    total $28,466 · program services $28,466

  • 12 · Advertising and promotion

    total $4,107 · program services $4,107

  • 13 · Office expenses

    total $29,801 · program services $29,801

  • 17 · Travel

    total $34,685 · program services $34,685

  • 19 · Conferences, conventions and meetings

    total $434,386 · program services $430,916 · management and general $3,470

  • 23 · Insurance

    total $9,952 · management and general $9,952

  • 24a · Other expenses: FUNDRAISING

    total $40,263 · fundraising $40,263

  • 24b · Other expenses: OVERHEAD

    total $3,400 · management and general $3,400

  • 24e · All other expenses

    total $88,409 · program services $48,289 · management and general $40,120

Balance sheet

Part X, book values.

  • 2 · Savings and temporary cash investments

    beginning of year $1,458,077 · end of year $1,932,018

  • 3 · Pledges and grants receivable

    beginning of year $1,616,000 · end of year $488,300

  • 4 · Accounts receivable

    beginning of year $36,530 · end of year $68

  • 9 · Prepaid expenses and deferred charges

    beginning of year $17,351 · end of year $21,519

  • 11 · Investments: publicly traded securities

    beginning of year $29,931,611 · end of year $30,603,775

  • 12 · Investments: other securities

    beginning of year $12,829,883 · end of year $15,286,144

  • 15 · Other assets

    beginning of year $8,865,674 · end of year $9,686,929

  • 17 · Accounts payable and accrued expenses

    beginning of year $47,398 · end of year $8,455

  • 25 · Other liabilities

    beginning of year $9,042,968 · end of year $9,864,499

  • 27 · Net assets without donor restrictions

    beginning of year $7,526,201 · end of year $8,413,995

  • 28 · Net assets with donor restrictions

    beginning of year $38,138,559 · end of year $39,731,804

Mission and programs · 2024

Mission

ESTABLISHED IN 1962, THE FOUNDATION IS THE CENTRAL FOUNDATION FOR THE CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY (CSU) SYSTEM AND SERVES THE OFFICE OF THE CHANCELLOR. THE FOUNDATION EXISTS TO SUPPORT EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AND LEARNING, AND TO SERVE THE NATIONAL, STATE AND REGIONAL INTERESTS OF THE UNIVERSITY. THE CSU FOUNDATION IS COMMITTED TO ENHANCING AND PROMOTING THE CSU AS A LEADER OF VALUE AND QUALITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION.

Activities or mission (Part I)

THE MISSION OF THE CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION IS TO ENHANCE THE EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE OF THE CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY IN TEACHING, LEARNING, COMMUNITY SERVICE, AND APPLIED RESEARCH.

  • SUPPORT OF MAJOR CSU INITIATIVES SUCH AS IMPROVING THE GRADUATION RATE AND TEACHER PREPARATION THROUGH COLLABORATION WITH EXTERNAL FUNDERS.

    Expenses $1,677,923 · Grants $1,677,923

  • THE CSU FOUNDATION SUPPORTED THE EDUCATIONAL AND GOVERNANCE ACTIVITIES OF THE UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES, THROUGH REGULAR MEETINGS OF ITS TRUSTEES, PRESIDENTS, EMPLOYEES, AND ALUMNI LEADERS AS WELL AS PROVIDING EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION.

    Expenses $781,164 · Grants $196,000 · Revenue $50,025

  • THE CSU FOUNDATION PROVIDED SCHOLARSHIPS TO STUDENTS THROUGHOUT THE CSU SYSTEM.

    Expenses $2,210,185 · Grants $2,210,185

As filed on the 2024 return. The filer continues this part on Schedule O, which is not shown here.

Listed in Part VII

  • Kristin Crellin

    CHAIR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Gillian A Wright

    VICE CHAIR (THRU 4/15/2025)

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Ronald Fong

    SECRETARY

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Michael A Lucki

    TREASURER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • John H Augustine

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Ronald R Barhorst

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Mildred Garcia

    CHANCELLOR-EX OFFICIO

    Total calculated
    $1,119,143
    From this org
    $0
    From related orgs
    $970,045
    Other
    $149,098
    Hours/week
    2 + 68 related

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $0 + $790,166 related
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0 + $179,879 related
    Deferred
    $0 + $131,600 related
    Nontaxable benefits
    $0 + $17,498 related
    Filer's total
    $0 + $1,119,143 related
  • Kimberley Goode

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Michael Lizarraga

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Lorene Miller

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Aaron Moss

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Henry T Perea

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Ali C Razi

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Steven R Stuck

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Mark W Taylor

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Gaddi H Vasquez

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Scott Wells

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Greg Saks

    PRESIDENT & CEO

    Total calculated
    $536,933
    From this org
    $0
    From related orgs
    $406,301
    Other
    $130,632
    Hours/week
    3 + 57 related

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $0 + $339,762 related
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0 + $66,539 related
    Deferred
    $0 + $101,624 related
    Nontaxable benefits
    $0 + $29,008 related
    Filer's total
    $0 + $536,933 related
  • Wendy Chavira Garcia

    VP & COO, ASSIST. SECRETARY

    Total calculated
    $182,353
    From this org
    $0
    From related orgs
    $107,955
    Other
    $74,398
    Hours/week
    18 + 22 related

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $0 + $107,895 related
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0 + $60 related
    Deferred
    $0 + $34,679 related
    Nontaxable benefits
    $0 + $39,719 related
    Filer's total
    $0 + $182,353 related
  • Melissa Watkins

    CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

    Total calculated
    $184,681
    From this org
    $0
    From related orgs
    $138,294
    Other
    $46,387
    Hours/week
    6 + 32 related

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $0 + $138,254 related
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0 + $40 related
    Deferred
    $0 + $39,052 related
    Nontaxable benefits
    $0 + $7,335 related
    Filer's total
    $0 + $184,681 related
  • Aaron J Moore

    CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

    Total calculated
    $251,153
    From this org
    $0
    From related orgs
    $171,789
    Other
    $79,364
    Hours/week
    18 + 22 related

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $0 + $171,729 related
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0 + $60 related
    Deferred
    $0 + $51,927 related
    Nontaxable benefits
    $0 + $27,437 related
    Filer's total
    $0 + $251,153 related
  • Steve Relyea

    PRESIDENT (THRU 2/11/2024)

    Total calculated
    $536,840
    From this org
    $0
    From related orgs
    $404,927
    Other
    $131,913
    Hours/week
    0

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $0 + $387,983 related
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0 + $16,944 related
    Deferred
    $0 + $115,931 related
    Nontaxable benefits
    $0 + $15,982 related
    Filer's total
    $0 + $536,840 related

Compensation is as filed in Part VII: reportable pay from this organization and from related organizations, other compensation, and hours per week. The total, marked calculated, is our sum of the three dollar columns, with a blank column counted as $0; the form itself has no total. On a Form 990-EZ the columns are Part IV's instead, and on a Form 990-PF Part VIII's — compensation, contributions to benefit plans, and expense account — and the total sums those. A Schedule J breakdown is as filed: base pay, bonus, other, deferred compensation and nontaxable benefits from this organization, with any from related organizations beside each, and the filer's own total. It is shown with the Part VII listing of the same name on the same return. The form gives no key between the two, so that pairing is ours, and is marked matched by us.

Schedule J

Answered yes

  • 1a · Housing allowance or residence for personal use
  • 1b · Written policy on the line-1a expenses
  • 2 · Substantiation required before reimbursing expenses
  • 4b · Supplemental nonqualified retirement plan

Answered no

  • 4a · Severance or change-of-control payment
  • 4c · Equity-based compensation arrangement
  • 5a · Pay contingent on this organization's revenues
  • 5b · Pay contingent on a related organization's revenues
  • 6a · Pay contingent on this organization's net earnings
  • 6b · Pay contingent on a related organization's net earnings
  • 7 · Other non-fixed payments
  • 8 · Paid under the initial-contract exception

The filer's explanations (Part III)

PART I, LINE 1A
AT THE CHANCELLOR'S DISCRETION, EXECUTIVE STAFF MAY BE REIMBURSED FOR SPOUSAL TRAVEL EXPENDITURES WHEN THE SPOUSE PERFORMS OFFICIAL CSU DUTIES AND THE SPOUSE IS REGISTERED AS A CSU VOLUNTEER. IN ADDITION, AT ITS MEETING ON NOVEMBER 13-14, 2018, THE CSU BOARD OF TRUSTEES PASSED A RESOLUTION STATING: "THE CHANCELLOR SHALL RECEIVE A $7,917 MONTHLY HOUSING ALLOWANCE OF NON-STATE FUNDS TO SUPPLEMENT THE COST OF A RESIDENCE. THESE FUNDS ARE TO BE PAID BY THE FOUNDATION ENDOWMENT CREATED THROUGH AN ORIGINAL DONOR GIFT TO SUPPORT THE HOUSING AND HOSPITALITY-RELATED FUNCTIONS FOR THE CHANCELLOR OF THE CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY AND SUPPLEMENTED BY THE PROCEEDS OF THE SALE OF THE STATE UNIVERSITY HOUSE LOCATED IN LONG BEACH."
PART I, LINE 1B
THE CSU FOUNDATION ABIDES BY RESTRICTIONS OUTLINED IN THE CSU HOSPITALITY POLICY, WHICH REQUIRES THAT THERE BE SUBSTANTIATION BEFORE EXPENSES OF AN INSIDER ARE REIMBURSED.
PART I, LINE 3
THE ORGANIZATION'S COMPENSATION POLICY HTTPS://CALSTATE.POLICYSTAT.COM/POLICY/16051928/LATEST/ I. SCOPE OF POLICY THIS POLICY GOVERNS COMPENSATION FOR ALL CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY (CSU) EMPLOYEES. II. GUIDING PRINCIPLES IN A MANNER THAT IS FAIR, REASONABLE, COMPETITIVE, AND FISCALLY PRUDENT IN THIS POLICY GOVERNS COMPENSATION FOR ALL CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY (CSU) IT IS THE INTENT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES TO COMPENSATE ALL CSU EMPLOYEES RESPECT TO SYSTEM BUDGET AND STATE FUNDING. THE GOAL OF THE CSU CONTINUES TO BE TO ATTRACT, MOTIVATE, AND RETAIN THE MOST HIGHLY QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS TO SERVE AS FACULTY, STAFF, AND EXECUTIVES, WHOSE KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, AND CONTRIBUTIONS CAN ADVANCE THE UNIVERSITY'S MISSION. THE CSU ADHERES TO TOTAL COMPENSATION PRACTICES THAT ARE FAIR AND EQUITABLE IN DESIGN, APPLICATION, AND DELIVERY. TOTAL COMPENSATION INCLUDES SALARY AS WELL AS BENEFITS, SUCH AS HEALTH AND WELFARE BENEFITS INCLUDING RETIREMENT, PAID TIME OFF, SABBATICALS, EDUCATIONAL FEE WAIVERS, VACATION AND SICK LEAVE ACCRUAL, OR ANY OTHER BENEFITS OR PERQUISITES PROVIDED TO CSU EMPLOYEES. III. COMPENSATION A: ALL EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION THE CSU EVALUATES COMPETITIVE AND FAIR COMPENSATION FOR ALL EMPLOYEES BASED ON PERIODIC MARKET COMPARISON SURVEYS AND THE DEPTH OF SKILL AND EXPERIENCE OF AN INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYEE. THE COMPENSATION SYSTEM FOR THE CSU SHALL (A) BE ADMINISTERED IN A MANNER THAT COMPLIES WITH ALL APPLICABLE FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL REGULATIONS AND LAWS, AND (B) BE CONSISTENT WITH APPLICABLE ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES, RULES AND COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS. B: EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION: THE CSU WILL MAINTAIN AND PERIODICALLY UPDATE A TIERED LIST OF CSU COMPARISON INSTITUTIONS FOR EXECUTIVE EMPLOYEE GROUPS. THE LIST MAY TAKE INTO ACCOUNT GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION, ENROLLMENT, PERCENT OF PELL ELIGIBLE STUDENTS, BUDGET, RESEARCH FUNDING, AND SUCH OTHER VARIABLES AS DEEMED APPROPRIATE. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION WILL BE GUIDED WITH REFERENCE TO THE MEAN AND/OR MEDIAN OF THE APPROPRIATE COMPARISON INSTITUTIONS, TOGETHER WITH AN INDIVIDUAL'S REPUTATION, AND LENGTH, DEPTH AND EFFECTIVENESS OF APPLICABLE EXPERIENCE, AND OTHER MERITORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SUCCESS OF THE CSU. 1 - PRESIDENTIAL COMPENSATION: SALARY AT APPOINTMENT: WHEN A PRESIDENTIAL VACANCY OCCURS, THE SUCCESSOR PRESIDENT'S SALARY SHOULD NOT (ABSENT EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES) EXCEED THE INCUMBENT'S SALARY BY MORE THAN 10 PERCENT. ANY AMOUNT IN EXCESS OF THE INCUMBENT'S SALARY SHALL BE BASED UPON CRITERIA SUCH AS EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES, KNOWLEDGE AND/OR EXPERIENCE OR ABILITY TO CONTRIBUTE TO AND ADVANCE THE UNIVERSITY'S MISSION, AND MARKET CONDITIONS. A PRESIDENT'S SALARY MAY ONLY BE FUNDED WITH STATE FUNDS. THE CHANCELLOR SHALL HAVE AUTHORITY TO NEGOTIATE RECOMMENDED STARTING SALARIES FOR PRESIDENTS. THE CHANCELLOR SHALL PRESENT THE RECOMMENDED SALARY TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR APPROVAL. PERIODIC PRESIDENTIAL SALARY ASSESSMENT: ON AN ANNUAL BASIS, AND AS A GENERAL RULE AT THE JULY MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES, THE BOARD SHALL BE PRESENTED WITH A SALARY ASSESSMENT OF ALL PRESIDENTS WHO HAVE RECEIVED A TRIENNIAL REVIEW IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR REVIEW OF PRESIDENTS DURING THE PREVIOUS FISCAL YEAR. THE BOARD SHALL DETERMINE WHETHER AN INCREASE TO A PRESIDENT'S SALARY IS WARRANTED BASED ON CSU'S OPERATIVE MARKET DATA (WHICH SHOULD BE REVIEWED EVERY FIVE YEARS), AND IF SO, THE AMOUNT OF ANY SUCH ADJUSTMENT. FOLLOWING THE INITIAL SALARY ASSESSMENT, THE PRESIDENT'S SALARY SHALL BE REASSESSED ONCE A YEAR AGAINST OPERATIVE MARKET DATA FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS, AND IF THE PRESIDENT'S ANNUAL SALARY CONTINUES TO BE BELOW THE PEER GROUP MEDIAN, A RECOMMENDED INCREASE SHALL BE PRESENTED TO THE BOARD EACH JULY. THE GOAL OF THE SALARY ASSESSMENT PROCESS IS TO INCREMENTALLY BRING EACH PRESIDENT INTO ALIGNMENT WITH THE PEER GROUP MEDIAN. THE FIRST YEAR, PRESIDENTIAL SALARIES MAY BE ADJUSTED UP TO THE PEER GROUP MEDIAN BY AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED 10 PERCENT. THE SECOND AND THIRD YEAR ADJUSTMENTS SHALL BE MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING MATRIX: AMOUNT TO REACH PEER GROUP MEDIAN - INCREASE 0% TO 5% - 0% 5.01% TO 10% - 2% 10.01% TO 15% - 4% 15.01% TO 25% - 7% 25.01% TO 35% - 10% AS A CONDITION OF RECEIVING A MARKET-BASED SALARY INCREASE, THE PRESIDENT MUST HAVE BEEN IN THEIR POSITION FOR THREE YEARS AND MUST HAVE RECEIVED A SATISFACTORY EVALUATION DURING THEIR TRIENNIAL REVIEW. MARKET-BASED SALARY INCREASES APPROVED BY THE BOARD IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS POLICY WILL BE EFFECTIVE JULY 1ST OF THE APPROVAL YEAR. COMPENSATION ACTIONS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS AND CURRENT BUDGET CONDITIONS. OTHER SALARY INCREASE PROGRAMS: A SALARY ADJUSTMENT DURING TRIENNIAL PERFORMANCE REVIEWS DOES NOT PROHIBIT THE INCUMBENT FROM BEING ELIGIBLE FOR THE ANNUAL MERIT INCREASE PROGRAM AS PROVIDED TO OTHER NON-REPRESENTED EMPLOYEES. 2 - INDIVIDUAL SALARY INCREASES: THE BOARD ALSO RETAINS THE RIGHT, IN ITS DISCRETION, TO MAKE OTHER SALARY ADJUSTMENTS AS NECESSARY AT OTHER TIMES FOR AN EXECUTIVE WHEN A SIGNIFICANT EQUITY OR RETENTION ISSUE IS IDENTIFIED. THE CHANCELLOR SHALL RECOMMEND ALL EXECUTIVE SALARY ADJUSTMENTS TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR APPROVAL IN OPEN SESSION OF A BOARD MEETING. IV. AUTHORITY THIS POLICY IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO RUFP 05-24-07 AND SECTION II OF THE STANDING ORDERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY AS FURTHER DELEGATED BY THE STANDING DELEGATIONS OF ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY.
PART I, LINE 4B
CHANCELLOR MILDRED GARCIA PARTICIPATES IN A SECTION 457(F) NONQUALIFIED SUPPLEMENTAL DEFERRED COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENT AUTHORIZED AND FUNDED BY THE CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES, WHEREBY THEY SHALL RECEIVE ANNUAL DEFERRED COMPENSATION OF $80,000. THIS BENEFIT IS PROVIDED AND ADMINISTERED BY THE CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, A RELATED ORGANIZATION. THE CSU FOUNDATION DOES NOT PROVIDE OR FUND THIS BENEFIT.
PART II:
ALL INDIVIDUALS LISTED IN PART II RECEIVE COMPENSATION FROM THE CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, A RELATED ORGANIZATION.

Part I's answers as filed. A line not listed was left unanswered; on lines 1a and 3 that means the box was not checked.

Grants on this return

The 10 largest by cash amount. The API serves every itemized grant.

Related organizations on this return

Schedule R Part II: tax-exempt organizations related to the filer by control. It does not record shared board members or money.

  • CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY

    EDUCATION · CA

    Directly controlled by STATE OF CALIFORNIA

Taxable family on this return

Schedule R Parts I, III and IV, as filed. These record ownership and control, not shared board members or money moved.

Related corporations and trusts

Part IV: related organizations taxable as a corporation or trust.

  • CHARITABLE REMAINDER UNITRUSTS

    T · TRUST · CA

    Directly controlled by CA STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION

Provenance

Return type
form_990
Tax year
2024
Filed
2 December 2025
IRS schema version
2024v5.2
Source object
202513389349300101

Check it against the return as filed: the GivingTuesday Data Lake hosts a public copy of the original XML.

The source document this was parsed from is served over the API, which is where bulk and document access live.