Lee University

Analysis

Lee University is a registered charity in United States, based in Cleveland, TN. It received its IRS tax-exemption ruling in October 1951, 75 years ago. The IRS classifies it as a school under section 501(c)(3), and contributions to it are listed as tax-deductible.

In the financial year ending June 2023, Lee University reported income of $97.3m and spending of $93.5m, spending 96% of its income. Across the 5 years on record, from June 2019 to June 2023, income fell from $106.4m to $97.3m (-8.6%), an average of -2.2% a year. Over the whole period it spent 96% of the income it received.

Among 72,936 United States charities whose main cause is other charitable purposes and that reported income, Lee University sits at the 100th percentile: it is one of the largest 1% in its cause. Against every charity in United States with reported income it ranks in the 99th percentile, and in the 99th percentile within TN. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include Delaware Valley University ($96.5m), Agnes Scott College ($97.6m) and Community Research Foundation Inc ($96.3m).

On its Form 990 for the period ending June 2023, revenue came from contributions and grants 12% and program service revenue 87% of the total. Compensation of current officers, directors and key employees was $757k (0.8% of expenses). Other salaries and wages came to $31.5m. At year end it held assets of $197.0m against liabilities of $30.8m, net assets of $166.2m. It reported 2,147 employees.