American Indian College Fund

According to the American Indian College Fund audit of June 30, 2020 (Note 1 re: Donated Services and In-Kind Contributions):

"...During the year ended June 30, 2020, we received donated television air time and magazine and newspaper print space, with a total estimated value of $3,478,865 to broadcast and publish our public service announcements."

In addition, the College Fund reports receiving donated in-kind goods during fiscal 2020 on which it placed a total value of $227,490 (IRS Form 990, Schedule M).

[Note: CharityWatch generally excludes the value of in-kind (non-cash) donations of goods and services from its calculations of Program % and Cost to Raise $100. More information on how grades are calculated and the treatment of in-kind donations can be found on the Our Process page.]

According to the American Indian College Fund audit of June 30, 2020 (Note 6, Refundable Advance – Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan):

"We were granted a $792,500 loan under the PPP administered by a Small Business Administration (SBA) approved partner. The loan is uncollateralized and is fully guaranteed by the Federal Government. We are eligible for loan forgiveness of up to 100% of the loan, upon meeting certain requirements. ... Proceeds from the loan are eligible for forgiveness if they are used for certain payroll, rent, and utility expenses. ... We will be required to repay any remaining balance, plus interest accrued at 1 percent, in monthly payments commencing upon notification of forgiveness or partial forgiveness."

According to the American Indian College Fund audit of June 30, 2020 (Note 1 re: COVID-19 Response):

"The on-going COVID-19 pandemic has caused an economic downturn on a global scale and adversely effected so many American Indian students, their communities and tribal colleges and universities in how they engage in higher education.

"Although COVID-19 has modified how the College Fund operates, it did not impact our mission, instead its importance has been magnified. We continued to support American Indian students in becoming employable graduates and have adapted our programming to serve students virtually.

"...Prior to the pandemic, the College Fund was on track to have one of our most successful fundraising years, and with the generosity of emergency aid support, the College Fund ended the year with record setting donation revenues."

[...]

"While the College Fund's efforts have been focused on supporting American Indian students and tribal colleges and universities, we took significant measures to also focus on the safety and well-being of our staff. Team members were provided tools and resources to work remotely, travel was paused, and additional supports for mental well-being have been implemented."

According to the American Indian College Fund audit of June 30, 2020 (Note 10, Related Party Transactions):

"Certain members of our Board of Trustees also serve as tribal college presidents. Those colleges are eligible, along with all other tribal colleges, to receive scholarship and other direct funding awards from the College Fund. Typically, awards are distributed on an objective or equal basis among all the tribal colleges. During the year ended 2020, approximately $3.5 million was distributed to tribal colleges whose presidents also serve as Trustees for the College Fund.

"During the year ended June 30, 2020, a member of our Board of Trustees served as an executive and owner of a company from which we purchased approximately $727,000 of advertising, social media, and consulting services..."

According to the American Indian College Fund tax filing for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020, the College Fund reports re: Compensation, Supplemental Information (IRS Form 990, Schedule J, Part III):

Regarding nonfixed payments to officers, directors, trustees, key employees and highest compensated employees (Schedule J, Part I, Line 7):

"The Organization annually reviews the performance of its employees to determine if additional compensation in the form of bonuses will be paid. During calendar year ended December 31, 2019, the Organization awarded the President/CEO, Treasurer/CFO, Secretary/Exec. Assistant to the President/CEO, Vice President of Program Initiatives, Chief Marketing/Development Officer, Vice President of Research & Development, and the Vice President of Programs a bonus based on review of their performances and services to the Organization."

The College Fund reports the dollar amounts for "Bonus & incentive compensation" payments to five individuals in calendar year 2019, including $10,000 and $9,782 paid to Cheryl Crazy Bull, President/CEO, and Nancy Jo Houk, Chief Marketing & Development Officer, respectively. Their respective reported total compensation in 2019 is $317,018 and $209,762. The other three "Bonus & incentive compensation" amounts are less than $7,000 each, with associated reported total compensation ranging from $220,295 to $152,996 (IRS Form 990, Schedule J, Part II).