Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ.
Go to
www.irs.gov/Form990 for instructions and the latest information.
| (i) Name of supported organization | (ii) EIN | (iii) Type of organization (described on lines 1- 10 above (see instructions)) | (iv) Is the organization listed in your governing document? | (v) Amount of monetary support (see instructions) | (vi) Amount of other support (see instructions) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | No | |||||
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Total |
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Calendar year
(or fiscal year beginning in)
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(a) 2020 | (b) 2021 | (c) 2022 | (d) 2023 | (e) 2024 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grant.") .. | ||||||
| 2 | Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf .... | ||||||
| 3 | The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge.. | ||||||
| 4 | Total. Add lines 1 through 3 | ||||||
| 5 | The portion of total contributions by each person (other than a governmental unit or publicly supported organization) included on line 1 that exceeds 2% of the amount shown on line 11, column (f) .. | ||||||
| 6 | Public support. Subtract line 5 from line 4. | ||||||
Calendar year
(or fiscal year beginning in)
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(a) 2020 | (b) 2021 | (c) 2022 | (d) 2023 | (e) 2024 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Amounts from line 4.. | ||||||
| 8 | Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources... | ||||||
| 9 | Net income from unrelated business activities, whether or not the business is regularly carried on.. | ||||||
| 10 | Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part VI.).. | ||||||
| 11 | Total support. Add lines 7 through 10 | ||||||
Calendar year (or fiscal
year beginning in) ![]() |
(a) 2020 | (b) 2021 | (c) 2022 | (d) 2023 | (e) 2024 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") . | ||||||
| 2 | Gross receipts from admissions, merchandise sold or services performed, or facilities furnished in any activity that is related to the organization's tax-exempt purpose | ||||||
| 3 | Gross receipts from activities that are not an unrelated trade or business under section 513 ..... | ||||||
| 4 | Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf... | ||||||
| 5 | The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge | ||||||
| 6 | Total. Add lines 1 through 5 | ||||||
| 7a | Amounts included on lines 1, 2, and 3 received from disqualified persons | ||||||
| b | Amounts included on lines 2 and 3 received from other than disqualified persons that exceed the greater of $5,000 or 1% of the amount on line 13 for the year. | ||||||
| c | Add lines 7a and 7b.. | ||||||
| 8 | Public support. (Subtract line 7c from line 6.) | ||||||
Calendar year
(or fiscal year beginning in)
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(a) 2020 | (b) 2021 | (c) 2022 | (d) 2023 | (e) 2024 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Amounts from line 6... | ||||||
| 10a | Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources.. | ||||||
| b | Unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 taxes) from businesses acquired after June 30, 1975. | ||||||
| c | Add lines 10a and 10b. | ||||||
| 11 | Net income from unrelated business activities not included on line 10b, whether or not the business is regularly carried on. | ||||||
| 12 | Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part VI.) .. | ||||||
| 13 | Total support. (Add lines 9, 10c, 11, and 12.).. | ||||||
| Section A - Adjusted Net Income | (A) Prior Year |
(B) Current Year (optional) |
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| 1 | Net short-term capital gain | 1 | ||||
| 2 | Recoveries of prior-year distributions | 2 | ||||
| 3 | Other gross income (see instructions) | 3 | ||||
| 4 | Add lines 1 through 3 | 4 | ||||
| 5 | Depreciation and depletion | 5 | ||||
| 6 | Portion of operating expenses paid or incurred for production or collection of gross income or for management, conservation, or maintenance of property held for production of income (see instructions) | 6 | ||||
| 7 | Other expenses (see instructions) | 7 | ||||
| 8 | Adjusted Net Income (subtract lines 5, 6 and 7 from line 4) | 8 | ||||
| Section B - Minimum Asset Amount | (A) Prior Year |
(B) Current Year (optional) |
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| 1 | Aggregate fair market value of all non-exempt-use assets (see instructions for short tax year or assets held for part of year): | 1 | ||||
| a | Average monthly value of securities | 1a | ||||
| b | Average monthly cash balances | 1b | ||||
| c | Fair market value of other non-exempt-use assets | 1c | ||||
| d | Total (add lines 1a, 1b, and 1c) | 1d | ||||
| e |
Discount claimed for blockage or other factors (explain in detail in Part VI): |
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| 2 | Acquisition indebtedness applicable to non-exempt use assets | 2 | ||||
| 3 | Subtract line 2 from line 1d | 3 | ||||
| 4 | Cash deemed held for exempt use. Enter 0.015 of line 3 (for greater amount, see instructions). | 4 | ||||
| 5 | Net value of non-exempt-use assets (subtract line 4 from line 3) | 5 | ||||
| 6 | Multiply line 5 by 0.035 | 6 | ||||
| 7 | Recoveries of prior-year distributions | 7 | ||||
| 8 | Minimum Asset Amount (add line 7 to line 6) | 8 | ||||
| Section C - Distributable Amount | Current Year | |||||
| 1 | Adjusted net income for prior year (from Section A, line 8, Column A) | 1 | ||||
| 2 | Enter 85% of line 1 | 2 | ||||
| 3 | Minimum asset amount for prior year (from Section B, line 8, Column A) | 3 | ||||
| 4 | Enter greater of line 2 or line 3 | 4 | ||||
| 5 | Income tax imposed in prior year | 5 | ||||
| 6 | Distributable Amount. Subtract line 5 from line 4, unless subject to emergency temporary reduction (see instructions) | 6 | ||||
| Section D - Distributions | Current Year | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Amounts paid to supported organizations to accomplish exempt purposes | 1 | |
|
2
Amounts paid to perform activity that directly furthers exempt purposes of supported organizations, in excess of income from activity |
2 | |
| 3 Administrative expenses paid to accomplish exempt purposes of supported organizations | 3 | |
| 4 Amounts paid to acquire exempt-use assets | 4 | |
| 5 Qualified set-aside amounts (prior IRS approval required - provide details in Part VI) | 5 | |
| 6 Other distributions (describe in Part VI). See instructions | 6 | |
| 7Total annual distributions. Add lines 1 through 6. | 7 | |
|
8
Distributions to attentive supported organizations to which the organization is responsive (provide details in Part VI). See instructions |
8 | |
| 9 Distributable amount for 2024 from Section C, line 6 | 9 | |
| 10 Line 8 amount divided by Line 9 amount | 10 | |
| Section E - Distribution Allocations (see instructions) |
(i) Excess Distributions |
(ii) Underdistributions Pre-2024 |
(iii) Distributable Amount for 2024 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Distributable amount for 2024 from Section C, line 6 | ||||
|
2
Underdistributions, if any, for years prior to 2024 (reasonable cause required-- explain in Part VI).
See instructions. |
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| 3 Excess distributions carryover, if any, to 2024: | ||||
| a From 2019....... | ||||
| b From 2020....... | ||||
| c From 2021....... | ||||
| d From 2022....... | ||||
| e From 2023....... | ||||
| fTotal of lines 3a through e | ||||
| g Applied to underdistributions of prior years | ||||
| h Applied to 2024 distributable amount | ||||
|
i
Carryover from 2019 not applied (see instructions) |
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| j Remainder. Subtract lines 3g, 3h, and 3i from line 3f. | ||||
| 4Distributions for 2024 from Section D, line 7: | ||||
| $ | ||||
| a Applied to underdistributions of prior years | ||||
| b Applied to 2024 distributable amount | ||||
| c Remainder. Subtract lines 4a and 4b from line 4. | ||||
|
5
Remaining underdistributions for years prior to 2024, if any. Subtract lines 3g and 4a from line 2. If the amount is greater than zero, explain in Part VI. See instructions. |
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6
Remaining underdistributions for 2024. Subtract lines 3h and 4b from line 1. If the amount is greater than zero, explain in Part VI. See instructions. |
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7 Excess distributions carryover to 2025. Add lines 3j and 4c. |
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| 8 Breakdown of line 7: | ||||
| a Excess from 2020..... | ||||
| b Excess from 2021..... | ||||
| c Excess from 2022..... | ||||
| d Excess from 2023..... | ||||
| e Excess from 2024..... | ||||
| Facts And Circumstances Test |
|---|
| Return Reference | Explanation |
|---|
| Software ID: | 24020961 |
| Software Version: | 2024v5.1 |
| Return Reference | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Schedule E, Part I, Line 3 RACIALLY NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY | NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY THE UNIVERSITY PUBLICIZES ITS RACIALLY NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY VIA NEWSPAPER NOTICES AND MEDIA. ADDITIONALLY, THE UNIVERSITY POSTS ITS POLICY IN PUBLIC AREAS AND INCLUDES THE POLICY IN LITERATURE PROMOTING THE UNIVERSITY. |
| Schedule E, Part I, Line 6(a) FINANCIAL AID OR ASSISTANCE FROM A GOVERNMENT | EXPLANATION OF GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL AID THE UNIVERSITY RECEIVES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS: FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANTS (FSEOG), FEDERAL PELL GRANTS, FEDERAL WORK STUDY PROGRAM, FEDERAL PERKINS LOANS, GEORGIA HOPE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM & THE GEORGIA LEAP GRANT PROGRAM. |
| Software ID: | 24020961 |
| Software Version: | 2024v5.1 |
| Return Reference | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Form 990, Part III, Line 1 ORGANIZATION'S MISSION | Life University is a not-for-profit educational institution. The mission of Life University is to empower each student with the education, skills, and values to maximize the perfection within, based upon a vitalistic philosophy. Life University is committed to a global vision and excellence in teaching, learning and research, providing an exceptional student experience leading to a life of Integrity and Lasting Purpose. Today, Life University is sustained by its chiropractic, undergraduate, and master's programs, which set the standard of excellence in contemporary health care education. Life University graduated a total of 747 students during the 2024-2025 academic year, with 417 from the College of Chiropractic, 240 Bachelor's degrees and 90 Master's degrees. University - Academics Life University is in review of all undergraduate and graduate programs to ensure offerings that meet the needs of students. The university continues to offer degrees consistent with the mission of the university including natural sciences, psychology, computer information systems/technology and chiropractic. The University on-line Bachelor of Science in Biology and Masters in Positive Psychology have been ranked among the top on-line programs in the country. The University continues to explore ways in which to better serve its student population through a variety of course offerings in various modalities. Research/Scholarly Activity Life University continues to foster a culture and climate of research and innovation across all academic and administrative departments. This includes allocating funding and providing support services that promote, encourage and reward research and scholarly activity by faculty, staff and students that is aligned with the LIFE U mission and has the potential to advance knowledge and contribute to societal well-being. Our approach is informed by the Boyer (1990) model, which argues for an expanded view of how we define research and scholarship and emphasizes the importance of evidenced-based approaches to the study of teaching and learning. Funded Projects Research and Evidence-Based Scholarly Projects This signature effort provides internal grant awards to support faculty, staff, and student-led research and scholarly projects at various stages of development; from conception and design to iterative refinement to expanded scope and final evaluation. Administrative review of the initiative is provided by a Research Advisory Council (RAC) that reviews each initiative for scientific merit and the Research Leadership Council that reviews the application for alignment with the mission and vision of Life University. Both councils provide a recommendation for approval to the Chief Academic Officer, who provides the final decision. Life University has made available $100,000 for funded projects initiatives each year. This includes seed money for small research and scholarly activity grants and student travel to present their scholarly work at conferences. Provision of research resources have been adequate to support the needs of the faculty, staff, and students, including multi-year support for projects, as not all funds were expensed at the end of each fiscal year. Faculty and Staff Research Travel Awards In 2024-2025, the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) awarded travel grants for faculty and staff including attendance and registration reimbursement to an assortment of venues, including the United States Distance Learning Association, the Teaching Professor Conference, International Research and Philosophy Symposium, and the Association of Chiropractic Colleges' Research Agenda Conference. Student Research Scholarships Under the CETL Research programs, awards and tuition-applied scholarships were granted to multiple students over the course of 2024-2025. In the spring of 2025, research scholarship oversight transitioned to the Complimentary Healthcare Advanced Research and Leadership Institute (CHARLI). Complementary Healthcare Advanced Research and Leadership Institute (CHARLI) Launched in the spring of 2025, the focus of CHARLI is to enhance the human experience and advance whole-person health perspectives through research and leadership training and initiatives, community dialogue, and infrastructure support. The institute aims to empower individuals within the Life University community with the skills and resources necessary to conduct rigorous scientific investigation and serve as community advocates for complementary care perspectives. Center for Chiropractic Research (CCR) In 2024-2025 the CCR has been engaged in numerous studies in various stages of the research process, worked with a team of students and collaborated with academic and private institutions such as the University of Georgia, Harvard University, the New Zealand Centre for Chiropractic Research, and ChiroHD software. In support of the mission to conduct brain-body neuroplasticity research of clinical relevance to the patients and profession of chiropractic, the CCR is working to develop the Well-being and Health Expression Evaluation List - the WHEEL. The WHEEL is a set of simple outcomes and assessments easily deployed in a clinical setting that chiropractors can use to show patients the changes in their health over time. Additionally, basic science research investigating each outcome and assessment is being done in order to gain an understanding of the mechanism of action leading to potential changes following chiropractic care. The ideal is to provide resources for chiropractors that will allow them to not only show their patients that their health has changed but also explain how chiropractic works with their brain and body to bring about the change. These projects included the study "Psychoneuroimmunology as a framework for studying the effects of chiropractic care in adults with obesity: a single-arm pilot trial," which was funded through a grant from the Australian Spinal Research Foundation. The study "Feasibility and Usability of a Virtual Patient-Driven Chiropractic Portal" is a practice-based research example. The Center for Chiropractic Research also engages student volunteers, scholarship students, and work study students. Students who work with the CCR provide valuable support for research projects by assisting with literature searches, working with equipment, running protocols, and analyzing data. These students get an in-depth opportunity to learn how to navigate searching and understanding the various components of scientific articles. They get hands-on experience training on the research equipment and have the opportunity to learn research study protocols and provide assistance with data collection. Students also learn the intricate processes for data organization and data analysis. In addition to helping in the lab, many students volunteer to be participants in clinical studies that are led by Life University student researchers, faculty, and staff. |
| Form 990, Part III, Line 4 LINE 4A - PROGRAM SERVICE DESCRIPTION | College of Chiropractic The Mission of the College of Chiropractic is to educate, mentor and graduate contemporary and compassionate Doctor of Chiropractic, based on a model of Vertebral Subluxation. The College establishes an environment demonstrating the expression of the University core values; to embody Vitalism, nurture the standard to live an exceptional life of Integrity and be of service to the world. Delivering Chiropractic Education - Curriculum Revision Began in Fall Quarter, 2024 The college has engaged in a thorough review of the curriculum beginning in 2020 consistent with best practices in higher education. The curriculum revision began in the fall quarter, 2024. The curriculum includes more online course options, fewer contact hours with more student engagement activities in laboratory and a clinical immersion experience. The courses sequencing, student outcomes, weekly topics, course descriptions, learning activities and course assessments are being created and processed through the college registrar and faculty committees. The course themes of the philosophy of chiropractic, business instruction, technique and research have been revised for the most up to date instruction for the success of graduates in the clinic and in their future practice. The faculty are supported through the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL), the students will be supported through university advisement and the Academic Learning Center. In the academic support department, the academic support departments have reinforced remote laboratory content through in-person sessions with faculty and supplemental instruction. The department also provides peer tutoring assistance for students in need of additional support which has been popular and effective. College of Chiropractic Clinic System The mission of the Life University Clinic System is to improve the health and wellbeing of people in the communities we serve by providing chiropractic care and other health services, centered on the Vertebral Subluxation Complex. We will maintain excellence in the educational standards of our teaching clinics and encourage all constituents of our clinics to actively participate in their own health and wellness care, and to actively participate in health and wellness programs that reach out to others in our communities. Clinical operations incorporate a variety of chiropractic services provided to the general public inclusive of complementary services provided to a range of special populations. The clinic system is composed of several types of clinical experiences. The clinical education and patient care delivery are stratified into three levels. The educational goals and objectives are clearly spelled out for each level, and assessment tools developed to ensure that appropriate competencies are measured, and outcomes utilized to improve the clinical program. Level I Experience: The Level I clinic experience includes quarters one and five through eight and is where basic competencies are developing in an environment where there is close faculty supervision and mentorship. The majority of patients being cared for at Level I clinic are not expected to present with complex case presentations. Level II Experience: The Level II clinic experience includes quarters nine through twelve. Students continue to develop competency and critical thinking skills and focus on developing competency in patient management. Although competency development continues, the student now has access to a larger volume and variety of patients with a range of conditions. Level II Clinic: The Center for Health and Optimum Performance provides health care services to the public in a fee-for-service environment. Level III Experiences: Level III clinic encompasses the final quarters of the clinical education program. In Level III the student experiences integration into broader health care environments. These experiences are provided through a variety of programs; these programs may include field doctor's office experiences, international satellite clinics, and/or sporting events. All off campus clinical education experiences take place at sites that have agreements and/or signed contracts with the University. Level III Clinics: There are currently two programs operating under the Level III programs; Extension faculty operate their own field practice and are in both domestic and international locations. Clinic Program Activities LIFE University administration continues to improve the restructured system to include a Director of Clinics managing patient care activities, patient safety, and provider supervision and management. The Director of Clinical Education serves as staff supervisor. The Director of Clinics manages the Functional Kinesiology and Radiology Departments, and durable goods and supplement sales. The Senior Clinic Office Manager assists in supervising and managing support staff operations, budget, reporting, business operations, and payer relations. The Director of Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement serves to manage the Ambu-qual system of patient care and clinic compliance, internal record monitoring program, and serves as the HIPAA Privacy Officer. The Director of Clinics works with the university marketing department and is in charge of clinic branding, advertising, and promotion efforts. The PEAK (Externship) Program Director manages the Level III program. The Dean of the College of Chiropractic supervises all directors and clinic operations. |
| Form 990, Part III, Line 4 LINES 4B, 4C, & 4D - PROGRAM SERVICE DESCRIPTION | College of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies The Mission of the Life University College of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies is to empower students to achieve successful careers and meaningful lives, based on a vitalistic philosophy that promotes optimum performance and transformational leadership, to produce a positive impact in a dynamic world. The College of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies utilizes a standardized degree plan for all bachelor's degrees (180 quarter credit hours) across all programs to include general education core, foundation to major courses, major courses, and minor/elective courses. The College continues to work on increasing retention and graduation rates through targeted academic programs and services. For example, the College implemented several programs to increase the connection with students to prepare them for the workforce or further the educational journey to professional or graduate programs. This year, many partnerships with businesses and industry have been credited with facilitating this program and serving on advisory boards and internship opportunities. The Social Science Division continues to receive funding from the Laughing Gull and Sunshine Lady organizations for the continued work with the Chillon Project working with the prison population. It has also been chosen as a sub-recipient of a federal grant to the G.A.C.H.E.P. as part of the Federal Bureau of Justice Administration's Second Chance Act. Funds from this grant will launch the initiative "Expanding Pathways from Incarceration to Higher Education". The pathways program will provide on-ramps to college along with post-release reentry support to students who are incarcerated at prisons across the state. LU will partner with Georgia State University, and Common Good Atlanta to provide enrichment, transitional, and general education courses for students at four facilities. GACHEP staff will provide directed guidance to these students as they transition to enrolling in college, whether they continue their studies inside or outside of the prison. This program also sponsored "Restore HER's D.A.T.A is Life" Conference. The Conference focused on research led by women with lived experience of incarceration and promoted transparency and accountability in this arena. Online Education operates as a part of the College of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies and seeks to provide a high-quality global online educational experience, based on a vitalistic philosophy, that maximizes each student's innate potential to pursue their goals and assume leadership roles in the workplace by applying integrity and principles of lasting purpose. Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) promotes excellence in teaching and learning at Life University by providing faculty and staff with resources, support, and professional enrichment opportunities to enhance instructional practices, integrate educational technologies, and pursue scholarly activities. CETL staff continued to oversee management and planning for the institution's research support programs, including Funded Projects, RISE Scholarships, Student Travel Awards, and Research and Scholarly Activity Awards. Center staff also provided support to the IRB Committee and its chair. The Director of the CETL continued to oversee implementation of the institution's Quality Enhancement Plan, Enhance, Engage, Excel: Changing the Retention Paradigm at Life University. This plan seeks to engage students in co-curricular and academic resources to increase retention and completion rates. |
| Form 990, Part III, Line 4d Description of other program services | (Expenses $ 1,352,736 including grants of $ 74,250)(Revenue $ 0) RESEARCH |
| Form 990, Part VI, Line 15 PROCESS TO ESTABLISH COMPENSATION | DETERMINING COMPENSATION THE INDEPENDENT BOARD MEMBERS REVIEW AND APPROVE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION MATTERS. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Line 11b Review of form 990 by governing body | REVIEW OF FORM 990 THE AUDIT AND FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES IS PROVIDED A COPY OF FORM 990, PRIOR TO FILING, FOR ITS REVIEW AND APPROVAL. THE FULL BOARD OF TRUSTEES IS PROVIDED A COPY AT THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED BOARD MEETING. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Line 12c Conflict of interest policy | MONITORING CONFLICTS OF INTEREST POLICY AS PART OF THE ORGANIZATION'S INTERNAL CONTROL PROCEDURES, DISCUSSIONS WITH ALL OFFICERS, TRUSTEES, AND KEY EMPLOYEES ARE MADE TO MONITOR AND ENFORCE COMPLIANCE. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Line 19 Required documents available to the public | DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC DOCUMENTS THAT ARE REQUIRED BY LAW TO BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC ARE AVAILABLE VIA GUIDESTAR.ORG. ALL OTHER GOVERNING AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST DOCUMENTS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. |
| Software ID: | 24020961 |
| Software Version: | 2024v5.1 |