The mission of National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) is to recognize and honor the academically talented students of the United States. NMSC accomplishes its mission by conducting nationwide academic scholarship programs. The enduring goals of NMSC's scholarship programs are: to promote a wider and deeper respect for learning in general and for exceptionally talented individuals in particular; to shine a spotlight on brilliant students and encourage the pursuit of academic excellence at all levels of education; and to stimulate increased support from individuals and organizations that wish to sponsor scholarships for outstanding scholastic talent.
Donations are tax-deductible
Category
Other
Employees
39
Volunteers
20
Financial Snapshot
FY ending 2025-05-31
Revenue
$59.1M
Expenses
$44.7M
Assets
$160.7M
Liabilities
$7.8M
Financial history
$59.1M$29.5M$0
171819202122232425
RevenueExpenses
Latest FY2025: $59.1M · Avg: $48.7M
501(h) election
This 501(c)(3) has NOT elected 501(h) — lobbying is permitted but limited under the vaguer "no substantial part of activities" test.
Political & Grant Activity
Campaign Spending
—
Lobbying
—
Grants Given
$32.8M
NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP CORPORATION
Your actions
Address
1560 Sherman AVE STE 200
Evanston, IL, 60201-481
Governance
Voting board members19
Independent members18
Conflict-of-interest policyYes
Whistleblower policyYes
Doc-retention policyYes
Audit committeeYes
990 reviewed by boardYes
Compensation practices
Severance paymentsNo
Equity-based compNo
Supplemental retirement planNo
Compensation committeeYes
Used comp surveyYes
Board approved compYes
Initial contract exceptionNo
Financial detail (Schedule D)
Board-designated %0.0%
Permanent endowment %100.0%
Endowment held by related orgNo
Fundraising activity (Schedule G)
Uses professional fundraisersYes
Net to org-$137K
Retained by contractors$137K
ChannelsMail · Phone · Email · In-person · Grant solicitation