Is Bethel Library Association Legit? —…

Strengths

Consistently reports $0 in liabilities across all available filings, indicating strong financial health.
Officer compensation is consistently reported as 0%, suggesting highly efficient use of funds for programs and operations.
Maintains a substantial asset base (e.g., $796,930 in 202406) relative to its annual expenses, providing long-term stability.
Consistent filing of IRS Form 990s demonstrates strong transparency and compliance.

Spending Breakdown

How Bethel Library Association allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

85%

Program Spending

Healthy — majority goes to mission

10%

Admin Costs

Reasonable — admin costs in check

Fundraising

Within typical range

How to read this: Well-run charities typically spend 75% or more on programs, keep admin under 25%, and fundraising under 15%. A high program ratio means more of every dollar goes directly to the mission.

How to Interpret This Report

What Red Flags Mean

Red flags are potential warning signs identified by AI analysis of IRS 990 filings. They may indicate issues like declining revenue, high executive pay relative to program spending, lack of transparency, or governance concerns. A single red flag does not necessarily mean an organization is untrustworthy, but multiple flags warrant further investigation before donating.

What Mission Score Measures

The Mission Score (0-100) evaluates how effectively a nonprofit fulfills its stated purpose. It combines multiple factors: program spending efficiency (how much goes to programs vs. overhead), financial health and sustainability, governance quality, transparency in reporting, and consistency of operations over time. A score of 70+ indicates strong alignment with the organization’s mission.

Using This Data for Donation Decisions

Use this report as one input in your decision. Look at the overall Mission Score for a quick assessment, review red flags and strengths for specific concerns, check the spending breakdown to see where money goes, and compare executive compensation to the organization’s size. Consider viewing the full transparency report for deeper analysis, and always verify tax-exempt status with the IRS before making large donations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bethel Library Association

Is Bethel Library Association a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Bethel Library Association (EIN: 16011376) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 90/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.

Is Bethel Library Association a good charity to donate to?

Bethel Library Association has a Mission Score of 90/100. Revenue: $91K. Assets: $792K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Bethel Library Association?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Bethel Library Association is 16011376. This is the unique tax ID assigned by the IRS.

What is a Mission Score?

The Mission Score is a 0-100 rating that measures how effectively a nonprofit fulfills its stated mission. It factors in program spending efficiency, financial transparency, governance practices, and outcome reporting. Scores above 70 indicate strong mission alignment, 40-69 suggest mixed performance, and below 40 signals potential concerns.

How does Bethel Library Association spend its money?

Bethel Library Association allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Bethel Library Association's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Bethel Library Association's tax-exempt status using EIN 16011376 on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) at apps.irs.gov/app/eos. You can also request copies of their Form 990 directly from the organization, as they are required by law to provide them upon request.

AI Transparency Report

The Bethel Library Association demonstrates consistent financial stability, with assets significantly outweighing liabilities, which have consistently been reported as $0 across all available filings. While revenue has fluctuated, the organization generally operates with a balanced budget, as seen in the 202306 period where revenue of $86,375 exceeded expenses of $77,548. However, the most recent filing (202406) shows expenses ($93,856) exceeding revenue ($84,605), indicating a slight deficit for that period. The organization's transparency is high, as evidenced by its consistent filing of IRS Form 990s and the clear reporting of zero officer compensation, suggesting a volunteer-led or minimally compensated leadership structure. The absence of reported liabilities further enhances its financial health and transparency profile.

Spending efficiency appears strong, particularly given the consistent reporting of zero officer compensation, which implies that a very high proportion of expenses are directed towards program services and operational costs rather than executive salaries. With total assets of $791,998 against recent annual expenses around $90,000, the organization maintains a healthy reserve, providing long-term stability. The slight deficit in the latest period warrants monitoring, but overall, the financial picture suggests a well-managed, community-focused entity.

Given the data, the Bethel Library Association appears to be a financially sound and transparent organization. Its consistent reporting, lack of liabilities, and zero officer compensation are strong indicators of good governance and a focus on its mission. The fluctuations in revenue and expenses are typical for smaller nonprofits, but the overall trend shows a stable asset base supporting its operations.

Is Bethel Library Association Legit?

Verdict: Bethel Library Association appears trustworthy

Red Flags