Is Friends And Foundation Of The Rochester Public Library Legit?
Quick charity verification for Friends And Foundation Of The Rochester Public Library (EIN: 161347453)
Verdict: Friends And Foundation Of The Rochester Public Library appears trustworthy
95/100Mission Score
$5.0MRevenue
$32.9MAssets
0Red Flags
5Strengths
No red flags identified.
Strengths
Strong asset growth, increasing from $11.1M in 2020 to $30.1M in 2024.
No reported officer compensation across all filings, indicating high efficiency and mission focus.
Consistent control over expenses despite fluctuating revenues.
Low liabilities relative to assets, suggesting financial stability (e.g., $202,385 liabilities vs. $30,168,170 assets in 2024).
Significant revenue generation capacity, with several years exceeding $3M.
Spending Breakdown
How Friends And Foundation Of The Rochester Public Library allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
90%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
7%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
3%
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 Friends And Foundation Of The Rochester Public Library
Is Friends And Foundation Of The Rochester Public Library a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Friends And Foundation Of The Rochester Public Library (EIN: 161347453) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 95/100. 0 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Friends And Foundation Of The Rochester Public Library a good charity to donate to?
Friends And Foundation Of The Rochester Public Library has a Mission Score of 95/100. Revenue: $5.0M. Assets: $32.9M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Friends And Foundation Of The Rochester Public Library?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Friends And Foundation Of The Rochester Public Library is 161347453. 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 Friends And Foundation Of The Rochester Public Library spend its money?
Friends And Foundation Of The Rochester Public Library allocates 90% to programs, 7% to administration, and 3% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Friends And Foundation Of The Rochester Public Library's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Friends And Foundation Of The Rochester Public Library's tax-exempt status using EIN 161347453 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
Friends And Foundation Of The Rochester Public Library demonstrates strong financial health and a consistent commitment to its mission. Over the past five years, the organization has seen significant growth in its assets, increasing from $11,131,992 in 2020 to $30,168,170 in 2024, indicating effective asset management and donor confidence. While revenue has fluctuated, with notable peaks in 2021 ($8,723,803) and 2022 ($7,577,927), the organization has consistently managed its expenses, which have remained relatively stable, ranging from $1,186,401 to $1,948,790 in the last five years. This suggests efficient operational control.
The organization's spending efficiency appears robust, with a significant portion of its expenses directed towards program services. The absence of reported officer compensation across all filings is a strong indicator of financial prudence and a focus on mission-related spending rather than executive salaries. This practice enhances donor trust and ensures that contributions are primarily utilized for the benefit of the Rochester Public Library. The consistent growth in assets, coupled with controlled expenses and no executive compensation, paints a picture of a well-managed and financially sound nonprofit dedicated to its cause.