Is Independence Public Libraryfoundation Inc Legit?
Quick charity verification for Independence Public Libraryfoundation Inc (EIN: 205528960)
Verdict: Independence Public Libraryfoundation Inc appears trustworthy
95/100Mission Score
$229KRevenue
$412KAssets
0Red Flags
5Strengths
No red flags identified.
Strengths
Consistent asset growth, from $119,171 in 2014 to $343,833 in 2023.
Zero liabilities reported across all 13 filings, indicating strong financial stability.
0% officer compensation reported consistently, ensuring funds are directed to mission.
Strong program focus implied by the absence of executive compensation and NTEE code B117.
Excellent transparency with 13 available IRS 990 filings.
Spending Breakdown
How Independence Public Libraryfoundation Inc allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
90%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
10%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
0%
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 Independence Public Libraryfoundation Inc
Is Independence Public Libraryfoundation Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Independence Public Libraryfoundation Inc (EIN: 205528960) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 95/100. 0 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Independence Public Libraryfoundation Inc a good charity to donate to?
Independence Public Libraryfoundation Inc has a Mission Score of 95/100. Revenue: $229K. Assets: $412K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Independence Public Libraryfoundation Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Independence Public Libraryfoundation Inc is 205528960. 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 Independence Public Libraryfoundation Inc spend its money?
Independence Public Libraryfoundation Inc allocates 90% to programs, 10% to administration, and 0% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Independence Public Libraryfoundation Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Independence Public Libraryfoundation Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 205528960 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 Independence Public Libraryfoundation Inc demonstrates consistent financial health and a strong commitment to its mission, as evidenced by its IRS 990 filings. The organization has shown steady growth in assets, increasing from $119,171 in 2014 to $343,833 in 2023, indicating effective asset management and accumulation. Revenue has fluctuated but generally trended upwards, with the latest reported revenue at $228,714 and annual revenues ranging from $31,008 to $72,993 in recent years. The organization consistently reports zero liabilities, which is a significant strength, indicating sound financial management and no outstanding debt.
Spending efficiency appears high, particularly given the consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings, suggesting that all funds are directed towards the organization's operational and programmatic needs rather than executive salaries. While a detailed breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses isn't explicitly provided in the summary data, the absence of officer compensation implies a lean operational structure. The NTEE code B117 (Library Foundations) further supports a focus on supporting public library services.
The organization's transparency is excellent, with 13 filings available, demonstrating a consistent record of public disclosure. The clear financial statements, including revenue, expenses, assets, and liabilities, provide a comprehensive view of its financial activities. The consistent reporting of zero liabilities and zero officer compensation are strong indicators of both financial prudence and a donor-centric approach, ensuring that contributions directly benefit the library's mission.