Is New York Metropolitan Reference &…

Quick charity verification for New York Metropolitan Reference & Research Library Agency (EIN: 136210582)

Strengths

Consistent and substantial asset base, typically around $5 million, providing financial security.
Zero reported officer compensation, indicating a strong commitment to directing funds towards programs.
Significant reduction in liabilities over recent years, improving financial health.
Long history of IRS 990 filings (13 filings), demonstrating strong transparency.
Stable financial management despite revenue fluctuations, maintaining a healthy balance sheet.

Spending Breakdown

How New York Metropolitan Reference & Research Library Agency 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 New York Metropolitan Reference & Research Library Agency

Is New York Metropolitan Reference & Research Library Agency a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, New York Metropolitan Reference & Research Library Agency (EIN: 136210582) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 90/100. 1 red flag identified, 5 strengths noted.

Is New York Metropolitan Reference & Research Library Agency a good charity to donate to?

New York Metropolitan Reference & Research Library Agency has a Mission Score of 90/100. Revenue: $3.0M. Assets: $5.8M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for New York Metropolitan Reference & Research Library Agency?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for New York Metropolitan Reference & Research Library Agency is 136210582. 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 New York Metropolitan Reference & Research Library Agency spend its money?

New York Metropolitan Reference & Research Library Agency allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify New York Metropolitan Reference & Research Library Agency's tax-exempt status?

You can verify New York Metropolitan Reference & Research Library Agency's tax-exempt status using EIN 136210582 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 New York Metropolitan Reference & Research Library Agency (METRO) demonstrates a generally stable financial position, with assets consistently around the $5 million mark over the past decade. While revenue and expenses have fluctuated, the organization has maintained a healthy asset base relative to its annual operating budget. For instance, in the 202306 period, assets were $5,177,961 against expenses of $2,925,646, indicating a strong reserve. The organization's liabilities have also remained relatively low in recent years, significantly decreasing from a peak of over $1 million in 2019-2020 to $212,693 in 202306, which is a positive indicator of financial management.

METRO's spending efficiency appears to be well-managed, with no reported officer compensation, suggesting that resources are directed towards its mission rather than executive salaries. The consistent program focus, as implied by the NTEE code B700 (Libraries), aligns with its operational expenditures. The organization has experienced periods where expenses exceeded revenue, such as in 202306 ($2,925,646 expenses vs. $2,694,279 revenue) and 201906 ($3,152,851 expenses vs. $2,825,556 revenue), indicating reliance on reserves or prior year surpluses during those times. However, these deficits are not sustained over long periods, suggesting strategic financial planning.

Transparency is high given the consistent filing of IRS Form 990s, with 13 filings available, providing a comprehensive historical view of its financial activities. The absence of officer compensation further enhances transparency by showing that leadership is not drawing salaries from the organization. The organization's ability to manage fluctuations in revenue and expenses while maintaining a strong asset base and low liabilities points to sound financial governance and a commitment to its mission.

Is New York Metropolitan Reference & Research Library Agency Legit?

Verdict: New York Metropolitan Reference & Research Library Agency appears trustworthy

Red Flags