Is Portland Public Library Legit?

Strengths

Consistent 0% officer compensation, indicating strong dedication to mission.
Significant asset growth from $11.2M in 2014 to $15.1M in 2023, demonstrating financial stability.
Expenses consistently managed within revenue, often resulting in a surplus.
Healthy asset-to-liability ratio, indicating strong financial solvency.
Long history of IRS 990 filings (12 filings), suggesting transparency and compliance.

Spending Breakdown

How Portland Public Library allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

90%

Program Spending

Healthy — majority goes to mission

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 Portland Public Library

Is Portland Public Library a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Portland Public Library (EIN: 16000802) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 95/100. 1 red flag identified, 5 strengths noted.

Is Portland Public Library a good charity to donate to?

Portland Public Library has a Mission Score of 95/100. Revenue: $8.8M. Assets: $17.3M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Portland Public Library?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Portland Public Library is 16000802. 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 Portland Public Library spend its money?

Portland Public Library allocates 90% to programs, 7% to administration, and 3% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Portland Public Library's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Portland Public Library's tax-exempt status using EIN 16000802 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

Portland Public Library demonstrates consistent financial health, with assets growing from $11,283,617 in 2014 to $15,145,105 in 2023, indicating sound financial management. Revenue has fluctuated, with a notable peak of $9,283,612 in 2022, but generally remains robust, supporting its operations. The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation, which is a strong indicator of transparency and a commitment to directing funds towards its mission rather than executive salaries.

The library's spending efficiency appears strong, as expenses generally align with or are slightly below revenue, preventing significant deficits. For example, in 2023, revenue was $5,956,660 against expenses of $5,625,807, showing a surplus. The consistent growth in assets over the decade, despite varying annual revenues, suggests effective long-term financial planning and investment. The absence of reported officer compensation further reinforces its dedication to efficient resource allocation.

Overall, Portland Public Library exhibits a high degree of financial transparency, primarily due to the consistent reporting of no officer compensation. This practice, combined with a healthy balance sheet and a history of managing expenses effectively relative to revenue, paints a picture of a well-managed and financially responsible nonprofit. The organization's ability to maintain and grow its asset base while delivering its services speaks to its operational strength and commitment to its community.

Verdict: Portland Public Library appears trustworthy

Red Flags