Quick charity verification for Scarborough Public Library (EIN: 16010284)
Verdict: Scarborough Public Library appears trustworthy
92/100Mission Score
$1.5MRevenue
$2.0MAssets
1Red Flags
5Strengths
Red Flags
Unusually low or zero reported officer compensation could indicate compensation is miscategorized or that the organization relies heavily on volunteers for key leadership roles, which might pose sustainability questions in the long term if not properly managed.
Strengths
Consistent financial stability with revenues generally covering expenses.
Strong transparency with consistent IRS 990 filings over 14 periods.
Zero reported officer compensation, indicating a high percentage of funds likely directed to programs.
Healthy asset base relative to liabilities, demonstrating good financial management.
Overall growth in assets over the past decade.
Spending Breakdown
How Scarborough Public Library 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 Scarborough Public Library
Is Scarborough Public Library a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Scarborough Public Library (EIN: 16010284) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 92/100. 1 red flag identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Scarborough Public Library a good charity to donate to?
Scarborough Public Library has a Mission Score of 92/100. Revenue: $1.5M. Assets: $2.0M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Scarborough Public Library?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Scarborough Public Library is 16010284. 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 Scarborough Public Library spend its money?
Scarborough Public Library allocates 90% to programs, 10% to administration, and 0% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Scarborough Public Library's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Scarborough Public Library's tax-exempt status using EIN 16010284 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
Scarborough Public Library demonstrates consistent financial health with stable revenue streams and prudent expense management over the past decade. In the latest filing (Period 202406), the organization reported revenues of $1,481,201 against expenses of $1,460,745, indicating a slight surplus. While there was a dip in assets from $2,251,511 in 202306 to $2,044,649 in 202406, this appears to be a minor fluctuation rather than a significant concern, especially given the overall growth in assets from $1,623,321 in 201506. The organization consistently reports zero officer compensation, which is a strong indicator of transparency and a focus on mission-related spending.
The library's spending efficiency appears strong, with expenses generally aligning closely with revenues, preventing significant deficits or excessive surpluses. The consistent reporting of liabilities remaining relatively low compared to assets further supports a picture of sound financial stewardship. The absence of reported officer compensation also suggests that a very high percentage of funds are directed towards program services and operational costs rather than executive salaries, which is commendable for a public library.