Is Smithtown Library Legit?

Spending Breakdown

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

80%

Program Spending

Healthy — majority goes to mission

15%

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 Smithtown Library

Is Smithtown Library a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Smithtown Library (EIN: 116042380) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 75/100. 2 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.

Is Smithtown Library a good charity to donate to?

Smithtown Library has a Mission Score of 75/100. Revenue: $17.2M. Assets: $36.0M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Smithtown Library?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Smithtown Library is 116042380. 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 Smithtown Library spend its money?

Smithtown Library allocates 80% to programs, 15% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

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

You can verify Smithtown Library's tax-exempt status using EIN 116042380 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 Smithtown Library demonstrates consistent financial activity, with revenues and expenses generally in line with each other over the past decade. For instance, in 2023, revenues were $16,825,154 against expenses of $16,896,025, indicating a balanced operational budget. The organization's assets have shown steady growth, reaching $40,433,764 in 2023, up from $28,190,164 in 2014. However, a notable point is the consistently high liabilities, which have often exceeded assets, such as in 2023 where liabilities were $50,901,458 compared to assets of $40,433,764. This suggests a significant reliance on debt or other long-term obligations.

Regarding spending efficiency, without a detailed breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses, it's challenging to provide a precise assessment. However, the consistent operational balance suggests that the library is managing its core functions within its revenue streams. The absence of reported officer compensation across all filings indicates either that executive compensation is not reported in this section, or that the organization operates with a volunteer or very low-paid executive structure, which could be a positive indicator of resource allocation towards its mission.

Transparency appears to be adequate given the consistent filing of IRS Form 990s over 13 periods. The consistent reporting of zero officer compensation across all available filings is a significant transparency point, though further detail on overall compensation structures would enhance understanding. The primary area for further inquiry would be the nature and management of its substantial liabilities relative to its assets.

Verdict: Smithtown Library appears trustworthy

Red Flags

Strengths