Quick charity verification for Sorrento Public Library (EIN: 10497094)
Verdict: Sorrento Public Library appears trustworthy
85/100Mission Score
$24KRevenue
$268KAssets
3Red Flags
4Strengths
Red Flags
Consistent deficit spending (expenses exceeding revenue in 2023 and 2022)
Significant year-over-year revenue volatility (e.g., $68,083 in 2021 to $25,848 in 2022)
Asset base declining in recent years ($308,601 in 2021 to $259,493 in 2023)
Strengths
100% of officer compensation reported as $0 across all filings, indicating no executive salaries
Strong program spending focus (estimated 90% of expenses)
No reported liabilities across all filings
Maintains a healthy asset base relative to its annual revenue
Spending Breakdown
How Sorrento 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 Sorrento Public Library
Is Sorrento Public Library a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Sorrento Public Library (EIN: 10497094) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 3 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is Sorrento Public Library a good charity to donate to?
Sorrento Public Library has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $24K. Assets: $268K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Sorrento Public Library?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Sorrento Public Library is 10497094. 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 Sorrento Public Library spend its money?
Sorrento Public Library allocates 90% to programs, 10% to administration, and 0% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Sorrento Public Library's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Sorrento Public Library's tax-exempt status using EIN 10497094 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
Sorrento Public Library demonstrates a mixed financial picture. While the organization maintains a healthy asset base of $267,928, its recent financial periods show a trend of expenses significantly exceeding revenue. For instance, in 2023, expenses were $49,364 against revenues of $18,745, and in 2022, expenses were $44,338 against revenues of $25,848. This consistent deficit spending, if not addressed, could erode its asset base over time, despite the current lack of liabilities.
The library's spending efficiency appears to be heavily weighted towards program services, which is commendable for a public service organization. The absence of reported officer compensation across all available filings indicates a strong commitment to directing resources to its mission rather than executive salaries, enhancing its transparency and public trust. However, the substantial year-over-year fluctuations in revenue, such as the drop from $68,083 in 2021 to $25,848 in 2022, suggest potential reliance on unpredictable funding sources or one-time grants, which could pose long-term sustainability challenges.