American Bible Society
American Bible Society maintains strong asset base with consistent revenue and zero reported officer compensation.
EIN: 131623885 · Philadelphia, PA · NTEE: X200 · Updated: 2026-03-28
Is American Bible Society Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
American Bible Society directs 90% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About American Bible Society
American Bible Society (EIN: 131623885) is a nonprofit organization based in Philadelphia, PA, classified under NTEE code X200. The organization reported total revenue of $702.0M and total assets of $767.6M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of American Bible Society's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
American Bible Society is a major nonprofit that has been operating for 95 years, with 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 4.1%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $108.9M |
| Total Expenses | $96.7M |
| Surplus / Deficit | +$12.1M |
| Total Assets | $769.5M |
| Total Liabilities | $108.5M |
| Net Assets | $661.0M |
| Operating Margin | 11.1% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 14.1% |
| Months of Reserves | 95.5 months |
Financial Health Grade: A
In 2023, American Bible Society reported a surplus of $12.1M with revenue exceeding expenses, holds 95.5 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 14.1% (very low leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 13 years of filings (2011–2023), American Bible Society's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | -3.3% | -6.9% | +3.1% |
| 2022 | +5.9% | -15.1% | -11.2% |
| 2021 | +9.5% | +21.5% | +15.8% |
| 2020 | +5.7% | -12.2% | -5.8% |
| 2019 | -3.3% | +18.4% | -1.7% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 7000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 1931 |
Classification data from ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Additional BMF data may be available after enrichment.
AI Transparency Report
Mission Effectiveness Score
NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates American Bible Society with a Mission Score of 90 out of 100 (Excellent). This score reflects the organization's overall financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance indicators derived from IRS 990 public filings.
Spending Breakdown
- admin: 5%
- programs: 90%
- fundraising: 5%
According to IRS 990 filings, American Bible Society allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 5%, programs: 90%, fundraising: 5%. With 90% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
- The organization reported a surplus of $12.1M, with revenue exceeding expenses.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 14.1%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
The American Bible Society consistently reports 0% for officer compensation across all available IRS 990 filings, which is highly unusual for an organization of its size with hundreds of millions in revenue and assets. This indicates either that executive compensation is covered by other means not reported as 'officer compensation' or that leadership serves without direct salary, which is a significant positive for transparency and resource allocation.
Executive compensation data is sourced from IRS 990 filings, which require nonprofits to disclose the compensation of officers, directors, trustees, and key employees. NonprofitSpending analyzes this data relative to the organization's total revenue and sector benchmarks to assess whether executive pay is reasonable.
Red Flags
The following concerns were identified during AI analysis of American Bible Society's IRS 990 filings:
- Unusually low reported officer compensation (0%) across all filings, which might warrant further inquiry into how executive leadership is compensated if not through direct salaries.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for American Bible Society:
- Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation, indicating high transparency and potential dedication of resources to mission.
- Strong and stable asset base, consistently over $700 million, providing financial security.
- Expenses generally managed below revenue in most recent periods, demonstrating sound financial stewardship (e.g., 2023 revenue $108.8M vs. expenses $96.7M).
- Healthy balance sheet with liabilities significantly lower than assets, indicating strong solvency.
Frequently Asked Questions about American Bible Society
Is American Bible Society a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, American Bible Society (EIN: 131623885) some concerns. Mission Score: 90/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.
How does American Bible Society spend its money?
American Bible Society directs 90% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to American Bible Society tax-deductible?
American Bible Society is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 131623885). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Is American Bible Society a good charity?
Based on the provided data, the American Bible Society appears to be a financially healthy and transparent organization. Its consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation, substantial asset base (e.g., $769.5 million in 2023), and generally well-managed expenses relative to revenue suggest strong financial stewardship and a focus on its mission.
How does American Bible Society manage its executive compensation?
The organization consistently reports 0% for officer compensation in its IRS 990 filings. This is a highly transparent practice that suggests either pro-bono leadership or that executive compensation is structured in a way that falls outside the standard 'officer compensation' reporting category, which would warrant further investigation for complete understanding.
What is the trend in American Bible Society's assets and liabilities?
The American Bible Society maintains a very strong asset base, consistently above $700 million in recent years, reaching $840 million in 2021 and $769.5 million in 2023. Liabilities are significantly lower, typically around $90-110 million, indicating a healthy balance sheet and strong financial solvency.
Has American Bible Society's revenue been stable?
Revenue has been relatively stable in the $90-110 million range in most recent years, with a notable spike to $369 million in 2015. This suggests a generally consistent funding stream, with occasional significant increases.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for American Bible Society showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), American Bible Society's revenue has grown by 61.8%, moving from $67.3M to $108.9M. Total assets increased by 44.4% over the same period, from $532.7M to $769.5M. Total functional expenses rose by 21.9%, from $79.4M to $96.7M. In its most recent filing year (2023), American Bible Society reported a surplus of $12.1M, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $108.5M in liabilities against $769.5M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 14.1%), resulting in net assets of $661.0M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $108.9M | $96.7M | $769.5M | $108.5M | — | — |
| 2022 | $112.6M | $103.9M | $746.6M | $89.8M | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $106.4M | $122.3M | $840.8M | $101.2M | — | — |
| 2020 | $97.1M | $100.6M | $726.2M | $100.1M | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $91.9M | $114.6M | $770.8M | $103.6M | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $95.0M | $96.8M | $784.4M | $97.6M | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $101.9M | $99.0M | $774.0M | $110.5M | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $68.2M | $91.9M | $746.4M | $114.9M | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $369.4M | $88.3M | $801.2M | $114.6M | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $88.6M | $79.9M | $528.4M | $92.6M | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $82.8M | $92.1M | $491.4M | $93.1M | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $62.2M | $82.9M | $480.3M | $90.8M | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $67.3M | $79.4M | $532.7M | $96.3M | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $108.9M, expenses of $96.7M, and assets of $769.5M (revenue -3.3% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $112.6M, expenses of $103.9M, and assets of $746.6M (revenue +5.9% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $106.4M, expenses of $122.3M, and assets of $840.8M (revenue +9.5% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $97.1M, expenses of $100.6M, and assets of $726.2M (revenue +5.7% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $91.9M, expenses of $114.6M, and assets of $770.8M (revenue -3.3% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $95.0M, expenses of $96.8M, and assets of $784.4M (revenue -6.8% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $101.9M, expenses of $99.0M, and assets of $774.0M (revenue +49.3% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $68.2M, expenses of $91.9M, and assets of $746.4M (revenue -81.5% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $369.4M, expenses of $88.3M, and assets of $801.2M (revenue +316.9% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $88.6M, expenses of $79.9M, and assets of $528.4M (revenue +7.0% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $82.8M, expenses of $92.1M, and assets of $491.4M (revenue +33.1% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $62.2M, expenses of $82.9M, and assets of $480.3M (revenue -7.5% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $67.3M, expenses of $79.4M, and assets of $532.7M.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for American Bible Society:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for American Bible Society is generated by NonprofitSpending's AI analysis engine. The data is sourced from publicly available IRS 990 filings accessed through the ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer API and IRS electronic filing records. The Mission Score, spending breakdown, and other analytical insights are produced by artificial intelligence and should be used as one of multiple factors when evaluating a nonprofit organization.
IRS 990 forms are annual information returns that most tax-exempt organizations must file with the IRS. These forms provide detailed financial information including revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and compensation of officers. NonprofitSpending processes this data to provide accessible transparency reports for donors, researchers, and the general public.
Disclaimer
AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.