Bethel Library Association
Bethel Library Association maintains stable assets and zero liabilities, with recent expenses slightly exceeding revenue.
EIN: 16011376 · Bethel, ME · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $91K |
| Total Expenses | $94K |
| Program Spending | 85% |
| Net Assets | $797K |
| Transparency Score | 90/100 |
Is Bethel Library Association Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Bethel Library Association directs 85% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Bethel Library Association
Bethel Library Association (EIN: 16011376) is a nonprofit organization based in Bethel, ME. The organization reported total revenue of $91K and total assets of $792K according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Bethel Library Association's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Bethel Library Association is a micro nonprofit that has been operating for 81 years, with 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2012–2024). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 4.1%.
Key Financial Metrics (2024)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $85K |
| Total Expenses | $94K |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-9,251 |
| Total Assets | $797K |
| Net Assets | $797K |
| Operating Margin | -10.9% |
| Months of Reserves | 101.9 months |
Financial Health Grade: B
In 2024, Bethel Library Association reported a deficit of $9K with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 101.9 months of operating reserves (strong position).
Financial Trends
Over 13 years of filings (2012–2024), Bethel Library Association's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | -2.0% | +21.0% | -1.0% |
| 2023 | +17.8% | +24.2% | -6.3% |
| 2022 | +5.4% | +1.4% | +0.7% |
| 2021 | +15.9% | -11.2% | +1.4% |
| 2020 | -16.2% | +19.4% | -2.9% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 2300 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 1945 |
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 Bethel Library Association 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: 10%
- programs: 85%
- fundraising: 5%
According to IRS 990 filings, Bethel Library Association allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 10%, programs: 85%, fundraising: 5%. With 85% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.
Key Financial Metrics (2024)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
- The organization reported a deficit of $9K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Executive compensation is consistently reported as 0% across all filings, indicating a volunteer-led organization or one where leadership is compensated through other means not classified as officer compensation, which is highly efficient for an organization of its size.
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 Bethel Library Association's IRS 990 filings:
- Expenses exceeded revenue in the most recent filing period (202406), indicating a deficit of $9,251 for that year.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Bethel Library Association:
- Consistently reports $0 in liabilities across all available filings, indicating strong financial health.
- Officer compensation is consistently reported as 0%, suggesting highly efficient use of funds for programs and operations.
- Maintains a substantial asset base (e.g., $796,930 in 202406) relative to its annual expenses, providing long-term stability.
- Consistent filing of IRS Form 990s demonstrates strong transparency and compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bethel Library Association
Is Bethel Library Association a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Bethel Library Association (EIN: 16011376) some concerns. Mission Score: 90/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.
How does Bethel Library Association spend its money?
Bethel Library Association directs 85% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Bethel Library Association tax-deductible?
Bethel Library Association is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 16011376). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
What percentage of Bethel Library Association's spending goes to programs?
Bethel Library Association directs 85% to programs, 5% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
Where is Bethel Library Association located?
Bethel Library Association is headquartered in Bethel, Maine and files with the IRS under EIN 16011376.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Bethel Library Association have?
Bethel Library Association has 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record at NonprofitSpending. This extensive filing history provides a strong basis for evaluating long-term financial trends. The most recent filing shows $91K in total revenue.
Is Bethel Library Association a good charity?
Yes, based on the available IRS 990 data, Bethel Library Association appears to be a good charity. It consistently reports $0 in liabilities and 0% officer compensation, indicating strong financial health and efficient use of funds. Its assets significantly outweigh its annual expenses, providing stability.
How does Bethel Library Association manage its finances?
The organization manages its finances prudently, consistently reporting $0 in liabilities and maintaining a substantial asset base (e.g., $796,930 in 202406) relative to its annual expenses (e.g., $93,856 in 202406). While there was a slight deficit in the latest period, overall, it operates with a balanced or surplus budget.
What is the trend in Bethel Library Association's revenue and expenses?
Revenue and expenses for Bethel Library Association have shown some fluctuation over the years. For instance, revenue increased from $54,418 in 201706 to $84,605 in 202406, while expenses also generally increased from $54,145 to $93,856 over the same period. The latest period (202406) shows expenses exceeding revenue.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Bethel Library Association showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2012–2024), Bethel Library Association's revenue has grown by 61.9%, moving from $52K to $85K. Total assets decreased by 4.3% over the same period, from $832K to $797K. Total functional expenses rose by 83.3%, from $51K to $94K. In its most recent filing year (2024), Bethel Library Association reported a deficit of $9K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $85K | $94K | $797K | $0 | — | — |
| 2023 | $86K | $78K | $805K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $73K | $62K | $860K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $70K | $62K | $854K | $0 | — | — |
| 2020 | $60K | $69K | $842K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $72K | $58K | $867K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $56K | $57K | $853K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $54K | $54K | $962K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $52K | $51K | $855K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $55K | $54K | $863K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $55K | $55K | $854K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $77K | $61K | $848K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $52K | $51K | $832K | $0 | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2024: Revenue of $85K, expenses of $94K, and assets of $797K (revenue -2.0% year-over-year).
- 2023: Revenue of $86K, expenses of $78K, and assets of $805K (revenue +17.8% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $73K, expenses of $62K, and assets of $860K (revenue +5.4% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $70K, expenses of $62K, and assets of $854K (revenue +15.9% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $60K, expenses of $69K, and assets of $842K (revenue -16.2% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $72K, expenses of $58K, and assets of $867K (revenue +27.5% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $56K, expenses of $57K, and assets of $853K (revenue +3.3% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $54K, expenses of $54K, and assets of $962K (revenue +5.1% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $52K, expenses of $51K, and assets of $855K (revenue -5.6% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $55K, expenses of $54K, and assets of $863K (revenue -0.4% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $55K, expenses of $55K, and assets of $854K (revenue -28.4% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $77K, expenses of $61K, and assets of $848K (revenue +47.1% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $52K, expenses of $51K, and assets of $832K.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Bethel Library Association:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Bethel Library Association 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.