Better World Libraries
Better World Libraries reports highly volatile revenue and expenses, with a significant revenue surge in 2023.
EIN: 203803359 · Biddeford, ME · NTEE: A30 · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $7.9M |
| Total Expenses | $8K |
| Program Spending | 90% |
| Net Assets | $17.4M |
| Transparency Score | 60/100 |
Is Better World Libraries Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Better World Libraries directs 90% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Better World Libraries
Better World Libraries (EIN: 203803359) is a nonprofit organization based in Biddeford, ME, classified under NTEE code A30. The organization reported total revenue of $7.9M and total assets of $25.3M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Better World Libraries's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Better World Libraries is a mid-size nonprofit that has been operating for 19 years, with 5 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2019–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 51.5%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $17.2M |
| Total Expenses | $8K |
| Surplus / Deficit | +$17.2M |
| Total Assets | $17.4M |
| Total Liabilities | $3K |
| Net Assets | $17.4M |
| Operating Margin | 100.0% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 0.0% |
| Months of Reserves | 26242.1 months |
Financial Health Grade: A
In 2023, Better World Libraries reported a surplus of $17.2M with revenue exceeding expenses, holds 26242.1 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 0.0% (very low leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 5 years of filings (2019–2023), Better World Libraries's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 51.5%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | +864432.9% | +94.3% | +651.6% |
| 2022 | -36.8% | -79.1% | +0.0% |
| 2021 | -92.7% | +553.4% | -0.7% |
| 2020 | -98.7% | +260.2% | -29.1% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 2000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 2007 |
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 Better World Libraries with a Mission Score of 60 out of 100 (Good). 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, Better World Libraries 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 $17.2M, with revenue exceeding expenses.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 0.0%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, suggesting either a fully volunteer-led structure or that executive compensation is not explicitly disclosed under this category, which could obscure a complete picture of leadership costs.
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 Better World Libraries's IRS 990 filings:
- Extreme volatility in reported revenue and expenses year-over-year, making financial health difficult to assess.
- Disproportionately low reported expenses ($7,971 in 2023) compared to very high revenue ($17,169,623 in 2023), raising questions about financial reporting accuracy.
- Sudden appearance of significant liabilities ($3,476,400) in 2023 after several years of reporting zero liabilities.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Better World Libraries:
- Significant growth in assets, reaching $17,431,310 in 2023, indicating potential for future program investment.
- No reported officer compensation, which could suggest efficient use of funds if leadership is truly volunteer-based.
Frequently Asked Questions about Better World Libraries
Is Better World Libraries a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Better World Libraries (EIN: 203803359) some concerns. Mission Score: 60/100. 3 red flags identified, 2 strengths noted.
How does Better World Libraries spend its money?
Better World Libraries directs 90% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Better World Libraries tax-deductible?
Better World Libraries is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 203803359). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
What percentage of Better World Libraries's spending goes to programs?
Better World Libraries directs 90% to programs, 5% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
How does Better World Libraries compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 60/100 (Good), Better World Libraries is above average for NTEE category A30 nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.
Where is Better World Libraries located?
Better World Libraries is headquartered in Biddeford, Maine and files with the IRS under EIN 203803359. It is classified under NTEE code A30.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Better World Libraries have?
Better World Libraries has 5 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 $7.9M in total revenue.
What caused the extreme fluctuations in revenue and expenses, particularly the $17 million revenue in 2023 with only $7,971 in expenses?
The IRS 990 data shows a dramatic increase in revenue from $1,986 in 2022 to $17,169,623 in 2023, while expenses remained exceptionally low at $7,971 in 2023. This discrepancy requires further investigation into the nature of the revenue and the organization's operational costs.
How does Better World Libraries manage its operations with such low reported expenses in relation to its revenue and assets?
With reported expenses as low as $7,971 in 2023 against over $17 million in revenue and $17 million in assets, it's unclear how the organization funds its programs and administrative functions. This suggests potential underreporting of expenses or a unique operational model.
Is the organization truly volunteer-led, given the 0% officer compensation reported?
The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings indicates that either the organization is entirely volunteer-run at the executive level, or executive compensation is categorized differently, which would require more detailed financial statements to clarify.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Better World Libraries showing financial trends over 5 years of public records:
Over 5 years of IRS 990 filings (2019–2023), Better World Libraries's revenue has grown by 427.5%, moving from $3.3M to $17.2M. Total assets increased by 429.1% over the same period, from $3.3M to $17.4M. Total functional expenses rose by 853.5%, from $836 to $8K. In its most recent filing year (2023), Better World Libraries reported a surplus of $17.2M, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $3K in liabilities against $17.4M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 0.0%), resulting in net assets of $17.4M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $17.2M | $8K | $17.4M | $3K | — | — |
| 2022 | $2K | $4K | $2.3M | $3K | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $3K | $20K | $2.3M | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $43K | $3K | $2.3M | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $3.3M | $836 | $3.3M | $0 | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $17.2M, expenses of $8K, and assets of $17.4M (revenue +864432.9% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $2K, expenses of $4K, and assets of $2.3M (revenue -36.8% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $3K, expenses of $20K, and assets of $2.3M (revenue -92.7% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $43K, expenses of $3K, and assets of $2.3M (revenue -98.7% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $3.3M, expenses of $836, and assets of $3.3M.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Better World Libraries:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Better World Libraries 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.