Portland Public Library
Portland Public Library consistently reports 0% officer compensation amidst steady asset growth.
EIN: 16000802 · Portland, ME · NTEE: B71Z · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $8.8M |
| Total Expenses | $5.6M |
| Program Spending | 90% |
| CEO/Top Officer Pay | $15 |
| Net Assets | $14.1M |
| Transparency Score | 95/100 |
Is Portland Public Library Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Portland Public Library directs 90% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Portland Public Library
Portland Public Library (EIN: 16000802) is a nonprofit organization based in Portland, ME, classified under NTEE code B71Z. The organization reported total revenue of $8.8M and total assets of $17.3M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Portland Public Library's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Portland Public Library is a mid-size nonprofit that has been operating for 83 years, with 12 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2012–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 2.2%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $6.0M |
| Total Expenses | $5.6M |
| Surplus / Deficit | +$331K |
| Total Assets | $15.1M |
| Total Liabilities | $1.1M |
| Net Assets | $14.1M |
| Operating Margin | 5.6% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 7.0% |
| Months of Reserves | 32.3 months |
Financial Health Grade: A
In 2023, Portland Public Library reported a surplus of $331K with revenue exceeding expenses, holds 32.3 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 7.0% (very low leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 12 years of filings (2012–2023), Portland Public Library's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.2%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | -35.8% | +6.2% | -7.1% |
| 2022 | +88.1% | +9.1% | +21.6% |
| 2021 | -3.1% | -8.7% | +13.3% |
| 2020 | -7.9% | -1.3% | -0.6% |
| 2019 | +5.9% | +2.8% | +3.1% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 3000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 1943 |
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 Portland Public Library with a Mission Score of 95 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: 7%
- programs: 90%
- fundraising: 3%
According to IRS 990 filings, Portland Public Library allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 7%, programs: 90%, fundraising: 3%. 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 $331K, with revenue exceeding expenses.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 7.0%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, indicating that no salaries are paid to officers, which is highly unusual for an organization with assets exceeding $15 million and annual revenues often above $5 million.
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 Portland Public Library's IRS 990 filings:
- Unusually low (0%) reported officer compensation for an organization of this size, which might warrant further inquiry into how leadership is compensated or structured.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Portland Public Library:
- Consistent 0% officer compensation, indicating strong dedication to mission.
- Significant asset growth from $11.2M in 2014 to $15.1M in 2023, demonstrating financial stability.
- Expenses consistently managed within revenue, often resulting in a surplus.
- Healthy asset-to-liability ratio, indicating strong financial solvency.
- Long history of IRS 990 filings (12 filings), suggesting transparency and compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions about Portland Public Library
Is Portland Public Library a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Portland Public Library (EIN: 16000802) some concerns. Mission Score: 95/100. 1 red flag identified, 5 strengths noted.
How does Portland Public Library spend its money?
Portland Public Library directs 90% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Portland Public Library tax-deductible?
Portland Public Library is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 16000802). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
How much does the Portland Public Library CEO make?
Portland Public Library's highest-compensated officer earns $15 annually. The organization reported $8.8M in total revenue. Executive compensation data is disclosed in IRS 990 filings.
What percentage of Portland Public Library's spending goes to programs?
Portland Public Library directs 90% to programs, 3% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
How does Portland Public Library compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 95/100 (Excellent), Portland Public Library is above average for NTEE category B71Z nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.
Where is Portland Public Library located?
Portland Public Library is headquartered in Portland, Maine and files with the IRS under EIN 16000802. It is classified under NTEE code B71Z.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Portland Public Library have?
Portland Public Library has 12 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 $8.8M in total revenue.
Is Portland Public Library a good charity?
Based on the provided financial data, Portland Public Library appears to be a very good charity. It consistently reports 0% officer compensation, indicating a strong commitment to directing funds to its mission. Its assets have grown significantly from $11.2M in 2014 to $15.1M in 2023, demonstrating financial stability and growth.
How has the library's financial health changed over the past decade?
The library's financial health has generally improved over the past decade. Assets have grown from $11,283,617 in 2014 to $15,145,105 in 2023. While revenue has fluctuated, it has consistently covered expenses, with a notable revenue peak of $9,283,612 in 2022.
What is the trend in the library's liabilities?
Liabilities have remained relatively stable over the past decade, generally fluctuating between $1.0 million and $1.5 million. In 2023, liabilities were $1,059,744, which is a healthy level compared to its assets of $15,145,105.
Does the library spend efficiently?
Yes, the library appears to spend efficiently. Its expenses are consistently managed relative to its revenue, often resulting in a surplus (e.g., $5,956,660 revenue vs. $5,625,807 expenses in 2023). The consistent growth in assets also suggests efficient use of funds and sound financial management.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Portland Public Library showing financial trends over 12 years of public records:
Over 12 years of IRS 990 filings (2012–2023), Portland Public Library's revenue has grown by 26.7%, moving from $4.7M to $6.0M. Total assets increased by 65.2% over the same period, from $9.2M to $15.1M. Total functional expenses rose by 33.7%, from $4.2M to $5.6M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Portland Public Library reported a surplus of $331K, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $1.1M in liabilities against $15.1M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 7.0%), resulting in net assets of $14.1M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $6.0M | $5.6M | $15.1M | $1.1M | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $9.3M | $5.3M | $16.3M | $1.1M | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $4.9M | $4.9M | $13.4M | $1.1M | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $5.1M | $5.3M | $11.8M | $1.2M | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $5.5M | $5.4M | $11.9M | $1.1M | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $5.2M | $5.2M | $11.6M | $1.2M | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $5.2M | $5.1M | $11.2M | $1.1M | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $4.7M | $5.1M | $10.7M | $1.1M | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $5.7M | $5.0M | $11.1M | $1.1M | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $5.5M | $4.8M | $11.3M | $1.6M | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $4.4M | $4.6M | $9.0M | $308K | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $4.7M | $4.2M | $9.2M | $356K | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $6.0M, expenses of $5.6M, and assets of $15.1M (revenue -35.8% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $9.3M, expenses of $5.3M, and assets of $16.3M (revenue +88.1% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $4.9M, expenses of $4.9M, and assets of $13.4M (revenue -3.1% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $5.1M, expenses of $5.3M, and assets of $11.8M (revenue -7.9% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $5.5M, expenses of $5.4M, and assets of $11.9M (revenue +5.9% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $5.2M, expenses of $5.2M, and assets of $11.6M (revenue +0.5% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $5.2M, expenses of $5.1M, and assets of $11.2M (revenue +9.6% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $4.7M, expenses of $5.1M, and assets of $10.7M (revenue -16.9% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $5.7M, expenses of $5.0M, and assets of $11.1M (revenue +4.2% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $5.5M, expenses of $4.8M, and assets of $11.3M (revenue +25.1% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $4.4M, expenses of $4.6M, and assets of $9.0M (revenue -6.9% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $4.7M, expenses of $4.2M, and assets of $9.2M.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Portland Public Library:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Portland Public Library 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.