Special Libraries Association

Special Libraries Association faces severe financial decline with consistent operating deficits and shrinking assets over the past decade.

EIN: 135404745 · Leesburg, VA · NTEE: B030 · Updated: 2026-03-28

$666KRevenue
$1.4MAssets
45/100Mission Score (Fair)
B030

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Special Libraries Association Financial Summary
MetricValue
Total Revenue$666K
Total Expenses$731K
Program Spending70%
Net Assets$1.5M
Transparency Score45/100

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Special Libraries Association Form 990, Revenue, CEO Pay, and IRS Filing Signals

Special Libraries Association is surfaced here as a decision-ready nonprofit financial profile, not just a charity listing. The page consolidates IRS Form 990 revenue, expenses, assets, tax-exempt classification, executive compensation, mission score, red flags, and year-by-year filing history so donors, researchers, journalists, and grant teams can answer the common search questions around Special Libraries Association in one place.

Form 990 Filing Summary

14 filing years are available, with latest revenue of $487K and expenses of $731K.

Revenue and Expenses

Special Libraries Association reported $487K in revenue and $731K in expenses, a deficit of $244K.

Executive Compensation

Officer, director, trustee, and key employee pay is reviewed from IRS 990 compensation disclosures when present.

Charity Score and Red Flags

45/100 mission score, 4 red flags, and 2 strengths are shown from structured and AI review.

Is Special Libraries Association Legit?

Significant Concerns

GoodFiling Consistency
GoodSpending Efficiency
ModerateTransparency
4 FoundRed Flags

Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →

IRS 990 Data Cockpit

Where the Money Comes From and Where It Goes

PendingDonor/Grant Funding
70%Program Expense
$0Grants Paid
14Stored Filing Years

Revenue Source Mix

Revenue-source line items are not available on the stored filing yet. Future ingestion now preserves contribution, program-revenue, and investment-income fields when ProPublica provides them.

Expense Deployment

Special Libraries Association Expense Deployment
Program services$512K (70%)

Across stored filings, Special Libraries Association shows contribution history pending. Next enrichment targets: revenue-source fields, IRS BMF classification.

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Special Libraries Association Donor Decision Matrix
Decision LensSignalWhat to Inspect Next
LegitimacySignificant ConcernsGood filing record; 4 red flags identified
Mission spend70% to programsGood
Financial durabilityGrade B14 stored filing years
Peer contextCompare with Association Of Small Business Development CentersVirginia and Education context

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Special Libraries Association directs 70% of its spending to programs. This meets the industry benchmark of 65% for efficient nonprofits.

About Special Libraries Association

Special Libraries Association (EIN: 135404745) is a nonprofit organization based in Leesburg, VA, classified under NTEE code B030. The organization reported total revenue of $666K and total assets of $1.4M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Special Libraries Association's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.

Organization Overview

88Years Operating
SmallSize Classification
14Years of Filings
MixedRevenue Trajectory

Special Libraries Association is a small nonprofit that has been operating for 88 years, with 14 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2010–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of -17.6%.

Key Financial Metrics (2023)

From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:

Total Revenue$487K
Total Expenses$731K
Surplus / Deficit$-244,486
Total Assets$1.6M
Total Liabilities$128K
Net Assets$1.5M
Operating Margin-50.2%
Debt-to-Asset Ratio8.0%
Months of Reserves26.3 months

Financial Health Grade: B

In 2023, Special Libraries Association reported a deficit of $244K with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 26.3 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 8.0% (very low leverage).

Financial Trends

Over 14 years of filings (2010–2023), Special Libraries Association's revenue has declined at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -17.6%.

YearRevenue ChangeExpense ChangeAsset Change
2023-58.3%-66.1%-16.5%
2022+10.5%+40.2%-42.6%
2021-22.1%-12.5%-10.4%
2020-49.7%-47.1%-15.2%
2019-1.9%+3.0%-5.5%

IRS Tax-Exempt Classification

IRS Classification Codes0000
IRS Ruling Date1938

Classification data from ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Additional BMF data may be available after enrichment.

AI Transparency Report

The Special Libraries Association (SLA) has experienced a significant decline in revenue and assets over the past decade, raising concerns about its long-term financial sustainability. Revenue has plummeted from over $4 million in 2014 to $486,636 in 2023, while assets have decreased from $7.5 million to $1.5 million in the same period. The organization has consistently operated at a deficit in recent years, with expenses exceeding revenue in every filing period since 2017, including a substantial deficit of $244,486 in 2023. This trend indicates a need for strategic financial restructuring to align expenses with declining income. Spending efficiency is difficult to fully assess without a detailed breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses, which are not provided in the summary data. However, the consistent operating deficits suggest that the organization's spending has not been effectively managed in relation to its shrinking revenue base. The lack of reported officer compensation across all filings is notable, suggesting either a volunteer-led executive structure or compensation being reported under other expense categories, which could impact transparency if not clearly disclosed elsewhere. In terms of transparency, the consistent filing of IRS Form 990s demonstrates a commitment to public disclosure. However, the absence of officer compensation in the provided data, while not necessarily a red flag on its own, warrants further investigation into how executive leadership is compensated, if at all. The significant decline in financial resources over a prolonged period suggests a need for greater transparency regarding the strategies being implemented to address these financial challenges and ensure the organization's future viability.

Mission Effectiveness Score

NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates Special Libraries Association with a Mission Score of 45 out of 100 (Fair). This score reflects the organization's overall financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance indicators derived from IRS 990 public filings.

Spending Breakdown

  • admin: 20%
  • programs: 70%
  • fundraising: 10%

According to IRS 990 filings, Special Libraries Association allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 20%, programs: 70%, fundraising: 10%. Approximately 70% goes to programs, indicating moderate mission focus.

Key Financial Metrics (2023)

From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:

$487KTotal Revenue
$731KTotal Expenses
$1.6MTotal Assets
$128KTotal Liabilities
$1.5MNet Assets
  • The organization reported a deficit of $244K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
  • Debt-to-asset ratio: 8.0%.

Executive Compensation Analysis

The IRS 990 data consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all filings, which is unusual for an organization of its former size and current asset base. This suggests either a fully volunteer executive leadership or that compensation is categorized under other expense lines, which would require further scrutiny for complete transparency.

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 Special Libraries Association's IRS 990 filings:

  • Consistent and significant operating deficits since 2017, indicating unsustainable spending relative to revenue (e.g., 2023 deficit of $244,486).
  • Dramatic decline in revenue over the past decade, from over $4 million in 2014 to under $500,000 in 2023.
  • Substantial decrease in assets, falling from $7.5 million in 2014 to $1.5 million in 2023, eroding financial reserves.
  • Liabilities have decreased but remain a notable portion of assets, indicating ongoing financial obligations.

Strengths

The following positive indicators were identified for Special Libraries Association:

  • Consistent filing of IRS Form 990s, demonstrating a commitment to regulatory transparency.
  • Historically maintained significant asset levels, though these have declined, suggesting past financial prudence.

Frequently Asked Questions about Special Libraries Association

Is Special Libraries Association a legitimate charity?

Special Libraries Association (EIN: 135404745) is a registered tax-exempt nonprofit based in Virginia. Our AI analysis gives it a Mission Score of 45/100. It has 14 years of IRS 990 filings on record. Total revenue: $666K. 4 red flags identified. 2 strengths noted. Financial health grade: B.

How does Special Libraries Association spend its money?

Special Libraries Association directs 70% of its spending to programs and services. Fundraising costs 10%. This meets the 65% industry benchmark.

Are donations to Special Libraries Association tax-deductible?

Special Libraries Association is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 135404745). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.

What percentage of Special Libraries Association's spending goes to programs?

Special Libraries Association directs 70% to programs, 10% to fundraising. This meets the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.

How does Special Libraries Association compare to similar nonprofits?

With a transparency score of 45/100 (Fair), Special Libraries Association is near average for NTEE category B030 nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.

Where is Special Libraries Association located?

Special Libraries Association is headquartered in Leesburg, Virginia and files with the IRS under EIN 135404745. It is classified under NTEE code B030.

How many years of IRS 990 filings does Special Libraries Association have?

Special Libraries Association has 14 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 $666K in total revenue.

What is driving the significant and continuous decline in revenue and assets for the Special Libraries Association?

The provided data indicates a consistent downward trend in both revenue and assets since 2014, with revenue dropping from $4,132,893 to $486,636 in 2023, and assets from $7,575,736 to $1,599,633. This suggests a fundamental shift in funding sources, membership, or operational model that is not sustainable.

How does the Special Libraries Association plan to address its consistent operating deficits?

The organization has operated at a deficit in every year since 2017, with expenses exceeding revenue. For example, in 2023, expenses were $731,122 against revenues of $486,636. A clear strategy for either increasing revenue or significantly reducing expenses is critical for financial stability.

Where are the detailed program, administrative, and fundraising expenses reported, given the 0% officer compensation?

Without a detailed breakdown of expenses, it's challenging to assess spending efficiency. The consistent 0% officer compensation suggests that executive salaries might be embedded within other expense categories or that the organization is entirely volunteer-led at the executive level, which would be unusual for an organization of this scale.

Filing History

IRS 990 filing history for Special Libraries Association showing financial trends over 14 years of public records:

Over 14 years of IRS 990 filings (2010–2023), Special Libraries Association's revenue has declined by 92%, moving from $6.1M to $487K. Total assets decreased by 81% over the same period, from $8.4M to $1.6M. Total functional expenses fell by 88.4%, from $6.3M to $731K. In its most recent filing year (2023), Special Libraries Association reported a deficit of $244K, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $128K in liabilities against $1.6M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 8.0%), resulting in net assets of $1.5M.

YearRevenueExpensesAssetsLiabilitiesOfficer Comp. %PDF
2023 $487K $731K $1.6M $128K View 990
2022 $1.2M $2.2M $1.9M $193K View 990
2021 $1.1M $1.5M $3.3M $244K View 990
2020 $1.4M $1.8M $3.7M $348K View 990
2019 $2.7M $3.3M $4.4M $721K View 990
2018 $2.8M $3.2M $4.6M $745K View 990
2017 $2.9M $3.2M $5.6M $843K View 990
2016 $4.0M $4.0M $5.8M $937K View 990
2015 $3.3M $3.3M $7.1M $2.4M View 990
2014 $4.1M $5.4M $7.6M $2.8M View 990
2013 $4.7M $4.9M $8.0M $1.8M View 990
2012 $5.3M $5.5M $8.0M $1.7M View 990
2011 $5.7M $5.4M $8.4M $2.1M View 990
2010 $6.1M $6.3M $8.4M $2.2M View 990

Year-by-Year Financial Summary

  • 2023: Revenue of $487K, expenses of $731K, and assets of $1.6M (revenue -58.3% year-over-year).
  • 2022: Revenue of $1.2M, expenses of $2.2M, and assets of $1.9M (revenue +10.5% year-over-year).
  • 2021: Revenue of $1.1M, expenses of $1.5M, and assets of $3.3M (revenue -22.1% year-over-year).
  • 2020: Revenue of $1.4M, expenses of $1.8M, and assets of $3.7M (revenue -49.7% year-over-year).
  • 2019: Revenue of $2.7M, expenses of $3.3M, and assets of $4.4M (revenue -1.9% year-over-year).
  • 2018: Revenue of $2.8M, expenses of $3.2M, and assets of $4.6M (revenue -5.4% year-over-year).
  • 2017: Revenue of $2.9M, expenses of $3.2M, and assets of $5.6M (revenue -27.6% year-over-year).
  • 2016: Revenue of $4.0M, expenses of $4.0M, and assets of $5.8M (revenue +20.4% year-over-year).
  • 2015: Revenue of $3.3M, expenses of $3.3M, and assets of $7.1M (revenue -19.4% year-over-year).
  • 2014: Revenue of $4.1M, expenses of $5.4M, and assets of $7.6M (revenue -11.7% year-over-year).
  • 2013: Revenue of $4.7M, expenses of $4.9M, and assets of $8.0M (revenue -11.8% year-over-year).
  • 2012: Revenue of $5.3M, expenses of $5.5M, and assets of $8.0M (revenue -6.5% year-over-year).
  • 2011: Revenue of $5.7M, expenses of $5.4M, and assets of $8.4M (revenue -6.3% year-over-year).
  • 2010: Revenue of $6.1M, expenses of $6.3M, and assets of $8.4M.

View Individual Filing Years

Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Special Libraries Association:

2023 Filing 2022 Filing 2021 Filing 2020 Filing 2019 Filing 2018 Filing 2017 Filing 2016 Filing 2015 Filing 2014 Filing 2013 Filing 2012 Filing 2011 Filing 2010 Filing

Data Sources and Methodology

This transparency report for Special Libraries 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.

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