Your donation attempt encountered a problem. Please refresh the page to try again.
You're faster than our page! Give the page a little longer to finish loading and try your donation again.
Los Angeles CA | IRS ruling year: 1992 | EIN: 95-4368250
Organization Mission
The Library Foundation of Los Angeles supports and enriches the capabilities, resources and services of the Los Angeles Public Library. The Library Foundation was fo ... (More)
The Library Foundation of Los Angeles supports and enriches the capabilities, resources and services of the Los Angeles Public Library. The Library Foundation was founded in 1992 to raise private sector support to benefit the entire Library system. We accomplish our mission through fundraising, advocacy, and innovative programs that benefit our diverse community and promote greater awareness of the Library's valuable resources. Our support complements, but does not supplant, the City's responsibility for funding the Los Angeles Public Library's operations. To date, the foundation has raised more than $75 million to help support the Central Library and its 71 neighborhood branches. (Less)
Great
This charity's score is 95%, earning it a Four-Star rating. If this organization aligns with your passions and values, you can give with confidence.
This overall score is calculated from multiple beacon scores, weighted as follows: 80% Accountability & Finance, 10% Leadership & Adaptability, 10% Culture & Community. Learn more about our criteria and methodology.
We recognize that not all metrics and beacons equally predict a charity’s success. The percentage each beacon contributes to the organization’s overall rating depends on the number of beacons an organization has earned.
Use the tool below to select different beacons to see how the weighting shifts when only one, two, or three beacons are earned.
| Date Published | Form 990 FYE | Overall Score | Overall Rating |
| Rating Version: 2.1 | |||
| 5/1/2021 | 2019 | 88.70 |  |
| 9/1/2020 | 2018 | 91.49 | |
| 8/1/2020 | 2018 | 91.03 | |
This organization received multiple star ratings within this fiscal year, due to an update to its Accountability and Transparency data and/or the receipt of an amended Form 990. | |||
| 9/3/2019 | 2018 | 90.15 | |
| 9/1/2018 | 2017 | 94.18 | |
| 3/1/2018 | 2016 | 93.87 | |
| 10/1/2016 | 2015 | 93.42 | |
| 6/1/2016 | 2014 | 91.33 | |
| Rating Version: 2.0 | |||
| 11/1/2015 | 2014 | 92.20 | |
| 12/1/2014 | 2013 | 92.60 | |
| 10/1/2013 | 2012 | 88.21 | |
| 12/1/2012 | 2011 | 85.82 | |
| 5/1/2012 | 2011 | 85.55 | |
| 9/20/2011 | 2010 | 87.14 | |
| Rating Version: 1.0 | |||
| 11/1/2010 | 2009 | 69.11 |  |
| 8/1/2009 | 2008 | 84.77 | |
| 7/1/2008 | 2007 | 81.49 | |
| 4/1/2007 | 2006 | 91.23 | |
| 5/1/2006 | 2005 | 82.89 | |
| 4/1/2005 | 2004 | 84.31 | |
| 5/1/2004 | 2003 | 91.78 | |
| 4/15/2003 | 2002 | 85.62 | |
| 10/15/2002 | 2001 | 97.79 | |
Score
Most Recent Fiscal Year:
FY 2022
This beacon provides an assessment of a charity's financial health (financial efficiency, sustainability, and trustworthiness) and its commitment to governance practices and policies.
Learn more
Full Credit
Partial Credit
No CreditMajority Independent Board Members - 100% independent members10 out of 10 points Majority Independent Board Members - 100% independent members10 out of 10 points
Industry professionals strongly recommend an independent governing body to allow for full deliberation and diversity of thinking on governance and other organizational matters. We check to see if at least 50% of board members are indentified as independent on their tax form.
Source: IRS Form 990
Independent Board Size - 47 independent members10 out of 10 points Independent Board Size - 47 independent members10 out of 10 points
Industry professionals strongly recommend an independent governing body to allow for full deliberation and diversity of thinking on governance and other organizational matters. For most organizations, we check to see if the organization has at least three board members. For large, donor-funded organizations, we check to see if the organization has at least five independent board members
Source: IRS Form 990
Independent Audit or Financial Review - Yes20 out of 20 points Independent Audit or Financial Review - Yes20 out of 20 points
An Audit, Review, or Compilation provides important information about financial accountability and accuracy. Organizations are scored based on their Total Revenue Amount:
| Total Revenue Amount | Expectation to Receive Credit |
| $2 million or higher and 40% or higher donor support | Expected to complete an audit and have an audit oversight committee |
| $1 million or higher | Expected to complete an audit |
| $500,000 - $1 million | Expected to complete an audit, review, or compilation |
| Less than $500,000 | No expectation (removed from scoring methodology) |
Source: IRS Form 990
Material Diversion of Assets - None20 out of 20 points Material Diversion of Assets - None20 out of 20 points
A diversion of assets — any unauthorized conversion or use of the organization's assets other than for the organization's authorized purposes, including but not limited to embezzlement or theft — also can seriously call into question a charity's financial integrity. We review the charity's most recent IRS Form 990 to see if the charity has reported any diversion of assets.
Source: IRS Form 990
Full CreditPartial CreditNo CreditWebsite Listed on Tax Form - Listed5 out of 5 points Website Listed on Tax Form - Listed5 out of 5 points
Charity Navigator looks for a website on the IRS Form 990 as an accountability and transparency metric.
Nonprofits act in the public trust and reporting publicly on activities is an important component.
Source: IRS Form 990
Conflict of Interest Policy - Listed5 out of 5 points Conflict of Interest Policy - Listed5 out of 5 points
Charity Navigator looks for the existence of a conflict of interest policy on the IRS Form 990 as an accountability and transparency measure.
This policy protects the organization and by extension those it serves, when it is considering entering into a transaction that may benefit the private interest of an officer, director and/or key employee of the organization.
Source: IRS Form 990
Whistleblower Policy - Listed5 out of 5 points Whistleblower Policy - Listed5 out of 5 points
Charity Navigator looks for the existence of a whistleblower policy per the IRS Form 990 as an accountability and transparency measure.
This policy outlines procedures for handling employee complaints, as well as a confidential way for employees to report financial or other types of mismanagement.
Source: IRS Form 990
Document Retention and Destruction - Listed5 out of 5 points Document Retention and Destruction - Listed5 out of 5 points
Charity Navigator looks for the existence of a document retention and destruction policy per the IRS Form 990 as an accountability and transparency measure.
This policy establishes guidelines for the handling, backing up, archiving and destruction of documents. These guidelines foster good record keeping procedures that promote data integrity.
Source: IRS Form 990
Documents Board Meeting Minutes - Yes5 out of 5 points Documents Board Meeting Minutes - Yes5 out of 5 points
Charity Navigator looks to confirm on the IRS Form 990 that the organization has this process in place as an accountability and transparency measure.
An official record of the events that take place during a board meeting ensures that a contemporaneous document exists for future reference.
Source: IRS Form 990
Tax Form Distributed to Board Before Filing - Listed5 out of 5 points Tax Form Distributed to Board Before Filing - Listed5 out of 5 points
Providing copies of the IRS Form 990 to the governing body prior to filing is considered a best practice, as it allows for thorough review by the individuals charged with overseeing the organization. The Form 990 asks the charity to disclose whether or not it has followed this best practice.
Loans to/from Officers - Listed5 out of 5 points Loans to/from Officers - Listed5 out of 5 points
Making loans to related parties, such as key officers, staff, or Board members, is not standard practice in the sector as it diverts the charity's funds away from its charitable mission and can lead to real and perceived conflict-of-interest problems.
The IRS requires charities to disclose on their Form 990 any loans to or from current and former officers, directors, trustees, key employees, and other "disqualified persons." Some state laws go so far as to prohibit loans to board members and officers.
Although employees and trustees are permitted to make loans to charities, this practice can also result in real and/or perceived conflict of interest problems for the charity. Furthermore, it is problematic because it indicates that the organization is not financially secure. Our analysts check to see if any loans have been made.
Full CreditPartial CreditNo CreditTax Form Posted on Nonprofit's Website - Listed5 out of 5 points Tax Form Posted on Nonprofit's Website - Listed5 out of 5 points
For almost all charities, we check the charity's IRS Form 990 to see if it discloses that the Form 990 is available on the charity's website. As with the audited financial statement, donors need easy access to this financial report to help determine if the organization is managing its financial resources well.
Source: IRS Form 990
Full CreditPartial CreditNo CreditLiabilities to Assets: Ratio - 0.49%25 out of 25 points Liabilities to Assets: Ratio - 0.49%25 out of 25 points
The Liabilities to Assets Ratio is determined by Total Liabilities divided by Total Assets (most recent IRS Form 990). This ratio is an indicator of an organization's solvency and/or long-term sustainability.
Source: IRS Form 990
Program Expense: Ratio - 62.89%16 out of 25 points Program Expense: Ratio - 62.89%16 out of 25 points
The Program Expense Ratio is determined by Program Expenses divided by Total Expense (average of most recent three IRS Forms 990). This measure reflects the percent of its total expenses a charity spends on the programs and services it exists to deliver.
Source: IRS Form 990
Fundraising Efficiency: Ratio - $0.1725 out of 25 points Fundraising Efficiency: Ratio - $0.1725 out of 25 points
The amount spent to raise $1 in charitable contributions. To calculate a charity's fundraising efficiency, we divide its average fundraising expenses by the average total contributions it receives. We calculate the charity's average expenses and average contributions over its three most recent fiscal years.
Source: IRS Form 990
Working Capital: Ratio - 9.03 years25 out of 25 points Working Capital: Ratio - 9.03 years25 out of 25 points
Determines how long a charity could sustain its level of spending using its net available assets, or working capital, as reported on its most recently filed IRS Form 990. Dividing these net available assets in the most recent year by a charity's average total expenses, yields the working capital ratio. We calculate the charity's average total expenses over its three most recent fiscal years.
Source: IRS Form 990
This chart displays the trend of revenue and expenses over the past several years for this organization, as reported on their IRS Form 990.
No Data Available
Salary data is coming soon.
Below are some key data points from the Exempt Organization IRS Business Master File (BMF) for this organization. Learn more about the BMF on the IRS website
Foundation Status:
Organization which receives a substantial part of its support from a governmental unit or the general public 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) (BMF foundation code: 15)
Affiliation:
Independent - the organization is an independent organization or an independent auxiliary (i.e., not affiliated with a National, Regional, or Geographic grouping of organizations). (BMF affiliation code: 3)
The Form 990 is a document that nonprofit organizations file with the IRS annually. We leverage finance and accountability data from it to form Encompass ratings. Click here to search for this organization's Forms 990 on the IRS website (if any are available). Simply enter the organization's name (Library Foundation of Los Angeles) or EIN (954368250) in the 'Search Term' field.
Not Currently Scored
Library Foundation of Los Angeles cannot currently be evaluated by our Impact & Results methodology because either (A) it is eligible, but we have not yet received data; (B) we have not yet developed an algorithm to estimate its programmatic impact; (C) its programs are not direct services; or (D) it is not heavily reliant on contributions from individual donors.
Note: The absence of a score does not indicate a positive or negative assessment, it only indicates that we have not yet evaluated the organization.
Score
This beacon provides an assessment of the organization's culture and connectedness to the community it serves.
Learn more
Full CreditPartial CreditNo CreditConstituent Feedback - Data Available100/100 points Constituent Feedback - Data Available100/100 points
30% of beacon score
This organization reported that it is collecting feedback from the constituents and/or communities it serves. The methodology leveraged for Constituent Feedback is based on The Core Principles of Constituent Feedback, which describes listening and responding well to feedback. Charity Navigator participates in a consortium with other feedback experts and leading nonprofit infrastructure platforms to drive Constituent Feedback's advancement, promotion, and data collection.
Who are the people you serve with your mission? Describe briefly.
The Los Angeles Public Library programs we support serve the 4 million people who call Los Angeles their home. This is the second largest and most diverse population served by any public library system in the United States. Across our 502 square-mile service area, Library users come from every socioeconomic stratum and walk of life, speak more than 220 languages, represent the spectrum of ethnicities and nationalities, and include everyone from newborns and teens on up through centenarians, and comprise people of all abilities. We serve everyone. The Library has 2.5M cardholders and provides a range of services supported by the Library Foundation, including free private tutoring for all K-12 youth, civic leadership opportunities for teens, adult literacy tutoring, digital literacy training
How is your organization collecting feedback from the people you serve?
Electronic surveys (by email, tablet, etc.), Other means
How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?
To make fundamental changes to our programs and/or operations, To inform the development of new programs/projects, Other means
With whom does your organization share the feedback you got from the people you serve?
The people we serve, Our staff, Our board, Our funders, Our community partners
How has asking for feedback from the people you serve changed your relationship with them or shifted power - over decisions, resources, rules or in other ways - to them?
In January 2022, the Library hired a contract community engagement facilitator to help it develop a multifaceted model that reimagines the Summer Reading Challenge and centers community interests and needs. With support from the consultant, the Library is planning focus group sessions to learn what types of support families in Northeast and South L.A. want and need. The Library will look to implement strategies that result from its needs assessment in Summer 2023.
What challenges does your organization face in collecting feedback from the people you serve?
It is difficult to get the people we serve to respond to requests for feedback, Staff find it hard to prioritize feedback collection and review due to lack of time, Other means
Briefly describe a recent change that your organization made in response to feedback from the people you serve.
During the pandemic, the Library Foundation helped the Library transition its Cybernaut tech support and training program to a remote service. People who received computer support by phone and web chat appreciated the service and requested it continues to be available even when in-person support resumed. As such, the Library Foundation is providing the Library with funding to support an additional four 20-hour/week virtual Cybernaut positions to offer remote tech support and 39 in-person positions across 37 libraries citywide.
Equity Practices - Data Available79/100 points Equity Practices - Data Available79/100 points
70% of beacon score
This organization's score of 79 is a passing score. The organization reported that it is implementing 4 Equity Practices.
This assessment demonstrates the importance of implementing practices that contribute positively to an organization's overall culture, both internally and with respect to community engagement. Furthermore, equity centered frameworks and similar approaches have drawn much attention from donors, experts, and sector leaders who underscore its value to the nonprofit's overall health and capacity for mission success. Currently, the Equity Strategies Checklist assessment consists of practices and policies that promote racial equity in their operations and programs (per the Equity Strategies checklist administered by Candid). As we refine our DEI assessment, Charity Navigator partners with DEI consultants and field experts to broaden and deepen this work.
| Equity Practices (1/7) | |
We review compensation data across the organization (and by staff levels) to identify disparities by race. | |
We ask team members to identify racial disparities in their programs and/or portfolios. | |
We analyze disaggregated data and root causes of race disparities that impact the organization/'s programs, portfolios, and the populations served. | |
We disaggregate data to adjust programming goals to keep pace with changing needs of the communities we support. | |
We employ non-traditional ways of gathering feedback on programs and trainings, which may include interviews, roundtables, and external reviews with/by community stakeholders. | |
We disaggregate data by demographics, including race, in every policy and program measured | |
We have long-term strategic plans and measurable goals for creating a culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization. | |
| Equity Policies and Procedures (3/7) | |
We use a vetting process to identify vendors and partners that share our commitment to race equity. | |
We have a promotion process that anticipates and mitigates implicit and explicit biases about people of color serving in leadership positions. | |
We seek individuals from various race backgrounds for board and executive director/CEO positions within our organization. | |
We have community representation at the board level, either on the board itself or through a community advisory board. | |
We help senior leadership understand how to be inclusive leaders with learning approaches that emphasize reflection, iteration, and adaptability. | |
We measure and then disaggregate job satisfaction and retention data by race, function, level, and/or team. | |
We engage everyone, from the board to staff levels of the organization, in race equity work and ensure that individuals understand their roles in creating culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization. | |
Score
This beacon provides an assessment of the organization's leadership capacity, strategic thinking and planning, and ability to innovate or respond to changes in constituent demand/need or other relevant social and economic conditions to achieve the organization's mission.
Learn more
Full CreditPartial CreditNo CreditMission 10/10 points Mission 10/10 points
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking through articulating the organization's mission
The Library Foundation of Los Angeles supports and enriches the capabilities, resources and services of the Los Angeles Public Library. The Library Foundation was founded in 1992 to raise private sector support to benefit the entire Library system. We accomplish our mission through fundraising, advocacy, and innovative programs that benefit our diverse community and promote greater awareness of the Library's valuable resources. Our support complements, but does not supplant, the City's responsibility for funding the Los Angeles Public Library's operations. To date, the foundation has raised more than $75 million to help support the Central Library and its 71 neighborhood branches.
Vision 10/10 points Vision 10/10 points
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking through articulating the organization’s vision.
To transform Los Angeles and the world through the power of our Libraries.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Goals 20/20 points Goals 20/20 points
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking and goal setting through sharing their most important strategic goals.
Goal One: Secure assets to grow and sustain the Library Foundation and support the Library in creating a variety of initiatives for the Los Angeles community.
Goal Type: Grow, expand, scale or increase access to the existing programs and services.
Goal Two: Strive to expand diversity, elevate inclusivity, and emphasize belonging within the organization, board, donors, and patrons in alignment with our vision and mission for the benefit of those we serve.
Goal Type: This goal reflects our commitment to further our advocacy work for our organization and or cause area.
Leadership Development 15/15 points Leadership Development 15/15 points
The nonprofit provides evidence of investment in leadership development
Describe an investment in leadership
We place high value on continuous learning while also encouraging all employees to seek out professional development opportunities throughout their tenure at the Library Foundation. By enforcing opportunities for training and learning, this encourages all employees – particularly leaders – to grow in their roles while experiencing job satisfaction and career skill advancement. While our goal is that employees increase their expertise in their current work, this also creates a culture of long-term succession planning when possible. Through our annual Strategic Planning process, each employee works with their supervisor to outline professional growth goals. In 2020 we also conducted the Foundation’s first Organizational Culture Audit. By utilizing an outside consultant, we identified leadership and management trainings that will be offered to generate common language and culture surrounding the foundations of leadership and its implementation within our culture.
Mobilizing for Mission 15/15 points Mobilizing for Mission 15/15 points
The nonprofit provides evidence of leadership through focusing externally and mobilizing resources for the mission.
This organization mobilizes for mission in the following ways:
Networks of Collective Impact Efforts
Thought Leadership
Raising Awareness
What are this organization’s external mobilizaton efforts?
Since inception, the Library Foundation has partnered with local, national, and international organizations for business development and relationship expansion. The partnerships we form, cultivate, and steward are pivotal to our work of better serving the Library and the Los Angeles community. Library Foundation leadership are associated with several boards and affinity groups to create additional opportunities for two-way relationships and expanding the programming of the Los Angeles Public Library. This includes equitable access and resources, outreach services, health programming, and ensuring that the libraries continue to be at the heart of each community we serve.
Adaptability Story 30/30 points Adaptability Story 30/30 points
The nonprofit has an opportunity to tell the story of how the organization adapted to tremendous external changes in the last year.
As a Foundation, our primary mission is to support the work of the Los Angeles Public Library. With 73 locations, the Library is home to four million people and more than 220 languages. Thus, when the pandemic hit, we immediately focused on two things: (1) how to support our staff in a remote work environment and (2) what resources the Library would need in this new, unprecedented time. There was an immediate need for increased e-resources so that families could access materials to support their children while remote schooling. Story time and family outreach switched from the carpeted floors of our branches to YouTube, approximating safe spaces for our librarians to interact with children and share a story. Students who struggled with their new online classroom environments had free online, on-demand, private tutoring services available between 11 am and 11 pm daily. All of this - and much more - was made available through the fundraising efforts of the Library Foundation. Following the librarians’ lead, we were proud to change how we met the needs of all Angelenos through the power of libraries.
Impact & Results
Accountability & Finance
Culture & Community
Leadership & Adaptability
The Giving Basket is having some issues. If you wish to donate, please refresh the page. If the problem persists contact us.
Cart ID: Not Assigned
The Giving Basket is having some issues. If you wish to donate, please refresh the page. If the problem persists contact us.
Cart ID: Not Assigned
