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Cascade Friends of the Library

EIN 23-7328367 · Grand Rapids, MI

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong100 out of 100GovernanceNot ratedThe short tax form does not cover thisImpact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Our primary purpose is to support the local library and community with a focus on literacy. The Cascade Friends of the Library is a group comprised 100% of approximately 50 volunteers that make money for the local and district libraries by selling donated used books. In addition to supporting literacy, we help build a sense of community where all feel welcomed and safe. We sponsor programming for ages newborn and up, including programs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their care partners.

Income
$171,075
Spending
$66,288
Reserves
55 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 58%

Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Strong: 100 out of 100.

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 55.0 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 61% of income.

Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.

Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (1)
  1. $29,685 spent. Friends Sponsored a wide variety of programs that impacted people from newborn through senior citizens with a goal to increase literacy and comprehension while building a stronger sense of community. They involved other organizations in the community (such as police and fire departments) as well as local artists that engaged the community in music, dance and in many of the graphic arts. They provided engagement for adults with cognitive challenges, and support for their care partners. Here is a breakdown of the programs by age group with the number of participants in ( ). Toddlers ages 0-5; Dance with me (607), Touch a Truck (973), Unicorn Party (402) Fall Playdate and Festival (452). School Age (5-11); Book Explorers (101), Kids Food (79) Pokemon Club (41), Art Party (125) Library Camp (196), Write Stuff (64). Teens; Craft Fair (310). Family/All Ages; Let's Talk Vinyl (95), Amazing Trees (109), Open House (29), Reindeer Night (1,162), Kids & Teen Craft (1,162), Michigan Authors (91), Outreach (196). Adults; In Good Taste (25), KDL On The Go (512), Book Discussions (83), Awesome Adults (156), Making Connections (26), Coffee Club (116), Senior Chats (26), Craft and Create (29)

Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 10, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since November 1986.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.