Iowa City Unesco City of Literature
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
To build and support diverse communities of writers and audiences through the transformative power of story. We lead by inclusion and collaboration, celebrating the emotions, discovery and connections inspired by the written word in all its forms. We engage in complementary and cooperative work. We foster inclusive engagement to create connection locally and globally. We seek, engage, and support innovation.
- Income
- $230,357
- Spending
- $256,117
- Spent on programs
- 64%
- Reserves
- 8.6 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 64%
- Employees
- 3
- Volunteers
- 60
- Highest pay
- $108,587, executive director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 70 out of 100. Higher than 38% of charities in its peer group (education, under $250k).
Reserves
28 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 8.6 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 15% of what it owns.
Living within its means
4 of 15Spending exceeded income by 11% of income.
Income trend
10 of 15Income fell 6% on the year before.
Spending floor
8 of 1564% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 22 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 92% of charities in its peer group (education, under $250k).
Independent board
25 of 2515 of 15 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, 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 (9)
- $56,918 spent. Iowa City Book Festival: The Iowa City Book Festival is an annual celebration of literature, bringing together readers, and writers in America's first UNESCO Cities of Literature. Held each fall, the festival features a diverse range of events, including author readings, panel discussions, and demonstrations, all set against the backdrop of Iowa City's dynamic literary community. With a focus on both emerging voices and established authors, the festival provides a platform for exploring various genres, ideas, and storytelling traditions. It's a unique opportunity for book lovers to connect, engage in thoughtful conversations, and celebrate the written word in a city known for its literary heritage. It drew more than 3,850 attendees in fall 2024.
- $14,931 spent. One Book Two Book: The One Book Two Book festival is a celebration of children's literature and writing. The event showcases the talents of young writers and aims to inspire a lifelong love of reading and storytelling. With a variety of events, including readings by local children, interactive workshops, book fair, and family-friendly activities, the festival highlights the power of young voices. It provides an exciting opportunity for kids to engage with books in fun, imaginative ways, while also encouraging the community to support and nurture the next generation of writers and readers. It drew about 1,000 attendees in winter 2025.
- $35,956 spent. Paul Engle Award: The annual Paul Engle Prize from the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature honors an individual who, like Paul Engle, represents a pioneering spirit in the world of literature through writing, editing, publishing, or teaching, and whose active participation in the larger issues of the day has contributed to the betterment of the world through the literary arts. This prize does not recognize one work, nor is it solely limited to reflecting literary achievement. Rather, the award seeks to recognize a writer, like Engle, who makes an impact on his or her community and the world at large through efforts beyond the page. It also seeks to raise awareness about Engle and his works. The prize was awarded to Camille T. Dungy in fall 2024.
- $4,252 spent. Paul Engle Glory of the Senses High School Essay Contest: To continue Paul Engle's tradition of inspiring writers and celebrating the rich culture of Iowa, the City of Literature organization annually solicits essays from Iowa high school sophomores about an "Iowa experience," drawing on a specific memory to capture the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and touches of the day. The author of the essay judged by reviewers to be the best receives one year of free tuition to the University of Iowa. A select number of runners up receive a $500 scholarship from the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature.
- $32,984 spent. Music IC: MusicIC is a unique festival in Iowa City that blends the worlds of classical music and literature, offering audiences an immersive cultural experience. This three-day festival features performances by talented musicians and writers who explore the connections between music and literary works. The programs strive to combine selected musical compositions with literature, creating a rich interplay between the two art forms.
- $3,402 spent. Poetry in Public: Poetry in Public celebrates our community's rich literary tradition and local writing talent by displaying poems by writers of all ages. Selected poems are posted for viewing all over the community and poets are invited to read their works at the Iowa City Book Festival.
- $850 spent. Classics Reading Series: An engaging program that brings timeless literary works to life for contemporary audiences in Iowa City and across the globe. Led by scholar Anna Barker, the series features in-depth discussions and public readings of classic literature, offering insights into the cultural, historical, and artistic significance of each text.
- $1,701 spent. SlamoVision: SlamoVision is a project of the international UNESCO Cities of Literature. Slam poets in Cities of Literature around the world compete in their home cities. One poet from each participating city moves on to an international competition judged by fans from the other cities. At the end of the process, one poet is named the SlamoVision champion.
- $12,759 spent. In addition to major programs, the organization also engages in work that involves collaboration with other local and international partners, promotion of Iowa City's literary assets, and providing assistance to individuals seeking to connect with our community.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
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 October 13, 2026.
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 November 6, 2026.
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 October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since May 2010.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
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 November 4, 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.