Foundation for the Reading Pagoda
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
THE PURPOSE OF THE FOUNDATION FOR THE READING PAGODA IS TO PROVIDE OVERSIGHT FOR THE PRESERVATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE PAGODA, A CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL ICON AND LANDMARK OF BERKS COUNTY.
- Income
- $5,954
- Spending
- $3,108
- Reserves
- Over 10 years of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 90%
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
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
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)
- $2,121 spent. THE FOUNDATION MANAGES THE CAFE, LOCATED IN THE PAGODA, AS WELL AS THE USAGE OF THE LANDMARK. IT OPENS THE FACILITY TO THE COMMUNITY AND ALLOWS ACCESS TO VISITORS FROM AROUND THE WORLD. IT ALSO OVERSEES SPECIAL EVENTS HELD AT THE PAGODA, SUCH AS WEDDINGS, FAMILY PARTIES, COMMUNITY FUNDRAISERS, BUSINESS MEETINGS AND ANNUAL EVENTS SUCH AS CHILDREN'S DAY AT THE PAGODA, SUNSETS AT THE PAGODA AND OUR NEW YEAR'S EVE OPEN HOUSE AND FIREWORKS. THE PAGODA INTERIOR IS CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR RENOVATION AND REPAIR. NO CAFE SALES OR GIFT SHOP SALES OCCURRED IN 2023 AND THERE WERE NO EVENTS HELD INSIDE THE PAGODA. THE FOUNDATION FOR THE READING PAGODA CONTRIBUTED 100,000 TO THE BERKS COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION IN 2023 TO ESTABLISH A FUND AT THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION CALLED THE READING PAGODA RESTORATION FUND. THE PRESERVATION PART OF THE MISSION IS ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH COMMUNITY SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS, HISTORY BROCHURES AND RE-ENACTMENTS, AND A WEBSITE DEDICATED TO THE PAGODA. GENERAL MAINTENANCE INCLUDES THE DAILY UPKEEP AS WELL AS ANY REPAIRS NEEDED TO KEEP THE BELOVED PAGODA ATTRACTIVE TO ALL. THE FOUNDATION IS LOOKING TO COMPLETE MAJOR NECESSARY REPAIRS AND UPGRADES TO THE BULIDING FOUNDATION AND WALLS OVER THE NEXT TWO YEARS.
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
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.
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.
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.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since August 2014.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 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.