Legacy of Literacy Incorporated
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
To promote literacy for Detroit area youth through reading.
- Income
- $62,895
- Spending
- $54,350
- Reserves
- 2.5 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 100%
- Highest pay
- $8,050, educational research director
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, 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, 2025, 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, 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 (6)
- Distributed 1,139 books to over 500 children at schools churches and community events across the Metro Detroit area.
- On a monthly basis restocked 4 Little Free Libraries with 1,256 books for children and adults in neighborhoods in Detroit and Highland Park Michigan. We also received 32 boxes of books from Dr. Linda Pavonetti to assist with this endeavor.
- In collaboration with the Reggie McKenzie Foundation we hosted Real Kids Read at 2 Highland Park schools 1 school in River Rouge MI and 2 nursing homes. Refreshments and a book of their choosing was given to 68 students. The students were bused to the schools and nursing homes.
- $705 spent. 41 students from the Hope Academy and Vanderberg School were transported to the Source Booksellers Bookstore in Detroit to purchase books with donations from Legacy of Literacy during the Christmas holiday.
- $3,939 spent. To expand access to books for children and families the organization purchased 687 new books and secured an additional 400 books through the First Book Distribution Center. These resources were placed directly in the hands of young readers through partnerships with Real Kids Read and My Sisters Keeper reaching four schools in Highland Park and River Rough Michigan. Legacy of Literacy also covered transportation and meal support ensuring that literacy events were welcoming accessible and family-centered.
- $5,848 spent. In 2025 Legacy of Literacy Incorporated distributed 1,097 books to children and families through school-based and community partnerships directly supporting early literacy and access to age-appropriate reading materials. Programming reached numerous community events across Metro Detroit.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 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? Worth knowing.
Status was revoked on May 15, 2015 for not filing returns for three years, and reinstated on July 15, 2015.
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 December 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 September 2015.
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.