Community Literature Initiative
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- Only 48% of its spending went to programs.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
The organization exists to identify, support, and advance talented poets by providing access to peer to peer mentorship, resources, and publishing opportunities that enable the creation and dissemination of original poetry books for the public benefit. Operating the SIMS Library of Poetry allows all published authors to have their book in a public library's circulation. It is CLI's mission to promote life-long learning for all citizens.
- Income
- $452,742
- Spending
- $195,201
- Spent on programs
- 49%
- Reserves
- 21.2 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 50%
- Employees
- 0
- Volunteers
- 12
- Highest pay
- $19,500, executive director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 85 out of 100. Higher than 64% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 21.2 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 57% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 31% on the year before.
Spending floor
0 of 1548% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Good: 79 out of 100. Higher than 60% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
18 of 253 of 3 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
0 of 5Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.
Independent check of accounts
6 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 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 (3)
- $42,713 spent. CLI's Publishing Class successfully supported poets in completing, refining, and publishing original poetry manuscripts. Through structured instruction, one-on-one mentorship, and peer workshops, participants gained practical knowledge of the literary publishing process, including manuscript development, editing, book design, and distribution. Graduates of the class produced completed or near-complete poetry books, several of which were published or prepared for submission to presses and literary platforms. The program increased participants' professional readiness, expanded access to publishing opportunities, and contributed new literary works to the public, advancing poetry as an art form and educational resource. Poets are encouraged to attend open mics and book releases, to learn marketing, performance, show production and sales, teaching them a new and independent way to generate income. These events are also open to the public, exposing access to black justice and cultural healing through spoken word.
- $32,645 spent. CLI supported the production of 10 poetry books by providing editorial guidance, design coordination, and production funding, including Long Beach Spits Fire, an anthology sponsored by the Long Beach Arts Council. Completed books were professionally edited, formatted, and prepared for print and digital distribution, with all 10 titles published were made available to the public. This program enabled poets to bring high-quality literary works to market, increased access to published poetry, and contributed to cultural and educational enrichment.
- $19,293 spent. The Sims Library of Poetry preserved, curated, and provided public access to a growing collection of poetry books and literary materials. During the reporting period, the library maintained several volumes by contemporary and emerging poets and served 75,000 readers, students, and community members through on-site access, readings, and educational use. By making poetry books freely available to the public, the library supported literary education, cultural preservation, and increased access to diverse poetic voices.
Source: Form 990 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? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 April 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 October 21, 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.