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Fairfax Library Foundation Inc

EIN 54-1722709 · Fairfax, VA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong100 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Fairfax Library Foundation, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable and educational organization committed to providing supplementary support to the Fairfax County Public Library. The Foundation, while reinforcing the need for continued and increased public support for the Library, serves as a catalyst for attracting private funding from individuals, businesses, organizations and foundations to enhance library services for our community.

Income
$542,022
Spending
$449,187
Spent on programs
79%
Reserves
98.1 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 67%
Employees
3
Volunteers
28

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

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 85% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 98.1 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 6% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 17% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 8% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    79% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 6 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 95% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    16 of 16 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports 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 (5)
  1. $80,913 spent. Books and MaterialsDonations to the Fairfax Library Foundation support the acquisition of books and materials for the 23 branches of Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL)including over 400 audiobooks and more than 500 books in Spanish. By supplementing the library's collection, we ensure that FCPL can offer up-to-date resources while introducing new digital, print, and non-print materials to meet the ever-growing demand from our community. Additionally, individuals purchased over $8,200 worth of high-demand books through the Foundation's Amazon Wish List this year. This platform not only allows donors to select items they personally wish to see in the library but also helps reduce wait times for the most popular titles.
  2. $114,626 spent. Ready to Read Early Literacy OutreachReady to Read is an early literacy outreach program that aims to equip preschool-age children (ages 3-5) with essential reading skills. Experienced outreach representatives visit more than 150 childcare centers and Head Start classrooms to introduce the children there to the joys of reading through highly-engaging storytime sessions. Following these visits, children and their caregivers receive picture books at no cost, encouraging them to incorporate reading into their day-to-day routines. More than 24,000 picture books were distributed this year alone, with more than a quarter-million books for preschool children purchased by the Foundation since the program's inception in 2008. This program specifically designed for children and caregivers who may not have access to library branches. By focusing on fundamental skills and concepts crucial for kindergarten readiness, Ready to Read ensures that almost 34,000 Fairfax County children are now better prepared for their first day of school.
  3. $95,768 spent. PresentationsFoundation-funded presentations are a cornerstone of FCPL's services, offering a diverse range of events for all agesevery day and at every FCPL branch: classes, lectures, and performances for adults; annual Summer Reading Programs for both adults and youth; a wealth of programs and events for school-age kids and teens. The highly-acclaimed Children's Summer Reading Festivals welcomed more than 1500 attendees last year, and more than 7,800 since its inception. These programs foster continuing education, cultural exploration, and personal enrichment throughout our community. By providing informative and entertaining experiences, the library can reinforce its role as a vital gathering space, showcasing its versatility, and commitment to serving the needs of the community.
  4. $57,764 spent. Scholarships
  5. $7,803 spent. 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

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

  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 October 13, 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 October 13, 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 October 13, 2026.

  4. 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.

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

    Recognized by the IRS since February 1995.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 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.