Free Book Buggie
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Our mission is to provide books to children sparking a love for reading that empowers them to explore a world of opportunities. Throughout the year we collected sorted and distributed thousands of new and gently used books via schools community events and partner organizations. Our team collaborated to organize book drives and literacy programs promoting family reading and ensuring equal access to educational materials. These initiatives align with our goal of promoting literacy and education in the community.
- Income
- $162,978
- Spending
- $121,392
- Reserves
- 9.5 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 94%
- Highest pay
- $6,000, executive director
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending June 30, 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 June 30, 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 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 (3)
- $89,300 spent. Free Book Distribution-Primary Program The Free Book Buggies provides free books to children and families to promote literacy and a lifelong love of reading. During the year the organization collected sorted and distributed thousands of new and gently used books through community events schools and partner organizations across Minnesota. Approximately 5,000 children and 2,000 families benefited from access to age-appropriate books that encourage at-home reading and support equitable educational opportunities.
- $5,564 spent. Event Outreach - The Free Book Buggie participates in local community events and literacy fairs using its signature book buggies to reach children and families in high-traffic areas. Event participation fees help offset the cost of transportation and materials. Through these events approximately 3,000 children and families received free books and reading materials while volunteers and staff provided information on literacy resources and family reading habits.
- $1,002 spent. Book Delivery to Partner Sites - The Free Book Buggie delivers bulk book donations to schools libraries shelters and community centers to extend its reach throughout Minnesota. Delivery fees cover transportation and coordination costs. In the past year we delivered over 10,000 books to more than 40 partner sites benefiting an estimated 4,000 children and families with consistent access to free reading materials.
Source: Form 990EZ 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 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 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 June 2019.
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.