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Berkeley Public Library Foundation

EIN 94-3280180 · Berkeley, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong100 out of 100GovernanceStrong91 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The Berkeley Public Library Foundation (BPLF) amplifies the public investment to make a great public library extraordinary. To that end, we provide vital funds and ongoing advocacy to advance the Library's mission, vision, and strategic goals. We offer the resources needed for innovations, literacy projects, and building improvements that are not already covered by taxes or government funding.

Income
$562,291
Spending
$487,168
Spent on programs
75%
Reserves
37.9 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 92%
Employees
3
Volunteers
32
Highest pay
$132,205, executive dir.

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 79% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 37.9 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 11% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 13% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 3% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    75% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 15 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: 91 out of 100. Higher than 76% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    13 of 13 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.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed 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 (3)
  1. $367,385 spent. Program 1: Literacy for All Ages. BPLF is committed to expanding access to literacy services for all members of the community. Through initiatives like Berkeley Reads and Berkeley Builds Readers, BPLF helps advance essential literacy resources, one-on-one tutoring, and promotes literacy outreach to underserved areas by bringing books and group storytimes directly to them. This year, BPLF proudly sponsored the inaugural Story Time Band & Friends Concert, drawing over 350 children, families, and caregivers together for a joyful celebration of reading. Additionally, the 22nd Annual Authors Dinner had over 250 attendees coming together to honor the work of 21 local authors and celebrate the Bay Areas rich literary heritage. At the event, the Cody Award was presented to News for Native California and The Berkeley Roundhouse in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the literary community.
  2. Program 2: Capital Improvements. The Berkeley Public Library Foundation helps reimagine, renovate, and equip library spaces to better serve the community. The Berkeley Public Library is one of the most heavily used systems in California, with over 143,000 registered cardholders, 1.4 million physical items circulated annually, 1.3 million digital items accessed, a collection of more than 457,000 physical materials, and 1.3 million digital titles. Each year, the Library hosts more than 200 programs featuring authors, scientists, and artists. With ongoing support from the Foundation, the Library continues to upgrade furniture, technology, and lighting at all five locations, most recently nearing the completion of a full redesign of the Central Librarys 4th-floor story room and adjacent spaces.
  3. Program 3: Advocacy. The Berkeley Public Library Foundation champions the Librarys updated mission and vision: Empower, inspire, and eliminate barriers with resources and experiences. Evolve and respond to the changing needs of the community. This year, the Library faced an impending structural deficit that threatened its daily operations. The Citys tax structureunchanged for more than 40 yearsno longer met the Librarys needs. As one of the Librarys two primary partners, the Foundation joined forces with the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library and a broad coalition of community volunteers to inform and engage the public. Together, we built support for a local measure designed to close the deficit and secure a stronger, more sustainable future for the Library.

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 November 6, 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 November 1997.

    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 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.