nonprofit logo

The Mercantile Library Association Of The City Of New York Inc

Learn about this cause: What are the reviews? Is it Legit? Do I like the mission? What is the CEO's salary?

EIN: 131624084 ✦ Brooklyn, NY ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

Shop smarter and support your favorite cause at the same time! With the Give Freely browser extension, you'll automatically save money with coupons, and partner stores will donate to your chosen charity - at no extra cost to you. Start giving back with a single click. It's safe, free, and spam-free, guaranteed!

Overview

What is The Mercantile Library Association Of The City Of New York Inc?

The Mercantile Library Association of the City of New York Inc, established in 1820, has been a significant part of New York City's literary scene for over two centuries. Transforming into the Center for Fiction in 2019, it moved to a larger space in the Downtown Brooklyn Cultural Center to better connect with its audience and provide a welcoming public space. The organization's mission is to encourage people to appreciate and value fiction, supporting and celebrating its creation. Key programs include public events featuring renowned authors, Kids Read/Kids Write events for NYC public school students, and workshops and fellowships for emerging and established writers. In 2022, they presented 89 events to an audience of over 8,000 people, served approximately 900 writers through programs, and led reading groups for over 500 individuals. The organization also operates a bookstore and café, and offers literary prizes to honor storytellers throughout their careers. With a total of 50 employees, The Mercantile Library Association of the City of New York Inc continues to foster a love for fiction and its creators.


Official website here: www.centerforfiction.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Rating from Charity Navigator: 92% (Four-Star out of Four Star rating)

The Mercantile Library Association of the City of New York Inc. has received a commendable Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting strong performance in Accountability and Finance. The organization scored particularly well in areas such as having a fully independent board and comprehensive financial oversight practices, indicating a high level of integrity and transparency in their operations.

Strengths include a well-structured governance with no instances of material diversion of assets, and adherence to various policies that promote ethical practices, such as conflict of interest and whistleblower protections. The financial health of the organization is also evident, with a favorable ratio of liabilities to assets and a significant portion of expenditures directed towards programming.

However, while the organization excels in accountability and financial practices, there is limited information regarding its programmatic impact or outreach effectiveness. As a result, while the financial metrics are strong, further insights into the actual services provided and their effectiveness might be beneficial for potential donors and supporters.


This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.

Is The Mercantile Library Association Of The City Of New York Inc legitimate?

The Mercantile Library Association Of The City Of New York Inc is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. The Mercantile Library Association Of The City Of New York Inc submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.


Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:

Executive Compensation: $266,173
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $1,217,798

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.centerforfiction.org

What is the mission statement of The Mercantile Library Association Of The City Of New York Inc?

The Mercantile Library Association of the City of New York Inc's mission is focused on encouraging people to appreciate fiction and supporting its creation. This is accomplished through the Center for Fiction, an organization established in 1820, which aims to foster a love for fiction by connecting readers with talented authors. The Center for Fiction's mission is to foster a society that values fiction, supports its creation, and provides opportunities for its enjoyment.

For over two centuries, the Center for Fiction has been a significant part of the New York City literary scene. It highlights the power of storytelling and brings readers and writers together, impacting the world in a profound way. In 2019, the Center moved to a larger space in the Downtown Brooklyn Cultural Center, enabling it to better connect with its audience and offer a welcoming public space.

The Center presents a variety of public events, featuring a mix of debut authors and literary icons. It also engages with contemporary debates on literature, social justice, climate change, and inequality. For students in New York City public schools, the Center offers opportunities to engage with fiction, providing author-led events, books, and teacher support. It also offers programs for writers, including grants, mentorship, and workshops, serving approximately 900 people annually. For readers, the Center offers literary analysis, lively conversation, and community through its reading groups.


Official website here: www.centerforfiction.org

Who is the CEO of The Mercantile Library Association Of The City Of New York Inc?

Lydah Debin is the Chair of The Mercantile Library Association Of The City Of New York Inc.


Official website here: www.centerforfiction.org

What is the revenue of The Mercantile Library Association Of The City Of New York Inc?

The Mercantile Library Association Of The City Of New York Inc's revenue in 2022 was $3,244,061.


Official website here: www.centerforfiction.org

Who are the executives of The Mercantile Library Association Of The City Of New York Inc and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at The Mercantile Library Association Of The City Of New York Inc during 2022 was $29,679. There are 50 employees and 40 volunteers at The Mercantile Library Association Of The City Of New York Inc.


Here are 29 key members and their salaries:


Erroll Mcdonald (Chair)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Wendy Gimbel (Vice Chair (Left In 2022))
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Celia Mcgee (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Mary Jo Shen (Vice Chair (Left In 2022))
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Shannon Rose Selden (Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Suan Restler (Vice Chair)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Maria B Campbell (Director (Left In 2022))
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Chiwoniso Kaitano (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Danielle Ganek (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Nan Graham (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Kate Medina (Director (Left In 2022))
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Calvert D Morgan Jr (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Susanna Porter (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
David Bruson (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dennis Williams (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dennis Krieger (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Sarah Lyall (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Christopher John Farley (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Laura Washington (Director (Left In 2022))
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Zibby Owens (Director (Left In 2022))
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Gabrielle Bamberger (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Lisa Hess (Director (Left In 2022))
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jacqueline Woodson (Director (Left In 2022))
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Nina Von Moltke (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Anne Higonnet (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Traci Lester (Executive Dir.)
  • Compensation: $234,187
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $22,079
Kristin Henley (Managing Director)
  • Compensation: $113,004
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $11,343
Linda Morgan (Development Dir.)
  • Compensation: $140,267
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $7,543
Melanie Mcnair (Senior Dir. Of Public Programming)
  • Compensation: $103,230
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $10,432


Official website here: www.centerforfiction.org

Where can I find the form 990 for The Mercantile Library Association Of The City Of New York Inc?

The Mercantile Library Association Of The City Of New York Inc's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.centerforfiction.org

Learn more at the official website: www.centerforfiction.org

Mission Statement of The Mercantile Library Association Of The City Of New York Inc

The Mercantile Library Association of the City of New York Inc, established over two centuries ago, is a pioneering organization dedicated to fostering a love for fiction and supporting its creation. Its mission, as the Center for Fiction, is to encourage people to appreciate and value fiction. This esteemed institution, founded in 1820 as the Mercantile Library, serves as a beacon within the New York City literary scene, showcasing the power of storytelling and connecting readers with writers who shape our world.

For over two centuries, The Mercantile Library Association of the City of New York Inc has played a pivotal role in the literary community. It has moved to a larger space in the Downtown Brooklyn Cultural Center to better connect with its audience and offer a welcoming public space. The organization's key programs include public events, Kids Read/Kids Write, programs for writers, programs for readers, retail programs, and literary prizes. Through these initiatives, The Mercantile Library Association of the City of New York Inc supports and celebrates the creation and enjoyment of fiction, engaging readers and writers, and honoring storytellers throughout their careers.

Shop smarter and support your favorite cause with the Give Freely browser extension. Save money with coupons and donate to charity with a single click. Download now!

Impact




July, 2024

The Mercantile Library Association of the City of New York Inc, now known as The Center for Fiction, has had a significant impact on the literary scene in New York City and beyond. For over 200 years, this organization has been a prominent hub for celebrating storytelling and connecting readers with writers who shape our world.

Through a wide range of programs and initiatives, The Center for Fiction encourages people to immerse themselves in the power of fiction. They host public events that tackle contemporary debates and pressing issues, reaching thousands of individuals each year. Additionally, their KidsREAD/KidsWRITE programs engage over 2,000 students annually, offering author-led events and writing workshops that foster a love for storytelling.

For aspiring writers, The Center for Fiction provides invaluable support through fellowships, workshops, and community spaces. Their programs serve both emerging and experienced writers, nurturing their talent and providing opportunities for growth. Furthermore, the organization offers various literary prizes to honor storytellers and their exceptional work.

By fostering a sense of community through reading groups, library memberships, and retail spaces, The Center for Fiction has created a welcoming environment for book lovers and aspiring writers alike. Their impact extends beyond the written word, as they partner with cultural and nonprofit organizations to showcase programming that aligns with their mission of promoting fiction as a vital art form.

Overall, The Mercantile Library Association of the City of New York Inc, now The Center for Fiction, plays a crucial role in inspiring a love for literature, supporting writers, and celebrating the enduring power of storytelling.




This information is meant to be a general summary of The Mercantile Library Association Of The City Of New York Inc. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.


Financials

This financial information is from Propublica.

Revenue
$3,244,061 (2022)
Expenses
$2,572,194 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.

  • Investment Income: $958,960
  • Program Service Revenue: $923,709
  • Gross Receipts: $5,745,234

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $2,596,295
  • Total Liabilities: $298,314
  • Net Assets: $2,297,981

Want to help this charity, for free? You can click here to learn more about Give Freely

Programs

Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.

SALE OF BOOKS & MAGAZINES

Revenue

$388,764

PROGRAM INCOME

Revenue

$383,059

CAFE REVENUE

Revenue

$151,886

Organization Details

Founding Year

1820

Principal Officer

Lydah Debin

Main Address

15 LAFAYETTE AVENUE, BROOKLYN, NY, 11217

NTEE Category

Code: B76Z - Education

If you are a representative of The Mercantile Library Association Of The City Of New York Inc and wish to learn more about how Give Freely can help you raise funds, please click here: https://givefreely.com/nonprofits/. Our services are offered at no cost to your organization.