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Books For Africa Inc

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

EIN: 411627391 ✦ St paul, MN ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Books For Africa Inc?

Books For Africa Inc, based in St. Paul, Minnesota, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the book scarcity in Africa. They collect donated books from schools, libraries, and publishers, and send them to agencies across 32 African countries. To date, they have shipped approximately 4.03 million books and digital books with an estimated value of $32.67 million. Books For Africa allows donors to specify which countries receive their donations and provides updates upon shipment. Almost all of their expenses, approximately 99%, are allocated to program-related expenses. With a team of 23 employees, Books For Africa's mission is to alleviate the book famine in Africa, making a significant impact on children's access to literacy resources.


Official website here: www.booksforafrica.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 99%

Books For Africa Inc has achieved an impressive Four-Star out of Four Star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting its strong commitment to accountability and effectiveness. The organization excels in financial management with a program expense ratio of nearly 99%, ensuring that the majority of funds directly support its mission. The high scores in Accountability & Finance, Leadership & Adaptability, and Culture & Community demonstrate a well-rounded approach to nonprofit practices, with a fully independent board and robust financial oversight mechanisms.

User reviews highlight the organization's impact and efficiency, with many praising the dedicated staff and the straightforward mission of combating the book famine in Africa. Volunteers and clients alike express admiration for the organization’s ability to mobilize resources effectively to support educational initiatives across the continent. The positive feedback underscores the transformative role that Books For Africa plays in enhancing literacy and education for underserved communities.

Despite the overwhelmingly positive reviews, a few limitations were noted, including a singular negative volunteer experience that mentioned perceived biases in book selection. However, this seems to be an isolated incident in a sea of positive affirmations. Overall, Books For Africa is viewed as a well-managed nonprofit with a significant positive impact on global literacy efforts.


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

Is Books For Africa Inc legitimate?

Books For Africa Inc is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Books For Africa 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: $150,898
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $711,624

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.booksforafrica.org

What is the mission statement of Books For Africa Inc?

Books For Africa Inc is a non-profit organization with a mission to address the book scarcity in Africa. They collect books from various sources, including schools, libraries, and publishers, and donate them to agencies in African countries. The organization's primary goal is to put an end to the book famine in Africa. To date, Books For Africa has shipped over 4 million books and digital books, worth an estimated $32 million, to 32 African countries. They accept funds for the transportation of books and enable donors to designate their contributions to specific countries. Books For Africa ensures donors receive feedback once their donated books have been shipped to their designated countries. Nearly all of the organization's expenses are allocated towards program-related expenses.


Official website here: www.booksforafrica.org

Who is the CEO of Books For Africa Inc?

Patrick Plonski is the Executive Director of Books For Africa Inc.


Official website here: www.booksforafrica.org

What is the revenue of Books For Africa Inc?

Books For Africa Inc's revenue in 2023 was $33,635,680.


Official website here: www.booksforafrica.org

Who are the executives of Books For Africa Inc and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Books For Africa Inc during 2023 was $37,501. There are 23 employees and 10420 volunteers at Books For Africa Inc.


Here are 24 key members and their salaries:


Patrick Plonski Ex Officio (Executive Director)
  • Compensation: $176,531
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $22,575
Mike Essien (President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Stephanie Davern (Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Thomas Warth Ex Officio (Founder)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Fatima Lawson (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Tammie Follett (President-Elect)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Kojo Amoo-Gottfried (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Matilda Arhin (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Erin Bagniewski (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Nisha Botchwey (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Louis Brownstone (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Charles Cogan (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Lamin Lan Dibba (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
John Elstad (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Tom Gitaa Ex Officio (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dustin Holland (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Howard Jeter (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Niclette Munadabi (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Lillian Otieno (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Isaac Owens (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Mark Ritchie (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Cass Stillman (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jote Taddese (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Gary Zelko Ex Officio (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.booksforafrica.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Books For Africa Inc?

Books For Africa Inc's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2023 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.booksforafrica.org

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

Mission Statement of Books For Africa Inc

Books For Africa Inc is a nonprofit organization on a mission to address the book scarcity in Africa. With a goal to put an end to the book famine in the continent, Books For Africa collects books from schools, libraries, and publishers in the United States. These books are then donated to various agencies in Africa.

The organization's tireless efforts have resulted in the shipping of approximately 4,028,595 books and digital books to 32 African countries. Books For Africa's team works diligently to ensure donations reach their intended destinations, providing donors with feedback once their books have been shipped. A remarkable 99% of the organization's expenses are allocated towards program-related expenses.

Books For Africa's impact extends beyond the mere donation of books. The organization is dedicated to contributing to the education and development of African children by providing them with the essential reading materials they need to succeed in their academic pursuits. By collecting, sorting, and distributing books to African children, Books For Africa is making a significant difference, one book at a time.

The organization's unwavering commitment to ending the book famine in Africa is a testament to its dedication to improving the lives of children in need. With each shipment, Books For Africa brings hope and the opportunity for a brighter future to countless children across the African continent.

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Impact




October, 2024

Books For Africa Inc has made a significant impact on education in Africa by addressing the critical shortage of books and educational resources. By collecting books from schools, libraries, and publishers in the United States, the organization has successfully sent over 4 million books, along with digital materials, to 32 African countries. This initiative is valued at more than $32 million and serves to enrich the educational experiences of countless children across the continent.

Through its targeted approach, Books For Africa allows donors to specify the countries they wish to support, ensuring that resources are directed where they are most needed. The organization maintains a strong commitment to transparency, providing feedback to donors about the shipments made, which fosters a deeper connection between the contributors and the recipients.

With a focus on efficiency, 99% of total expenses are allocated to program-related costs, maximizing the impact of each donation. The overall mission remains clear: to end the book famine in Africa and empower children with the knowledge and tools necessary for a brighter future.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Books For Africa 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
$33,635,680 (2023)
Expenses
$35,479,534 (2023)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2023.

  • Investment Income: $71,384
  • Gross Receipts: $33,635,680

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $12,079,909
  • Total Liabilities: $744,564
  • Net Assets: $11,335,345

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Organization Details

Founding Year

1989

Principal Officer

Patrick Plonski

Main Address

717 PRIOR AVENUE N, ST PAUL, MN, 55104

NTEE Category

Code: Q300 - International

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