COMMUNITY LITERATURE INITIATIVE

EIN: 473601335 501(c)(3) Human Services

Los Angeles, CA

Total Revenue
$452,742
Total Expenses
$195,201
Total Assets
$344,636
Net Assets
$344,636
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Financial Trends

Organization Details

Formation Year
2013
Legal Domicile
CA
Principal Officer
Hiram Sims
Phone
3236364663
Tax Period
2025-01-01 to 2025-12-31

COMMUNITY LITERATURE INITIATIVE, founded in 2013, is a small nonprofit in the Human Services sector that reported $453K in total revenue in fiscal year 2025. Revenue surged 31% from the prior year, signaling strong growth momentum. The organization ran a surplus of $258K, a strong 57% operating margin.

Mission

The organization exists to identify, support, and advance talented poets by providing access to peer to peer mentorship, resources, and publishing opportunities that enable the creation and dissemination of original poetry books for the public benefit. Operating the SIMS Library of Poetry allows all published authors to have their book in a public library's circulation. It is CLI's mission to promote life-long learning for all citizens.

Program Service Accomplishments

Program 1
Expenses: $42,713 Revenue: $165,889

CLI's Publishing Class successfully supported poets in completing, refining, and publishing original poetry manuscripts. Through structured instruction, one-on-one mentorship, and peer workshops...

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CLI's Publishing Class successfully supported poets in completing, refining, and publishing original poetry manuscripts. Through structured instruction, one-on-one mentorship, and peer workshops, participants gained practical knowledge of the literary publishing process, including manuscript development, editing, book design, and distribution. Graduates of the class produced completed or near-complete poetry books, several of which were published or prepared for submission to presses and literary platforms. The program increased participants' professional readiness, expanded access to publishing opportunities, and contributed new literary works to the public, advancing poetry as an art form and educational resource. Poets are encouraged to attend open mics and book releases, to learn marketing, performance, show production and sales, teaching them a new and independent way to generate income. These events are also open to the public, exposing access to black justice and cultural healing through spoken word.

Program 2
Expenses: $32,645 Revenue: $20,879

CLI supported the production of 10 poetry books by providing editorial guidance, design coordination, and production funding, including Long Beach Spits Fire, an anthology sponsored by the Long Beach...

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CLI supported the production of 10 poetry books by providing editorial guidance, design coordination, and production funding, including Long Beach Spits Fire, an anthology sponsored by the Long Beach Arts Council. Completed books were professionally edited, formatted, and prepared for print and digital distribution, with all 10 titles published were made available to the public. This program enabled poets to bring high-quality literary works to market, increased access to published poetry, and contributed to cultural and educational enrichment.

Program 3
Expenses: $19,293 Revenue: $22,500

The Sims Library of Poetry preserved, curated, and provided public access to a growing collection of poetry books and literary materials. During the reporting period, the library maintained several...

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The Sims Library of Poetry preserved, curated, and provided public access to a growing collection of poetry books and literary materials. During the reporting period, the library maintained several volumes by contemporary and emerging poets and served 75,000 readers, students, and community members through on-site access, readings, and educational use. By making poetry books freely available to the public, the library supported literary education, cultural preservation, and increased access to diverse poetic voices.

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Trantor Score

Financial Health Score (300–850) · Liquidity · Solvency · Sustainability · Efficiency

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Liquidity (40%) • Solvency (30%) • Sustainability (20%) • Efficiency (10%)

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Financial Overview (2025)

Revenue Breakdown

Contributions & Grants $225,149
Program Service Revenue $227,593
Investment Income $0
Other Revenue $0
TOTAL REVENUE $452,742

Expense Breakdown

Grants Paid $0
Salaries & Benefits $100,550
Fundraising Expenses $0
Program Expenses $94,651
Other Expenses $94,651
TOTAL EXPENSES $195,201

Year-over-Year Comparison

2025 2024 Change
Revenue $452,742 $346,559 +0.3%
Expenses $195,201 $103,108 +0.9%
Net Income $257,541 $243,451 +0.1%
Key Indicators
Grants to Organizations Grants to Individuals Lobbying Political Activity Foreign Activities Donor Advised Fund Schedule B Required
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Governance

Voting Members
3
Independent Members
3
Employees
N/A
Volunteers
12

Governance Policies

Conflict of Interest Policy
Whistleblower Policy
Document Retention Policy

Special Practices & Reported Activities

Operated a School
Operated a Hospital
Provided First Class Travel
Reported Conflict of Interest
Reported Asset Diversion
Excess Benefit Transaction
Made Political Expenditures
Engaged in Lobbying
Operated Donor Advised Fund
Maintained Art Collections
Filed Form 720

Compensation of Officers, Directors & Key Employees

Total Officers
0
$0
Total Directors
3
$0
Key Employees
4
$63,218
Highest Compensated
0
reported
Name Title Hours/Week Role Reportable Comp Other Comp Total
Hiram Sims Executive Director 30
Key Emp
$19,500 $0 $19,500
Kimiko White Executive Assistant 25
Key Emp
$15,745 $0 $15,745
Alana Benson Book Production and Press Manager 25
Key Emp
$14,600 $0 $14,600
Deja Dennis Publishing Class Manager 25
Key Emp
$13,373 $0 $13,373
AKoldpiece Board Member 5
Director
$0 $0 $0
Jamelle Nelson Board Member 5
Director
$0 $0 $0
Mo Piquette Haynes Board Secretary 5
Director
$0 $0 $0
Note: Compensation data is self-reported by the organization on their Form 990. "Reportable Comp" includes salary, bonuses, and other reportable compensation from the organization and related organizations. "Other Comp" includes benefits, deferred compensation, and non-taxable benefits.

Historical Data

Year Revenue Expenses Assets Net Income
2025 $452,742 $195,201 $344,636 $257,541
2024 $340,929 $310,066 $30,863 $30,863
2023 $402,690 $493,904 $168,696 $-91,214
2022 $565,256 $614,673 $75,531 $-49,417
2021 $292,942 $336,479 $111,711 $-43,537
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