Society of Biblical Literature

Analysis

Society of Biblical Literature is a registered charity in United States, based in Atlanta, GA. It received its IRS tax-exemption ruling in May 1949, 77 years ago. Its declared purposes cover arts, culture and humanities, which this site groups under arts, culture, heritage and science. The IRS classifies it as a publicly supported organisation (gross receipts test) under section 501(c)(3), and contributions to it are listed as tax-deductible.

In the financial year ending June 2024, Society of Biblical Literature reported income of $3.1m and spending of $3.5m, spending 114% of what it took in. Across the 5 years on record, from June 2020 to June 2024, income fell from $3.6m to $3.1m (-14%), an average of -3.8% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to June 2022, when income rose by 30%. Over the whole period it spent 93% of the income it received.

Among 45,478 United States charities whose main cause is arts, culture, heritage and science and that reported income, Society of Biblical Literature sits at the 94th percentile: it is larger than about 94% of them. Against every charity in United States with reported income it ranks in the 89th percentile, and in the 91st percentile within GA. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include The Center for Cultural Innovation ($3.1m), Glenwood Cemetery Historic Preservation Foundation ($3.1m) and Drawing Center Inc ($3.1m).

On its Form 990 for the period ending June 2024, revenue came from contributions and grants 1.8% and program service revenue 76% of the total. Compensation of current officers, directors and key employees was $265k (7.5% of expenses). Other salaries and wages came to $1.1m. At year end it held assets of $11.5m against liabilities of $1.9m, net assets of $9.6m. It reported 23 employees.