# Books Are Gems

Parent-teacher group (PTA or PTO) nonprofit in El Paso, Texas 79915. EIN 56-2380561. Data as of November 8, 2026.

Page: https://backpr.com/find/nonprofit/562380561-books-are-gems

## Mission (the organization's own words)

> Books Are Gems GEMS established in 2003 is a nonprofit bookstore with a 501c3 status devoted to fostering a love for reading among children and strengthening families through the power of literacy. Situated in El Paso Texas our impact extends across El Paso County Southern New Mexico and the Ft. Bliss communities. Our overarching vision centers on placing a book into the hands of every child...

Source: Form 990-EZ, year ending Dec 2024: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/562380561/202501769349200500/full

## IRS facts

- Type: Parent-teacher group (PTA or PTO) (IRS activity code B94)
- Tax status: 501(c)(3), contributions deductible, recognized 2004
- Source: IRS Business Master File, posted October 13, 2026: https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/exempt-organizations-business-master-file-extract-eo-bmf

## Finances (IRS Form 990 e-file data)

| Year ending | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Net assets | Employees | Volunteers | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2024 | $156,507 | $91,318 | $178,588 | $162,908 | - | - | [Form 990-EZ](https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/562380561/202501769349200500/full) |
| Dec 2021 | $96,277 | $44,733 | $134,285 | $134,285 | - | - | [Form 990-EZ](https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/562380561/202242589349200209/full) |

Revenue sources, year ending Dec 2024: gifts and grants $148,479, program fees $0, investment income $0.

Growth label: **Growing** (about +18% a year, Dec 2021 to Dec 2024). Growth label: we compare total revenue on the oldest and the newest return shown above. Growing means revenue rose by more than 10% a year on average, Shrinking means it fell by more than 10% a year, and Steady means a change between -10% and +10% a year. The rate is the compounded yearly average between the two returns, so it hides ups and downs in between (see the table). We only label groups with returns at least a year apart and at least $5,000 of revenue on the oldest one. This is our own calculation, not an IRS rating or a judgment of quality.

## How it compares

- Revenue rank: 1 of 24 PTAs and PTOs in El Paso.
- Revenue $156,507 is higher than roughly 70 to 80% of 430 PTAs and PTOs in Texas; median $80,507.
- Source: IRS Business Master File, posted October 13, 2026; BackPR analysis.

## Local context

- El Paso County, Texas: about 220,889 children under 18 (U.S. Census Bureau, July 1, 2024): https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/datasets/2020-2024/counties/asrh/cc-est2024-agesex-all.csv
- 200 youth and community nonprofits in this directory in the county: 0.9 per 1,000 children.
- Licensed programs in El Paso: 202 licensed child care centers, 46 school-age programs: https://backpr.com/find/texas/el-paso
- Texas rules: https://backpr.com/resources/states/texas

## Questions

**What is Books Are Gems's EIN?**

Books Are Gems's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 56-2380561. It is the nine-digit number the IRS uses to identify the organization. Source: IRS Exempt Organizations Business Master File posted October 13, 2026.

**Is Books Are Gems a nonprofit?**

Yes. The IRS lists Books Are Gems in El Paso, Texas as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3), recognized since 2004. This is from the IRS Business Master File posted October 13, 2026. Status can change, so check its current status on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search before you donate.

**Are donations to Books Are Gems tax-deductible?**

Yes, the IRS lists gifts to Books Are Gems as tax-deductible (IRS Business Master File posted October 13, 2026). How much you can deduct depends on your own taxes, and this is not tax advice. Check its current status on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search before you donate.

**What does Books Are Gems do?**

In its own words on its Form 990 for the year ending Dec 2024: "Books Are Gems GEMS established in 2003 is a nonprofit bookstore with a 501c3 status devoted to fostering a love for reading among children and strengthening families through the power of literacy. Situated in El Paso Texas our impact extends across El Paso County Southern New Mexico and the Ft. Bliss communities. Our overarching vision centers on placing a book into the hands of every child..." The IRS classifies it as: Parent-teacher group (PTA or PTO).

**How much money does Books Are Gems take in?**

For the year ending Dec 2024, Books Are Gems reported total revenue of $156,507 and total expenses of $91,318 on its Form 990-EZ (IRS Form 990 e-file data).

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Data as of November 8, 2026. Sources: IRS Business Master File, IRS Form 990 series e-file data, U.S. Census Bureau. No officer or staff names are published.