IOWA CITY UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE

Financials

From the e-filed returns the IRS publishes as XML (latest three processing years; amended returns replace the original). PDF copies at the IRS.

Officers, directors and key employees

As listed on the 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025, highest compensation first.

Address and contacts

Address (IRS master file)

123 S LINN ST, IOWA CITY, IA 52240-1803

In care of

% UNESCO IOWA CITY

Principal officer (990 for 2024)

John Kenyon, 123 South Linn Street, Iowa City, IA 52240

Signed the 990

John Kenyon, Executive Director

Phone

(319) 887-6100

Website

www.iowacityofliterature.org

Return prepared by

S Stutzel CPA

Mission

To build and support diverse communities of writers and audiences through the transformative power of story. We lead by inclusion and collaboration, celebrating the emotions, discovery and connections inspired by the written word in all its forms. We engage in complementary and cooperative work. We foster inclusive engagement to create connection locally and globally. We seek, engage, and support innovation.

Program accomplishments

• Iowa City Book Festival: The Iowa City Book Festival is an annual celebration of literature, bringing together readers, and writers in America's first UNESCO Cities of Literature. Held each fall, the festival features a diverse range of events, including author readings, panel discussions, and demonstrations, all set against the backdrop of Iowa City's dynamic literary community. With a focus on both emerging voices and established authors, the festival provides a platform for exploring various genres, ideas, and storytelling traditions. It's a unique opportunity for book lovers to connect, engage in thoughtful conversations, and celebrate the written word in a city known for its literary heritage. It drew more than 3,850 attendees in fall 2024.
  Expenses $56,918 · revenue $31,800
• One Book Two Book: The One Book Two Book festival is a celebration of children's literature and writing. The event showcases the talents of young writers and aims to inspire a lifelong love of reading and storytelling. With a variety of events, including readings by local children, interactive workshops, book fair, and family-friendly activities, the festival highlights the power of young voices. It provides an exciting opportunity for kids to engage with books in fun, imaginative ways, while also encouraging the community to support and nurture the next generation of writers and readers. It drew about 1,000 attendees in winter 2025.
  Expenses $14,931 · revenue $6,256
• Paul Engle Award: The annual Paul Engle Prize from the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature honors an individual who, like Paul Engle, represents a pioneering spirit in the world of literature through writing, editing, publishing, or teaching, and whose active participation in the larger issues of the day has contributed to the betterment of the world through the literary arts. This prize does not recognize one work, nor is it solely limited to reflecting literary achievement. Rather, the award seeks to recognize a writer, like Engle, who makes an impact on his or her community and the world at large through efforts beyond the page. It also seeks to raise awareness about Engle and his works. The prize was awarded to Camille T. Dungy in fall 2024.
  Expenses $35,956 · revenue $25,000
• Paul Engle Glory of the Senses High School Essay Contest: To continue Paul Engle's tradition of inspiring writers and celebrating the rich culture of Iowa, the City of Literature organization annually solicits essays from Iowa high school sophomores about an "Iowa experience," drawing on a specific memory to capture the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and touches of the day. The author of the essay judged by reviewers to be the best receives one year of free tuition to the University of Iowa. A select number of runners up receive a $500 scholarship from the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature.
  Expenses $4,252
• Music IC: MusicIC is a unique festival in Iowa City that blends the worlds of classical music and literature, offering audiences an immersive cultural experience. This three-day festival features performances by talented musicians and writers who explore the connections between music and literary works. The programs strive to combine selected musical compositions with literature, creating a rich interplay between the two art forms.
  Expenses $32,984 · revenue $18,511
• Poetry in Public: Poetry in Public celebrates our community's rich literary tradition and local writing talent by displaying poems by writers of all ages. Selected poems are posted for viewing all over the community and poets are invited to read their works at the Iowa City Book Festival.
  Expenses $3,402
• Classics Reading Series: An engaging program that brings timeless literary works to life for contemporary audiences in Iowa City and across the globe. Led by scholar Anna Barker, the series features in-depth discussions and public readings of classic literature, offering insights into the cultural, historical, and artistic significance of each text.
  Expenses $850
• SlamoVision: SlamoVision is a project of the international UNESCO Cities of Literature. Slam poets in Cities of Literature around the world compete in their home cities. One poet from each participating city moves on to an international competition judged by fans from the other cities. At the end of the process, one poet is named the SlamoVision champion.
  Expenses $1,701
• In addition to major programs, the organization also engages in work that involves collaboration with other local and international partners, promotion of Iowa City's literary assets, and providing assistance to individuals seeking to connect with our community.
  Expenses $12,759

What it must file and when

IRS records say it files Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N. Its accounting year ends in June, so each return is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after that.

IRS record

EIN

27-1303892

Tax-exempt status

501(c)(3): Charitable, religious, educational or scientific organization

Foundation status

Publicly supported organization (170(b)(1)(A)(vi))

Donations deductible (Pub 78)

Public charity, 50% deduction limit

Exempt since

2010

Accounting year ends

June

Files

Form 990 or 990-EZ

Category (NTEE)

Education (B60)

Assets (IRS master file)

$215,790

Income (IRS master file)

$230,357

Filing history

990-N: the IRS bulk file holds only the latest e-Postcard per organization; earlier years come from archived copies of that file since 2020 and can have gaps (the IRS e-Postcard search lists every one). 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 990-T: every e-filed return in the IRS e-file index since 2019; XML for the latest three processing years, amounts from the IRS Statistics of Income extracts before that. PDF copies and determination letters at the IRS (search EIN 27-1303892).

Questions about IOWA CITY UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE

What is the EIN of IOWA CITY UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE?

The employer identification number (EIN) of IOWA CITY UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE is 27-1303892.

Is IOWA CITY UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE tax-exempt?

Yes. The IRS lists it as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) since 2010.

Are donations to IOWA CITY UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE tax-deductible?

Yes. It is listed in IRS Publication 78 (Public charity, 50% deduction limit).

Which annual return does IOWA CITY UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE file?

Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N.

When is the next return of IOWA CITY UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE due?

The return for tax year 2025 (the year ending June 30, 2026) is due November 16, 2026. Form 8868 extends it by six months; the 990-N cannot be extended.

When did IOWA CITY UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE last file with the IRS?

The latest return in the IRS public files is the 990 for the year ended June 2025.

Who is the principal officer of IOWA CITY UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE?

The 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025 names John Kenyon.

Who are the officers and directors of IOWA CITY UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE?

The 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025 lists 21 people; 1 received compensation from the organization, the highest $104,178 (John Kenyon, Executive Director).

How much revenue does IOWA CITY UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE have?

On its 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025 it reported revenue of $230,357, expenses of $256,117 and total assets of $215,790 at year end.

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