Quick charity verification for Guidelight Inc (EIN: 205458291)
Verdict: Guidelight Inc appears trustworthy
92/100Mission Score
$829KRevenue
$268KAssets
1Red Flags
5Strengths
Red Flags
Consistent 0% officer compensation may indicate reliance on unpaid labor or compensation from undisclosed sources, which could raise questions about sustainability or transparency if not clearly explained.
Strengths
Consistent revenue growth over the past decade, from $148,935 in 2015 to $738,647 in 2023.
Strong financial transparency with consistent IRS 990 filings.
Zero officer compensation reported across all filings, indicating a high dedication of funds to mission.
Healthy asset growth, from $55,195 in 2015 to $240,804 in 2023, demonstrating financial stability.
Low liabilities relative to assets, indicating good financial management (e.g., $7,113 liabilities vs. $240,804 assets in 2023).
Spending Breakdown
How Guidelight Inc allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
90%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
7%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
3%
Fundraising
Within typical range
How to read this: Well-run charities typically spend 75% or more on programs, keep admin under 25%, and fundraising under 15%. A high program ratio means more of every dollar goes directly to the mission.
How to Interpret This Report
What Red Flags Mean
Red flags are potential warning signs identified by AI analysis of IRS 990 filings. They may indicate issues like declining revenue, high executive pay relative to program spending, lack of transparency, or governance concerns. A single red flag does not necessarily mean an organization is untrustworthy, but multiple flags warrant further investigation before donating.
What Mission Score Measures
The Mission Score (0-100) evaluates how effectively a nonprofit fulfills its stated purpose. It combines multiple factors: program spending efficiency (how much goes to programs vs. overhead), financial health and sustainability, governance quality, transparency in reporting, and consistency of operations over time. A score of 70+ indicates strong alignment with the organization’s mission.
Using This Data for Donation Decisions
Use this report as one input in your decision. Look at the overall Mission Score for a quick assessment, review red flags and strengths for specific concerns, check the spending breakdown to see where money goes, and compare executive compensation to the organization’s size. Consider viewing the full transparency report for deeper analysis, and always verify tax-exempt status with the IRS before making large donations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Guidelight Inc
Is Guidelight Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Guidelight Inc (EIN: 205458291) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 92/100. 1 red flag identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Guidelight Inc a good charity to donate to?
Guidelight Inc has a Mission Score of 92/100. Revenue: $829K. Assets: $268K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Guidelight Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Guidelight Inc is 205458291. This is the unique tax ID assigned by the IRS.
What is a Mission Score?
The Mission Score is a 0-100 rating that measures how effectively a nonprofit fulfills its stated mission. It factors in program spending efficiency, financial transparency, governance practices, and outcome reporting. Scores above 70 indicate strong mission alignment, 40-69 suggest mixed performance, and below 40 signals potential concerns.
How does Guidelight Inc spend its money?
Guidelight Inc allocates 90% to programs, 7% to administration, and 3% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Guidelight Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Guidelight Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 205458291 on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) at apps.irs.gov/app/eos. You can also request copies of their Form 990 directly from the organization, as they are required by law to provide them upon request.
AI Transparency Report
Guidelight Inc demonstrates consistent financial activity, with revenues and expenses generally tracking closely over the past decade. The organization has shown growth, with revenue increasing from $148,935 in 2015 to $738,647 in 2023. While the organization has experienced slight deficits in some years, such as 2023 (expenses exceeding revenue by $7,428) and 2022 (expenses exceeding revenue by $8,974), these appear to be minor fluctuations within a generally stable financial picture. Their asset base has also grown significantly, from $55,195 in 2015 to $240,804 in 2023, indicating prudent financial management and accumulation of resources. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings suggests a strong commitment to directing funds towards programmatic activities rather than executive salaries, which is a positive indicator of spending efficiency and transparency.