Is Lighthouse International Legit? —…

Red Flags

Extreme volatility in annual revenue, making financial planning and sustainability difficult to assess.
Dramatic decrease in assets from $181,622,188 in 2020 to $34,425,812 in 2023 without clear explanation in provided data.
Negative liabilities reported in 2023 and 2022 filings (e.g., $-29,671,588 in 2023), which is an unusual accounting entry that requires clarification.
Inconsistent expense levels relative to revenue, with some years showing significant surpluses and others deficits.

Spending Breakdown

How Lighthouse International allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

85%

Program Spending

Healthy — majority goes to mission

10%

Admin Costs

Reasonable — admin costs in check

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 Lighthouse International

Is Lighthouse International a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Lighthouse International (EIN: 131096620) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 70/100. 4 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.

Is Lighthouse International a good charity to donate to?

Lighthouse International has a Mission Score of 70/100. Revenue: $13.6M. Assets: $35.3M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Lighthouse International?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Lighthouse International is 131096620. 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 Lighthouse International spend its money?

Lighthouse International allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Lighthouse International's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Lighthouse International's tax-exempt status using EIN 131096620 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

Lighthouse International exhibits a complex financial picture with significant fluctuations in revenue and assets over the past decade. While the organization has reported zero officer compensation in all available filings, which suggests a commitment to minimizing administrative overhead in that specific area, the overall financial health requires closer scrutiny. For instance, in 2023, the organization reported revenue of $4,538,357 against expenses of $659,165, indicating a substantial surplus. However, this contrasts sharply with earlier periods like 2015, where revenue was $159,305,629, or 2014, where expenses ($12,766,519) exceeded revenue ($8,654,084). The dramatic shifts in assets, from a high of $181,622,188 in 2020 to $34,425,812 in 2023, also warrant further investigation to understand the underlying causes and implications for long-term stability and program delivery. The consistent reporting of zero officer compensation is a positive indicator for transparency regarding executive pay, but the broader financial trends suggest a need for more detailed explanations of asset management and revenue generation strategies.

Is Lighthouse International Legit?

Verdict: Lighthouse International appears trustworthy