Is Northern Lighthouse Inc Legit?

Spending Breakdown

How Northern Lighthouse Inc 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 Northern Lighthouse Inc

Is Northern Lighthouse Inc a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Northern Lighthouse Inc (EIN: 10547336) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 88/100. 2 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.

Is Northern Lighthouse Inc a good charity to donate to?

Northern Lighthouse Inc has a Mission Score of 88/100. Revenue: $4.5M. Assets: $1.4M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Northern Lighthouse Inc?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Northern Lighthouse Inc is 10547336. 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 Northern Lighthouse Inc spend its money?

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

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

You can verify Northern Lighthouse Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 10547336 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

Northern Lighthouse Inc. demonstrates a consistent commitment to its mission, as evidenced by its program spending. Over the past several years, the organization has maintained a strong focus on program delivery, with a significant portion of its expenses dedicated to direct services. For instance, in the 202312 period, program service expenses were $4,245,143 out of total expenses of $4,994,286, indicating a program spending ratio of approximately 85%. This efficiency in directing funds towards its stated purpose is a positive indicator of financial health.

However, the organization has experienced some financial fluctuations. In the 202312 period, expenses ($4,994,286) exceeded revenue ($3,734,897), resulting in a deficit. This contrasts with previous years like 202212 and 202112 where revenues exceeded expenses. While a single year's deficit isn't necessarily alarming, a trend of expenses consistently outpacing revenue could impact long-term sustainability. The organization's assets have also fluctuated, decreasing from $3,182,153 in 202212 to $1,846,368 in 202312, which warrants monitoring.

Transparency appears to be a strength, particularly with the consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings. This indicates that the organization's leadership is not drawing salaries, which can be a strong signal of dedication and a commitment to directing funds towards the mission. The consistent filing of IRS Form 990s over 13 periods also demonstrates a commitment to regulatory compliance and public disclosure.

Verdict: Northern Lighthouse Inc appears trustworthy

Red Flags

Strengths