Is Seattle Lighthouse For The Blind Foundation Legit?
Quick charity verification for Seattle Lighthouse For The Blind Foundation (EIN: 161648213)
Verdict: Seattle Lighthouse For The Blind Foundation appears trustworthy
90/100Mission Score
$6.4MRevenue
$6.0MAssets
1Red Flags
4Strengths
Red Flags
Occasional operating deficits, such as in 202309 where expenses exceeded revenue by $153,519.
Strengths
Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings, indicating high efficiency in executive spending.
Strong asset-to-liability ratio, demonstrating excellent financial stability and solvency.
Consistent revenue generation over a decade, showing sustained donor or funding support.
Low liabilities relative to assets, indicating minimal financial risk.
Spending Breakdown
How Seattle Lighthouse For The Blind Foundation allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
90%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
5%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
5%
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 Seattle Lighthouse For The Blind Foundation
Is Seattle Lighthouse For The Blind Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Seattle Lighthouse For The Blind Foundation (EIN: 161648213) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 90/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.
Is Seattle Lighthouse For The Blind Foundation a good charity to donate to?
Seattle Lighthouse For The Blind Foundation has a Mission Score of 90/100. Revenue: $6.4M. Assets: $6.0M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Seattle Lighthouse For The Blind Foundation?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Seattle Lighthouse For The Blind Foundation is 161648213. 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 Seattle Lighthouse For The Blind Foundation spend its money?
Seattle Lighthouse For The Blind Foundation allocates 90% to programs, 5% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Seattle Lighthouse For The Blind Foundation's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Seattle Lighthouse For The Blind Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 161648213 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
The Seattle Lighthouse For The Blind Foundation demonstrates consistent financial activity, with revenues fluctuating between approximately $1.2 million and $2.3 million over the past decade. In the most recent filing (202309), the organization reported expenses exceeding revenue by $153,519 ($1,542,838 in expenses vs. $1,389,319 in revenue), indicating a deficit for that period. However, the organization maintains a healthy asset base, with assets of $5,089,631 in 202309, significantly outweighing liabilities of $38,852. This strong asset-to-liability ratio suggests financial stability despite occasional operating deficits. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings is a notable indicator of transparency and a commitment to directing funds towards the mission rather than executive salaries.