American Foundation For The Blind Inc
American Foundation For The Blind Inc shows fluctuating revenue and declining assets over a decade, with consistent 0% officer compensation.
EIN: 135562161 · Huntington, WV · NTEE: P860 · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $25.4M |
| Total Expenses | $7.7M |
| Program Spending | 80% |
| CEO/Top Officer Pay | $28,748,418 |
| Net Assets | $27.6M |
| Transparency Score | 75/100 |
Is American Foundation For The Blind Inc Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
American Foundation For The Blind Inc directs 80% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About American Foundation For The Blind Inc
American Foundation For The Blind Inc (EIN: 135562161) is a nonprofit organization based in Huntington, WV, classified under NTEE code P860. The organization reported total revenue of $25.4M and total assets of $35.1M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of American Foundation For The Blind Inc's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
American Foundation For The Blind Inc is a large nonprofit that has been operating for 104 years, with 12 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2012–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of -0.6%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $8.6M |
| Total Expenses | $7.7M |
| Surplus / Deficit | +$854K |
| Total Assets | $28.7M |
| Total Liabilities | $1.1M |
| Net Assets | $27.6M |
| Operating Margin | 9.9% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 3.9% |
| Months of Reserves | 44.7 months |
Financial Health Grade: A
In 2023, American Foundation For The Blind Inc reported a surplus of $854K with revenue exceeding expenses, holds 44.7 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 3.9% (very low leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 12 years of filings (2012–2023), American Foundation For The Blind Inc's revenue has declined at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -0.6%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | -42.6% | -37.7% | +14.5% |
| 2022 | +50.1% | +44.5% | +13.6% |
| 2021 | +10.3% | -31.1% | +10.7% |
| 2020 | +1.4% | +11.4% | -12.5% |
| 2019 | +37.0% | +14.7% | -12.0% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 9000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 1922 |
Classification data from ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Additional BMF data may be available after enrichment.
AI Transparency Report
Mission Effectiveness Score
NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates American Foundation For The Blind Inc with a Mission Score of 75 out of 100 (Good). This score reflects the organization's overall financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance indicators derived from IRS 990 public filings.
Spending Breakdown
- admin: 10%
- programs: 80%
- fundraising: 10%
According to IRS 990 filings, American Foundation For The Blind Inc allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 10%, programs: 80%, fundraising: 10%. With 80% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
- The organization reported a surplus of $854K, with revenue exceeding expenses.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 3.9%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
The American Foundation For The Blind Inc consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, indicating that no portion of its expenses is allocated to executive salaries. This is highly unusual for an organization of its size with assets of $28,748,418 in 2023, suggesting either a fully volunteer leadership or that compensation is reported under other categories, which would require further investigation for complete transparency.
Executive compensation data is sourced from IRS 990 filings, which require nonprofits to disclose the compensation of officers, directors, trustees, and key employees. NonprofitSpending analyzes this data relative to the organization's total revenue and sector benchmarks to assess whether executive pay is reasonable.
Red Flags
The following concerns were identified during AI analysis of American Foundation For The Blind Inc's IRS 990 filings:
- Declining asset base over the long term, from $38.5M in 2014 to $28.7M in 2023.
- Frequent periods where expenses exceeded revenue, indicating reliance on reserves or unsustainable spending in certain years.
- Unusually consistent 0% officer compensation reported, which may warrant further investigation into how leadership compensation is categorized if it exists.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for American Foundation For The Blind Inc:
- Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation, indicating a strong commitment to directing funds to the mission.
- Positive operating margins in recent years (e.g., 2023 revenue $8.5M vs. expenses $7.7M), showing improved financial management.
- Significant revenue generation, with a peak of nearly $15M in 2022, demonstrating fundraising capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions about American Foundation For The Blind Inc
Is American Foundation For The Blind Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, American Foundation For The Blind Inc (EIN: 135562161) some concerns. Mission Score: 75/100. 3 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
How does American Foundation For The Blind Inc spend its money?
American Foundation For The Blind Inc directs 80% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to American Foundation For The Blind Inc tax-deductible?
American Foundation For The Blind Inc is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 135562161). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
How much does the American Foundation For The Blind Inc CEO make?
American Foundation For The Blind Inc's highest-compensated officer earns $28,748,418 annually. The organization reported $25.4M in total revenue. Executive compensation data is disclosed in IRS 990 filings.
What percentage of American Foundation For The Blind Inc's spending goes to programs?
American Foundation For The Blind Inc directs 80% to programs, 10% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
How does American Foundation For The Blind Inc compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 75/100 (Good), American Foundation For The Blind Inc is above average for NTEE category P860 nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.
Where is American Foundation For The Blind Inc located?
American Foundation For The Blind Inc is headquartered in Huntington, West Virginia and files with the IRS under EIN 135562161. It is classified under NTEE code P860.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does American Foundation For The Blind Inc have?
American Foundation For The Blind Inc has 12 years of IRS 990 filings on record at NonprofitSpending. This extensive filing history provides a strong basis for evaluating long-term financial trends. The most recent filing shows $25.4M in total revenue.
Why does American Foundation For The Blind Inc consistently report 0% officer compensation?
The IRS 990 filings consistently show 0% officer compensation. This could mean that leadership is entirely volunteer, or that compensation is reported under other expense categories, which would require reviewing the full 990 forms for detailed functional expense breakdowns.
What is the trend in the organization's assets?
The organization's assets have generally declined over the past decade, from $38,497,903 in 2014 to $28,748,418 in 2023, indicating a potential draw on reserves or insufficient investment growth.
How has the organization's revenue changed recently?
Revenue has fluctuated significantly, peaking at $14,945,621 in 2022 before dropping to $8,578,565 in 2023, suggesting variability in fundraising or grant income.
Does the organization operate with a surplus or deficit?
The organization has experienced periods of both surplus (e.g., 2023: $8,578,565 revenue vs. $7,725,003 expenses) and deficit (e.g., 2020: $9,027,415 revenue vs. $12,450,010 expenses) over the past decade.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for American Foundation For The Blind Inc showing financial trends over 12 years of public records:
Over 12 years of IRS 990 filings (2012–2023), American Foundation For The Blind Inc's revenue has declined by 6.4%, moving from $9.2M to $8.6M. Total assets decreased by 29.4% over the same period, from $40.7M to $28.7M. Total functional expenses fell by 31.1%, from $11.2M to $7.7M. In its most recent filing year (2023), American Foundation For The Blind Inc reported a surplus of $854K, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $1.1M in liabilities against $28.7M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 3.9%), resulting in net assets of $27.6M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $8.6M | $7.7M | $28.7M | $1.1M | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $14.9M | $12.4M | $25.1M | $747K | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $10.0M | $8.6M | $22.1M | $720K | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $9.0M | $12.5M | $20.0M | $1.0M | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $8.9M | $11.2M | $22.8M | $1.2M | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $6.5M | $9.7M | $25.9M | $1.3M | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $8.8M | $12.8M | $29.9M | $1.6M | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $9.7M | $11.5M | $33.1M | $1.9M | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $12.0M | $10.8M | $36.1M | $1.8M | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $7.9M | $11.0M | $38.5M | $1.9M | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $7.8M | $12.2M | $38.5M | $1.7M | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $9.2M | $11.2M | $40.7M | $2.1M | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $8.6M, expenses of $7.7M, and assets of $28.7M (revenue -42.6% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $14.9M, expenses of $12.4M, and assets of $25.1M (revenue +50.1% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $10.0M, expenses of $8.6M, and assets of $22.1M (revenue +10.3% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $9.0M, expenses of $12.5M, and assets of $20.0M (revenue +1.4% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $8.9M, expenses of $11.2M, and assets of $22.8M (revenue +37.0% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $6.5M, expenses of $9.7M, and assets of $25.9M (revenue -26.2% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $8.8M, expenses of $12.8M, and assets of $29.9M (revenue -8.9% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $9.7M, expenses of $11.5M, and assets of $33.1M (revenue -19.7% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $12.0M, expenses of $10.8M, and assets of $36.1M (revenue +53.1% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $7.9M, expenses of $11.0M, and assets of $38.5M (revenue +0.7% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $7.8M, expenses of $12.2M, and assets of $38.5M (revenue -14.9% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $9.2M, expenses of $11.2M, and assets of $40.7M.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for American Foundation For The Blind Inc:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for American Foundation For The Blind Inc is generated by NonprofitSpending's AI analysis engine. The data is sourced from publicly available IRS 990 filings accessed through the ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer API and IRS electronic filing records. The Mission Score, spending breakdown, and other analytical insights are produced by artificial intelligence and should be used as one of multiple factors when evaluating a nonprofit organization.
IRS 990 forms are annual information returns that most tax-exempt organizations must file with the IRS. These forms provide detailed financial information including revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and compensation of officers. NonprofitSpending processes this data to provide accessible transparency reports for donors, researchers, and the general public.
Disclaimer
AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.