Son Light Center

Son Light Center experiences massive revenue and expense growth in 2023, with no reported officer compensation.

EIN: 204309408 · Selma, AL · NTEE: X032 · Updated: 2026-03-28

$2.7MRevenue
$2.6MGross Revenue
$1.1MAssets
75/100Mission Score (Good)
X032

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Son Light Center Financial Summary
MetricValue
Total Revenue$2.7M
Total Expenses$3.4M
Program Spending85%
Net Assets$263K
Transparency Score75/100

Search Intent Cockpit

Son Light Center Form 990, Revenue, CEO Pay, and IRS Filing Signals

Son Light Center is surfaced here as a decision-ready nonprofit financial profile, not just a charity listing. The page consolidates IRS Form 990 revenue, expenses, assets, tax-exempt classification, executive compensation, mission score, red flags, and year-by-year filing history so donors, researchers, journalists, and grant teams can answer the common search questions around Son Light Center in one place.

Form 990 Filing Summary

12 filing years are available, with latest revenue of $3.5M and expenses of $3.4M.

Revenue and Expenses

Son Light Center reported $3.5M in revenue and $3.4M in expenses, a surplus of $105K.

Executive Compensation

Officer, director, trustee, and key employee pay is reviewed from IRS 990 compensation disclosures when present.

Charity Score and Red Flags

75/100 mission score, 3 red flags, and 3 strengths are shown from structured and AI review.

Is Son Light Center Legit?

Some Concerns

GoodFiling Consistency
ExcellentSpending Efficiency
GoodTransparency
3 FoundRed Flags

Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →

IRS 990 Data Cockpit

Where the Money Comes From and Where It Goes

PendingDonor/Grant Funding
85%Program Expense
$0Grants Paid
12Stored Filing Years

Revenue Source Mix

Revenue-source line items are not available on the stored filing yet. Future ingestion now preserves contribution, program-revenue, and investment-income fields when ProPublica provides them.

Expense Deployment

Son Light Center Expense Deployment
Program services$2.9M (85%)

Across stored filings, Son Light Center shows contribution history pending. Next enrichment targets: revenue-source fields, IRS BMF classification.

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Son Light Center Donor Decision Matrix
Decision LensSignalWhat to Inspect Next
LegitimacySome ConcernsGood filing record; 3 red flags identified
Mission spend85% to programsExcellent
Financial durabilityGrade A12 stored filing years
Peer contextCompare with Association Of Tourist Railroads And Railway Museums IncAlabama and Religion context

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Son Light Center directs 85% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.

About Son Light Center

Son Light Center (EIN: 204309408) is a nonprofit organization based in Selma, AL, classified under NTEE code X032. The organization reported total revenue of $2.7M and total assets of $1.1M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Son Light Center's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.

Organization Overview

20Years Operating
Mid-SizeSize Classification
12Years of Filings
MixedRevenue Trajectory

Son Light Center is a mid-size nonprofit that has been operating for 20 years, with 12 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 33.9%.

Key Financial Metrics (2023)

From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:

Total Revenue$3.5M
Total Expenses$3.4M
Surplus / Deficit+$105K
Total Assets$371K
Total Liabilities$108K
Net Assets$263K
Operating Margin3.0%
Debt-to-Asset Ratio29.1%
Months of Reserves1.3 months

Financial Health Grade: A

In 2023, Son Light Center reported a surplus of $105K with revenue exceeding expenses, holds 1.3 months of operating reserves (limited), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 29.1% (moderate leverage).

Financial Trends

Over 12 years of filings (2011–2023), Son Light Center's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 33.9%.

YearRevenue ChangeExpense ChangeAsset Change
2023+2518.9%+2589.0%+1370.0%
2021+40.0%+37.2%+41.8%
2020+11.4%+12.4%+24.2%
2019-39.5%-42.0%+8.5%
2018-53.1%-52.9%+3.7%

IRS Tax-Exempt Classification

IRS Classification Codes7200
IRS Ruling Date2006

Classification data from ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Additional BMF data may be available after enrichment.

AI Transparency Report

Son Light Center demonstrates a highly variable financial history, with a significant surge in revenue and expenses in the most recent filing period (202312) to $3,535,020 and $3,429,577 respectively, compared to previous years where revenue rarely exceeded $300,000. This dramatic increase warrants further investigation to understand its source and sustainability. The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, which is a positive indicator for donor confidence regarding executive pay. However, the substantial fluctuation in assets, from $370,829 in 202312 down to $25,227 in 202112 and then back up to $1,070,209 (latest reported), suggests potential instability or significant project-based funding cycles. While the lack of officer compensation is a strong point for transparency, the overall financial picture is characterized by extreme volatility, making consistent financial health assessment challenging without more detailed program spending breakdowns.

Mission Effectiveness Score

NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates Son Light Center 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: 85%
  • fundraising: 5%

According to IRS 990 filings, Son Light Center allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 10%, programs: 85%, fundraising: 5%. With 85% 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:

$3.5MTotal Revenue
$3.4MTotal Expenses
$371KTotal Assets
$108KTotal Liabilities
$263KNet Assets
  • The organization reported a surplus of $105K, with revenue exceeding expenses.
  • Debt-to-asset ratio: 29.1%.

Executive Compensation Analysis

Son Light Center consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, indicating that no salaries or benefits are paid to its officers, which is highly favorable for donor trust and resource allocation to its mission.

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 Son Light Center's IRS 990 filings:

  • Extreme volatility in annual revenue and expenses, making long-term financial planning difficult to assess.
  • Significant fluctuations in assets and liabilities without clear explanations in the provided data.
  • Lack of detailed program spending breakdown in the provided summary to fully evaluate efficiency.

Strengths

The following positive indicators were identified for Son Light Center:

  • Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation, indicating strong commitment to directing funds to mission.
  • Demonstrated ability to scale operations significantly, as seen in the 202312 filing.
  • Positive net income in the most recent filing period ($105,443 in 202312).

Frequently Asked Questions about Son Light Center

Is Son Light Center a legitimate charity?

Son Light Center (EIN: 204309408) is a registered tax-exempt nonprofit based in Alabama. Our AI analysis gives it a Mission Score of 75/100. It has 12 years of IRS 990 filings on record. Total revenue: $2.7M. 3 red flags identified. 3 strengths noted. Financial health grade: A.

How does Son Light Center spend its money?

Son Light Center directs 85% of its spending to programs and services. Fundraising costs 5%. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark.

Are donations to Son Light Center tax-deductible?

Son Light Center is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 204309408). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.

What percentage of Son Light Center's spending goes to programs?

Son Light Center directs 85% to programs, 5% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.

How does Son Light Center compare to similar nonprofits?

With a transparency score of 75/100 (Good), Son Light Center is above average for NTEE category X032 nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.

Where is Son Light Center located?

Son Light Center is headquartered in Selma, Alabama and files with the IRS under EIN 204309408. It is classified under NTEE code X032.

How many years of IRS 990 filings does Son Light Center have?

Son Light Center 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 $2.7M in total revenue.

What caused the dramatic increase in revenue and expenses in the 202312 period?

The IRS 990 filings show a jump from $134,981 in revenue in 202112 to $3,535,020 in 202312. Understanding the source of this funding and the nature of the corresponding expenses is crucial for assessing future financial stability.

How does Son Light Center manage its assets given the significant fluctuations?

Assets varied wildly, from $370,829 in 202312 to $25,227 in 202112, and the latest reported assets are $1,070,209. This volatility suggests either significant project-based asset acquisition/disposal or a need for clearer asset management strategies.

What are the specific programs funded by the recent revenue surge?

With expenses increasing from $127,541 in 202112 to $3,429,577 in 202312, a detailed breakdown of how these funds were allocated to specific programs would provide better insight into the organization's impact.

Filing History

IRS 990 filing history for Son Light Center showing financial trends over 12 years of public records:

Over 12 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Son Light Center's revenue has grown by 3235.9%, moving from $106K to $3.5M. Total assets increased by 1606.5% over the same period, from $22K to $371K. Total functional expenses rose by 3731.3%, from $90K to $3.4M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Son Light Center reported a surplus of $105K, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $108K in liabilities against $371K in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 29.1%), resulting in net assets of $263K.

YearRevenueExpensesAssetsLiabilitiesOfficer Comp. %PDF
2023 $3.5M $3.4M $371K $108K
2021 $135K $128K $25K $11K View 990
2020 $96K $93K $18K $11K
2019 $87K $83K $14K $11K View 990
2018 $143K $143K $13K $14K View 990
2017 $305K $303K $13K $14K View 990
2016 $226K $224K $11K $14K View 990
2015 $211K $211K $9K $14K View 990
2014 $197K $201K $9K $14K View 990
2013 $79K $82K $13K $14K View 990
2012 $97K $102K $15K $14K View 990
2011 $106K $90K $22K $14K View 990

Year-by-Year Financial Summary

  • 2023: Revenue of $3.5M, expenses of $3.4M, and assets of $371K (revenue +2518.9% year-over-year).
  • 2021: Revenue of $135K, expenses of $128K, and assets of $25K (revenue +40.0% year-over-year).
  • 2020: Revenue of $96K, expenses of $93K, and assets of $18K (revenue +11.4% year-over-year).
  • 2019: Revenue of $87K, expenses of $83K, and assets of $14K (revenue -39.5% year-over-year).
  • 2018: Revenue of $143K, expenses of $143K, and assets of $13K (revenue -53.1% year-over-year).
  • 2017: Revenue of $305K, expenses of $303K, and assets of $13K (revenue +34.9% year-over-year).
  • 2016: Revenue of $226K, expenses of $224K, and assets of $11K (revenue +7.1% year-over-year).
  • 2015: Revenue of $211K, expenses of $211K, and assets of $9K (revenue +7.2% year-over-year).
  • 2014: Revenue of $197K, expenses of $201K, and assets of $9K (revenue +149.0% year-over-year).
  • 2013: Revenue of $79K, expenses of $82K, and assets of $13K (revenue -18.1% year-over-year).
  • 2012: Revenue of $97K, expenses of $102K, and assets of $15K (revenue -8.9% year-over-year).
  • 2011: Revenue of $106K, expenses of $90K, and assets of $22K.

View Individual Filing Years

Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Son Light Center:

2023 Filing 2021 Filing 2020 Filing 2019 Filing 2018 Filing 2017 Filing 2016 Filing 2015 Filing 2014 Filing 2013 Filing 2012 Filing 2011 Filing

Data Sources and Methodology

This transparency report for Son Light Center 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.

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