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Erikas Lighthouse a Beacon of Hope for Adolescent Depression

EIN 20-1069100 · Winnetka, IL

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood89 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

We are a not-for-profit dedicated to educating and raising awareness about adolescent depression, encouraging good mental health and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

Income
$2.6 million
Spending
$1.9 million
Spent on programs
66%
Reserves
11.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 86%
Employees
18
Volunteers
65
Highest pay
$189,699, executive dir.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 89 out of 100. Higher than 83% of charities in its peer group (mental health, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 11.2 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 18% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 25% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 45% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    66% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 19 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 69% of charities in its peer group (mental health, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    14 of 14 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (1)
  1. $1.3 million spent. STIGMA BUSTING AND COMMUNITY AWARENESS - ERIKA'S LIGHTHOUSE IS COMMITTED TO ELIMINATING THE STIGMA AROUND ADOLESCENT DEPRESSION, INCLUDING MAINTAINING AN INFORMATIVE WEBSITE FOR USE BY ADOLESCENTS, PARENTS, AND SCHOOLS WHO WISH TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENT DEPRESSION. SCHOOL PROGRAMS - ERIKA'S LIGHTHOUSE PROVIDES SCHOOLS WITH FREE, ACCESSIBLE, AND EVIDENCE-BASED EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS AND RESOURCES TO FOSTER A SUPPORTIVE AND INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT. OUR FOUR PILLARED APPROACH INCLUDES CLASSROOM EDUCATION, EMPOWERMENT CLUBS, FAMILY ENGAGEMENT, AND STAFF TRAINING. THROUGH OUR PROGRAMS, WE AIM TO PROMOTE UNDERSTANDING AND PROACTIVE APPROACHES TO MENTAL HEALTH, ALLOWING STUDENTS, EDUCATORS AND FAMILIES TO ENGAGE OPENLY IN DISCUSSIONS ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH AND SEEK HELP WITHOUT FEAR OF JUDGEMENT.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 10, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since August 2004.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.