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Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley

EIN 23-1882308 · Bethlehem, PA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood72 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To improve the quality of life of Hispanic and other families by empowering them to become more self-sufficient, while promoting intercultural understanding in the Lehigh Valley.

Income
$1.3 million
Spending
$1.4 million
Spent on programs
73%
Reserves
8.5 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 69%
Employees
11
Volunteers
397
Highest pay
$97,366, executive dir.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 72 out of 100. Higher than 49% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 8.5 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 2% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    4 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 10% of income.

  • Income trend

    5 of 15

    Income fell 20% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    73% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 65% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    15 of 15 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 June 30, 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. $1.1 million spent. Social Services:This program provides various services to individuals in the community The program provides assistance to community members, with various life skills issues such as applying for social security, health insurance, housing, utilities as well as referrals to various government and other private agencies. During the fiscal year 2024-2025, our staff supported 445 households through 559 visits, offering navigation services such as translation, interpretation, and help with public benefits, while also connecting families to resources like WIC program for nutrition supplementation and nutritional education for mothers and their young children and to local organizations that provide emergency housing. To meet these and other challenges, the program has transitioned to an evidence-based model built around four core services, navigation assistance, referrals, wraparound case management, and employment support, ensuring families receive the right level of help and a clear path toward stability and independence. Other services include employment preparation, counseling, and job fairs. With a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, the program also organized six job fairs, reaching over 100 individuals. In addition to job fairs, the program provided access for 335 participants to services such as job readiness, job placements, and enrollment in skill-based training in collaboration with a local healthcare network.Senior Center:This program is designed to provide senior citizens in the local community social activities, meals, fitness, as well as nutritional and health education. During the fiscal year 2024-2025, the Center served 63 seniors with over 15,000 meals, social events, educational activities, and health screenings in partnership with local providers. The program also provides multi-generational awareness through visits from local schools and an annual back-to-school event which served 125 families and 475 children providing backpacks, school supplies and 80 free haircuts. Seniors also received help navigating housing and benefits, participated in fitness classes, and celebrated cultural traditions together. For many, the Center remains both a vital resource and a place of belonging.Food Pantry:This program provides emergency food access to individuals and families within its service area. The program receives food from local food banks as well as donations from various retail establishments and community organizations. Culturally appropriate foods are included in the items distributed to families in need. During the fiscal year 2024-2025, the food pantry served 754 households, including 255 first-time visits, resulting in a total of 3,302 encounters and distributing 286,849 pounds of food to families in need.Latino Leadership Alliance:This program provides assistance with education advancement and leadership development for students in the Latino community within the Lehigh Valley by awarding scholarships for excellence in their academic achievements. In addition, those students have access to committee members for guidance and encouragement if needed.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 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 October 13, 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 October 13, 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 October 13, 2026.

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

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

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

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

    Recognized by the IRS since February 1972.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 21, 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.