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Shining Light Inc

EIN 25-1847018 · Annville, PA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong93 out of 100GovernanceFair63 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

We unlock human potential in Americas prisons by providing social support through arts and personal development programs.

Income
$809,066
Spending
$674,595
Spent on programs
88%
Reserves
7 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 79%
Employees
19
Volunteers
35

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

Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 79% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 7.0 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 17% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 13% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    88% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 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

Fair: 63 out of 100. Higher than 42% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    8 of 8 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    0 of 15

    Reports no written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    0 of 7

    Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    0 of 10

    Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Independent check of accounts

    12 of 15

    Its accounts were reviewed or compiled by an independent accountant, but not audited.

  • 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. $592,092 spent. The Shining Light Academy (SLA) delivered evidence-based programming designed to reduce recidivism and enhance public safety through positive psychology interventions in correctional facilities. During the year, the organization achieved significant reach and impact through three primary service delivery methods:Direct Instruction Programs: SLA completed 22 Foundations Courses via video conferencing, serving 136 graduates and providing over 6,800 hours of evidence-based programming to incarcerated individuals in North Dakota, Pennsylvania, and Ohio prisons. This represents a slight increase in graduates from the previous year. A study of 187 program graduates in North Dakota demonstrated a 21% reduction in violent incidents during the 9-month period following course participation compared to the 9 months prior, validating the program's effectiveness in improving institutional behavior and safety.Print and Digital Publications: The Loop interactive magazine distributed 42,038 copies across 1,200 prisons in 46 states, reaching an estimated monthly readership of 12,000 individuals through both print and electronic tablet formats. This publication provides strength-based tools and evidence-based content to support personal development and positive behavioral change.Electronic Learning Platforms: Approximately 40,000 course completions were recorded through SLA programs delivered on electronic tablets in correctional facilities, significantly expanding access to evidence-based personal development tools. Additionally, 14 Loop Groups were established across 14 prisons in response to reader requests, engaging 230 participants in peer-led discussions. New resources were developed to support both correctional staff and incarcerated peer leaders in facilitating these groups.Through these integrated program services, SLA participants demonstrated increased engagement in educational, treatment, and vocational training opportunities, improved relationships with family, peers, and correctional staff, and enhanced preparation for successful community reentry.

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 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 December 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 August 2000.

    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.