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Cincinnati Association for the Blind

EIN 31-0538511 · Cincinnati, OH

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood85 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Empowering people who are blind or visually impaired with opportunities to seek independence.

Income
$11.6 million
Spending
$13.6 million
Spent on programs
74%
Reserves
17.4 months of spending
Largest source of income
other income, 57%
Employees
219
Volunteers
936
Highest pay
$311,664, president/ceo

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 85 out of 100. Higher than 80% of charities in its peer group (human services, $10m to $100m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 17.4 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 12% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 17% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 2% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    74% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 18 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 35% of charities in its peer group (human services, $10m to $100m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    17 of 17 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, 2024, 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 (4)
  1. $2.9 million spent. Cincinnati Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired (CABVI) is a national leader in manufacturing, with a legacy dating back to 1911. Our program proudly operates under the Ability One Program, in line with the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act (JWOD), creating meaningful employment for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Through partnerships with the Ability One Program, the State of Ohio's State-Use initiative, and the Community Rehabilitation Program, CABVI delivers a wide range of high-quality products. Our principal product lines include rolled paper and tape products, standard and custom signage, kitchen gadgets, door hardware, and the packaging of sticky notes and batteries. In 2024, we added the assembly of Classification Folders to our lineup, an expansion that created 10 new jobs and broadened our product mix. CABVI provided 52,917 hours of work to employees with vision loss, empowering people and setting a standard for what inclusive employment can achieve.
  2. $3.8 million spent. CABVI is a multi-service organization dedicated to vision rehabilitation, serving 4,079 people with significant vision loss in 2024. Our wide range of services includes Access Technology, Early Childhood and Youth Programs, Low Vision Services, Rehabilitation, and Social Services. In 2024, we introduced the Vision Resource Van, a mobile outreach initiative that brings CABVI's resources directly to the community. The van travels to health fairs and community events, sharing vital information and support with individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Our Audio Information Services offer a lifeline to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. From broadcast reading programs and talking book services to personalized talking print and engaging podcasts, we ensure that information is accessible in ways that matter. In 2024 alone, we had 15,703 engagements with individuals who are blind or visually impaired through our Audio Information Services.
  3. $2.0 million spent. CABVI runs its E-Commerce and Retail operations through two main channels: VIE Ability and Office Runway, a Base Supply Center (BSC) at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. VIE Ability offers office supplies and furniture to the State of Ohio, commercial businesses and individuals. In 2024, VIE Ability grew by 19%, creating more customer service jobs for people with vision loss. VIE Ability provided 11,911 hours of work to people who are blind or visually impaired. The BSC is operated under the authority of the U.S. Air Force and sells products made by agencies supporting people with blindness and other disabilities nationwide. These products are on the Federal Procurement List, so when federal employees buy them, it creates and supports jobs for people with disabilities. In 2024, the BSC provided 3,356 hours of work for people who are blind or visually impaired.
  4. $1.5 million spent. CABVI offers contract close-out services through the Ability One program. Currently, CABVI has contracts with Wright Patterson Air Force Base and the Marine Corps System Command in Quantico, Virginia. In 2024 alone, these contracts created 27,323 hours of employment for people who are blind. To date, this program has helped 34 blind specialists move into government or other professional careers.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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 2024.

    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 September 1960.

    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.