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Lenawee Humane Society

EIN 38-1574080 · Adrian, MI

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong93 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Our mission is to save the lives of animals while enriching the lives of humans.

Income
$1.7 million
Spending
$1.4 million
Spent on programs
73%
Reserves
10.9 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 69%
Employees
32
Volunteers
260
Highest pay
$119,425, executive director

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 64% of charities in its peer group (animals, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 10.9 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 1% 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 34% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    72% 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 73% of charities in its peer group (animals, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    11 of 11 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 (4)
  1. $714,964 spent. Our shelter provides safe housing, daily care, socialization, enrichment, and medical treatment for homeless animals while they await adoption into loving homes. Every adoptable animal is vaccinated, tested, microchipped, spayed or neutered, and given necessary preventative care prior to placement.We serve our community by accepting strays and owner-surrendered pets, partnering with other rescues for animal transfers, reuniting lost pets with their families, and offering emergency boarding during crises such as natural disasters, temporary homelessness, or domestic violence situations. Additional community support services include a Pet Food Bank to assist families in need and low-cost nail trimming services to help pets remain healthy and in their homes.
  2. $217,518 spent. Through our Hope Clinic, we provide low-cost veterinary services designed to reduce pet homelessness and prevent the spread of disease through affordable, accessible care. Core services include spay and neuter surgeries for both shelter and community pets, Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) for community cats, vaccinations, microchipping, and basic wellness services for shelter animals.
  3. $42,559 spent. Our Re"tail" Store offers a variety of pet supplies to help families care for their current pets or prepare for a new adoption. The store also serves as the welcoming front door to our organization. Staff and volunteers assist guests with purchases, adoptions, clinic appointments, and questions, ensuring every visitor receives guidance and support.
  4. $35,678 spent. Through our Outreach Services, we offer educational and engagement opportunities for both children and adults that promote animal welfare while enriching the lives of our shelter animals. Programs include Meowzen (Cat Yoga), Reading Buddies, Running Buddies, birthday parties, and educational workshops. These initiatives create meaningful community connections while offering socialization and enrichment for animals in our care.We also host hands-on, week-long summer camps for young animal lovers. Guided by a structured curriculum, participants learn about animal welfare, health and wellness, and the inner workings of an animal shelter. Each camp features guest speakers, interactive presentations, and age-appropriate projects designed to educate, inspire, and engage.

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 1945.

    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.