Options for Independent Living Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
TO ASSIST PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN NORTHEASTERN WISCONSIN AND THE FOX VALLEY TO LIVE INDEPENDENTLY.
- Income
- $1.9 million
- Spending
- $2.2 million
- Spent on programs
- 87%
- Reserves
- 13.4 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 69%
- Employees
- 75
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: 75 out of 100. Higher than 52% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 13.4 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 3% of what it owns.
Living within its means
0 of 15Spending exceeded income by 18% of income.
Income trend
5 of 15Income fell 10% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1587% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 5 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
Good: 81 out of 100. Higher than 34% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 2511 of 11 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
0 of 10Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports 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 (5)
- INDEPENDENT LIVING CORE SERVICES CONSIST OF THE FOLLOWING: WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES - DIVISION OF LONG TERM CARE - INDEPENDENT LIVING GRANT - THIS GRANT REQUIRES THAT THE ORGANIZATION PROVIDES THE FIVE CORE SERVICES OF INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTERS AS DEFINED BY STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS. THOSE SERVICES INCLUDE INDIVIDUAL AND SYSTEMS ADVOCACY, PEER SUPPORT, INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS TRAINING, TRANSITION SERVICES, AND INFORMATION AND REFERRAL. IT ALSO REQUIRES THAT THE ORGANIZATION PROVIDE SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY, E.G., COMMUNITY ADVOCACY, COMMUNITY EDUCATION; OUTREACH TO INFORM PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND THE COMMUNITY ABOUT SERVICES, AND THAT THERE ARE APPROPRIATE SERVICES AND PROGRAMS AVAILABLE TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. INDEPENDENT LIVING COUNCIL OF WISCONSIN - ILCW - PART B - THE ACTIVITIES OF THE ILCW - PART B GRANT ARE TWOFOLD; TO SUPPORT THE ACTIVITIES OF THE STATE PLAN FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING (SPIL) AND TO PROVIDE OUTREACH ACTIVITIES TO UN-SERVED AND UNDERSERVED COUNTIES AND POPULATION GROUPS TO FACILITATE GRASS-ROOTS ACTIVITIES. CENTERS FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - THIS GRANT REQUIRES THAT THE ORGANIZATION PROVIDE THE FOUR CORE SERVICES OF ADVOCACY, PEER SUPPORT, INFORMATION AND REFERRAL, AND INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS TRAINING. INDEPENDENT LIVING CORE SERVICES CONSIST OF THE FOLLOWING: WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES - DIVISION OF LONG TERM CARE - INDEPENDENT LIVING GRANT - THIS GRANT REQUIRES THAT THE ORGANIZATION PROVIDES THE FIVE CORE SERVICES OF INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTERS AS DEFINED BY STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS. THOSE SERVICES INCLUDE INDIVIDUAL AND SYSTEMS ADVOCACY, PEER SUPPORT, INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS TRAINING, TRANSITION SERVICES, AND INFORMATION AND REFERRAL. IT ALSO REQUIRES THAT THE ORGANIZATION PROVIDE SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY, E.G., COMMUNITY ADVOCACY, COMMUNITY EDUCATION; OUTREACH TO INFORM PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND THE COMMUNITY ABOUT SERVICES, AND THAT THERE ARE APPROPRIATE SERVICES AND PROGRAMS AVAILABLE TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. INDEPENDENT LIVING COUNCIL OF WISCONSIN - ILCW - PART B - THE ACTIVITIES OF THE ILCW - PART B GRANT ARE TWOFOLD; TO SUPPORT THE ACTIVITIES OF THE STATE PLAN FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING (SPIL) AND TO PROVIDE OUTREACH ACTIVITIES TO UN-SERVED AND UNDERSERVED COUNTIES AND POPULATION GROUPS TO FACILITATE GRASS-ROOTS ACTIVITIES. CENTERS FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - THIS GRANT REQUIRES THAT THE ORGANIZATION PROVIDE THE FOUR CORE SERVICES OF ADVOCACY, PEER SUPPORT, INFORMATION AND REFERRAL, AND INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS TRAINING.
- ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS CONSIST OF THE FOLLOWING WISTECH GRANT - THIS GRANT REQUIRES THE ORGANIZATION TO PROVIDE THREE SPECIFIC SERVICES. 1) DEVICE LOANS ARE SHORT-TERM LOANS OF ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY TO INDIVIDUALS OR ORGANIZATIONS FOR A VARIETY OF PURPOSES SUCH AS ALLOWING CONSUMERS AND AGENCIES TO "TRY BEFORE THEY BUY", MEETING INTERIM NEEDS WHEN DEVICES GO IN FOR REPAIR, FOR PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES, ETC. 2) DEVICE DEMONSTRATION COMPANIES THAT PRESENTS FEATURES AND BENEFITS OF A PARTICULAR ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY (AT) DEVICE OR CATEGORY OF DEVICES TO AN INDIVIDUAL OR SMALL GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS. THE PURPOSE OF A DEVICE DEMONSTRATION IS TO ENABLE AN INDIVIDUAL TO MAKE AN INFORMED CHOICE RATHER THAN MERELY MAKING THE CUSTOMER AWARE OF A VARIETY OF AT. 3) INFORMATION AND REFERRAL ACTIVITIES ARE THOSE IN WHICH THE AT PROGRAM'S ASSISTANCE WAS LIMITED TO BRIEFLY ANSWERING REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION AND / OR PUTTING INDIVIDUALS IN CONTACT WITH OTHER AGENCIES, ORGANIZATIONS OR COMPANIES THAT CAN PROVIDE THEM WITH NEEDED INFORMATION ON AT PRODUCTS, DEVICES, SERVICES, FUNDING SOURCES, OR OTHER RELATED DISABILITY TOPICS. UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND (USF) - THE FUND WAS ESTABLISHED UNDER THE 1993 WISCONSIN ACT 496 TO ENSURE THAT ALL STATE RESIDENTS RECEIVE ESSENTIAL TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES AND HAVE ACCESS TO ADVANCED TELECOMMUNICATION CAPABILITIES. UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND PROGRAMS CREATED BY THE WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED TO ADDRESS TELECOMMUNICATION NEEDS FOR LOW-INCOME CUSTOMERS, HIGH RATE AREAS OF THE STATE, CUSTOMERS WITH DISABILITIES, NON-PROFIT GROUPS AND MEDICAL CLINICS AND PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCIES. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS CONSIST OF THE FOLLOWING WISTECH GRANT - THIS GRANT REQUIRES THE ORGANIZATION TO PROVIDE THREE SPECIFIC SERVICES. 1) DEVICE LOANS ARE SHORT-TERM LOANS OF ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY TO INDIVIDUALS OR ORGANIZATIONS FOR A VARIETY OF PURPOSES SUCH AS ALLOWING CONSUMERS AND AGENCIES TO "TRY BEFORE THEY BUY", MEETING INTERIM NEEDS WHEN DEVICES GO IN FOR REPAIR, FOR PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES, ETC. 2) DEVICE DEMONSTRATION COMPANIES THAT PRESENTS FEATURES AND BENEFITS OF A PARTICULAR ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY (AT) DEVICE OR CATEGORY OF DEVICES TO AN INDIVIDUAL OR SMALL GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS. THE PURPOSE OF A DEVICE DEMONSTRATION IS TO ENABLE AN INDIVIDUAL TO MAKE AN INFORMED CHOICE RATHER THAN MERELY MAKING THE CUSTOMER AWARE OF A VARIETY OF AT. 3) INFORMATION AND REFERRAL ACTIVITIES ARE THOSE IN WHICH THE AT PROGRAM'S ASSISTANCE WAS LIMITED TO BRIEFLY ANSWERING REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION AND / OR PUTTING INDIVIDUALS IN CONTACT WITH OTHER AGENCIES, ORGANIZATIONS OR COMPANIES THAT CAN PROVIDE THEM WITH NEEDED INFORMATION ON AT PRODUCTS, DEVICES, SERVICES, FUNDING SOURCES, OR OTHER RELATED DISABILITY TOPICS. UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND (USF) - THE FUND WAS ESTABLISHED UNDER THE 1993 WISCONSIN ACT 496 TO ENSURE THAT ALL STATE RESIDENTS RECEIVE ESSENTIAL TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES AND HAVE ACCESS TO ADVANCED TELECOMMUNICATION CAPABILITIES. UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND PROGRAMS CREATED BY THE WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED TO ADDRESS TELECOMMUNICATION NEEDS FOR LOW-INCOME CUSTOMERS, HIGH RATE AREAS OF THE STATE, CUSTOMERS WITH DISABILITIES, NON-PROFIT GROUPS AND MEDICAL CLINICS AND PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCIES.
- FEE FOR SERVICES - THIS PROGRAM PROVIDES RESIDENTIAL ASSESSMENTS, COMPUTER AND WORKSITE ASSESSMENTS AND AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT CONSULTATION / ASSESSMENT SERVICES. SERVICES ARE PAID FOR BY THIRD PARTY CONTRACTORS AND / OR ORGANIZATIONS ASSISTING THE INDIVIDUAL AND BUSINESSES.
- $1.9 million spent. HERE ARE DESCRIPTIONS OF THE OTHER PROGRAMS PROVIDED BY THE ORGANIZATION: WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION - DIVISION OF HOUSING - HOME PROGRAM THE ORGANIZATION RECEIVES GRANT FUNDING TO PROVIDE HOMEOWNER ACCESSIBILITY MODIFICATIONS FOR LOW-INCOME INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES. THE ORGANIZATION'S STAFF PROVIDES ASSESSMENT AND ELIGIBILITY ASSESSMENTS, COORDINATE MODIFICATIONS NEEDED AND SUPERVISE CONSTRUCTION, AND SUBMIT PAYMENTS TO CONTRACTORS AS SPECIFIED IN THE CONTRACT. FUNDS ARE DISTRIBUTED AS DEFERRED MORTGAGES AT ZERO (0%) INTEREST RATE. THE HOMEOWNER MUST REPAY THE "LOAN" WHEN THEY SELL THE HOME. THE LOANS ARE SHOWN ON THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS LONG-TERM NOTES RECEIVABLE. IF THE NOTES ARE COLLECTED AND NOT REINVESTED IN HOMES FOR THE SAME PURPOSE, THE FUNDS ARE REPAID TO THE WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION - DIVISION OF HOUSING AND ARE REFLECTED AS AN EXPENSE IN THE STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES AT THAT TIME. AS PART OF THE GRANT AGREEMENT THE ORGANIZATION IS ALLOWED TO REQUEST ADMINISTRATIVE FUNDS AS THE GRANT PROGRESSES. EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH ADMINISTRATIVE REVENUES ARE REFLECTED IN THE STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES. BENEFITS COUNSELING - AN INDIVIDUAL WITH A DISABILITY IS PROVIDED WITH A REVIEW OF THEIR CURRENT BENEFITS AND AN EXPLANATION OF HOW THOSE BENEFITS MIGHT BE AFFECTED BY EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING AVAILABLE WORK INCENTIVE PROGRAMS AND ALTERNATE BENEFITS FOR HEALTH AND RELATED SERVICES. WISLOAN PROGRAM - THE ORGANIZATION PROVIDES OUTREACH TO THE COMMUNITY ABOUT LOANS AVAILABLE TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES FOR ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY, HOME MODIFICATIONS OR OTHER RELATED NEEDS TO ALLOW INDIVIDUALS TO BE INDEPENDENT. STAFF REFERS INTERESTED PARTIES TO INDEPENDENCE FIRST FOR LOAN APPLICATION INFORMATION. PERSONAL CARE PROGRAM - OPTIONS FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING, INC.'S PERSONAL CARE PROGRAM EMPOWERS PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES TO MANAGE THEIR PERSONAL CARE SERVICES. OPTIONS FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING, INC. OFFERS A CONSUMER DIRECTED PERSONAL CARE PROGRAM FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES WHO ARE (1) MEDICAID BENEFICIARIES, (2) REQUIRE PERSONAL CARE SERVICES AND, (3) HAVE IDENTIFIED AN INDIVIDUAL TO PROVIDE PERSONAL CARE. PERSONAL CARE MAY INCLUDE ASSISTANCE WITH BATHING, DRESSING / UNDRESSING, PROSTHETICS (BRACES, SPLINTS, AND SUPPORT HOSE), GROOMING, EATING, MOBILITY IN THE HOME, TOILETING, TRANSFER INCIDENTAL SERVICES (LAUNDRY, LIGHT HOUSEKEEPING, AND MEAL PREPARATION), MOSTLY ORIENTED TASKS AND DELEGATED TASKS. LEND PROGRAM (LOANED EQUIPMENT NETWORK DISTRIBUTION): THROUGH LEND WE ACCEPT USED DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT IN GOOD CONDITION, SUCH AS POWER AND MANUAL WHEELCHAIRS, TUB TRANSFER BENCHES, COMMODES, WALKERS, PORTABLE RAMPS, AND OTHER EQUIPMENT. AFTER EQUIPMENT IS SAFETY INSPECTED AND SANITIZED IT IS LOANED TO PEOPLE WITH SHORT-TERM NEEDS FOR THESE DEVICES.
- HERE ARE DESCRIPTIONS OF THE OTHER PROGRAMS PROVIDED BY THE ORGANIZATION: WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION - DIVISION OF HOUSING - HOME PROGRAM THE ORGANIZATION RECEIVES GRANT FUNDING TO PROVIDE HOMEOWNER ACCESSIBILITY MODIFICATIONS FOR LOW-INCOME INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES. THE ORGANIZATION'S STAFF PROVIDES ASSESSMENT AND ELIGIBILITY ASSESSMENTS, COORDINATE MODIFICATIONS NEEDED AND SUPERVISE CONSTRUCTION, AND SUBMIT PAYMENTS TO CONTRACTORS AS SPECIFIED IN THE CONTRACT. FUNDS ARE DISTRIBUTED AS DEFERRED MORTGAGES AT ZERO (0%) INTEREST RATE. THE HOMEOWNER MUST REPAY THE "LOAN" WHEN THEY SELL THE HOME. THE LOANS ARE SHOWN ON THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS LONG-TERM NOTES RECEIVABLE. IF THE NOTES ARE COLLECTED AND NOT REINVESTED IN HOMES FOR THE SAME PURPOSE, THE FUNDS ARE REPAID TO THE WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION - DIVISION OF HOUSING AND ARE REFLECTED AS AN EXPENSE IN THE STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES AT THAT TIME. AS PART OF THE GRANT AGREEMENT THE ORGANIZATION IS ALLOWED TO REQUEST ADMINISTRATIVE FUNDS AS THE GRANT PROGRESSES. EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH ADMINISTRATIVE REVENUES ARE REFLECTED IN THE STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES. BENEFITS COUNSELING - AN INDIVIDUAL WITH A DISABILITY IS PROVIDED WITH A REVIEW OF THEIR CURRENT BENEFITS AND AN EXPLANATION OF HOW THOSE BENEFITS MIGHT BE AFFECTED BY EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING AVAILABLE WORK INCENTIVE PROGRAMS AND ALTERNATE BENEFITS FOR HEALTH AND RELATED SERVICES. WISLOAN PROGRAM - THE ORGANIZATION PROVIDES OUTREACH TO THE COMMUNITY ABOUT LOANS AVAILABLE TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES FOR ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY, HOME MODIFICATIONS OR OTHER RELATED NEEDS TO ALLOW INDIVIDUALS TO BE INDEPENDENT. STAFF REFERS INTERESTED PARTIES TO INDEPENDENCE FIRST FOR LOAN APPLICATION INFORMATION. PERSONAL CARE PROGRAM - OPTIONS FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING, INC.'S PERSONAL CARE PROGRAM EMPOWERS PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES TO MANAGE THEIR PERSONAL CARE SERVICES. OPTIONS FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING, INC. OFFERS A CONSUMER DIRECTED PERSONAL CARE PROGRAM FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES WHO ARE (1) MEDICAID BENEFICIARIES, (2) REQUIRE PERSONAL CARE SERVICES AND, (3) HAVE IDENTIFIED AN INDIVIDUAL TO PROVIDE PERSONAL CARE. PERSONAL CARE MAY INCLUDE ASSISTANCE WITH BATHING, DRESSING / UNDRESSING, PROSTHETICS (BRACES, SPLINTS, AND SUPPORT HOSE), GROOMING, EATING, MOBILITY IN THE HOME, TOILETING, TRANSFER INCIDENTAL SERVICES (LAUNDRY, LIGHT HOUSEKEEPING, AND MEAL PREPARATION), MOSTLY ORIENTED TASKS AND DELEGATED TASKS. LEND PROGRAM (LOANED EQUIPMENT NETWORK DISTRIBUTION): THROUGH LEND WE ACCEPT USED DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT IN GOOD CONDITION, SUCH AS POWER AND MANUAL WHEELCHAIRS, TUB TRANSFER BENCHES, COMMODES, WALKERS, PORTABLE RAMPS, AND OTHER EQUIPMENT. AFTER EQUIPMENT IS SAFETY INSPECTED AND SANITIZED IT IS LOANED TO PEOPLE WITH SHORT-TERM NEEDS FOR THESE DEVICES.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since September 1996.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
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.
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