Lifetown Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
LifeTown is dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where individuals with special needs can develop life skills, build confidence, and foster meaningful connections. Through innovative therapeutic, educational, and recreational programs, we empower individuals to achieve independence and actively participate in their communities. By inspiring and enriching the lives of our participants, families, volunteers, and schools, LifeTown fosters a culture of empathy, empowerment, and true inclusion. As a place where the entire community comes together, LifeTown creates meaningful experiences that promote understanding, connection, and opportunities for individuals of all abilities to thrive.
- Income
- $1.9 million
- Spending
- $1.4 million
- Spent on programs
- 88%
- Reserves
- -9.6 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 35%
- Employees
- 0
- Volunteers
- 34
- Highest pay
- $193,134, chairman and ceo
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
Fair: 55 out of 100. Higher than 25% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
0 of 35Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 5% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 24% of income.
Income trend
5 of 15Income fell 20% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1588% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 4 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: 95 out of 100. Higher than 60% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 2534 of 35 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a 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
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
0 of 5Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.
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 (1)
- $1.3 million spent. LifeTown, located in Livingston, NJ, is a state-of-the-art, inclusive facility that provides individuals with special needs a unique and immersive environment to develop essential life skills, build confidence, and foster social connections. LifeTown is designed to be a welcoming space where children, teens, and adults of all abilities can learn, grow, and experience independence in a fun and supportive setting. One of LifeTown's most innovative features is LifeTown Shoppes, a simulated town where individuals can practice real-world skills in a controlled and supportive environment. The interactive town includes a grocery store, where participants learn budgeting and shopping skills; a bank, helping individuals understand money management; a doctor's office and dentist, where they can become familiar with medical visits; a salon and spa, encouraging self-care and grooming; a movie theater, fostering social outings and community interaction; a pet shop, introducing responsibilities of animal care; and a caf and restaurant, teaching ordering, dining, and social etiquette. By role-playing and engaging in these activities, individuals gain independence and confidence in navigating everyday tasks. LifeTown offers a variety of programs designed to meet the diverse needs of its participants. These programs focus on life skills, socialization, therapy, and recreation, helping individuals thrive in all aspects of life. Educational and life skills programs include life skills training, where participants learn essential skills such as money management, decision-making, and independent living. Vocational training provides teens and young adults with hands-on job experience in a real-world setting, preparing them for future employment opportunities. Schools bring students to LifeTown for interactive, experiential learning in an environment designed to reinforce life skills. Therapeutic and sensory programs include a multi-sensory room, a calming, interactive space designed for individuals with sensory processing challenges. Therapeutic art and music provide creative expression programs that support emotional well-being and communication. The facility also features aquatic therapy, with a heated, wheelchair-accessible pool that provides physical therapy and relaxation. Recreational and social programs include adapted sports leagues such as basketball, soccer, and swimming, encouraging physical activity and teamwork. Friendship Circle Clubs provide social and mentorship programs that pair volunteers with individuals with special needs to foster friendships and social engagement. Weekend and after-school activities offer a variety of fun and engaging programs that promote interaction and inclusion. LifeTown serves as a bridge between individuals with special needs and the greater community. Through partnerships with local schools, businesses, and volunteers, it creates an inclusive space where everyone, regardless of ability, is valued and empowered. Volunteers, including teens, families, and professionals, play a crucial role in making LifeTown a warm and welcoming environment. LifeTown is more than a facility-it's a movement toward inclusivity, acceptance, and empowerment for individuals with special needs. By providing hands-on experiences, meaningful friendships, and essential life skills, LifeTown ensures that every individual has the opportunity to lead a fulfilling and independent life.
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 May 2012.
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.
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.