Lights Camera Discover
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Since its founding, Lights Camera Discover has empowered over 1,000 underprivileged youth by providing them with essential skills in digital arts and steam (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) fields. Through comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes creativity, teamwork, and job-readiness, we have maintained an 85% program completion rate across all workshops.In collaboration with schools and community organizations, 70% of participants have demonstrated improved academic performance in STEAM subjects, and 65% have pursued further education or career opportunities in related fields. LCD has successfully placed 20% of graduates in internships or entry-level positions within the digital arts and entertainment industries, paving the way for future leaders and innovators.
- Income
- $379,089
- Spending
- $372,895
- Spent on programs
- 75%
- Reserves
- -0.1 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 94%
- Employees
- 1
- Volunteers
- 9
- Highest pay
- $12,858, executive dir.
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
Weak: 47 out of 100. Higher than 14% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
0 of 35Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.
Debt
5 of 20It owes 53% of what it owns.
Living within its means
12 of 15Income exceeded spending by 2% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 41% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1575% 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
Good: 83 out of 100. Higher than 69% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
25 of 259 of 9 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
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
6 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed 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 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)
- $278,609 spent. In 2025,services were consistent with those offered in 2024. Please see the note for 2024 below.In 2024, Lights Camera Discover Arizona proudly expanded its mission toempower youth through creative education and workforce development, makinga measurable impact across three additional new programs: the LCD print labcreation program, the sustainability through steam initiative, and ourdynamic anti-drug digital arts program.Through the LCD print lab creation program, participants learned hands-onskills in digital design and direct-to-film (dtf) printing, producingcustom shirts, stickers, and merchandise while gaining real-worldexperience in entrepreneurship, branding, and small business operations.Over 100 students completed the program, many launching their own smallproduct lines or contributing to school and community events with their creations.Our sustainability through steam initiative empowered youth to tackleenvironmental challenges with creativity and innovation. Studentscollaborated on eco-conscious media projects, upcycled materials for designwork, and developed campaigns promoting green habits in their schools andneighborhoods. This program not only fostered artistic expression but alsoinstilled a deep sense of responsibility for the planet.In response to the growing need for early intervention, our anti-drugdigital arts program offered a safe space for young people to explore thedangers of substance abuse through animation, film, and podcasting.Participants created compelling visual narratives, peer-led discussions,and public service announcements that addressed prevention withauthenticity and empathy. This program reached over 250 students acrossArizona and received recognition from local schools and community partners.Together, these programs reflect Lights Camera Discovers commitment toinspiring the next generation of changemakers through education,expression, and empowerment. Arizonas youth are not just discovering their voices they are using them to build a better future.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since August 2014.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 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.