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Shade

EIN 47-1489275 · Great Falls, VA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood86 out of 100GovernanceGood84 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Shade is a Christian organization empowering children, families, and communities affected by albinism and other vulnerabilities in Tanzania.

Income
$929,977
Spending
$700,567
Spent on programs
61%
Reserves
6.4 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 85%
Employees
1
Volunteers
0
Highest pay
$65,000, 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

Good: 86 out of 100. Higher than 70% of charities in its peer group (international, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 6.4 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 25% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 46% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    8 of 15

    61% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 20 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: 84 out of 100. Higher than 72% of charities in its peer group (international, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    8 of 8 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

    0 of 7

    Reports no 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

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed 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 (3)
  1. $227,193 spent. Education: The Shade Campus is located on nearly 30 acres in Shinyanga, Tanzania, serving over 230 children from pre-kindergarten through fourth grade, with plans to expand. Students receive instruction in English, Swahili, reading, writing, math, science, history, geography, Bible, and physical education. Shade provides two healthy meals each day, recreation, music, and art. Adaptations are made for children with low vision due to albinism. Shade also supports students? physical, spiritual, and social needs through medical care, discipleship, and family strengthening. Teachers and staff receive ongoing training to ensure they are equipped to accommodate and best serve children with albinism and other vulnerabilities in the classroom. As enrollment grows each year, Shade continues to expand its infrastructure by building new classrooms, adding staff, and providing transportation through school buses to meet the needs of students and families.
  2. $217,525 spent. Outreach: Shade strengthens families and communities through programs that build skills, provide resources, and offer hope. The Community Club equips local youth with biblical teaching, mentorship, and practical training such as agriculture, poultry keeping, soap-making, and batik/fabric design. A community garden provides both food and hands-on agricultural experience. Shade also partners with the local government center for children with albinism, providing support. In addition, small business loans help families start or grow income-generating activities, creating long-term sustainability.
  3. $38,671 spent. Advocacy: Shade raises awareness and reduces stigma around albinism through seminars, trainings, and distribution of educational materials in schools, churches, and communities. We engage local leaders, pastors, teachers, and parents in order to build understanding and promote inclusion. The Shade Campus serves as a model of acceptance where children with albinism learn alongside their peers. Through media outreach, community events, and national conferences, Shade shares accurate information about albinism and equips others to advocate as well. These efforts strengthen families, influence community attitudes, and support long-term change.

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 November 6, 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 September 2014.

    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 November 4, 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.