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Illuminate Colorado Inc

EIN 57-1185029 · Denver, CO

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair56 out of 100GovernanceGood80 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Illuminate Colorado strengthens families, organizations, and communities to prevent child maltreatment.

Income
$6.3 million
Spending
$6.3 million
Spent on programs
91%
Reserves
0.9 months of spending
Largest source of income
government grants, 88%
Employees
58
Volunteers
18
Highest pay
$140,000, executive director

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Fair: 56 out of 100. Higher than 23% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    4 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 0.9 months of spending.

  • Debt

    10 of 20

    It owes 42% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    12 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 0% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 33% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    91% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 2 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Good: 80 out of 100. Higher than 32% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    9 of 9 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no 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

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • 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, 2024, 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. $2.8 million spent. Family Support, Home Visitation, Safe Babies: Illuminate coordinates and oversees multiple programs offering direct support to families across Colorado, including: Circle of Parents and Children's Circle, Illuminating Child Care, FASD Navigation, Safe Babies Court Teams and Best for Babies, Healthy Families America (Colorado), and Family Connects Colorado. These programs focus on providing information, education, and skills-building opportunities to individuals. By offering targeted services, we empower parents and caregivers with the tools and resources they need to create safe, nurturing environments for their children.
  2. $668,853 spent. Education, Training, Technical Assistance: Illuminate offers community and professional education and support through conferences, trainings, consultations, and publications including the Colorado Child Welfare Training System, the Colorado Strengthening Families Network, the Colorado Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Network, Child Abuse and Neglect Expert Staffing, the Colorado Youth Thrive Collaborative, and other partnerships. These programs and initiatives focus on training and educating communities and professionals who work with children and families. By sharing knowledge and best practices, we're equipping communities and professionals with the skills to safeguard children.
  3. $778,268 spent. Strategic Initiatives, Advocacy: Illuminate leads collaborative approaches, develops research-based recommendations, and increases federal, state and local commitment to policies that strengthen families. In addition to conducting legislative advocacy, Illuminate's Strategic Initiatives teams serve as the backbone support for statewide multi-disciplinary coalitions including: the Colorado Infant Safe Sleep Partnership, the Colorado Partnership for Thriving Families, and the Colorado Substance Exposed Newborns Steering Committee.These programs emphasize the importance of collaboration and networking among different organizations and community stakeholders. By working together, we amplify our impact and coordinate efforts across the state to prevent child maltreatment.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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 2024.

    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 May 2004.

    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.