Lighthouse Ministries Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
LIGHTHOUSE MINISTRIES, INC. IS SET APART BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD TO COMMUNICATE THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST TO MEET THE PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL, AND OTHER NEEDS OF THE POOR AND AT-RISK POPULATION.
- Income
- $4.5 million
- Spending
- $4.8 million
- Spent on programs
- 75%
- Reserves
- -7.4 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 100%
- Employees
- 173
- Volunteers
- 929
- Highest pay
- $192,369, chief executive officer
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: 39 out of 100. Higher than 7% of charities in its peer group (religion, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
0 of 35Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.
Debt
5 of 20It owes 58% of what it owns.
Living within its means
4 of 15Spending exceeded income by 7% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 18% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1575% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 6 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
Strong: 90 out of 100. Higher than 75% of charities in its peer group (religion, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 2512 of 12 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
0 of 10Did not give 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
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 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 (4)
- $2.1 million spent. RESIDENTIAL RESCUE AND RECOVERY PROGRAMS: LIGHTHOUSE MINISTRIES PROVIDES GOSPEL-CENTERED RESCUE AND RECOVERY SERVICES FOR MEN, WOMEN, AND CHILDREN EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS, POVERTY, ADDICTION, AND TRAUMA. THROUGH SHELTER, MEALS, CASE MANAGEMENT, EDUCATION, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, COUNSELING, SPIRITUAL CARE, AND SUPPORTIVE HOUSING, INDIVIDUALS ARE SURROUNDED BY CONSISTENT RELATIONSHIPS AND PRACTICAL NEXT STEPS THAT HELP THEM EXPERIENCE GOD'S PEACE, LIFE PURPOSE, AND FULFILLED POTENTIAL. LIGHTHOUSE HAS SERVED IN WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR 49 YEARS.(CONTINUED ON SCHEDULE O). EACH YEAR, THE MINISTRY OF LIGHTHOUSE IS CARRIED BY MORE THAN 300,000 TRANSFORMATIVE ENGAGEMENTS-MEALS SERVED, CONVERSATIONS SHARED, CLASSES TAUGHT, PRAYERS OFFERED, VOLUNTEER INTERACTIONS, DONOR INTERACTIONS, CASE MANAGEMENT MEETINGS, AND PARTNER REFERRALS. THROUGH THESE ENGAGEMENTS, LIGHTHOUSE SERVED 12,910 INDIVIDUALS AND PROVIDED 205,403 MEALS ACROSS ITS RESCUE, RECOVERY, OUTREACH, EDUCATIONAL, AND HOMELESS INTERVENTION PROGRAMS IN 2025. TOGETHER, THESE MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS HELP PEOPLE MOVE FROM CRISIS TOWARD STABILITY, PURPOSE, AND HOPE. KEY OUTCOMES INCLUDED 90 FAITH DECISIONS, 57 FORMERLY HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS EMPLOYED, AND 146 CERTIFICATIONS OBTAINED, IMPROVING EMPLOYABILITY. INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES ENTER OUR SHELTER AND LIFE RECOVERY CAMPUS THROUGH REFERRALS FROM COMMUNITY PARTNERS, FAMILY MEMBERS, INDIVIDUALS, AND LAW ENFORCEMENT. WE PARTNER WITH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND ANTI-SEX TRAFFICKING ORGANIZATIONS TO HELP VULNERABLE WOMEN AND FAMILIES ACCESS SAFE SHELTER. WE ALSO SUPPORT PREGNANT WOMEN NEEDING SHELTER AND LIFE RECOVERY AS THEY CHOOSE LIFE. LIGHTHOUSE PROVIDES 171 SHELTER BEDS FOR MEN, WOMEN, AND CHILDREN IN BOTH EMERGENCY SHELTER AND LONG-TERM RESIDENTIAL RECOVERY CARE. GUESTS RECEIVE BASIC CARE INCLUDING HOT SHOWERS, CLEAN CLOTHES, WARM BEDS, AND HEALTHY MEALS. IN 2025, LIGHTHOUSE PROVIDED 37,038 NIGHTS OF SHELTER. FOR INDIVIDUALS CHOOSING LONG-TERM RESIDENTIAL RECOVERY, CHANGE HAPPENS THROUGH A CLEAR, RELATIONAL PROCESS OF HEALING, DISCIPLESHIP, EDUCATION, AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT. MOST RESIDENTS PARTICIPATE IN AN 18-24 MONTH RECOVERY JOURNEY BUILT AROUND FOUR PATHWAYS OF PROGRESS: SPIRITUAL GROWTH, COMMUNITY, INDUSTRY, AND EDUCATION. LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING, CASE MANAGEMENT, AND CARE FOR CHILDREN WHILE THEIR MOTHERS ARE IN RECOVERY ARE ALSO PROVIDED. IN 2025, LIGHTHOUSE CARED FOR 119 MEN, WOMEN, AND CHILDREN IN FULL-TIME RESIDENTIAL RECOVERY. IN 2025, FIVE AFFORDABLE HOUSING APARTMENTS WERE ADDED TO THE LIFE RECOVERY CAMPUS TO SUPPORT INDIVIDUALS TRANSITIONING FROM RESIDENTIAL RECOVERY TO INDEPENDENT LIVING. THESE APARTMENTS EXTEND LIGHTHOUSE'S CONTINUUM OF CARE BY PROVIDING STABILITY, COMMUNITY, AND CONTINUED SUPPORT AS RESIDENTS PURSUE EMPLOYMENT, FAMILY RECONNECTION, AND INDEPENDENCE. THIS CONTINUUM OF CARE PROVIDES EXCEPTIONAL OPPORTUNITY FOR LONG-TERM STABILITY, HEALING, AND INDEPENDENCE.
- $819,463 spent. COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMS:LIGHTHOUSE'S PRESENCE EXTENDS BEYOND THE WALLS OF THE LIFE LEARNING CAMPUS INTO NEIGHBORHOODS, HOUSING COMMUNITIES, RETAIL MINISTRY SPACES, AND CRISIS SITUATIONS ACROSS WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA.THROUGH HOPE CENTERS LOCATED INSIDE LIGHTHOUSE THRIFT STORES, INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES RECEIVE FOOD BOXES AND ACCESS TO HOUSEHOLD GOODS, CLOTHING, FURNITURE, AND OTHER BASIC NEEDS ACCORDING TO THEIR SITUATION. EACH FOOD BOX INCLUDES ENOUGH FOOD TO HELP FEED FOUR PEOPLE FOR FOUR DAYS. (CONTINUED ON SCHEDULE O). IN 2025, HOPE CENTERS DIRECTLY SERVED 3,421 APPROVED INDIVIDUALS. LIGHTHOUSE ALSO PARTNERS WITH LOCAL AGENCIES, CHURCHES, AND GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS TO HELP PROVIDE FOOD BOXES, HOUSEHOLD GOODS, CLOTHING, AND FURNITURE TO THEIR CONSTITUENTS THROUGH FIFTEEN ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY LOCATIONS. THROUGH THESE EXPANDED COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS, AN ADDITIONAL 8,692 INDIVIDUALS RECEIVED PRACTICAL SUPPORT AND GOSPEL-CENTERED CARE IN 2025. LIGHTHOUSE OPERATES A LIFE LEARNING CENTER IN YBOR CITY IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. THE CENTER SERVES AS A COMMUNITY RESOURCE HUB PROVIDING FREE FOOD ASSISTANCE, CLOTHING, FURNITURE, EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT, JOB REFERRALS, AND LIFE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT. CLASSES INCLUDE ESOL, LITERACY, WORK LIFE SKILLS, FAITH & FINANCES, GED AND COLLEGE PREPARATION, AND OTHER WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT. RENAISSANCE STAR EDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENTS ARE ALSO PROVIDED. IN 2025, 84 INDIVIDUALS COMPLETED ESOL CLASSES AND BEGAN HIGHER LEVELS OF CURRICULUM, IMPROVING EMPLOYABILITY AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR JOB ADVANCEMENT. TOGETHER, THESE COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMS MEET BASIC NEEDS, STRENGTHEN THE WORKFORCE, SUPPORT HOUSING STABILITY, AND EXPAND RELATIONSHIP-BASED CARE FOR POOR AND AT-RISK INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES ACROSS THE REGION.
- $543,587 spent. PRESCHOOL AND XTREME KID'S CLUBS:LIGHTHOUSE MINISTRIES PROVIDES GOSPEL-CENTERED SERVICES FOR CHILDREN IN LAKELAND THROUGH AN ONSITE COMMUNITY PRESCHOOL, AFTER-SCHOOL CARE FOR CHILDREN LIVING IN RESIDENTIAL RECOVERY, AND KID'S CLUB PROGRAMS SERVING ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL CHILDREN IN A WEST LAKELAND UNDERSERVED NEIGHBORHOOD.(CONTINUED ON SCHEDULE O). THE LICENSED COMMUNITY PRESCHOOL CARES FOR INFANTS THROUGH PRE-K CHILDREN FROM BOTH THE COMMUNITY AND FAMILIES LIVING AT LIGHTHOUSE. CHILDREN RECEIVE SAFE, CONSISTENT CARE AND SUPPORT FOR THEIR SPIRITUAL, RELATIONAL, PHYSICAL, AND COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT AS THEY PREPARE FOR KINDERGARTEN. FOR MOTHERS IN RESIDENTIAL RECOVERY, THIS CARE ALSO PROVIDES PEACE OF MIND SO THEY CAN FULLY ENGAGE IN THEIR RECOVERY PROGRAM. LIGHTHOUSE ALSO PROVIDES YEAR-ROUND AFTER-SCHOOL CARE AND ACTIVITIES FOR OLDER CHILDREN LIVING WITH THEIR PARENTS IN RESIDENTIAL RECOVERY. THESE PROGRAMS CREATE SAFE, STABLE ENVIRONMENTS WHERE CHILDREN CAN LAUGH, PLAY, LEARN, BUILD RELATIONSHIPS, AND EXPERIENCE CONSISTENT SUPPORT DURING A TIME OF FAMILY HEALING AND TRANSITION. LIGHTHOUSE SERVES ELEMENTARY CHILDREN AT A LOCAL SCHOOL THROUGH A COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP. MIDDLE SCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN IN THE WESTGATE NEIGHBORHOOD ARE SERVED THROUGH AN AFTER-SCHOOL KID'S CLUB HOSTED IN A LOCAL CHURCH. KID'S CLUB STAFF ALSO PROVIDE THESE STUDENTS WITH REGULAR FAMILY CONNECTIONS INCLUDING HOME VISITS, MONTHLY STAPLES, AND CONNECTIONS TO ADDITIONAL RESOURCES THROUGH LIGHTHOUSE THRIFT STORES. IN 2025, 127 CHILDREN PARTICIPATED IN THESE PROGRAMS. THROUGH SAFE ENVIRONMENTS, CONSISTENT RELATIONSHIPS, ACADEMIC SUPPORT, EMOTIONAL ENCOURAGEMENT, AND SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE, CHILDREN EXPERIENCED STABILITY AND DEVELOPMENTAL SUPPORT THAT HELPED THEM REMAIN ENGAGED IN SCHOOL, BUILD HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS, AND EXPERIENCE GOD'S PRESENCE, PURPOSE, AND HOPE DURING SOME OF THE MOST CHALLENGING SEASONS OF THEIR YOUNG LIVES.
- $197,463 spent. HOMELESS INTERVENTION PROGRAMS: THROUGH ITS GOSPEL-CENTERED HOMELESS INTERVENTION PROGRAMS, LIGHTHOUSE MINISTRIES PROVIDES CRISIS ASSESSMENT, FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, TRANSPORTATION, AND CONNECTION TO COMMUNITY RESOURCES TO HELP INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES AVOID OR QUICKLY EXIT HOMELESSNESS. THE GOAL OF THESE PROGRAMS IS TO HELP PEOPLE MAINTAIN STABLE HOUSING WHEN POSSIBLE OR REDUCE THE LENGTH OF TIME THEY EXPERIENCE HOMELESSNESS IN THE COMMUNITIES OF WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA.HOMELESS INTERVENTION STAFF SERVE ACROSS MULTIPLE CITIES AND COUNTIES, WORKING WITH INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES EXPERIENCING A HOUSING CRISIS TO DETERMINE THE MOST APPROPRIATE PATH TOWARD STABILITY. THROUGH STRONG RELATIONSHIPS WITH COMMUNITY PROVIDERS, STAFF HELP CONNECT INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES WITH LIGHTHOUSE RESCUE AND RECOVERY SERVICES OR OTHER PARTNER AGENCIES BEST EQUIPPED TO MEET THEIR NEEDS. STAFF ALSO ASSIST WITH RENT OR UTILITY PAYMENTS IN ARREARS, TRANSPORTATION, AND OTHER IMMEDIATE NEEDS CONTRIBUTING TO HOUSING INSTABILITY OR HOMELESSNESS. TRANSPORTATION SUPPORT OFTEN INCLUDES COORDINATING SERVICES WITH PARTNER AGENCIES AND HELPING INDIVIDUALS SAFELY REACH THOSE SERVICES.LIGHTHOUSE ALSO COLLABORATES WITH COMMUNITY MEMBERS, BUSINESSES, LOCAL AGENCIES, AND LAW ENFORCEMENT THROUGH "COMPASSION CARDS" THAT PROVIDE A DIRECT CONNECTION TO HOMELESS INTERVENTION STAFF THROUGH A DEDICATED PHONE NUMBER. THIS COMMUNITY RESPONSE TOOL HELPS COMMUNITY MEMBERS CONNECT VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES TO HOUSING SUPPORT, SHELTER SERVICES, AND STABILIZATION RESOURCES BEFORE THEIR SITUATION DEEPENS.IN 2025, LIGHTHOUSE EXPANDED ITS GOSPEL-CENTERED HOMELESS INTERVENTION PROGRAMS THROUGH ONSITE CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES AT PLATEAU VILLAGE, AN INDEPENDENT AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMMUNITY IN WEST LAKELAND SERVING FORMERLY HOMELESS RESIDENTS IN 36 APARTMENTS.AS IMMEDIATE NEEDS ARE MET, INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES ARE BETTER ABLE TO MAINTAIN STABILITY, AVOID PROLONGED HOMELESSNESS, AND TAKE NEXT STEPS TOWARD CONTINUED INDEPENDENCE. IN 2025, LIGHTHOUSE'S HOMELESS INTERVENTION PROGRAMS SERVED 833 INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES THROUGH A VARIETY OF STABILIZATION SERVICES, INCLUDING HELPING 88 INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES MAINTAIN OR OBTAIN STABLE HOUSING.
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 November 6, 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 January 1978.
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 November 4, 2026.
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