Tarrant County Association for the Blind
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
THE MISSION OF THE LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND OF FORT WORTH IS TO ENCOURAGE AND EMPOWER BLIND AND SIGNIFICANTLY VISUALLY IMPAIRED CHILDREN, YOUTH, ADULTS AND SENIORS TO ACHIEVE THEIR HIGHEST LEVEL OF INDEPENDENCE THROUGH COMPETITIVE EMPLOYMENT, SPECIALIZED TRAINING AND CLIENT SERVICES.
- Income
- $6.8 million
- Spending
- $5.8 million
- Spent on programs
- 77%
- Reserves
- 10.9 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- other income, 84%
- Employees
- 69
- Volunteers
- 50
- Highest pay
- $242,980, president/ceo
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
Good: 88 out of 100. Higher than 75% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
28 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 10.9 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 10% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 14% of income.
Income trend
10 of 15Income fell 9% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1577% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 12 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: 85 out of 100. Higher than 38% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).
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
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
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
0 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, 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 (2)
- $4.2 million spent. Blind Employment - The Lighthouse is the largest employer of the blind in Tarrant County and creates jobs for the visually impaired. Approximately seventy percent of working-age blind adults are unemployed, which contributes to increased poverty levels and isolation. To help visually impaired individuals remain independent and stay connected to their communities, the Lighthouse manages an industrial operation that provides meaningful and competitive employment. This professional workforce of blind laborers manufactures and/or packages a variety of products including fast pack shipping containers, energy dissipating pads, copy paper, spiral wound tubes, drug test kits, and eyeglasses. These products are sold by a supportive sales team generating revenue to pay the wages and full benefits of the blind employees.
- $322,388 spent. Client Services - In addition to employing the blind, our Client Services team addresses the unique challenges that impact the blind community as a result of their disability. Client Services is administered by a staff of licensed/degreed and caring professionals who provide the following ongoing support at no charge to the visually disabled community: Independent Living Skills; Orientation and Mobility (White Cane Training); Assistive Technology; Braille Instruction; Support Groups; Resource Referral Network; and Cooking Without Looking Classes. In addition to providing basic support for those with a visual disability, our client services team plans events and social activities to inspire long-term relationships and connections, encourages the development of hobbies, and promotes exciting volunteer opportunities. Regardless of the level of vision loss, a customized program for each client is created based upon the initial assessment and expressed personal goals. Although vision loss creates barriers, many can be eliminated or minimized with access to information, training and education. The Lighthouse Promise: Companionship for Life to the Blind!
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
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 2024.
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 1966.
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.