Dream Lighter Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Dream Lighter is a 501c3 nonprofit Organization established in 2017 in response to the felt needs of the locality by the active initiative of social workers, development professionals and educationists to Empower the people especially who are in disposition. Contd. Schedule O
- Income
- $910,461
- Spending
- $875,911
- Spent on programs
- 79%
- Reserves
- 52.1 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 45%
- Employees
- 21
- Volunteers
- 1,265
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
Strong: 90 out of 100. Higher than 76% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 52.1 months of spending.
Debt
10 of 20It owes 33% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 4% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 23% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1579% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 4 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: 81 out of 100. Higher than 63% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
25 of 257 of 7 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
0 of 7Reports no 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.
Independent check of accounts
12 of 15Its accounts were reviewed or compiled by an independent accountant, but not audited.
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 (6)
- $309,600 spent. Community Development Project for South Asian Low-income IndividualsDream Lighters community development project serves over 2,000 South Asian Taxi drivers and low-income immigrant families in New York City, providing programs that address immediate needs while fostering long-term economic stability and generational wealth. The program delivers more than 25 annual workshops on financial literacy , credit management, budgeting, small business operations, public safety and navigating the American economic system, equipping participants with practical skills to improve personal finances and plan for the future. In addition, Dream Lighter convenes five international summits at venues including the Sheraton and Marriot, along with six annual outdoor assemblies in New York State Park, engaging thousands of participants to strength social cohesion, civic engagement, and community networks. Through strategic partnership with local mechanics and body shops, participants access discounted automotive maintenance and repairs, lowering operational costs and enhancing contd scd O financial stability. To further support basic needs and long-term security, the program is launching a community grocery network to combat food insecurity and has initiated theVision 10,000 affordable housing project to provide safe, sustainable housing for immigrant families. Creating wealth, while establishing a replicable model for immigrant-focused urban community development in New York City. For additional information visit www.dreamlighter.org/our-work
- $600,000 spent. Community-Based Microloan Program for Low-Income Taxi Drivers In 2023,Dream Lighter launched a community-based microfinance program in New York City serving low-income taxi drivers. Approximately 400 participants collectively raised 400,000 to form a revolving loan fund, with an average contribution of 1,000 each. Through a transparent lottery Approximately 400 participants collectively raised 400,000 to form a revolving loan fund, with an average contribution of 1,000 each. Through a transparent lottery new loans each month. Borrowers repay 430 monthly at a 3 interest rate. These funds are recycled to ensure the funds continuous lending activity and sustainability. This approach ensures liquidity, transparency, and prudent stewardship of charitable assets, consistent with nonprofit community-development practices.
- $187,350 spent. EmpowerHer South Asian Women Advancement Program serves approximately 2,000 low-income South Asian immigrant women in New York City, many of skilled roles whom work in coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and gift shops. Over 50 are pressures. The organization employed in low- due to language barriers and limited access to training, often facing social and family discrimination with an average has conducted more than 40 educational and skills-based training sessions covering English as a Second Language ESL, skills development, job readiness, and financial literacy get attendance of 50 to 60 women per session. In addition, Dream Lighter has organized six large-scale outdoor conferences, each attended by approximately 500 women, Through these combined initiatives, The program provides ESL classes, basic computer and software training, providing access to education, resources, mentorship, and employment guidance in a supportive community setting. Training, skill development workshops, health and nutrition education, legal aid, and job placement support, contd SCH O Average attendance of 50 to 60 women per session. In addition, Dream Lighter has organized six large-scale outdoor conferences, each attended by approximately 500 women, Through these combined initiatives, The program provides ESL classes, basic computer and software tra providing access to education, resources, mentorship, and employment guidance in a supportive community setting. ining, skill development workshops, health and nutrition education, legal aid, and job placement support, helping participants gain practical skills, secure better employment, and increase confidence. By addressing educational, professional, and social barriers, the initiative empowers women to achieve economic independence, personal growth, and active participation in their communities.
- Program Service Expenses 134,850, Grants and allocations 0, Revenue 0 Dream Lighter Climate and Community Resilience InitiativeDream Lighter is a dedicated environmental and social advocacy organization committed to addressing climate change through a holistic approach that links ecological health with community resilience. Our mission focuses on reducing carbon dioxide and methane emissions, promoting clean energy, and preserving critical ecosystems and oceans. We ensure equitable access to essential resources such as food, water, and sustainable livelihoods, while protecting fishing rights for local communities to empower them as stewards of the sea. Through research, expert panels, and training programs for students, young leaders, and community influencers, Dream Lighter cultivates a network of informed change-makers working toward lasting, science-based solutions for a sustainable future. For additional information visit www.dreamlighter.org/our-work
- Program Service Expenses 121,960, Grants and allocations 0, Revenue 0 Other program Services Food For Homeless, Capacity building, Human and Health and nutrition, Education, Human rights program.
- Other program ServicesFood For Homeless, Capacity building, Human and Health and nutrition, Education, Human rights program,
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 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 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 2017.
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.
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.