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Lighthouse Initiative Inc

EIN 87-4450165 · Mahwah, NJ

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthNot ratedToo small or too little detailGovernanceFair54 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The Student World Impact Film Festival (SWIFF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that empowers young storytellers from underrepresented communities with an accessible platform to showcase their artwork. SWIFF has become one of the largest socially-driven art showcases globally, helping 12,156 artists in 149 countries.

Income
$60,241
Spending
$2,437
Spent on programs
100%
Reserves
Over 10 years of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 100%
Employees
0
Volunteers
100

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

We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.

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

Governance

Fair: 54 out of 100. Higher than 42% of charities in its peer group (youth development, under $250k).

  • Independent board

    18 of 25

    3 of 3 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    0 of 15

    Reports no 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.

  • 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 (1)
  1. $2,437 spent. The Student World Impact Film Festival (SWIFF) 501(c)(3) nonprofit hosts an annual fee-free film festival that streams the films of marginalized youth artists live to global audiences. These films have deeply moving messages, and each film provides a new, diverse perspective for attendees of the festival; this educates attendees and provides them with new insight and understanding of the beauties--but also struggles--that encompass the diverse cultures and races that define our society. Statistics: (1) 17,005 films showcased. (2) 12,156 youth filmmakers empowered with a platform. (3) Artists from 149 countries and all 6 inhabitable continents represented. (4) 456 reviews averaging 4.8 stars from participants. (5) 1 SWIFF student film internationally distributed to 100 million people on Amazon Prime Video via SWIFF's partnership with Amazon. (6) 402,848 learners viewed SWIFF's free educational articles (swiff.org).

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 October 13, 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 December 2023.

    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 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.