Disable all preview features

Human Services : Social Services

Leader Dogs for the Blind

Enhancing the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired

four stars

92.66

1039 South Rochester Road Rochester Hills, MI 48307
tel: (888) 777-5332   Web Site
EIN: 38-1366931

Board Leadership
Steve Guarini
Chair

CEO
Susan Daniels
President and CEO

 
 
  Score
(out of 100) 		Rating
Overall Score & Rating 92.66 four stars
  Financial 89.62 three stars
  Accountability & Transparency 100.00 four stars
This rating was published 07/01/2020 and includes data from FY2019, the most recent 990 received at that time.
Why isn't this based on more recent data?

Since 1939, Leader Dogs for the Blind has provided the tools and training to reintroduce people who are blind or visually impaired to a life of independence, confidence and community. Leader Dog is the answer for thousands of people who are in critical need of our services. We serve over 300 clients each year in our three programs: Guide Dog Training, Orientation & Mobility Training (white cane travel) and a Summer Experience Camp for teens. Our programs are life-changing and open the doors to school, work, safety and self-worth for many of our clients. And because we believe every person deserves equal opportunity for travel and independence, all of our services are provided at no cost.

Since 1939, Leader Dogs for the Blind has provided the tools and training to reintroduce people who are blind or visually impaired to a life of independence, confidence and community. Leader Dog is the answer for thousands of people who are in critical need of our services. We serve over 300 clients each year in our three programs: Guide Dog Training, Orientation & Mobility Training (white cane travel) and a Summer Experience Camp for teens. Our programs are life-changing and open the doors to school, work, safety and self-worth for many of our clients. And because we believe every person deserves equal opportunity for travel and independence, all of our services are provided at no cost.

Impact Information

data icon
GuideStar is Charity Navigator's trusted partner in sharing information on how this organization seeks impact.  GuideStar has recognized this organization with a Platinum Seal of Transparency for voluntarily and publicly sharing information about how they measure their progress and results.  Learn More about Impact Information.
Reported Results
Total in 2017
Percent of clients satisfied with their overall experience.
99
This organization has earned a GuideStar's Platinum Seal of Transparency by voluntarily sharing the measures of progress and results they use to pursue their mission. Organizations earn Platinum Seals by selecting from a catalog of over 900 expert recognized metrics or by creating a new metric that best fits their work. This information is reported by the organization and displayed publicly on their GuideStar Nonprofit Profile. With over 1.6 million Nonprofit Profiles, 9 million annual visitors and over 200 data partners, GuideStar is the world's leading source of information about nonprofit organizations. A nonprofit itself, GuideStar is dedicated to providing better data for better decisions for a better world.
This impact information is current as of August 2020, when it was provided to us by GuideStar. At this time, Impact information published on this organization's page has no effect on its rating per our methodology.

Learn more about how we calculate the overall score and rating.

Financial

three stars

89.62

Accountability & Transparency

four stars

100.00

This rating was published 07/01/2020 and includes data from FY2019, the most recent 990 received at that time.
Why isn't this based on more recent data?
Overall Rating Chart
  Program Expenses
(Percent of the charity's total expenses spent on the programs
and services it delivers)		 75.5%
  Administrative Expenses 10.3%
  Fundraising Expenses 14.1%
  Fundraising Efficiency $0.14
  Working Capital Ratio (years) 1.40
  Program Expenses Growth 9.8%
  Liabilities to Assets 6.5%
All data for Financial Performance Metrics calculations was provided by Leader Dogs for the Blind on recent 990s filed with the IRS.
All data for Financial Performance Metrics calculations was provided by Leader Dogs for the Blind on recent 990s filed with the IRS.
Information Provided on the Form 990  
  Independent Voting Board Members
  No Material diversion of assets
  Audited financials prepared by independent accountant
  Does Not Provide Loan(s) to or Receive Loan(s) From related parties
  Documents Board Meeting Minutes
  Provided copy of Form 990 to organization's governing body in advance of filing
  Conflict of Interest Policy
  Whistleblower Policy
  Records Retention and Destruction Policy
  CEO listed with salary
  Process for determining CEO compensation
  Board Listed / Board Members Not Compensated
Is the following information easily accessible on the charity's website?  
  Donor Privacy Policy
  Board Members Listed
  Audited Financials
  Form 990
  Key staff listed

Highly Rated

Charity Name & State Overall Score Overall Rating
Leader Dogs for the Blind (MI) 92.66 four stars
National Federation of the Blind (MD) 90.16 four stars
Blind Children's Center (CA) 92.09 four stars
Anchor Center for Blind Children (CO) 88.04 three stars
Wayfinder Family Services (CA) 93.24 four stars

Compare These Charities (Highly Rated)

REVENUE  
Contributions  
   Contributions, Gifts & Grants $15,689,682
   Federated Campaigns $0
   Membership Dues $0
   Fundraising Events $226,229
   Related Organizations $3,700,000
   Government Grants $0
Total Contributions $19,615,911
   Program Service Revenue $30,500
Total Primary Revenue $19,646,411
   Other Revenue $478,436
TOTAL REVENUE $20,124,847
   
EXPENSES  
   Program Expenses $15,150,998
   Administrative Expenses $1,951,082
   Fundraising Expenses $2,641,569
TOTAL FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES $19,743,649
   
Payments to Affiliates $0
Excess (or Deficit) for the year $381,198
   
Net Assets $27,959,642

Program names and associated costs are listed for the top programs as reported on the charity's most recently filed Form 990. The top programs displayed will include the largest three programs, or those programs covering at least 60% of the charity's total expenses, whichever comes first.

Program Name Amount Spent % of Program Expenses
Guide Dog Training $9,737,704 64.3%
Volunteer and Community Outreach Program $680,058 4.5%
Orientation & Mobility Training $491,714 3.2%

Ratings History
Leader Dogs for the Blind has received 2 consecutive 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator.

Form 990 FYE Date Published Overall Score Overall Rating
CN 2.1
2019-06 07/01/2020 92.66 four stars
2018-06 07/01/2019 91.40 four stars
2017-06 07/01/2018 85.08 three stars
2016-06 08/01/2017 87.33 three stars
2015-06 08/01/2016 91.88 four stars
2014-06 06/01/2016 92.25 four stars
 
CN 2.0
2014-06 09/01/2015 92.29 four stars
2013-06 07/01/2014 93.20 four stars
2012-06 07/01/2013 79.62 two stars
2011-06 10/01/2012 80.97 three stars
2011-06 03/01/2012 82.39 three stars
2010-06 09/20/2011 83.45 three stars
 
CN 1.0
2010-06 02/01/2011 78.39 two stars
2009-06 08/01/2010 87.50 three stars
2008-06 06/01/2009 87.21 three stars
2007-06 06/01/2008 81.06 three stars
2006-06 05/01/2007 81.94 three stars
2005-06 06/01/2006 76.88 two stars
2004-06 05/01/2005 73.59 two stars
2003-06 02/01/2004 75.13 two stars

The data displayed on this tab is provided by the IRS in the form of Publication 78 and the Business Master File (BMF).

EIN 38-1366931
Name in IRS Master File LEADER DOGS FOR THE BLIND
NTEE Code P86
NTEE Classification Blind/Visually Impaired Centers, Services
NTEE Type Human Services - Multipurpose and Other
Classification Charitable Organization
Subsection 501(c)(3)  (View the list of codes)
Activities (59) Other school related activities
(160) Aid to the handicapped (see also 031)
Foundation Status Organization which receives a substantial part of its support from a governmental unit or the general public   170(b)(1)(A)(vi)
Deductibility Contributions are deductible
Affiliation Independent - the organization is an independent organization or an independent auxiliary (i.e., not affiliated with a National, Regional, or Geographic grouping of organizations).
Group Name [Not Applicable]
Ruling Date December, 1952
Filing Requirement 990 (all other) or 990EZ return
Fiscal Year End June
IRS Forms 990
(provided courtesy of Foundation Center)		 (Log In or Register Now to View Forms 990!)
  • June, 2017
  • June, 2016
  • June, 2015
  • June, 2014
  • June, 2013
Compensation % of Expenses Paid to Title
$287,242 1.45% Susan M. Daniels President, CEO

Highly Rated

Charity Name & State Overall Score Overall Rating
Leader Dogs for the Blind (MI) 92.66 four stars
Blind Children's Center (CA) 92.09 four stars
Center for Hearing and Communication (NY) 85.24 three stars
Starkey Hearing Foundation (MN) 89.48 three stars
VisionCorps (PA) 96.46 four stars

Compare These Charities (Highly Rated)

This charity has an official representative registered with Charity Navigator.

Charity Contact Info

Leader Dogs for the Blind
1039 South Rochester Road
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
tel: (888) 777-5332
fax: (248) 651-5812
TTY: (248) 651-3713
EIN: 38-1366931

Visit Web Site

Board Leadership

Steve Guarini
Chair

CEO

Susan Daniels
President and CEO

please wait...

    • I want to donate to Leader Dogs for the Blind

      $
      next

    • Frequency

      back
      next

    • Would you like us to email someone and CC you?

      This email identifies you as the donor but does not specify the amount of your gift.
      back
    A donation of to has been added to your Giving Basket!

    Basket Total:
    Check Out Now or Continue Researching

Join Our Mailing List

Join over 400,000 other informed givers and get updates on charity ratings, new features, hot topics, and tips for donating.

As seen on