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Leader Dogs For The Blind

Learn about this cause: What are the reviews? Is it Legit? Do I like the mission? What is the CEO's salary?

EIN: 381366931 ✦ Rochester hills, MI ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Leader Dogs For The Blind?

Leader Dogs For The Blind, established in 1939, is a renowned nonprofit organization based in Rochester Hills, Michigan. Their mission revolves around empowering individuals who are blind or visually impaired with lifelong skills for safe and independent daily travel. The organization offers a free, 21-day residential training program for clients who meet certain requirements, such as being legally blind, at least 16 years old, having good orientation and mobility skills, and the ability to care for their dog. Using sophisticated breeding, puppy raising, and dog training programs, Leader Dogs For The Blind is able to match clients with a guide dog that best fits their lifestyle, travel pace, and other considerations. Clients have the opportunity to train with their guide dog in various environments, including urban, suburban, and rural locations, college campuses, busy stores and malls, and other situations, ensuring a perfect fit for their current and future needs. The organization employs 202 individuals to carry out its important work.


Official website here: www.leaderdog.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Rating from Charity Navigator: 98% (Four-Star out of Four Star rating)

Leader Dogs For The Blind has achieved an impressive 98% rating from Charity Navigator, indicating a high level of accountability and transparency. The organization excels in its financial management, with a high program expense ratio of over 70%, meaning that a significant portion of its funds directly supports its mission. The organization also demonstrates strong governance with a fully independent board and comprehensive oversight practices in place.

The charity's culture and community engagement are noteworthy, scoring a perfect 100% in both areas. This reflects Leader Dogs For The Blind's commitment to not only serving its beneficiaries but also fostering a supportive environment for its stakeholders. Feedback mechanisms are robust, allowing the organization to adapt and respond effectively to the needs of the community it serves.

While the financial health indicators are strong, including a low fundraising efficiency ratio of $0.16, there might be areas of improvement regarding their working capital ratio, which stands at 0.75 years. Overall, the organization showcases a solid balance between financial accountability and service effectiveness, making it a commendable choice for potential donors.


This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.

Is Leader Dogs For The Blind legitimate?

Leader Dogs For The Blind is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Leader Dogs For The Blind submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.


Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:

Executive Compensation: $1,058,660
Professional Fundraising Fees: $56,658
Other Salaries and Wages: $10,348,235

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.leaderdog.org

What is the mission statement of Leader Dogs For The Blind?

Leader Dogs For The Blind empowers individuals who are blind or visually impaired with lifelong skills for safe and independent daily travel. Since 1939, they have operated one of the world's most respected guide dog programs, offering a free, 21-day residential training program for clients who are legally blind, at least 16 years old, have good orientation and mobility skills, and can care for their dog. Training is personalized, considering each client's lifestyle, travel pace, physical size, stamina, and other considerations. Clients work with their guide dog in various situations to meet their current and future needs, including urban, suburban, and rural locations, college campuses, busy stores and malls, and other environments.


Official website here: www.leaderdog.org

Who is the CEO of Leader Dogs For The Blind?

Melissa L Weisse is the CEO of Leader Dogs For The Blind The CEO's salary of Leader Dogs For The Blind is $230,078 and their total compensation is $247,570.


Official website here: www.leaderdog.org

What is the revenue of Leader Dogs For The Blind?

Leader Dogs For The Blind's revenue in 2024 was $26,998,428.


Official website here: www.leaderdog.org

Who are the executives of Leader Dogs For The Blind and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Leader Dogs For The Blind during 2024 was $51,615. There are 221 employees and 957 volunteers at Leader Dogs For The Blind.

Here are 39 key members and their salaries (Leader Dogs For The Blind's CEO's salary is $230,078 and their total compensation is $247,570):


Kathryn Davis (Chair)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Kim Gorman (Vice Chair)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Mark Guthrie (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Michele Honomichl (Trustee; Treasurer As Of 11/14/23)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Anne Arvia (Treasurer Thru 11/14/23; Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Anthony Costanzo (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Arun Anand (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Avril Rinn (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Brian Hock (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Daniel Spriet (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Diane Henderson (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Douglas Wright (Trustee Thru 11/14/23)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dr Paul Edwards (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Franklin Carmona (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jackie Buchanan (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jill Garvey (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jill Gaus (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
John Reed (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Kurt Terrien (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Marc Wisniewski (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Margaret Dimond (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Maria Kristic (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Marilyn Kelly (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Mary Smith (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Megan Mccandlish (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Stephanie Dawkins Davis (Trustee Thru 11/16/23)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Steve Guarini (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Tom O'Masta (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Susan M Daniels (President & Ceo Thru 1/31/24)
  • Compensation: $319,000
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $29,856
Melissa L Weisse (Cpo Thru 1/31/24,Ceo As Of 2/1/24)
  • Compensation: $230,078
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $17,492
Danielle Landolt (Cmo Thru 2/4/24,Vp/Cio As Of 2/5/24)
  • Compensation: $202,000
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $26,278
Lorene Suidan (Coo Thru 2/4/24, Cfo As Of 2/5/24)
  • Compensation: $196,950
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $26,096
David Smith Dvm (Director Of Canine Health)
  • Compensation: $189,525
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $11,082
Gerette Kerby (Director Of Canine Operati)
  • Compensation: $157,498
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $20,781
Kelly Wilson Dvm (Asst Director Of Canine Health)
  • Compensation: $153,106
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $23,833
Terri Swaffield (Director Of It)
  • Compensation: $151,974
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $6,878
Chris Bearup (Director Of Facilities)
  • Compensation: $131,195
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $19,466
Alex Morgan (Chief People Officer)
  • Compensation: $186,850
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $25,469
Jeffrey Lev (Former Vp/Cfo/Asst Secretary/Asst Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $180,385
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $21,767


Official website here: www.leaderdog.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Leader Dogs For The Blind?

Leader Dogs For The Blind's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2024 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.leaderdog.org

Learn more at the official website: www.leaderdog.org

Mission Statement of Leader Dogs For The Blind

Leader Dogs For The Blind, a renowned organization, dedicates itself to empowering individuals who are blind or visually impaired with lifelong skills for safe and independent daily travel. By providing them with expertly trained guide dogs, this nonprofit enables its clients to navigate the world with confidence and autonomy.

Since its inception in 1939, Leader Dogs For The Blind has been at the forefront of guide dog programs, offering a free, 21-day residential training session to eligible individuals. Clients, who must be legally blind, at least 16 years old, have good orientation and mobility skills, and be capable of caring for their dog, undergo personalized training with their new companion. Through sophisticated breeding, puppy raising, and dog training programs, the organization ensures a perfect match between the client and their guide dog based on lifestyle, travel pace, physical size, stamina, and other considerations.

Training sessions cater to the clients' current and future needs, allowing them to practice with their guide dog in various environments, including urban, suburban, and rural locations; college campuses; busy stores and malls, and other situations. Leader Dogs For The Blind's innovative approach to guide dog training empowers its clients to live their lives to the fullest, enhancing their independence and mobility.

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Impact




October, 2024

Leader Dogs For The Blind significantly impacts the lives of individuals who are blind or visually impaired by empowering them with lifelong skills for safe and independent travel. Since its inception in 1939, the organization has operated one of the world's most respected guide dog training programs.

The free, 21-day residential training program is meticulously designed for clients who are legally blind, at least 16 years old, and possess good orientation and mobility skills. Participants receive personalized training tailored to their specific needs, ensuring they can effectively work with a guide dog that complements their lifestyle, travel pace, and physical requirements.

Clients engage in diverse training environments, from urban settings to college campuses, allowing them to prepare for real-life navigation challenges. By matching clients with well-trained guide dogs and offering extensive training, Leader Dogs For The Blind fosters independence and confidence, enhancing the quality of life for those they serve. The organization’s innovative approach helps individuals build the skills necessary for safe and enriching daily travel, transforming how they engage with the world around them.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Leader Dogs For The Blind. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.


Financials

This financial information is from Propublica.

Revenue
$26,998,428 (2024)
Expenses
$21,512,667 (2024)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2024.

  • Investment Income: $124,938
  • Gross Receipts: $29,278,663

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $27,686,017
  • Total Liabilities: $11,048,604
  • Net Assets: $16,637,413

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Organization Details

Founding Year

1952

Principal Officer

Melissa L Weisse

NTEE Category

Code: P860 - Human services

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