Red Lightning

Analysis

Red Lightning is a registered charity in United States, based in Mesa, AZ. It received its IRS tax-exemption ruling in December 2014, 12 years ago. Its declared purposes cover public safety, disaster preparedness and relief, which this site groups under armed forces, emergency and public safety. The IRS classifies it as a publicly supported organisation (donations from the general public) under section 501(c)(3), and contributions to it are listed as tax-deductible.

In the financial year ending December 2023, Red Lightning reported income of $479k and spending of $528k, spending 110% of what it took in. Across the 3 years on record, from December 2021 to December 2023, income grew from $251k to $479k (+91%), an average of +38% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to December 2023, when income rose by 120%. Over the whole period it spent 81% of the income it received.

Among 9,128 United States charities whose main cause is armed forces, emergency and public safety and that reported income, Red Lightning sits at the 82nd percentile: it is larger than about 82% of them. Against every charity in United States with reported income it ranks in the 70th percentile, and in the 67th percentile within AZ. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include Dunkirk Volunteer Fire Department I NC ($479k), Florida Emergency Preparedness Association Inc ($479k) and Black Hawk Volunteer Fire Department ($478k).

On its Form 990 for the period ending December 2023, revenue came from contributions and grants 99% of the total. Compensation of current officers, directors and key employees was $60k (11% of expenses). Other salaries and wages came to $28k. At year end it held assets of $192k against liabilities of $1,010, net assets of $191k. It reported 1 employees.