Guide Dogs for the Blind

What it reported doing in 2024

Guide dog programsgdb is recognized as a world leader in the breeding, socialization, and training of guide dogs along with unparalleled support of its guide dog teams. During the year ended june 30, 2025, gdb served almost 2,000 guide dog teams across the united states and canada. Guide dog teams train and graduate from gdb's campuses in California and Oregon, and in home client training services are also available. As part of gdb's commitment to client service and support, clients have ongoing access to on campus veterinary services, veterinary financial assistance, dedicated field service representatives, 24/7 call in support, an alumni association, and much more. (continued on sch o)orientation & mobility immersion programapproximately five years ago, gdb expanded its service offerings to include a free orientation & mobility immersion ("omi") program. This program is designed for people interested in learning orientation and mobility skills for safe, independent travel, including those skills that are most relevant to guide dog handling. Gdb provides services to new clients as well as to current guide dogs handlers who may need to enhance their mobility skills. Omi training is conducted at both campus locations and in-home, with 378 clients served to date and 74 clientsserved during the year ended june 30, 2025.k9 buddy programgdb's k9 buddy program matches specially selected dogs, who were not suited to become guide dogs, as wonderful pets and buddies to people who are blind or visually impaired, including children and their families, and adults of all ages. A dog can contribute to the heightening of sensory development and enhanced self esteem. During the year ended june 30, 2025, 29 k9 buddy teams were created at no cost to the client or their families.youth programswhile gdb's guide dog and omi programs primarily serve adults, gdb also seeks out ways beyond its k9 buddy program to engage youth who are blind or visually impaired. Gdb has several free programs that provide youth and their families an opportunity to explore the guide dog lifestyle starting at a young age.camp gdbat camp gdb, participants explore the companionship, independence, and responsibility of having a guide dog. Campers experience handson fun and unique activities with dogs and learn why orientation and mobility ("o&m") skills are so important for a successful partnership with a guide dog. There were two camp sessions this year for youth ages 14-17 during which campers visited gdb's Oregon campus and experienced walking with a guide dog in harness, had educational sessions with veterinarians and kennel staff, and snuggled with dogs. Campers also participated in archery, tandem bike riding, among other activities, and cared for a dog overnight.careers & canine connectionsgdb and american printing house ("aph") career connect collaborated to provide a weeklong program called careers & canine connections at the hull center in sandy, or., near gdb's boring campus. Participants ranged in age from 18-24 and experienced a deep dive into career exploration and how a guide dog might fit into their future employment. They discovered a variety of career options, the value of networking for both work and greater independence, compared mobility possibilities for work related travel, received vocational and employment mentorship, and participated in unique hands on experiences with dogs.advocacy effortsin addition to its full complement of free client programs, gdb works to educate its community about legislation that supports accessibility and furthers inclusion. This year, advocacy efforts included educational content, events, and media efforts to address the pervasive issue of rideshare denials to guide dog handlers in north america. Advocacy efforts also included collaborating with leaders from other guide dog schools to share data, strategies, and global insights on guide dog access challenges at the 2025 international guide dog federation conference.suppo

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 77.4%; rating input score 77
• Program expense ratio: 77.8%; rating input score 78
• Fundraising efficiency: $6.55 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 29; 29th percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 68th percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: 4 of 6 controls in place; rating input score 67
  • Compensation committee: Missing
  • Independent consultant: Pass
  • Other Form 990s reviewed: Pass
  • Written employment contract: Missing
  • Compensation survey or study: Pass
  • Board or committee approval: Pass
• Foreign activity oversight: Scored; rating input score 0
• Grant itemization coverage: Scored; rating input score 0
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Yes; rating input score 100

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 92.3%; rating input score 92; 41st percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 9 of 9 controls in place; rating input score 100
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: Pass
  • Other executive compensation review process: Pass
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Pass
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: 27.4%; rating input score 91; 91st percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 8.58; rating input score 90; 90th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.07; rating input score 87; 87th percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 3.2%; rating input score 35; 35th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 6.2% per year; rating input score 100; 50th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 5.9% per year; rating input score 100; 51st percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 4% per year; rating input score 100; 28th percentile among comparable filings