SHINING LIGHT INTERNATIONAL

What SHINING LIGHT INTERNATIONAL does

Shining Light International is a US-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 45-5322193), headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, that operates education, vocational training, and community development programs for underserved populations in northern Pakistan, primarily the Gilgit-Baltistan region. The organization was founded in 2011 as the US-registered entity of a program that began in 2003 with a small children's coaching center in Gilgit. It delivers services through three program verticals: education (Shining Light Academy preschool through grade 10, Rural Village Schools, Mobile Tent Schools for semi-nomadic families, and a Leadership Development scholarship program); women's empowerment (30 Women's Vocational Training Centers, business training, and adult literacy); and community development (medical ministries, disaster relief). Implementation on the ground is handled through a jointly controlled Pakistani partner, Shining Light Community Development Organization, supported by 123 local field staff.

The organization's revenue model is entirely donation-based. It accepts individual one-time and recurring contributions, operates the Ray of Hope Club monthly giving program, processes Donor Advised Funds, Qualified Charitable Distributions from IRAs, and stock gifts. There is no product or service pricing; donor acquisition runs through social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter), a content engine branded "Stories of Hope," email newsletters, vision trips to Pakistan, and speaking events at churches, schools, and community groups. The US-based employee count is 1-10, with field staff in Pakistan representing the bulk of personnel. Technology infrastructure is minimal — a Wix-hosted website with donation processing — and there is no proprietary technology, patents, or AI capability. Credibility signals include Platinum certification from GuideStar/Candid and an Outstanding rating from Charity Navigator.

Governance is provided by a Board of Directors chaired by Gary Uber, with Michael R. Gordon as CEO. Recent developments include the April 2025 addition of Dr. Laurel Kietzman to the Board and an active "Build a School" capital campaign to construct permanent facilities for Shining Light Academy. Cumulative program impact cited by the organization includes 600+ academy students, 200 girls educated for the first time in their communities, 1,884 families impacted annually, 560+ WVTC graduates, and 82 children served by Mobile Tent Schools across five Gujjar villages.

Name

SHINING LIGHT INTERNATIONAL

Legal name

Shining Light International

Website

https://shininglight.co

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Shining Light International is a US-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers education, vocational training, and community development programs to marginalized Gujjar communities in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of northern Pakistan through a network of 123 local field staff and jointly controlled local implementation partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nonprofit Education and Community Development

NAICS

Educational Services (611), Educational Support Services (611710), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Academic Support, Tutoring & Language Support for Enrolled Overseas Secondary Students (EDAIAHAK)

Keywords

• Nonprofit education programs
• Women's vocational training
• Community development services
• Disaster relief operations
• Rural school initiatives

Headquarters

HQ city

Colorado Springs

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Individual donors contribute one-time or recurring donations through the organization's website. Monthly giving program (Ray of Hope Club) provides sustained funding for education, literacy, and vocational training programs.
2. Major Gifts and Planned Giving: Accepts donations through Donor Advised Funds, Qualified Charitable Distributions from IRAs, and stock donations for tax-advantaged giving.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Shining Light International is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that operates education, women's vocational training, and community development programs for underserved populations in northern Pakistan. Programs include a private K-10 academy, rural village schools, mobile tent schools for nomadic communities, women's vocational training centers, adult literacy classes, medical ministries, and disaster relief services.

Product overview

Shining Light International is a non-profit organization offering a portfolio of education, women's empowerment, and community development programs focused on northern Pakistan. The core education offerings include Shining Light Academy (a private school in Gilgit serving preschool through grade 10), Rural Village Schools, Mobile Tent Schools for semi-nomadic communities, and a Leadership Development Scholarship Program. Women's programs encompass Women's Vocational Training Centers (teaching sewing, tailoring, and business skills), Business Training Courses, and Adult Literacy Classes. Community programs include Medical Ministries, Disaster Relief, and Adult Literacy Classes. The organization also operates the Ray of Hope Club monthly giving program and has a Build a School Campaign for permanent facilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Shining Light Academy: A model private school in Gilgit, Pakistan offering high-quality education from early childhood through grade 10 with emphasis on academic excellence, character development, and community involvement.
• Women's Vocational Training Center (WVTC)
• Ray of Hope Club
• Mobile Tent Schools

Products and services

• Shining Light Academy A model private school in Gilgit, Pakistan offering high-quality education from preschool through grade 10, with emphasis on academic excellence, character development, and community involvement. Currently serves over 600 students.
• Rural Village Schools Schools operating in remote, underserved Gujjar villages that bring education to areas where formal schooling is unavailable. Local teachers are trained and safe learning environments are provided, especially for girls.
• Women's Vocational Training Centers (WVTC) Training centers where women gain hands-on training in sewing and tailoring while learning skills in budgeting, time management, and health. Thirty centers established; more than 560 women have graduated.
• Adult Literacy Classes Literacy classes that help women and adults learn to read, write, and engage with the world, building confidence and helping them advocate for their families' rights.
• Mobile Tent Schools An innovative education program bringing classrooms to semi-nomadic Gujjar families in high pastures during summer months, preventing seasonal migration from disrupting education. Currently serves 82 children.
• Medical Ministries Provides life-changing access to medical care in remote areas through clinics, health education, and support for those with chronic needs.
• Disaster Relief Emergency response providing food, clean water, shelter, and rebuilding assistance to families affected by flooding, earthquakes, and other natural disasters.
• Leadership Development Program Scholarship program covering school fees, supplies, and transportation for students who would otherwise drop out, enabling girls and disadvantaged children to continue their education.

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Shining Light Community Development Organization (Pakistan)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal partner organization in Pakistan that works with Shining Light International (US) to implement programs on the ground, including the Mobile Tent School program and other community development initiatives in Gilgit-Baltistan.
• Village Councils (Gujjar Communities)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal village councils collaborate with Shining Light to develop work plans and budgets for village schools, ensuring community ownership and culturally appropriate implementation of programs.
• Local Government OfficesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerShining Light values collaboration with local government offices to align efforts with local priorities and ensure program sustainability.
• Other NGOsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners with other nonprofit organizations to maximize reach, avoid duplication of efforts, and bring greater opportunities to communities served.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Market position

Competitive moat4 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/shininglight_i
• Facebookfacebook.com/ShiningLightIntl
• Instagraminstagram.com/shininglightinternational
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/shining-light-international

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about SHINING LIGHT INTERNATIONAL