Better Business Bureau Foundation Serving Northwestern Ohio and Southeastern Michigan 2013 Charity Giving Guide Your Resource for Charitable Giving Uniting donors, grant makers and charities 1
THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU SERVING NORTHWESTERN OHIO AND SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF THE 2013 CHARITY GIVING GUIDE 2 2013 Better Business Bureau
TABLE OF CONTENTS Better Business Bureau Foundation Serving NW Ohio and SE Michigan Welcome 2 Frequently Asked Questions 4 When Charities Don t Meet Standards 5 Standards For Charitable Accountability 6-7 How To Read The Grid 8 Evaluations 9-35 Which Charities Do You Trust? 17 Tips For Donating Used Items 19 5 Best Questions For Charity Telemarketers 25 How To Handle Unwanted Mail From Charities 28 Do s And Don ts Of Wise Giving 32 Tips For Car Donations 36 Developing A Charity Report 36 Glossary 37-38 Credits 39 Disclaimer 40 Help on the Road and Beyond. Assisting in people s lives many ways including: 24-hour Emergency Road Service Full-Service Travel Agency Auto, Home & Life Insurance Car Care Plus - Auto Repair Show Your Card & Save Discounts Financial Services Check out our 3 different membership levels Join online: www.aaa.com or call (419) 843-1200 or visit any AAA Branch Commercial and Residential Construction Remodeling and Disaster Repair Call back within minutes On site for emergencies in two to four hours 24 hours a day, seven days a week emergency service (419) 866-9844 (800) 886-9844 9540 Airport Highway Monclova, OH 43542 A+ Visit us online at www.pdrwle.com Servicing NW Ohio and SE Michigan Since 1985 Mitigation, Restoration, and Remodeling Services 3
WELCOME Here it is! You hold in cooperation. Some fine charities have just missed your hands the second meeting all Standards but are working with us to local Better Business move into compliance. And, sadly, some charities Bureau Charity Giving simply refuse to respond to our requests or cannot Guide. We have compiled meet our Standards. We believe that all charities the information in this should be transparent and accountable. Where a book and provide it free of charity refuses to provide us with information they charge as a service to are rated FTD Failure to Disclose. you, the consumers and Feel free to use the information in this book as one businesses in our 18- part of your decision-making process when deciding county service area, to which organizations to support. We want to help help you make wise decisions when evaluating save donors from throwing away their money on appeals from charities. groups with questionable practices. Charitable and not for profit organizations provide This book was made possible through the generous assistance to hundreds of thousands of people in support to the BBB Foundation from many local need each and every year. This support includes business leaders listed throughout the book. Also, providing help to children, adults and older adults thanks to the United Way of Greater Toledo for their with every type of disability, and offering aid for a cooperation throughout the years. huge variety of needs from shelter, to food and BBB charity ratings are updated regularly, so if you clothing, medicine, medical care, transportation, have any questions regarding a specific report, rehabilitation and much more. These organizations please call us at 419-531-3116 or 800-743-4222 depend on support from the charitable donations or go to our website, www.toledo.bbb.org. We received from the businesses and consumers in our hope you find this book valuable and follow our BBB service area. We want to help you make sure that advice to Start with Trust! your charitable contributions COUNT! For the first time, these evaluations include letter grade ratings from A+ to F. Our own Greg Heldt developed this rating system, which has now been Sincerely, expanded to a number of other BBB cities. Trying to interpret the 20 BBB Standards for Charitable Richard T. Eppstein Accountability can be complicated and confusing. President Letter grades clarify the rating and help consumers, businesses and the legitimate charities themselves. Most of the listed organizations have voluntarily provided information and we thank them for their 4
FirstEnergy Foundation is a Proud Sponsor of the BBB Charity Giving Guide Exemplifying the spirit of charitable giving 5
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS WHY DOES THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU Organization Stated Purpose and Notes WHY ARE SOME CHARITIES Financial LISTED A AS B "NATIONAL" Evaluation PROVIDE REPORTS ON CHARITIES? OR "STATEWIDE"? The BBB provides charity reports for the same reason it Each BBB is responsible for maintaining reports on provides business reports - to help the public make charities and businesses located within its service area. informed decisions and encourage ethical behavior. With When a local charity is part of a larger state or national over one million registered charities nationwide, it may be organization, the BBB makes a case-by-case harder now than ever before to decide which determination whether to evaluate it locally or to refer organizations to support. Our Charity Review Program donors to another BBB (such as Columbus) or to the provides the mission, programs, and finances of local national BBB Wise Giving Alliance. Collectively, thousands charities, and evaluates these organizations according to of charity reports are available online at www.bbb.org our Standards for Charitable Accountability, giving you from the nationwide network of BBBs. the information you need to make the best decision. WHY CAN'T I FIND THE CHARITY I'M LOOKING WHY HAVE STANDARDS FOR CHARITIES? FOR? The BBB Standards for Charitable Accountability help to answer your basic questions about an organization's governance, finances, and fundraising practices. How do they use your donations? Are they honest in their fundraising materials and financial statements? Does the board of directors avoid conflicts of interest and provide adequate oversight? These standards are designed to apply to any charitable organization, regardless of size or area of service. A full list of the Standards for Charitable Accountability can be found on pages 6-7. WHICH ARE THE BEST CHARITIES IN THE GIVING GUIDE? The BBB does not make any judgments about the worthiness of any particular organization or cause. Donors are strongly encouraged to use the Standards as one resource for making their own decisions. You should also take into consideration the charity's mission, program activities, and history of service. Whenever a charity does not meet all Standards, its full report (available at www.toledo.bbb.org or by calling 419-531-3116 or 800-743-4222) will explain exactly why and provide the charity's response, if any. WHY DO SOME CHARITIES HAVE FINANCIAL INFORMATION FROM 2009 AND 2010? The Better Business Bureau strives to provide the most accurate and up-to-date financial information available, but when charities choose not to disclose, the BBB consults publicly available sources, which at times can be outdated. Additionally, our evaluations are conducted every two years, and in some cases these were the most recent financial statements available at the time of review. Future editions of our Giving Guide will continue to update financial information as it becomes available. There are thousands of charities located throughout Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan, and in this edition of our Giving Guide we focused on organizations we felt potential donors would be most interested in. If there's a charity you would like us to review that we didn't include, please call (419) 531-3116 or (800) 743-4222 and let us know. Your call will help us determine which charities are included in the next Giving Guide. 6
WHEN CHARITIES DON'T MEET STANDARDS What does it mean when a charity does not meet all expenses are monitored on a regular basis, a charity Standards? Does it mean that you shouldn't donate to cannot ensure that it is spending public donations wisely that organization? That's up to you. We strongly and raising money in an efficient manner. encourage all donors to visit our website It's up to each individual www.toledo.bbb.org and read the full report on any to decide if he should donate to charity they are investigating. To see what could be at stake, take for example two of the most commonly missed Standards, Standard 16 and Standard 9. Standard 16 asks organizations to produce an annual report available to anyone upon request. The BBB does not dictate the format - the annual report can be a glossy full-color magazine or a simple one-page fact sheet - but we do ask that it contain some basic information: the charity's mission statement, a summary of what it has accomplished in the past year, a roster of its board of directors, and a financial summary that includes total income, an expense breakdown, and its net assets. The BBB feels that this information provides potential donors with a basic but solid overview of the organization: what it does, who is in charge, and how it spends its money. A charity can miss this Standard in several ways. Some organizations may not meet this Standard because they overlook one of the basic requirements and did not amend their annual report in time for the Giving Guide. Other organizations don't publish an annual report at all. A few may actually want to make it difficult for the public to obtain basic information, like who is on the board of directors or the amount of assets it has. Transparency is at the heart of BBB Standards, and Standard 16 is one important way for a charity to be transparent. Standard 9 requires organizations to spend no more than 35% of contributions on fundraising expenses. "Contributions" include private and corporate donations, revenues from special events, foundation grants, and other results of fundraising efforts. This Standard, along with Standard 8, seeks to ensure that your donation primarily supports the charity s mission and programs. It's virtually impossible for a charity to raise money without spending money, but they should keep their fundraising expenses reasonable as a principle of good stewardship. Relatively few charities in the Giving Guide exceed this ratio, but there are many for whom the BBB could not verify what this ratio truly was. In most cases, the charity's financial statements did not provide enough information about how much it spent on fundraising. The charity may not even track those expenses, and will not meet several other Standards which relate to financial transparency and accuracy. Unless fundraising an organization when all Standards are not being met. The BBB's full reports on each charity go into much more detail about any Standards that were not met. If you are interested in a charity listed in the Guide which does not meet one or more Standards, we encourage you to look up the charity's full report at www.toledo.bbb.org. Or you can call (419) 531-3116 or (800) 743-4222 weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., and we can read you the charity's report or mail you a copy. Our charity staff is also available to help explain our Standards more fully. 7
STANDARDS FOR CHARITABLE ACCOUNTABILITY GOVERNANCE AND OVERSIGHT 6. Have a board policy of assessing, no less than every The governing board has the ultimate oversight authority two years, the organization's performance and for any charitable organization. This section of the effectiveness and of determining future actions required Standards seeks to ensure that the volunteer board is to achieve its mission. active, independent, and free of self-dealing. To meet 7. Submit to the organization's governing body, for its these Standards, the organization shall have: approval, a written report that outlines the results of the 1. A board of directors that provides adequate oversight aforementioned performance and effectiveness of the charity's operations and its staff. assessment and recommendations for future actions. Indication of adequate oversight includes, but is not limited to, regularly scheduled appraisals of the CEO's performance, evidence of disbursement controls such as board approval of the budget and fundraising practices, establishment of a conflict-of-interest policy, and establishment of accounting procedures sufficient to safeguard charity finances. 2. A board of directors with a minimum of five voting members. 3. A minimum of three evenly spaced meetings per year of the full governing body with a majority in attendance, with face-to-face participation. A conference call of the full board can substitute for one of the three meetings of the governing body. For all meetings, alternative modes of participation are acceptable for those with physical disabilities. 4. Not more than one or 10% (whichever is greater) directly or indirectly compensated person(s) serving as voting member(s) of the board. Compensated members shall not serve as the board's chair or treasurer. 5. No transaction(s) in which any board or staff members have material conflicting interests with the charity resulting from any relationship or business affiliation. Factors that will be considered when concluding whether or not a related party transaction constitutes a conflict of interest and if such a conflict is material, include, but are not limited to: any arm's length procedures established by the charity; the size of the transaction relative to like expenses of the charity; whether the interested party participated in the board vote on the transaction; if competitive bids were sought; and whether the transaction is one-time, recurring, or ongoing. MEASURING EFFECTIVENESS An organization should regularly assess its effectiveness in achieving its mission. This section seeks to ensure that an organization has defined, measurable goals and objectives in place and a defined process in place to evaluate the success and impact of its program(s) in fulfilling the goals and objectives of the organization and that also identifies ways to address any deficiencies. To meet these Standards, a charitable organization shall: FINANCES This section of the Standards seeks to ensure that the charity spends its funds honestly, prudently, and in accordance with statements made in fundraising appeals. To meet these Standards, the charitable organization shall: Please note: Standards 8 and 9 have different denominators. 8. Spend at least 65% of its total expenses on program activities. FORMULA FOR STANDARD 8 Total Program Service Expenses should be at least 65% Total Expenses 9. Spend no more than 35% of related contributions on fundraising. Related contributions include donations, legacies, and other gifts received as a result of fundraising efforts. FORMULA FOR STANDARD 9 Total Fundraising Expenses should be no more than 35% Total Related Contributions 10. Avoid accumulating funds that could be used for current program activities. To meet this Standard, the charity's unrestricted net assets available for use should not be more than three times the size of the past year's expenses or three times the size of the current year's budget, whichever is higher. An organization that does not meet Standards 8,9, and/or 10 may provide evidence to demonstrate that its use of funds is reasonable. The higher fundraising and administrative costs of a newly created organization, donor restrictions on the use of funds, exceptional bequests, a stigma associated with a cause and environmental or political events beyond an organization's control are among factors which may result in expenditures that are reasonable although they do not meet the financial measures cited in these Standards. 8
STANDARDS FOR CHARITABLE ACCOUNTABILITY, CONT D 11. Make available to all, on request, complete annual (d) financial information that includes financial Organization statements prepared in accordance Stated Purpose with generally and Notes Financial A B Evaluation (i) total income in the past fiscal year, accepted accounting principles. When total annual gross income exceeds $500,000, these statements should be (ii) expenses in the same program, fundraising and audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing administrative categories as in the financial standards. For charities whose annual gross income is statements, and between $250,000 and $500,000, a review by a certified public accountant is sufficient to meet this Standard. 12. Include in the financial statements a breakdown of expenses (e.g., salaries, travel, postage, etc.) that shows what portion of these expenses was allocated to program, fundraising, and administrative activities. If the charity has more than one major program category, the schedule should provide a breakdown for each category. 13. Accurately report the charity's expenses including any joint cost allocations, in its financial statements. For example, audited or unaudited statements which inaccurately claim zero fundraising expenses or otherwise understate the amount a charity spends on fundraising, and/or overstate the amount it spends on programs will not meet this Standard. 14. Have a board-approved annual budget for its current fiscal year, outlining projected expenses for major program activities, fundraising, and administration. FUNDRAISING AND INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS A fundraising appeal is often the only contact a donor has with a charity and may be the sole impetus for giving. This section of the Standards seeks to ensure that a charity's representations to the public are accurate, complete, and respectful. To meet these Standards, the charitable organization shall: 15. Have solicitations and informational materials, distributed by any means, that are accurate, truthful and not misleading, both in whole and in part. Appeals that omit a clear description of program(s) for which contributions are sought will not meet this Standard. A charity should also be able to substantiate that the timing and nature of its expenditures are in accordance with what is stated, expressed, or implied in the charity's solicitations. 16. Have an annual report available to all, on request, that includes: (a) the organization's mission statement; (b) a summary of the past year's program service accomplishments; (c) a roster of the officers and members of the board of directors; (iii) ending net assets. 17. Include on any charity websites that solicit contributions, the same information that is recommended for annual reports, as well as the mailing address of the charity and electronic access to its most recent IRS Form 990. 18. Address privacy concerns of donors by: (a) providing in written appeals at least annually, a means (such as a check off box) for both new and continuing donors to inform the charity if they do not want their name and address shared outside the organization, and (b) providing clear, prominent and easily accessible privacy policy on any of its websites that tells visitors (i) what information, if any, is being collected about them by the charity and how this information will be used, (ii) how to contact the charity to review personal information collected and request corrections, (iii) how to inform the charity (e.g., a check off box) that the visitor does not wish his/her personal information to be shared outside the organization, and (iv) what security measures the charity has in place to protect personal information. 19. Clearly disclose how the charity benefits from the sale of products or services (i.e., cause-related marketing) that state or imply that a charity will benefit from a consumer sale or transaction. Such promotions should disclose, at the point of solicitation: (a) the actual or anticipated portion of the purchase price that will benefit the charity (e.g., 5 cents will be contributed to ABC Charity for every XYZ Company product sold), (b) the duration of the campaign (e.g., the month of October), (c)any maximum or guaranteed minimum contribution amount (e.g., up to a maximum of $200,000). 20. Respond promptly to and act on complaints brought to its attention by the BBB Wise Giving Alliance and/or local Better Business Bureaus about fundraising practices, privacy policy violations and/or other issues. 9
HOW TO READ THE EVALUATIONS Organization Organization Stated Stated Purpose Purpose and and Notes Notes Financial Financial A B Evaluation Evaluation ABC Charity To provide assistance to the homeless Audited Financial 82% 11% A+ 7668 Main St. throughout the community. Statements for the BBB Accredited Anytown, OH Year Ending Charity (419) 555-5555 12/31/2010 Good Charity, Inc. To provide senior citizens with meaningful day Audited Financial 71% 45% B+ 8700 Second St. programming within the community. Statements for the Does Not Meet Somewhere, OH Year Ending Standard 9 (419) 555-0000 6/31/2009 Unable to Verify Standard 14 Helping Charity BBB Note: Because this organization did not FTD 9500 Third St. disclose, the BBB was unable to determine Failure To Wherever, MI if the organization meets BBB standards. Disclose (517) 555-0000 Above is an example of how organizations are listed in the Giving Guide. The first column, Organization, provides the name and contact information for the charity, including the address, telephone number, and website (if any). The second column, Stated Purpose and Notes, provides a summary of the charity s mission statement. It will also note if the charity report is being pulled from information provided by another BBB or the Wise Giving Alliance. The third column describes the Financial provided to the BBB by the charity e.g., audited financial statements, IRS Form 990, etc. The fourth column is broken into two sub-columns. Column A lists the percentage of total expenses spent on programs, while Column B lists the percentage of total expenses spent on fundraising. Finally, the last column provides the charity s Evaluation, which can include different conclusions: A+ BBB ACCREDITED CHARITY At the time of the review, the charity met all 20 BBB Standards for Charitable Accountability and received a rating of A+. DOES NOT MEET STANDARD X Based on the BBB s review of the information provided, the charity did not meet one or more Standards and was assigned a grade based on the severity of those deficiencies. Donors are advised to view the charity s full report (available by calling 419-531-3116, 800-743-4222, or online at www.toledo.bbb.org) which will explain why the Standards were unmet and the reason for the letter grade. The report will also include the charity s response to this determination, if one is given. UNABLE TO VERIFY STANDARD X Despite BBB requests, the charity does not provide sufficient information to determine whether or not it meets a particular Standard. For example, the charity may not have provided its fundraising materials or submitted board meeting attendance for the year in review. In some cases, the charity fully cooperated with the BBB, but the necessary information was simply unavailable or too ambiguous for the BBB to make a firm determination. Depending on the severity of the unmet standard, the charity is assigned a letter grade. FAILURE TO DISCLOSE Despite multiple written requests from the BBB, the organization did not provide the requested materials. While participation in the BBB s charity review efforts is voluntary, the BBB believes a lack of cooperation may demonstrate a lack of commitment to transparency. BBB ACCREDITED SEAL HOLDER Organizations that meet all 20 BBB Charitable Accountability Standards are eligible to support the BBB by participating in the Charity Seal Program, which allows a charity to visually demonstrate its commitment to the highest ethical standards of the BBB. Local participants are shown with a BBB Seal that includes their A+ letter grade, while national seal participants are shown with the national Accredited Charity Seal. 10
Ability Center To assist people with disabilities to live, work Audited Financial 76% 2% A+ 5605 Monroe St. and socialize within a fully accessible community. Statements for BBB Accredited Sylvania, OH 43560 Recently acquired the Assistance for Achieving the Year Ending Charity (419) 885-5733 Independence Program working to train dogs 9/30/2011 www.abilitycenter.org rescued from animal shelters and/or donated by pet owners, as assistance dogs. Adelante, Inc. To serve and empower individuals and Audited Financial 88% 3% A+ 520 Broadway St. families in Northwest Ohio through education, Statements for BBB Accredited Toledo, OH 43602 health, economic literacy, and other social the Year Ending Charity (419) 244-8440 services. Adelante works to improve quality of 6/30/2010 www.adelante-inc.org life for Latinos and others with impactful services. Adopt America Network BBB Note: This is the local office and national Audited Financial 88% 7% National 1500 N. Superior St. Ste. 303 office of Adopt America Network. This Statements for BBB Accredited Toledo, OH 43604 evaluation has been provided by the BBB Wise the Year Ending Charity (419) 726-5100 Giving Alliance and can be viewed at 12/31/2009 www.adoptamericanetwork.org www.give.org or by calling (703) 276-0100 for a full report. Advocates for Basic Legal To provide free, high-quality legal Audited Financial 90% 3% A+ Equality, Inc. (ABLE) assistance in civil matters to help eligible, Statements for BBB Accredited 525 Madison Ave. Ste. 300 low-income individuals and groups in the the Year Ending Charity Toledo, OH 43604 community achieve equal opportunity, 12/31/2010 (419) 255-0814 self-reliance and equality. www.ablelaw.org Advocates for Victims and BBB Note: Because this organization did not FTD Justice, Inc. disclose, the BBB was unable to determine if the Failure To 700 Adams St. organization meets BBB standards. Disclose Toledo, OH 43604 (419) 245-2127 Alzheimer s Association of To enhance the quality of life of all persons Audited Financial 78% 11% A+ Northwest Ohio affected by Alzheimer s disease and related Statements for BBB Accredited 2500 N. Reynolds Rd. disorders through compassionate services, the Year Ending Charity Toledo, OH 43615 diverse educational programs, advocacy, 6/30/2010 (419) 537-1999 support for research, and access to www.alz.org/nwohio resources. American Cancer Society; BBB Note: This is the local office of the Audited Financial 80% 11% National Ohio Division American Cancer Society of Ohio, which is Statements for BBB Accredited 740 Commerce Dr., Ste. B nationally based in Atlanta, GA. This evaluation the Year Ending Charity Perrysburg, OH 43551 has been provided by the Wise Giving Alliance 8/31/2010 (888) 227-6446 and can be viewed at www.give.org or www.cancer.org by calling (703) 276-0100 for a full report. American Heart Association BBB Note: This is the local office of the Audited Financial 76% 16% National of Northwest Ohio American Heart Association, which is Statements for BBB Accredited 1701 Woodlands Dr., Ste. 200 nationally based in Dallas, Texas. This the Year Ending Charity Maumee, OH 43537 evaluation has been provided by the BBB 6/30/2010 (419) 740-6180 Wise Giving Alliance and can be viewed at www.americanheart.org www.give.org or by calling (703) 276-0100 for a full report. 11
American Lung Association BBB Note: This is the local office of the Audited Financial 88% 1% National of Northwest Ohio American Lung Association, which is nationally Statements for BBB Accredited P.O. Box 415 based in Washington D.C. This evaluation has the Year Ending Charity Sandusky, OH 44871 been provided by the Wise Giving Alliance and 6/30/2010 (419) 663-5864 can be viewed at www.give.org or by calling www.ohiolung.org (703) 276-0100 for a full report. American Red Cross To provide relief to victims of disasters and to Audited Financial 67% 12% A+ of Northwestern Ohio help people prevent, prepare for, and respond Statements for BBB Accredited 3100 W. Central Ave. to emergencies. the Year Ending Charity Toledo, OH 43606 6/30/2010 (419) 329-2900 www.redcrosstoledo.org American Red Cross; BBB Note: Because this organization did FTD Monroe County Chapter not disclose, the BBB was unable to Failure To 1635 N. Dixie Hwy. determine if the organization meets BBB Disclose Monroe, MI 48162 standards. (734) 289-1481 www.arc-monroe.org American Society for the BBB Note: this is the national office of the Audited Financial 74% 22% National Prevention of Cruelty to ASPCA, which is based in New York, NY. This Statements for the BBB Accredited Animals (ASPCA) evaluation has been provided by the BBB Wise the Year Ending Charity 424 East 92nd Street Giving Alliance and can be viewed at 12/31/2010 New York, NY 10128 www.give.org or by calling (703) 276-0100 (212) 876-7700 for a full report. www.aspca.org AMVETS National Service BBB Note: this is the national office of the Audited Financial 82% 6% Does Not Meet Foundation AMVETS, which is based in Lanham, MD. This Statements for the Standards 4647 Forbes Boulevard evaluation has been provided by the BBB Wise the Year Ending 6, 7, 14, 16, 18 Lanham, MD 20706 Giving Alliance and can be viewed at 8/31/2010 Unable to (301) 459-6181 www.give.org or by calling (703) 276-0100 Verify www.amvetsnsf.org for a full report. Standards 13, 15 Animal House Rescue BBB Note: Because this organization did FTD P.O. Box 313 not disclose, the BBB was unable to Failure To Neapolis, OH 43547 determine if the organization meets BBB Disclose (419) 276-5699 standards. www.ahrescue.org Anne Grady Foundation To ensure the long term financial integrity and Audited Financial 82% 7% B+ 1525 Eber Rd. viability of the Anne Grady Corporation through Statements for Does Not Holland, OH 43528 the collection and management of charitable the Year Ending Meet Standard (419) 866-6500 contributions and fund raising activities for the 12/31/2009 10 www.annegrady.org benefit of the Corporations services to individuals who have develpmental disabilities. 12
Arc of Monroe County BBB Note: Because this organization did not FTD 752 S. Monroe St., Ste. B disclose, the BBB was unable to determine if the Failure To Monroe, MI 48161 organization meets BBB standards. Disclose (734) 241-5881 Arc of Wood County BBB Note: Because this organization did not FTD P.O. Box 264 disclose, the BBB was unable to determine if the Failure To Bowling Green, OH 43402 organization meets BBB standards. Disclose (419) 353-1099 Arthritis Foundation BBB Note: Because this organization did not FTD Northwestern Ohio Chapter disclose, the BBB was unable to determine if the Failure To 309 N. Reynolds Rd. organization meets BBB standards. Disclose Toledo, OH 43615 (419) 537-0888 www.arthritis.org Arthur Lesow Community BBB Note: Because this organization did not FTD Center disclose, the BBB was unable to determine if the Failure To 120 Eastchester St. organization meets BBB standards. Disclose Monroe, MI 48161 (734) 241-4313 Arts Commission of Greater To develop and promote the arts in the greater Audited Financial 71% 12% A+ Toledo Toledo community. Statements for BBB Accredited 1838 Parkwood Ave., the Year Ending Charity Ste. 120 12/31/2011 Toledo, OH 43604 (419) 254-2787 www.acgt.org Assets Toledo BBB Note: Because this organization did not FTD 2200 Jefferson Avenue disclose, the BBB was unable to determine if the Failure To Toledo, OH 43604 organization meets BBB standards. Disclose (419) 381-2721 www.assetstoledo.com Associated Charities of To meet the basic needs of Lenawee County Audited Financial 90% 2% B Lenawee County citizens of all ages - with respect and without Statements for Does Not Meet 221 S. Tecumseh St. judgement. the Year Ending Standards Adrian, MI 49221 12/31/2010 6, 7, 16, 18 (419) 265-7225 www.thecharities.org Aurora Project, Inc. A comprehensive program for homeless women Audited Financial 85% 2% A+ 1035 N. Superior St. and their children to facilitate the transition Statements for BBB Accredited Toledo, OH 43604 from dysfunction to self-sufficiency and the Year Ending Charity (419) 244-3200 independence by providing safe, secure housing 6/30/2011 www.auroraprojectinc.org that includes a nurturing center for children. 13
Beach House, Inc. To provide emergency shelter to homeless Audited Financial 89% 9% A+ 915 N. Erie St. women and families. Statements for BBB Accredited Toledo, OH 43604 the Year Ending Charity (419) 241-9277 12/31/2011 www.beachhousetoledo.org Bethany House BBB Note: Because this organization did not FTD P. O. Box 5930 disclose, the BBB was unable to determine if the Failure To Toledo, OH 43613 organization meets BBB standards. Disclose (419) 882-8373 www.bethanyhousetoledo.org Big Brothers Big Sisters of To provide quality mentoring relationships Audited Financial 83% 15% A- Northwestern Ohio between children and qualified adults in Statements for Did Not Meet Four Seagate, Ste. 660 Northwestern Ohio, and promote their the Year Ending Standards Toledo, OH 43604 development into competent, confident and 6/30/2011 17, 18 (419) 243-4600 caring individuals. www.bbbsnwo.org Bittersweet, Inc. To positively impact the lives of individuals Audited Financial 80% <1% A+ 12660 Archibold-Whitehouse Rd. with autism and those whose lives they touch. Statements for BBB Accredited Whitehouse, OH 43571 the Year Ending Charity (419) 875-6986 12/31/2010 www.bittersweetfarms.org Boy Scouts of America, Inc., To develop the youth of Northwest Ohio into Audited Financial 81% 7% A+ Erie Shores Council becoming life-long contributing citizens with Statements For BBB Accredited 5600 W. Sylvania Ave. strong character, compassion, leadership and the Year Ending Charity Toledo, OH 43623 with service to others. 12/31/2010 (419) 241-7293 www.toledobsa.com Boys & Girls Club of Lenawee BBB Note: Because this organization did not FTD 327 Erie St. disclose, the BBB was unable to determine if the Failure To Adrian, MI 49221 organization meets BBB standards. Disclose (517) 266-9775 www.bgclenawee.com Boys & Girls Club of Toledo To inspire and enable all young people, Audited Financial 78% 8% A+ 2250 N. Detroit Ave. especially those from disadvantaged Statements for BBB Accredited Toledo, OH 43606 circumstances, to realize their full potential as the Year Ending Charity (419) 241-4258 productive, responsible citizens. 12/31/2009 www.bgctoledo.org Bowling Green Pregnancy To minister God s truth and love to men and IRS Form 990-EZ UTV UTV F Center women with needs related to sexuality, for the Year Does Not Meet 441 Frazee Ave., Ste. A pregnancy, adoption, and post-abortion trauma. Ending Review In Progress Standards Bowling Green, OH 43402 12/31/2010 1,6,7,12,14, (419) 354-4673 For updated 16, 17, 18 www.bgpc.org information, visitunable to www.toledo.bbb.org Verify Standards 8, 9, 15 14
Breast Cancer Society BBB Note: This is the national office of the Review in 6859 E. Rembrandt Ave., Ste. 128 Breast Cancer Society, which is based in Progress Mesa, AZ 85212 Mesa, AZ. This evaluation has been provided (480) 284-4014 by the BBB Wise Giving Alliance and www.breastcancersociety.org can be viewed at www.give.org or by calling (703) 276-0100 for a full report. Cancer Patient Services To reduce the burden of cancer patients and Compiled 86% 3% B+ 1800 N. Blanchard Rd., Ste. 120 their families who live or work in Hancock Financial Does Not Meet Findlay, OH 45840 County by providing them with physical, Statements for the Standard 11 (419) 423-0286 emotional and financial assistance, as well as Year Ending www.cancerpatientservices.org educational resources. 12/31/2010 Cancer Services of Erie County BBB Note: Because this organization did not FTD 505 E. Perkins Ave. disclose, the BBB was unable to determine if the Failure To Sandusky, OH 44870 organization meets BBB standards. Disclose (419) 626-4548 Catholic Charities Diocese of In the service ministry of the Church, Catholic Audited Financial 84% 1% A+ Toledo Charities supports and enhances parish Statements for BBB Accredited 1933 Spielbusch Ave. community response to the social Gospel of the Year Ending Charity Toledo, OH 43624 Jesus Christ throughout the Diocese of Toledo. 6/30/2011 (419) 244-6711 www.catholiccharitiesnwo.org Catholic Club BBB Note: Because this organization did not FTD 1601 Jefferson Ave. disclose, the BBB was unable to determine if the Failure To Toledo, OH 43604 organization meets BBB standards. Disclose (419) 243-7255 www.catholicclub.org Cherry Street Mission To transform lives by empowering people to Audited Financial 71% 19% A+ Ministries advance from dependency to self-sufficiency Statements for BBB Accredited 105 17th St. through an abundant life in Christ Jesus. the Year Ending Charity Toledo, OH 43604 12/31/2010 (419) 242-5141 www.cherrystreetmission.org Children s Cancer Research BBB Note: This is the national office of the Audited Financial 70% 26% Does Not Fund Children s Cancer Research Fund, which is based Statements for Meet 7301 Ohms Lane, Suite 460 in Minneapolis, MN. This evaluation has been the Year Ending Standards Minneapolis, MN 55439 provided by the BBB Wise Giving Alliance and 6/30/2010 6, 7, 19 (888) 422-7348 can be viewed at www.give.org or by calling Unable to www.childrenscancer.org (703) 276-0100 for a full report. Verify Standards 8, 9, 13, 14, 15 City Mission of Findlay Ohio To serve the physical and spiritual needs of Reviewed 77% 13% A+ 510 W. Main Cross St. local and transient homeless persons by Financial BBB Accredited Findlay, OH 45840 providing shelter, food, and rest in emergency Statements for the Charity (419) 423-9151 situations. Year Ending www.findlaymission.org 12/31/2011 15
Cocoon Shelter To provide safety, healing, and justice for Audited Financial 87% 2% B+ P. O. Box 1165 battered women and their children. Statements for Does Not Meet Bowling Green, OH 43402 the Year Ending Standards (419) 373-1730 12/31/2010 16, 17, 18 www.cocoonshelter.org Collingwood Arts Center To provide the people and arts community of IRS Form 990 UTV UTV C- 2413 Collingwood Blvd. greater Toledo a unique space wherein creativity, for the Does Not Meet Toledo, OH 43620 diversity, and artistic expression is fostered and Year Ending Standards (419) 244-2787 nourished. 12/31/2008 11, 12, 16, 17 www.collingwoodartscenter.org Unable to Verify 8, 9, 10, 13 Community Hospice To increase the significance of a terminal Reviewed 85% 5% A+ Care patient s remaining days through the provision Financial BBB Accredited 181 E. Perry St. of an umbrella of physical care, emotional Statements for Charity Tiffin, OH 44883 support, and encouragement to the patient s the Year Ending (419) 447-4040 ability to remain in the home setting for as 6/30/2010 www.communityhospicecare.com long as possible. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation BBB Note: This is the national office of the Audited 92% 5% National BBB 6931 Arlington Road, 2nd Floor Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, which is based in Financial Accredited Betheseda, MD 20814 Bethesda, MD. This evaluation has been Statements for Charity (301) 951-4422 provided by the BBB Wise Giving Alliance and the Year Ending www.cff.org can be viewed at www.give.org or by calling 12/31/2011 (703) 276-0100 for a full report. Dental Center of Northwest BBB Note: Because this organization did not FTD Ohio disclose, the BBB was unable to determine if the Failure To 2138 Madison Ave. organization meets BBB standards. Disclose Toledo, OH 43604 (419) 241-1644 www.dentalcenternwo.org Diabetes Youth Program BBB Note: Because this organization did not FTD 5871 Monclova Road disclose, the BBB was unable to determine if the Failure To Maumee, OH 43537 organization meets BBB standards. Disclose (419) 887-8739 www.dys4kids.org Disabled American Veterans BBB Note: This is the national office of the Audited 77% 19% National BBB 3725 Alexandria Pike Disabled American Veterans, which is based in Financial Accredited Cold Spring, KY 41076 Cold Spring, KY. This evaluation has been Statements for Charity (859) 441-7300 provided by the BBB Wise Giving Alliance and the Year Ending www.dav.org can be viewed at www.give.org or by calling 12/31/2009 (703) 276-0100 for a full report. East Toledo Family Center To provide quality family services to enhance Audited Financial 93% 3% A+ 1020 Varland Ave. the lives of East Toledo residents and Statements for BBB Accredited Toledo, OH 43605 surrounding areas. the Year Ending Charity (419) 691-1429 12/31/2011 www.etfc.org 16
Easter Seals of Northwest Ohio BBB Note: This is the local office for Easter Audited Financial 83% 13% National BBB 435 S. Hawley St., Suite A Seals, which is nationally based in Chicago, Statements for Accredited Toledo, OH 43609 IL. This evaluation has been provided by the the Year Ending Charity (419) 241-2600 BBB Wise Giving Alliance and can be viewed at 12/31/2010 www.eastersealsnwohio.org www.give.org or by calling (703) 276-0100. Epilepsy Center of Northwest To improve the lives of people affected by Audited Financial 88% 1% B+ Ohio, Inc. epilepsy. Statements for Does Not Meet 1545 Holland Rd., Ste. B the Year Ending Standard Maumee, OH 43537 6/30/2010 9 (419) 867-5950 www.epilepsycenter.org Family and Child Abuse To intervene and educate to reduce family Audited Financial 82% 2% A+ Prevention Center violence. Statements for BBB Accredited 2460 Cherry St. Year Ending Charity Toledo, OH 43608 6/30/2011 (419) 244-3053 www.fcapc.org Family Counseling and To empower and strengthen families, advocate Audited Financial 91% 3% A+ Shelter Services of Monroe for the recovery of victims of domestic or sexual Statements for BBB Accredited County, Inc. abuse, and contribute to a safer and more Year Ending Charity 14930 LaPlaisance Rd. Ste. 106 productive community. 3/31/2011 Monroe, MI 48161 (734) 241-0180 www.fcssmc.org Family House Provides homeless families in crisis with Audited Financial 85% 2% A+ 669 Indiana Ave. housing and social services to help them Statements For BBB Accredited Toledo, OH 43604 regain control over their lives, and reclaim their the Year Ending Charity (419) 242-5505 independence. 6/30/2010 www.familyhousetoledo.org Family Outreach Community An interfaith, not-for-profit agency working to Audited Financial 89% 3% A+ United Service (FOCUS) end homelessness by promoting dignity, hope Statements For BBB Accredited 2283 Ashland Ave. and independence. the Year Ending Charity Toledo, OH 43620 12/31/2010 (419) 244-2175 www.focustoledo.org Family Service of Northwest To empower families by providing high quality Audited Financial 86% <1% A+ Ohio and affordable counseling, home care, outreach, Statements for BBB Accredited 701 Jefferson Ave., Ste. 301 advocacy and prevention education services to the Year Ending Charity Toledo, OH 43604 Northwest Ohio families. 6/3/2010 (419) 244-5511 www.fsno.org 17
Feed Lucas County Children BBB Note: Because this organization did not FTD 1501 Monroe St. disclose, the BBB was unable to determine if the Failure To Sylvania, OH 43604 organization meets BBB standards. Disclose (419) 720-1106 www.feedlucaschildren.org First Step Family Violence To empower individuals and families by Compiled Financial UTV UTV D Intervention Center producing the resources to make healthy Statements for Does Not Meet P.O. Box 1103 relationship choices. the Year Ending Standards Fostoria, OH 44830 12/31/2010 11, 12, 13, (419) 435-7300 14, 16, 17 www.firststepweb.org Unable to Verify Standards 8, 9 Frederick Douglass BBB Note: Because this organization did not FTD Community Association disclose, the BBB was unable to determine if the Failure To 1001 Indiana Ave. organization meets BBB standards. Disclose Toledo, OH 43607 (419) 244-6722 www.fdcatoledo.org Friendly Center, Inc. BBB Note: Because this organization did not FTD 1324 N. Superior St. disclose, the BBB was unable to determine if the Failure To Toledo, OH 43604 organization meets BBB standards. Disclose (419) 243-1289 www.friendly-center.org Gabby s Ladder, Inc. BBB Note: Because this organization did not FTD 431 East Elm Ave. disclose, the BBB was unable to determine if the Failure To Monroe, MI 48162 organization meets BBB standards. Disclose (734) 242-8773 www.gabbysladder.org Girl Scouts of Maumee Valley BBB Note: This is the local office of the Girl Audited Financial 89% 2% Regional Council, Inc. Scouts Council which is regionally based in Statements for BBB Accredited 2244 Collingwood Blvd. Cincinnati. This evaluation has been provided the Year Ending Charity Toledo, OH 43620 by the Cincinnati BBB and can be viewed at 12/31/2009 (419) 243-8216 www.cincinnati.bbb.org/ or by calling www.girlscoutsofwesternohio.org (513) 421-3015 for a full report. Goodwill Industries of To provide assessment, job training, and Audited Financial 70% 14% A+ Northwest Ohio placement that assists people with disabilities Statements for BBB Accredited 626 N. Huron Street and other work-related disadvantages to the Year Ending Charity Toledo, OH 43604 become independent. 12/31/2011 (419) 255-0070 www.goodwillnwohio.org Goodwill Industries of To provide education, job training, career Audited Financial 95% 1% A+ Sandusky, Huron, Ottawa development and employment services to Statements for BBB Accredited and Erie Counties people experiencing disabling and the Year Ending Charity 419 W. Market St. disadvantaging conditions to enable them 12/31/2009 Sandusky, OH 44870 to achieve their highest level of independence. (419) 625-4744 www.sbagoodwill.org 18
Greater Toledo Urban League, BBB Note: Because this organization did not FTD Inc. disclose, the BBB was unable to determine if the Failure To 608 Madison Ave., Ste. 1525 organization meets BBB standards. Disclose Toledo, OH 43604 (419) 243-3343 www.gtul.org Habitat for Humanity of BBB Note: Because this organization did not FTD Lenawee County, Inc. disclose, the BBB was unable to determine if the Failure To 1205 E. Beecher St. organization meets BBB standards. Disclose Adrian, MI 49221 (517) 265-6157 www.habitat-lenawee.org Habitat for Humanity, To eliminate poverty housing in Lucas and Audited Financial 80% 6% A+ Maumee Valley Fulton Counties and to make decent shelter a Statements for BBB Accredited 6855 Spring Valley Dr. Ste 100 matter of conscience and action. the Year Ending Charity Holland, OH 43528 12/31/2011 (419) 382-1964 www.mvhabitat.org Habitat for Humanity of Seeks to put God s love into actions. Habitat Audited Financial 80% 5% B+ Monroe County, Inc. for Humanity brings people together to build Statements for Does Not Meet 840 LaPlaisance Road homes, communities, and hope. the Year Ending Standard 16 Monroe, MI 48161 6/30/2011 (734) 243-2048 www.habitatmonroemi.org Hancock County Agency on BBB Note: Because this organization did not FTD Aging disclose, the BBB was unable to determine if the Failure To 423 Trenton Ave. organization meets BBB standards. Disclose Findlay, OH 45840 (419) 423-8496 www.hancockseniors.org Hancock Historical Museum BBB Note: Because this organization did not FTD Association disclose, the BBB was unable to determine if the Failure To 422 W. Sandusky St. organization meets BBB standards. Disclose Findlay, OH 45840 (419) 423-4433 www.hancockhistorical museum.org WHICH CHARITIES DO YOU TRUST? A survey by the BBB Wise Giving Alliance found that American donors are likely to trust religious, police, fire fighter, and veterans organizations more than other types of charities. But sometimes this trust can be misplaced. The words church, police, fire fighter, or veterans, troopers, handicapped, and any other good-sounding name is no guarantee that your donation will be spent the way you intend. Unscrupulous individuals know that you will trust and support organizations with these names and try to capitalize by pressuring you for a donation. If you are solicited by phone, ask what percentage of your donation actually goes to the charity and how much is retained by the telemarketer. Be cautious if the charity is vague about its programs or if it uses high pressure fundraising techniques, such as runners who pick up donations in person. And before you donate, investigate-find out which organizations are using your donation responsibly by checking them out with the Better Business Bureau first. 19
Harbor House, Inc. BBB Note: Because this organization did not FTD 3322 Cherry St. disclose, the BBB was unable to determine if the Failure To Toledo, OH 43608 organization meets BBB standards. Disclose (419) 244-6300 www.harbor-house.org Heartbeat of Toledo To be the best source of information and Audited Financial 67% 10% A+ 4041 W. Sylvania Ave., Ste. LL4 support for women facing pregnancies and to Statements for BBB Accredited Toledo, OH 43623 provide assistance to mothers, fathers, and the Year Ending Charity (419) 241-9131 babies in need. 5/31/2010 www.heartbeatoftoledo.org Hillsdale County Child Abuse To promote the prevention of child abuse and IRS Form 990-84% UTV C+ Prevention & Awareness neglect and to advocate for appropriate social EZ for the Year Does Not Meet (CAPA) change. Ending Standards 20 Care Dr. 12/31/2010 7, 12, 13,16 Hillsdale, MI 49242 Unable to (517) 437-3100 Verify Standard 9 Hillsdale County Senior To provide reliable, compassionate help and Audited Financial 88% 2% A+ Services Center encouragement to older persons while Statement for the BBB Accredited 320 E. Bacon St. promoting good health, independence, Year Ending Charity Hillsdale, MI 49242 and community involvement. 9/30/10 (517) 437-2422 www.hillsdaleseniorcenter.org Hillsdale County Task Force BBB Note: Because this organization did not FTD on Family Violence disclose, the BBB was unable to determine if the Failure To P.O. Box 231 organization meets BBB standards. Disclose Hillsdale, MI 49242 (517) 439-1454 Holy Cross Children s Services BBB Note: Because this organization did not FTD 8759 Clinton-Macon Road disclose, the BBB was unable to determine if the Failure To Clinton, MI 49236 organization meets BBB standards. Disclose (517) 423-7451 www.hccsnet.org Honor Flight of Northwest BBB Note: Because this organization did not FTD Ohio disclose, the BBB was unable to determine if the Failure To P. O. Box 23018 organization meets BBB standards. Disclose Toledo, OH 43623 (419) 410-7729 www.honorflightnwo.org Hope Community Center BBB Note: Because this organization did not FTD 431 Baker St. disclose, the BBB was unable to determine if the Failure To Adrian, MI 49221 organization meets BBB standards. Disclose (517) 265-2410 www.hopecenterlenawee.org 20