Better Business Bureau Report for
West Suburban Humane Society

Better Business Bureau Report issued June 2011
Better Business Bureau Report expires June 2013


Does not meet one or more standards
This charity does not meet one or more of the 20 standards for Charity Accountability. Find out more...


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Charity Contact Information

Name: West Suburban Humane Society
Address: 1901 W. Ogden Avenue
  Downers Grove, IL 60515
Phone: 630-960-9600
Web Address: www.WSHS-DG.org
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Better Business Bureau Comments

Year, State Incorporated: 1972, Illinois
Affiliates: None
Stated Purpose: The West Suburban Humane Society is dedicated to operating a premier animal shelter for the purpose of finding safe, permanent and compatible homes to adopt domestic dogs and cats. We are committed to educating and encouraging the public to humanely care for dogs and cats.

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Evaluation Conclusions

               

West Suburban Humane Society does not meet the following 3 Standards for Charity Accountability.

Standard 8: Program Service Expense Ratio - Spend at least 65% of its total expenses on program activities.

West Suburban Humane Society does not meet this Standard because:

  • According to the its audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, the organization spent $213,996 or 38% of its total expenses ($562,521) on program service activities.

Standard 16: Annual Report - 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, (d) financial information that includes (i) total income in the past fiscal year, (ii) expenses in the same program, fund raising and administrative categories as in the financial statements, and (iii) ending net assets.

West Suburban Humane Society does not meet this standard because:

  • The organization states it does not have an annual report covering activities conducted in the past year.

Standard 17: Web Site Disclosures - 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.

West Suburban Humane Society does not meet this Standard because the organization's website, www.WSHS-DG.org, does not include all of the recommended information for those charity websites that solicit for donations. Specifically, it does not include:

  • A summary of program service accomplishments.
  • Total income.
  • Total program expenses.
  • Total fund raising expenses.
  • Total administrative expenses.
  • End of year net assets.
  • Electronic access to the organization’s most recent IRS Form 990.
In addition, the BBB of Chicago & Northern Illinois requested but did not receive complete information on the organization’s finances and is unable to verify the organization's compliance with the following Standard for Charity Accountability: 14.
West Suburban Humane Society meets the remaining 16 Standards for Charity Accountability.
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Programs

               

Adoptions Dog and cat adoptions are the foundation of our mission and the services we offer at West Suburban Humane Society. After more than 34 years of helping find permanent homes for the animals in our care, we still have a lot more to do. There are thousands of homeless animals in the Chicagoland area waiting to find homes. We hope that you will take the time to learn more about our adoption process and consider adopting one of our current residents. Adopt a Pet Learn more about our adoption process and consider adopting one of our current residents. Featured Pet Read about our featured pet of the month or look back through the archives. Cats Explore our virtual cattery. See images and get information on all of our cats. Dogs Welcome to our virtual kennel. Get information and see pictures of all of our four-legged friends awaiting adoption. Happy Endings We are very happy to share these letters and emails from some of our adopting families.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, West Suburban Humane Society's program expenses were:

  
Veterinary Cost 66,835
Spray and Neuter 43,124
Supplies Medical 36,510
Training 31,042
Food 20,816
Animal Supplies 8,038
Boarding 6,565
Depreciation Expense 1,619
Miscellaneous -553
Total Program Expenses: $213,996
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Governance

               

Chief Executive : Carolyn Mossberger, Executive Director
Compensation*:
 $74,147

Chair of the Board: Pat Rowland, President
Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation: Retired

Board Size: 10

Paid Staff Size: 9

*Compensation includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.
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Fund Raising

               

Method(s) Used:

direct mail, invitations to fund raising events, print advertisements, television, grant proposals, internet, membership
Fund raising costs were 19% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $235,011, are donations received as a result of fund raising activities.)
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Tax Status

               

This organization is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes.
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Financial

               

The following information is based on West Suburban Humane Society's audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.

Source of Funds  
Contributions 133,641
Adoption Fees 120,112
Bequest 108,922
Fundraising & Campaigns 101,370
Events 101,131
Investment Income 19,832
Total Income $585,008


chart



Uses of Funds as a % of Total Expenses

Programs: 38%  Fund Raising: 8%  Administrative: 54% 

Total income   $585,008
  Program expenses $213,996
  Fund raising expenses 44,911
  Administrative expenses 303,614
 
Total expenses   $562,521
Income in Excess of Expenses   22,487
Beginning net assets   1,726,579
Ending net assets   1,749,066
Total liabilities   32,843
Total assets   $1,781,909


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An organization may change its practices at any time without notice. A copy of this report has been shared with the organization prior to publication. It is not intended to recommend or deprecate, and is furnished solely to assist you in exercising your own judgment. If the report is about a charity and states the charity meets or does not meet the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability, it reflects the results of an evaluation of information and materials provided voluntarily by the charity. The name Better Business Bureau is a registered service mark of the Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc.

This report is not to be used for fund raising or promotional purposes.

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