Better Business Bureau

Charity Contact Information BBB Wise Giving Alliance Comments Programs

Tax Status Governance Fund Raising Financial

Name:	Starfire Council of Greater Cincinnati
Address:	5030 Oaklawn Drive
	Cincinnati, OH 45227
Phone:	(513) 281-2100
Web Address:	www.starfirecouncil.org

Starfire Council of Greater Cincinnati does not meet the following Standard for Charity Accountability.

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. The charity has a website that requests contributions, but the website does not include a current roster of members of the board directors and financial information for the past fiscal year, which includes total income, expenses by programs, fundraising, and administration, and total ending net assets.

In addition, BBB requested but did not receive complete information on the charity's effectiveness measures and solicitation materials and is unable to verify the charity's compliance with the following 3 Standards for Charity Accountability: 6, 7, and 15.

Starfire Council of Greater Cincinnati meets the remaining 16 Standards for Charity Accountability.

Each program of the charity provides opportunities for individuals to learn and practice their social skills and create strategies for interacting with the community. Since Peer Groups are the basis for many social networks, Starfire Council created opportunities that allow members with disabilities to interact with friends around the same age. Starfire council’s programs are divided into the following groups: Teens (ages 13 to 21), Young Adults (ages 22 to 30), Adults I (ages 31-44), and Adult II (ages 45 and older). The Out and About Day Program is designed to give adults with developmental disabilities a social experience and connects them with the community. According to the charity, in 2009, 50 adults attended consistently throughout the week. The Evening and Weekend Programs provide teens and adults with disabilities the opportunity to participate in community-based events. Clients participate in social and service activities based on the preferences and interests. Starfire U is designed to give young adults with disabilities the opportunity to develop skills and talents after high school graduation. The program engages businesses, students, and experts from the community to teach a curriculum that focus on social confidence, community experiences, and life skills.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, Starfire Council of Greater Cincinnati's program expenses were:

Social Rehabilitation for Individuals with Disabilities	993,853
Total Program Expenses:	$993,853

Chief Executive : Mr. Tim Vogt, Executive Director

Compensation*:

$67,980

Chair of the Board: Mr. Burke Neville
Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation: Vice President Endowment, UBS Financial Services

Board Size: 25

Paid Staff Size: 35

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

Method(s) Used:

direct mail appeals, invitations to fundraising events, grant proposals, door to door appeals, planned giving arrangements, membership appeals

Fundraising costs were 13% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $611,156, are donations received as a result of fundraising activities.)

This charity 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.

The following information is based on Starfire Council of Greater Cincinnati's audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.

Source of Funds
Starfire U Program Fees	478,536
Foundations and Trusts	407,405
Investment Icnome	271,842
Program Fees	171,078
United Way	93,480
Special Events (Less Direct Donor Benefits $50,931)	90,132
Rental Income	67,558
City of Cincinnati - Grant	37,040
Contributions	20,139
Member Assessments	19,373
Total Income	$1,656,583

Uses of Funds as a % of Total Expenses

Programs: 88%  Fund Raising: 7%  Administrative: 5%

Total income				$1,656,583
	Program expenses			$993,853
	Fund raising expenses			78,775
	Administrative expenses			53,644
Total expenses				$1,126,272
Income in Excess of Expenses				530,311
Beginning net assets				4,130,025
Ending net assets				4,660,336
Total liabilities				205,654
Total assets				$4,865,990