Better Business Bureau

Charity Contact Information BBB Wise Giving Alliance Comments Programs

Tax Status Governance Fund Raising Financial

Name:	ALS Association, Greater Houston Chapter
Address:	5202 Sue Marie
	Houston, TX 77091
Phone:	713-942-2572 866-778-2542
Web Address:	www.alsa-houston.org

ALS Association, Greater Houston Chapter does not meet the following Standard for Charity Accountability.

Standard 13: Accuracy of Expenses in Financial Statements - 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 fund raising expenses or otherwise understate the amount a charity spends on fund raising, and/or overstate the amount it spends on programs will not meet this standard. ALS Association, Greater Houston Chapter does not meet this Standard because its audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2010: Reports the organization had no fund raising expenses.

In addition, the Houston BBB requested but did not receive complete information on the organization’s effectiveness measures, finances, and solicitation materials and is unable to verify the organization's compliance with the following 4Standards for Charity Accountability: 7, 9, 14, and 15.

ALS Association, Greater Houston Chapter meets the remaining 15 Standards for Charity Accountability.

The ALS Association, Greater Houston Chapter provides the following programs and services to patients with ALS: Patient Services, Community Development, and Advocacy. Patient Services: Provides care and support to the patients and families served in a 32 county service area. With a patient population of 700-800 people, they currently serve patients through their ALS Clinic, support meetings, and an equipment loan pool. The ALS Clinic is held monthly at the Baylor College of Medicine and offers patients a multi-disciplinary approach to care. Two monthly support meetings are held for patients. The equipment loan pool provides essential equipment to patients as needed. Community Development: Educates, increases visibility, and enlists the commitment of business and community leaders to engage in their mission. The Houston chapter has participated in multiple health and vendor fairs throughout the community, at corporations, and at medically related events. Advocacy: Strives to raise awareness and seek legislation that improves life for the ALS patient and family through local, state, and national legislative/Senate representatives.

For the fiscal year ended January 31, 2010, ALS Association, Greater Houston Chapter's program expenses were:

Total:	178,626
Total Program Expenses:	$178,626

Chief Executive : Linda Richardson, President/CEO

Compensation*:

$52,000

Chair of the Board: Justin Duncum
Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation: Builder

Board Size: 7

Paid Staff Size: 3

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

Method(s) Used:

direct mail, invitations to fund raising events

Fund raising costs were % of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $374,745, are donations received as a result of fund raising activities.)

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.

The following information is based on ALS Association, Greater Houston Chapter's audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2010.

Source of Funds
Donor contributions	256,282
Special events	118,463
Miscellaneous income	5,916
Investment income	1
Less: cost of events direct benefits	-9,260
Total Income	$371,402

Uses of Funds as a % of Total Expenses

Programs: 92%    Administrative: 8%

Total income				$371,402
	Program expenses			$178,626
	Fund raising expenses
	Administrative expenses			15,981
Total expenses				$194,607
Income in Excess of Expenses				176,795
Beginning net assets				198,883
Ending net assets				345,712
Total liabilities				118,830
Total assets				$464,542