Better Business Bureau

Charity Contact Information BBB Wise Giving Alliance Comments Programs

Tax Status Governance Fund Raising Financial

Name:	American Childhood Cancer Organization
Address:	10400 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 205
	Kensington, MD 20895
Phone:	800-366-2223 301-962-3520
Web Address:	www.acco.org

AACO meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.

ACCO operates three major programs. Through its books and informational materials program, it provides children and adolescents with cancer as well as their families and caregivers with books relating to childhood cancer. It also distributes a biannual newsletter focused on childhood cancer news, research initiatives, and the later effects of childhood cancer treatments. ACCO’s advocacy program represents the grassroots voice of the families and children treated for cancer to advocate with community treatment centers and government agencies as well as foundations for increased pediatric cancer funding, research, and psychological care. Furthermore, the organization hosts an awareness event called “Light Up the Holidays with Hope” which is aimed at bringing families across the country to light the national childhood cancer awareness tree displayed in the nation’s capital. The tree is decorated with gold ribbons which symbolizes and builds awareness of the nation’s childhood cancer patients.

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009, AACO's program expenses were:

Books and informational materials	112,947
Advocacy	84,185
Awareness	38,072
Research	21,537
Affiliate support	19,553
Total Program Expenses:	$276,294

Chief Executive : Ruth Hoffman, Executive Director

Compensation*:

$86,902

Chair of the Board: Trevor Romain
Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation: Author and Chief Creative Officer of the Comical Sense Company

Board Size: 11

Paid Staff Size: 2

*September 1, 2008 - August 31, 2009 compensation includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.

Method(s) Used:

Direct mail, grant proposals, Internet appeals, and a self run fundraising program for schools and groups.

Fund raising costs were 4% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $342,422, 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 AACO's audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009.

Source of Funds
Contributions	342,422
Product sales revenue	31,344
Investment income	29,830
Printed material revenue	13,529
Total Income	$417,125

Uses of Funds as a % of Total Expenses

Programs: 86%  Fund Raising: 4%  Administrative: 10%  Other Expenses: Less than 1%

Total income				$417,125
	Program expenses			$276,294
	Fund raising expenses			12,663
	Administrative expenses			33,330
	Other Expenses			106
Total expenses				$322,393
Income in Excess of Expenses				94,732
Beginning net assets				585,513
Ending net assets				680,245
Total liabilities				19,514
Total assets				$699,759