BBB file opened:
June 24, 1998
Business started:
03/20/1953
in CA
Business incorporated: 03/20/1953 in CA
Type of Entity
Charity/NonProfit
Business Management
Ms. Darby Vorce, Executive Director
Mr. Nicole Soucy, Director of Operations
Contact Information
Principal: Ms. Darby Vorce, Executive Director
Number of Employees
26
Business Category
Safety Consultants
Alternate Business Names
PSC
Additional Information
EVALUATION CONCLUSIONS
This organization has been evaluated in relation to the 20 BBB
Standards for Charitable Accountability. This organization meets
all those Standards.
PURPOSE
The Pacific Safety Council is a non-government, non-profit
organization dedicated to safety. They serve as a resource for
safety information, education and awareness in all aspects of
Southern Californian life - on the road, at home, at work and at
play.
Focusing on safety education as the key to long range reduction
in avoidable deaths and injuries, the Council serves as a
resource for safety programs, working with and through partner
organizations.
The Pacific Safety Council develops and delivers the safety
educational programs with two main audiences in view- the
workplace and the community. Although the workplace is usually
considered part of the community, the Council has developed
programs that meet the requirements of workplace environments
such as: dealing with hazardous chemicals, job safety analysis
and ergonomic safety.
Likewise, in the community, the Council has specific educational
programs that address car seat safety, motorcycle safety and home
safety.
PROGRAMS
Workplace Safety: The Council offers a comprehensive listing of
workplace safety programs companies can send their employees.
Home Safety: This organization provides programs that focus on
safety, health and the environment in the home.
Community Safety: This organization provides community safety
programs- everything from the Safety Mobile to the California
Motorcycle Safety Program.
FUND RAISING METHODS
In order to raise funds, this company uses holds community
dinners, which offers sponsorship opportunties, as well as an
auction.
They also have a golf tournament and an annual lucheon in order
to raise funds.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
According to the IRS Form 990 for fiscal year ended 12/31/04:
Total Income..........: $ 1,039,205
Programs..............: $ 897,521 87.90% of total expenses
Fund Raising..........: $ 42,511 4.16% of total expenses
Administrative........: $ 81,037 7.94% of total expenses
Total Expenses........: $ 1,021,069 100.00%
Excess for the year...: $ 18,136*
Ending Net Assets.....: $ 134,997
* The item titled "Excess for the year" shows the portion of
income remaining after expenses.
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
When evaluating complaint information, please consider the
company's size and volume of business. The number of complaints
filed against the company may not be as important as the type of
complaints and how the company handled them.
The BBB processed one complaint about this company in the last 36
months, our standard reporting period. It was closed more than 12
months ago.
Complaints Concerned
Refund or Exchange Issues: 1
Outcome of the complaint -
Resolved: 1;
This report may be based on materials provided voluntarily by the
organization within the past two years. An organization may
change its practices at any time without notice. Please
understand that a BBB report is furnished solely to assist donors
in making their own judgment. This report is not to be used for
fund raising or promotional purposes. This organization is a
Ten Tips for Better Giving
Most charities are honest and ethical, but questionable
solicitors are counting on the fact that you won't bother to
check out the charity before you give. Here is some basic wise
giving advice:
1. Watch out for similar names.
As there are many charities raising funds for similar causes,
some charity names sound the same. Be sure to look at the name
carefully, because the charity soliciting you may not be the one
you have in mind.
2. Do not be pressured to make an immediate gift.
Be wary of solicitors that demand an 'on the spot' donation.
Charities should welcome your gift whenever you want to send it.
3. Question vague appeals.
Appeals should clearly identify the charity's programs. Watch
out for appeals that are strong on identifying a problem, but
weak on describing what specifically the charity intends to do
about it.
4. Do not give out personal information to phone solicitors.
Don't give out credit card numbers, checking account numbers or
any other personal information to unknown telephone solicitors.
5. Do not give cash. Write a check out to the charity's full
official name, not to an individual or third party that may be
collecting the donation.
6. Keep records of your donations (receipts, canceled checks and
bank statements) so you can document your charitable giving at
tax time. (Note: The IRS requires donations of $250 or more to
be substantiated through a written receipt from the charity.)
7. If you want a deduction, make sure the organization is a
charity.
There are many different types of soliciting nonprofit
organizations. Most appeals will indicate if the organization is
eligible to receive gifts deductible as charitable contributions.
(To be sure, review the list of organizations in IRS Publication
78 or ask the charity for a copy of its tax exempt status
determination letter.)
8. Don't hesitate to ask the charity for written information on
its programs and finances. This tip can be particularly helpful
in responding to phone appeals from charities that interest you.
9. To verify if a charity is registered to solicit, contact your
state government. In most cases, this will be the state's office
of the attorney general. Remember that the state registration
does not mean 'approval', it means the group has filed the
appropriate forms.
10. Report bad practices.
Contact your Better Business Bureau and your state's Attorney
General office about solicitation problems.
