Charity Report

  • Issued: March 2022
  • Expires: October 2024

The Junior League of Columbus

Accredited Charity

Meets Standards

614-464-2717

583 Franklin Ave
Columbus, OH 43215-4715

http://www.jlcolumbus.org

614-464-2717

583 Franklin Ave
Columbus, OH 43215-4715

http://www.jlcolumbus.org

Accredited Charity

Meets Standards

Standards For Charity Accountability

Governance

  1. Board Oversight

    Oversight of Operations and Staff: Standard 1

    Description
    Organizations shall have a board of directors that provides adequate oversight of the charity's operations and its staff. Indication of adequate oversight includes, but is not limited to, regularly scheduled appraisals of the CEO's performance, evidence of disbursement controls such as board approval of the budget, fundraising practices, establishment of a conflict of interest policy, and establishment of accounting procedures sufficient to safeguard charity finances.

    The organization meets this standard.

  2. Board Size

    Number of Board Members: Standard 2

    Description
    Soliciting organizations shall have a board of directors with a minimum of five voting members.

    The organization meets this standard.

  3. Board Meetings

    Frequency and Attendance of Board Meetings: Standard 3

    Description
    An organization shall have a minimum of three evenly spaced meetings per year of the full governing body with a majority in attendance, with face-to-face participation. A conference call of the full board can substitute for one of the three meetings of the governing body. For all meetings, alternative modes of participation are acceptable for those with physical disabilities.

    The organization meets this standard.

  4. Board Compensation

    Compensated Board Members: Standard 4

    Description
    Not more than one or 10% (whichever is greater) directly or indirectly compensated person(s) serving as voting member(s) of the board. Compensated members shall not serve as the board's chair or treasurer.

    The organization meets this standard.

  5. Conflict of Interest

    Conflict of Interest: Standard 5

    Description
    No transaction(s) in which any board or staff members have material conflicting interests with the charity resulting from any relationship or business affiliation. Factors that will be considered when concluding whether or not a related party transaction constitutes a conflict of interest and if such a conflict is material, include, but are not limited to: any arm's length procedures established by the charity; the size of the transaction relative to like expenses of the charity; whether the interested party participated in the board vote on the transaction; if competitive bids were sought and whether the transaction is one-time, recurring or ongoing.

    The organization meets this standard.

Measuring Effectiveness

  1. Effectiveness Policy

    Board Policy on Effectiveness: Standard 6

    Description
    Have a board policy of assessing, no less than every two years, the organization's performance and effectiveness and of determining future actions required to achieve its mission.

    The organization meets this standard.

  2. Effectiveness Report

    Board Approval of Written Report on Effectiveness: Standard 7

    Description
    Submit to the organization's governing body, for its approval, a written report that outlines the results of the aforementioned performance and effectiveness assessment and recommendations for future actions.

    The organization meets this standard.

Finances

  1. Program Expenses

    Program Service Expense Ratio: Standard 8

    Description
    Spend at least 65% of its total expenses on program activities.

    The organization meets this standard.

  2. Fundraising Expenses

    Fundraising Expense Ratio: Standard 9

    Description
    Spending should be no more than 35% of related contributions on fundraising. Related contributions include donations, legacies, and other gifts received as a result of fundraising efforts.

    The organization meets this standard.

  3. Accumulating Funds

    Ending Net Assets: Standard 10

    Description
    Avoid accumulating funds that could be used for current program activities. To meet this standard, the charity's unrestricted net assets available for use should not be more than three times the size of the past year's expenses or three times the size of the current year's budget, whichever is higher.

    The organization meets this standard.

  4. Audit Report

    Financial Statements: Standard 11

    Description
    Make available to all, on request, complete annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. When total annual gross income exceeds $1 million, these statements should be audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. For charities whose annual gross income is less than $1 million, a review by a certified public accountant is sufficient to meet this standard. For charities whose annual gross income is less than $250,000, an internally produced, complete financial statement is sufficient to meet this standard.

    The organization meets this standard.

  5. Detailed Expense Breakdown

    Detailed Functional Breakdown of Expenses: Standard 12

    Description
    Include in the financial statements a breakdown of expenses (e.g., salaries, travel, postage, etc.) that shows what portion of these expenses was allocated to program, fundraising, and administrative activities. If the charity has more than one major program category, the schedule should provide a breakdown for each category.

    The organization meets this standard.

  6. Accurate Expense Reporting

    Accuracy of Expenses in Financial Statements: Standard 13

    Description
    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 fundraising expenses or otherwise understate the amount a charity spends on fundraising, and/or overstate the amount it spends on programs will not meet this standard.

    The organization meets this standard.

  7. Budget Plan

    Budget: Standard 14

    Description
    Have a board-approved annual budget for its current fiscal year, outlining projected expenses for major program activities, fundraising, and administration.

    The organization meets this standard.

Fundraising & Info

  1. Truthful Materials

    Misleading Appeals: Standard 15

    Description
    Have solicitations and informational materials, distributed by any means, that are accurate, truthful and not misleading, both in whole and in part. Appeals that omit a clear description of program(s) for which contributions are sought will not meet this standard. A charity should also be able to substantiate that the timing and nature of its expenditures are in accordance with what is stated, expressed, or implied in the charity's solicitations.

    The organization meets this standard.

  2. Annual Report

    Annual Report: Standard 16

    Description
    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, fundraising and administrative categories as in the financial statements, and (iii) ending net assets.

    The organization meets this standard.

  3. Website Disclosures

    Web Site Disclosures: Standard 17

    Description
    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 organization meets this standard.

  4. Donor Privacy

    Privacy for Written Appeals & Internet Privacy: Standard 18

    Description
    Address privacy concerns of donors by (a) providing in written appeals, at least annually, a means (e.g., such as a check off box) for both new and continuing donors to inform the charity if they do not want their name and address shared outside the organization, (b) providing a clear, prominent and easily accessible privacy policy on any of its websites that tells visitors (i) what information, if any, is being collected about them by the charity and how this information will be used, (ii) how to contact the charity to review personal information collected and request corrections, (iii) how to inform the charity (e.g., a check off box) that the visitor does not wish his/her personal information to be shared outside the organization, and (iv) what security measures the charity has in place to protect personal information.

    The organization meets this standard.

  5. Cause Marketing Disclosures

    Cause Related Marketing: Standard 19

    Description
    Clearly disclose how the charity benefits from the sale of products or services (i.e., cause-related marketing) that state or imply that a charity will benefit from a consumer sale or transaction. Such promotions should disclose, at the point of solicitation: (a) the actual or anticipated portion of the purchase price that will benefit the charity (e.g., 5 cents will be contributed to abc charity for every xyz company product sold), (b) the duration of the campaign (e.g., the month of October), (c) any maximum or guaranteed minimum contribution amount (e.g., up to a maximum of $200,000).

    The organization meets this standard.

  6. Complaints

    Complaints: Standard 20

    Description
    Respond promptly to and act on complaints brought to its attention by the BBB Wise Giving Alliance and/or local Better Business Bureaus about fundraising practices, privacy policy violations and/or other issues.

    The organization meets this standard.

Conclusion

The Junior League of Columbus meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.

A BBB Accredited Charity since November, 2015. BBB Accreditation does not mean this charity's programs or services have been evaluated or endorsed by BBB or that BBB has made a determination as to this charity's competency in performing services.

Purpose

  • Year, State Incorporated

    1934, OH

  • Stated Purpose

    MISSION STATEMENT:The Junior League of Columbus is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.VISION STATEMENT:The Junior League of Columbus (JLC) is the leading resource for trained volunteers. Through our programs, and Kelton House Museum and Garden, we educate the community, preserve the past and build for the future of Columbus.


  • Also Known As:

    Kelton House Museum & Garden

Programs

PROGRAMS & SERVICES:COMMUNITY SERVICE-Inthe last year, more than 150 active members donated almost 6,000 hours ofvolunteer service to community projects within the Junior League of Columbus (JLC). These volunteer hoursequaled an in-kind donation last year of nearly $120,000 to our community. Overthe past decade JLC has contributed more than $675,000 in funds to more than 20projects.TRAINING-Trainingis a key focus of Junior League of Columbus (JLC). Through effective action our members receive hands-onvolunteer, community need, organization, fundraising & leadership trainingon committees in the League, as well as, through community placements andprojects.COMMUNITY PROJECTS- Adopt-a-Backpack forChildren (ABC) Project - Since 1999, JLC has strived to meetthe needs of economically challenged children and families by providing a totalof over 25,000 school supply-filled backpacks. Corporate and community partnersare key to the success of this program, not only by providing financial supportfor the project, but also in joining the hundreds of hands required to stuff thousandsof backpacks for deserving students in Central Ohio. Kids in the Kitchen -Launched by the Association of Junior Leagues International, JLC continues tofight childhood obesity through this project. Activities related to thisproject include: promoting healthy food choices in partnership with Mid-OhioFood Bank; supporting the Red Nose Run; planting a vegetable garden at Decorators’Showhouse; collaborating with the Broad Street Presbyterian Church Food Pantryand Afterschool Program, and; hosting hands-on cooking classes in partnershipwith Columbus Culinary Institute. Quick Impact Projects –These Projects are a one-time event, developed and lead in collaboration with aCentral Ohio community partner, in attempt to maximize JLC and community volunteerand financial resources to address a community need, usually focusing oneducational readiness. Local nonprofit organizations can propose a Quick ImpactProject partnership during either the Fall or Spring proposal timing.Approximately, 4-6 Projects are chosen by JLC to support each year. Kelton House Museum &Garden – This historic site, located in the DiscoveryDistrict, interprets urban life and the decorating arts in Columbus, Ohio,during the second half of the 19th century. Refurbished and operated by JLCsince 1976, the Museum reflects the culturally diverse nature of the past andpresent, preserves the facility and its collections, interprets local history,educates the community, and trains volunteers. As a documented stop on the “UndergroundRailroad” the Museum is home to the Underground Railroad Learning Station,which hosts many school and community education tours each year. Bargain Box –This annual JLC merchandise sale is held at Resolute Athletic Complex. A sale ofall types of new and gently used items, this event provides the community witha low-cost alternative to obtain quality merchandise. JLC members spendcountless hours each year, developing and organizing this amazing shoppingexperience. Proceeds from this event help support the JLC mission and itscommunity projects.

For the year ended June 30, 2021, The Junior League of Columbus program expenses were:

Junior League Membership Activities $34,377
Junior League Community Projects $26,362
Kelton House Activities $144,648
Program Expenses $205,387

Governance & Staff

  • Board Chair

    Ms. Christin Smith, Account Executive

  • Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation

    AdvizeX Technologies

  • Board Size

    11

  • Paid Staff Size

    1

Fundraising

Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Invitations to fundraising events, Grant proposals, Internet, Membership appeals, Appeals via Social Media (Facebook, etc.).

% of Related Contributions on Fundraising: 15.97%

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.


Financial

The following information is based on The Junior League of Columbus's Audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021

Source of Funds
Investment Income $192,387
Grants & Contributions $113,263
Membership Dues $57,158
In-Kind Income $32,270
Rental Income $21,483
Special Events Income $17,968
Program Income $8,991
Total Income $443,520

Breakdown of Expenses

Total Income $443,520
Total Expenses: $309,389
Program Expenses $205,387
Fundraising Expenses $35,235
Administrative Expenses $68,767
Other Expenses $0
Income in Excess of Expenses $134,131
Beginning Net Assets $1,616,800
Other Changes In Net Assets $-149,110
Ending Net Assets $1,601,821
Total Liabilities $68,015
Total Assets $1,669,836

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  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 International Association of Better Business Bureaus.

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