Professional Documents
Culture Documents
The Mississippi Charity Giving Guides are published and produced by the Better Business Bureau Serving
Mississippi. Through generous support of these BBB Accredited Businesses we are pleased to distribute this
resource free of charge to all BBB Accredited Businesses and charities in the serving area.
Comcast Spotlight
C
haritable organizations assist thousands in our community each year: children, senior citizens, those
with disabilities, low‑income families and more. These organizations offer food, shelter, clothing,
advocacy, education, medical care and many other forms of assistance to those in need. They can’t do
it without help from individuals and businesses that support them with financial donations and volunteer
hours.
The Better Business Bureau regularly gets requests for information from donors who want to know that their
donations are being spent wisely. And several charities are concerned about charity accountability issues that
have been in the spotlight recently and seek to distinguish their operations and assure donors they’re
operating responsibly.
To that end, we’ve published the second annual Mississippi Charity Giving Guide, a local publication from
your Better Business Bureau serving Mississippi. We’ve worked with local charities to compile the
information in this guide and pleased to provide it free‑of‑charge as a service to you: the businesses, charities,
consumers and donors in our 76‑county service area in Mississippi. We hope you’ll use this to help you make
informed decisions when evaluating your charitable donations.
The BBB Wise Giving Alliance’s 20 Standards for Charitable Accountability, developed over a three‑year
period, were created based on independent research on donor expectations, professional and technical
assistance from a variety of philanthropic experts and numerous comments from donors and charities. They
promote transparency, accountability and ethics in the non‑profit community, just as BBB’s Standards for
Trust promote transparency, accountability and ethics in a business community.
Many of the organizations in the Charity Giving Guide voluntarily provided information and we sincerely
thank them for their cooperation. These organizations were evaluated in accordance with these Standards for
Charitable Accountability and the results of their evaluation are included in this guide. There are some
organizations who submitted materials for evaluation but their evaluations were not complete by the time this
guide was produced. When their evaluations are complete, you many receive a copy of their report by calling
our office at 601.707.0960 or 800.987.8280 or by visiting our website ms.bbb.org.
Some worthy charities just missed meeting all 20 Standards for Charitable Accountability but are working with
us to move toward compliance. Some charities did refuse to work with us or simply did not respond to our
request. We are willing to work with them to try and participate if possible.
It is our hope that this guide will help donors avoid throwing away money on fraudulent organizations and
groups with questionable fundraising practices, resulting in more charitable dollars going to the many
legitimate organizations. The Standards for Charitable Accountability help donors make informed decisions
and are just one more way the BBB seeks to fulfill its mission to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust.
Give, but Give Wisely
2010 Mississippi Charity Giving Guide
Serving 76 Counties excluding Benton, Desoto, Marshall, Tate, Tippah & Tunica
Developing a Charity Report/ Results of the Evaluations …………………………………………… 1
Standards for Charitable Accountability ………………………………………………………………. 2
How to Read the List of Local Charities ……………………………………………………………….. 4
Charity Listings …………………………………………………………………………………………... 5
Accredited Charities ……………………………………………………………………………………... 16
The Mississippi Charity Giving
BBB of Mississippi Staff Guide is published yearly to
help donors make more
President & CEO: Bill Moak
informed decisions. This
VP of Operations: Jackie Warren Guide includes a compilation
of the latest evaluation
Director of Communications/Accreditation: conclusions completed by the
Dick Brodbeck BBB Charity Review
Director of Trade Standards (Charity Review): department.
Beth Sheppard If you would like to see a
Director of Dispute Resolution: Lelia Wilson particular charity that is not
listed in the next guide, please
contact us at (601) 8569357.
Better Business Bureau serving Mississippi
601 Renaissance Way, Suite A
Ridgeland, Mississippi 39157
(601) 856‐9357
A publication of the Better Business Bureau serving Mississippi
Developing a Charity Report
BBB charity reports extend beyond a cursory review of a charity’s finances. The BBB relies on
information voluntarily provided by the charities in order to provide donors with the most complete and
accurate information possible. A typical evaluation will examine the following:
Agreements with Solicitors
Annual Report
Any Complaints from the Public
Audited Financial Statements
Board Roster and Meeting Attendance
ByLaws
CEO Evaluation Policy
ConflictofInterest Policy
Current Budget
Fundraising Appeals
Grant Proposals
IRS Form 990 and Statement A
Policies for Measuring Program Effectiveness
Special Event Invitations
Telephone Scripts/ Direct Mail Letters
Television and Radio Appeals
These materials are carefully examined to determine whether the charities meet the 20 BBB Standards
for Charitable Accountability. These national standards were developed with professional and technical
assistance from representatives of small and large charitable organizations, accounting and grant making
professionals, corporate contribution officers, regulatory agencies, research organizations, and the BBB
system. Additionally, the BBB Wise Giving Alliance commissioned significant independent research on
donor expectations to ensure the views of the general public were reflected in the Standards for
Charitable Accountability. After the BBB’s initial review, each charity is provided with a draft copy of its
report before it is published. This gives the charity an opportunity to respond and make any changes or
recommendations that would enable the organization to meet standards in future evaluations.
Results of the Evaluations
Did Not Disclose
The 2010 Mississippi Charity Giving Guide
includes summary reports for 206 charities. Of
Accredited these, 56 (27%) met the 20 BBB Standards for
Charities
Charitable Accountability, 13 (7%) did not meet
Did Not Meet One one or more of the standards, 24 (12%) are in
or More Standards
process and 113 (54%) did not disclose
information.
In Progress
1
Standards For Charitable Accountability
The BBB Standards for Charitable Accountability were developed to assist donors in making sound giving
decisions and to foster public confidence in charitable organizations. The standards seek to encourage fair and
honest solicitation practices, to promote ethical conduct by charitable organizations and to advance support of
philanthropy. They are based on the belief that full and accurate disclosure of an organization’s program,
management, and finances will encourage public support of philanthropy. To meet BBB Standards for
Charitable Accountability, an organization is required to:
GOVERANCE AND OVERSIGHT determining future actions required to
The governing board has the ultimate oversight achieve its mission.
authority for any charitable organization. This 7. Submit to the organization’s governing
section of standards seeks to ensure that the body, for its approval, a written report
volunteer board is active, independent, and free that outlines the results of the
of selfdealing. To meet these standards, the aforementioned performance and
organization shall have. effectiveness assessment and
recommendations for future actions.
1. A board of directors that provides
adequate oversight of the charity’s FINANCES
operations and its staff. This section of the standards seeks to ensure that
2. A board of directors with a minimum of the charity spends its funds honestly, prudently
five voting members. and in accordance with statements made in fund
3. A minimum of three evenly spaced raising appeals. To meet these standards, the
meetings per year of the full governing charitable organization shall;
body, with a majority in attendance, with
facetoface participation. 8. Spend at least 65% of its total expenses
4. Not more than one or 10% (whichever is on program activities.
greater) directly or indirectly compensated 9. Spend no more than 35% of related
person(s) serving as a voting member(s) contributions on fund raising.
of the board. Compensated members 10. Avoid accumulating funds that could be
shall not serve as the board’s chair or used for current program activities. To
treasurer. meet this standard, the charity’s
5. No transaction(s) in which any board or unrestricted net assets available for use
staff members have material conflicting should not be more than three times the
interest with the charity resulting from size of the past year’s expenses or three
any relationship or business affiliation. times the size of the current year’s
budget, whichever is higher.
MEASURING EFFECTIVENESS 11. Make available to all, on request,
An organization should regularly assess its complete annual financial statements
effectiveness in achieving its mission. This prepared in accordance with generally
section seeks to ensure that an organization has accepted accounting principles.
defined, measurable goals and objectives in place 12. Include in the financial statements a
and a defined process in place to evaluate the breakdown of expenses that shows what
success and impact of its program(s) in fulfilling portion of these expenses was allocated to
the goals and objectives of the organization and program, fund raising, and administrative
that also identifies ways to address any activities.
deficiencies. To meet these standards, a 13. Accurately report the charity’s expenses,
charitable organization shall; including any joint cost allocations, in its
financial statements.
6. Have a board policy of assessing, no less 14. Have a boardapproved annual budget for
than every two years, the organization’s its current fiscal year, outlining projected
performance and effectiveness and of expenses for major program activities,
fund raising, and administration.
2
FUND RAISING AND INFORMATIONAL
MATERIALS Donate With Confidence.
A fund raising appeal is often the only contact a
Look for
the BBB Charity Seal.
donor has with a charity and may be the sole
impetus for giving. This section of the standards
seeks to ensure that a charity’s representations Charities that display the BBB Charity
to the public are accurate, complete, and Seal have committed to the highest ethical
respectful. To meet these standards, the standards of conduct. Every day, these
charitable organization shall; organizations put ethics, accountability, and
transparency first. For these organizations,
15. Have solicitations and informational instilling trust in their donors is vital to fulfilling
materials, distributed by any means that their mission.
is accurate, truthful, and not misleading,
both in whole and in part. Look for the BBB Charity Seal to assist with wise
16. Have an annual report available to all, on giving decisions. Charities are eligible to display
request, that includes: the BBB Charity Seal if they meet the following
(a) The organization’s mission statement criteria: they currently meet our comprehensive
(b) A summary of the past year’s program Standards for Charitable Accountability, have
service accomplishments. committed to continue meeting our 20 Standards
(c) A roster of the offices and members of in the future and address any concerns brought
the board of directors to their attention by the BBB. Charities that
(d) Financial information that includes; have adopted the Seal have undergone the same
(i) Total income in the past fiscal evaluation process as all charities in the Giving
year Guide, and upon meeting our rigorous standards,
(ii) Expenses in the same program, have been invited to join this prestigious group.
fund raising, and administrative
categories as in the financial Charities authorized to use the BBB Charity Seal
statements, and at the time the Giving Guide was published are
(iii) Ending net assets. marked by the seal.
17. 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.
18. Address policy concerns of donors by
(a) Providing in written appeals, at least
annually, a means for both new and
continuing donor to inform the charity
if they do not want their name and
address shared outside the
organization, and
(b) Providing a clear prominent and easily
accessible privacy policy on any of its
websites
(c) Provide, upon request, a copy of the
privacy policy.
19. Clearly disclose how the charity benefits
from the sale of products or services.
20. Respond promptly to and act on
complaints brought to its attention by the
BBB about fund raising practices, privacy
violations, and/ or other issues.
3
How to Read the List of Local Charities
T
he following is an alphabetical listing of the charities that are the subjects of Mississippi’s Charity Review
evaluations. The list includes organizations that have requested to be evaluated as well as those that have
received the highest volume of inquiries. The BBB receives inquiries through the mail, phone and e‐mail
from local and nationwide consumers.
Please note the following explanations about this list:
Name Inclusion: Inclusion on this list should not be interpreted as approval or disapproval of a charity. The
information in this listing is intended solely to assist donors in exercising their own judgement.
Name Omission: Omission from this list should not be interpreted as meaning that a charity meets or does not
meet standards. In general, it simply means the BBB has not developed a report because it has not received
inquiries about a charity or a charity has not requested to be evaluated.
Latest Results: This list reflects the latest charity reports as of October 1, 2010. Charity reports are available until
their expiration dates, generally two years after the completion. All reports are based on the BBB Standards for
Charitable Accountability.
Sample Chart
Organization Mission (A) (B) Evaluation
ABC Charity Inc. “To provide food and shelter to the 73% 17%
123 Street homeless.”
AnyCity, State 00000
XYZ Foundation for Kids “To support the children in Anytown 55% 20% Did Not Meet Standards
4567 Ave. with academic tutoring.” 8; Unable to Verify
AnyCity, State 10001 Standards 3
Above is a sample of how organizations are listed in the Mississippi’s Charity Giving Guide. The first column, Organization,
provides the name and address of the charity, as well as any other names the charity commonly uses. For organizations that
did not disclose with the BBB, this column only lists the organization’s name. The second column, Mission, contains the
charity’s mission statement. The third column is broken into two sub‐columns. Column A lists the percentage of total
expenses spent on programs, while Column B lists the percentage of total expenses spent on fund raising. The last column,
Evaluation, provides the charities results of the evaluation; which can include several different conclusions:
Accredited Charity – Meets all Standards
At the time of the review, the charity met all of 20 Standards for Charitable Accountability.
Did Not Meet Standard (x)
Based on the BBB’s evaluation of the materials provided, the charity did not meet one or more standards. The
Giving Guide entry will specify which standards were not met.
Unable to Verify Standard (x)
Despite BBB’s requests, the charity did not provide sufficient information to determine whether it meets a
particular standard. In some cases, the charity fully cooperated with the BBB, but the necessary information was
simply unavailable or too ambiguous for the BBB to make a final determination.
Did Not Disclose
Despite several written requests from the BBB, the organization did not provide the requested materials. All
organizations listed “Did Not Disclose” were sent a letter and a copy of their updated report confirming their
status.
4
Column (A) Percent of Total Expenses Spent on Program
Column (B) Percent of Total Expenses Spent on Fundraising
Organization Mission (A) (B) Evaluation
100 Black Men of Jackson, Inc. Did Not Disclose
9 Lives Cat Rescue Did Not Disclose
ACLU of Mississippi Did Not Disclose
Action Communication & Education Did Not Disclose
Reform
Adams County Coalition for Children & Did Not Disclose
Youth
AIDS Services Coalition Did Not Disclose
AJFC Community Action Agency To eliminate the causes and conditions 95% 0% Did Not Meet Standard
1038 N. Union St., Bldg A of poverty in a land of plenty. 13; Unable to Verify
Natchez, MS 39121 Standards 1, 6, 15, 16
All American Football Foundation & Did Not Disclose
Hall of Honor
Alliance Charitable Foundation of In Progress
Marshall County
Alpha House Home for Boys, Inc. To provide food, clothing and shelter 82% 0% Did Not Meet Standard
213 West Main St., Suite 270 for residents who would not otherwise 13; Unable to verify
Tupelo, MS 38804 have anyone to care for them. Standards 1, 6, 15, 16
Alzheimer Association of Mississippi Did Not Disclose
American Academy of Pediatrics – In Progress
Mississippi Chapter
American Family Associaton Did Not Disclose
American Legion Auxilary of Did Not Disclose
Mississippi
American Lung Association of Did Not Disclose
Mississippi
American Red Cross Central To provide relief to victims of disasters 73% 8%
Mississippi Chapter and help people prevent, prepare for
875 Riverside Drive and respond to emergencies.
Jackson, MS 39202
Amory Food Pantry, Inc. Did Not Disclose
Amory Main Street, Inc. Did Not Disclose
Angel Ranch, Inc. Did Not Disclose
Angel Wings Out‐Reach Center Did Not Disclose
Animal Rescue Fund of Mississippi In Progress
APSE, Inc. In Progress
Armed Forces Museum Foundation Did Not Disclose
Arthritis Foundation Inc. Mississippi Did Not Disclose
Chapter
ArtsNatchez In Progress
Ashley’s Angels, Inc. To provide clothes, coats, shoes and 97% 3% Did Not Meet Standards
185 Ferguson Road Christmas wishes to needy children 16, 17
Pontotoc, MS 38863 that would not have a “Christmas visit
from Santa” otherwise.
Association for the Rights of Citizens Did Not Disclose
with Disabilities
B. B. King Museum and Delta Did Not Disclose
Interpretive Center
Bethel Free Health Clinic To be the place of healing, where 94% 0% Did Not Disclose
1650 Carrol Drive Christian priniciples of compassionate
Biloxi, MS 39531 service meet the medical, social, and
mental health needs of those persons in
the MS Gulf Coast community who are
uninsured or underinsured.
5
Column (A) Percent of Total Expenses Spent on Programs
Column (B) Percent of Total Expenses Spent on Fundraising
Organization Mission (A) (B) Evaluation
Bethlehem Center, Inc. Did Not Disclose
Bible Education and Missionary Services Did Not Disclose
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mississippi To provide children and youth with a 68% 9%
175 E. Captital St., Suite 222 supportive and meaningful
Jackson, MS 39201 relationship with a caring volunteer.
Birthright of Jackson, Inc. Did Not Disclose
Blue Mountain Children’s Home Did Not Disclose
Boy Scouts of America Pine Burr Area To foster the character development, 82% 10%
Council 304 citizenship training and personal
1318 Hardy St. fitness of young people, and in other
Hattiesburg, MS 39401 ways, prepare them to make ethical
choices over their lifetime by instilling
values based on those found in the
Scout Oath and Law.
Boy Scouts of America Andrew Jackson Did Not Disclose
Council
Boys & Girls Club of Central Mississippi To enable all young people, especially 81% 12%
1450 W. Capital St. those who need us the most, to realize
Jackson, MS 39203 their full potential as productive,
caring, responsible citizens. “To be
the Positive Place for Kids”.
Boys & Girls Club of East Mississippi In Progress
Boys & Girls Club of Gulf Coast To enable all young people, especially 95% 1% Did Not Meet Standards
Mississippi those who need us the most, to reach 17; Unable to Verify
11975‐A160 Seaway Rd their full potential as positive, caring Standards 1, 9, 10, 11, 12,
Gulfport, MS 39503 responsible citizens. 13, 16, 18
Boys & Girls Club of the Mississippi To enable all young people, especially 74% 5%
Delta those who need us the most, to reach
14000 Hwy 82 West their full potential as positive, caring
Student Affairs Building, Room 117 responsible citizens.
Itta Bena, MS 38941
Boys & Girls Club of Miss‐Lou, Inc. In Progress
Boys & Girls Club of North Mississippi To inspire and enable all young people 85% 7% Did Not Meet Standards 3,
213 W. Main St., Suite 240 to realize their full potential as 17, 18
Tupelo, MS 38802 productive, responsible, and caring
citizens.
Brain Injury Association of Mississippi Did Not Disclose
Break Thru Ministries Did Not Disclose
Brilla Soccer Ministries In Progress
Brookhaven Animal Rescue League Did Not Disclose
Brookhaven Outreach Ministries Did Not Disclose
Brother’s Keepers Ministries Did Not Disclose
Buried Treasures Home To meet the physical needs and the 92% 4% Did Not Meet Standards
4 Dove Way Circle emotional and relational recovery of 10 & 17; Unable to Verify
Clinton, MS 39056 women who desperately need the Standards 1, 3, 6, 14 and
same help and hope who have faced a 16
cycle of abuse and unhealthy living.
Business & Professional Outreach, Inc. Did Not Disclose
Camp Rising Sun, Inc. Did Not Disclose
Care Lodge Domestic Violence Shelter To provide safe shelter, services and 90% 1%
1715 23rd Avenue advocacy to victims of domestic
Meridian, MS 39302 violence within a nine county service
area in East Central Mississippi.
6
Column (A) Percent of Total Expenses Spent on Programs
Column (B) Percent of Totatl Expenses Spent on Fundraising
Organization Mission (A) (B) Evaluation
Caring Hands Community Service Did Not Disclose
Cary Christian Center Did Not Disclose
CASA Mississippi, Inc. Did Not Disclose
Catch 22 Foundation Did Not Disclose
Catch‐A‐Dream Foundation Did Not Disclose
Catholic Charities, Inc. Diocese of To be a visable sign of Christ’s love 90% 1%
Jackson and concern for all people.
200 N. Congress St., Suite 100
Jackson, MS 39201
CEC Seabee Historical Foundation To ensure that the proud heritage and 96% 3%
P. O. Box 657 the rich history of the Navy’s Civil
Gulfport, MS 39502 Engineer Corps and the Navy’s
military construction force, the
Seabees, are properly documented,
preserved and maintained.
Cedarhill Animal Sancutary Did Not Disclose
Center for Environmental & Economic In Progress
Justice
Center for Health Education & Economic In Progress
Research
Center for Independent Living In Progress
Center for Violence Prevention In Progress
Center for Pregnancy Choices In Progress
Center Stage, Inc. In Progress
Central Mississippi Prevention Services In Progress
Central Mississippi Down Syndrome Did Not Disclose
Society
Champions for Children Did Not Disclose
Child Abuse Prevention Center To prevent child abuse by improving 79% 8%
2315 17th Street the quality of life for all children and
Gulfport, MS 39501 their families in the South Mississippi
area through prevention, education
and intervention.
Christian Services of America Did Not Disclose
Common Bond Association To help clients rebuild whole, sober 92% 4% Did Not Verify Standards
P. O. Box 7796 and productive lives by providing an 15, 15, 17
Jackson, MS 39284 environment of hope and healing, and
by operating programs of excellance
at an affordable cost to meet their
needs for treatment.
Community Animal Rescue & Adoption A “No‐Kill” animal rescue group. To 95% 2%
(CARA) provide food, shelter & care for
960 N. Flag Chapel Rd. hundreds of abused, unwanted &
Jackson, MS 39209 stray animals.
Community Foundation of Greater To serve those who create charitable 94% 2%
Jackson funds by providing flexible and tax‐
525 E. Captitol St., Suite 5B efficient methods to contribute to
Jackson, MS 39201 organizations they love.
Community Outreach, Resources & Did Not Disclose
Education
CREATE Foundation Did Not Disclose
Deliver Me Senior Support Services Did Not Disclose
Disability Rights Mississippi Did Not Disclose
7
Column (A) Percent of Total Expenses Spent on Programs
Column (B) Percent of Total Expenses Spent on Fundraising
Organization Mission (A) (B) Evaluation
DREAM of Hattiesburg To serve as a catalyst for 84% 1%
200 W. Pine Street (Basement Level) implementing programs effective in
Hattiesburg, MS 39401 the prevention or reduction of the use
of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs by
children and their families.
DREAM, Inc. Did Not Disclose
Dress for Success Metro Jackson Did Not Disclose
Eudora Welty Foundation Did Not Disclose
F.A.I.T.H. Food Pantry To secure and distribute a regular 97% 3%
172 Verona Ave. source of donated and purchased food
Nettleton, MS 38858 to the needy residents of the Nettleton
School District of Monroe, Lee, and
Itawamba Counties; the Shannon
School District; the Verona School
District; and the Plantersville School
District with emphasis on families
with children, families in crisis, and
the elderly under USDA guidelines.
Falconhill Recovery House Did Not Disclose
Family, Career & Community Leaders of Did Not Disclose
America
Father’s Child’s Ministry Did Not Disclose
Foundation for Mississippi History In Progress
Foundation for Public Broadcasting Did Not Disclose
Friends of Children’s Hospital Prioritizes children’s care and places 93% 6%
Dept. of Pediatrics emphasison the special needs of
2500 N. State Street hospitalized children.
Jackson, MS 39216
Gateway Rescue Mission Did Not Disclose
Girl Scouts Council of Middle Mississippi Did Not Disclose
Girl Scouts Council of Gulf Pines Did Not Disclose
Good Shepherd Community Center Did Not Disclose
Goodwill Industries of Mississippi To enable people with disabilites and 77% 1%
104 E. State Street others with barriers to employment to
Ridgeland, MS 39157 fully participate in our community
through education, training and
employment opportunities.
Goodwill Industries of South Mississippi Did Not Disclose
Grace House, Inc. Did Not Disclose
Greater Pinebelt Community Foundation Giving Way to a Greater Community 83% 6%
1507 Hardy St., Suite 208
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
9
Column (A) Percent of Total Expenses Spent on Programs
Column (B) Percent of Total Expenses Spent on Fundraising
Organization Mission (A) (B) Evaluation
Mississippi Children’s Home Services To improve the lives of children and 88% 4%
1900 N. West St. families by providing a continuum of
Jackson, MS 39215 compassionate, measurable and
effective behavioral health and social
services.
Mississippi Children’s Museum To provide a unique and exciting 68% 1%
3010 Lakeland Cove, Suite J educational experience that ignites
Flowood, MS 39232 and inspires a thirst for discovery,
knowledge and learning in all
children.
Mississippi Children’s Services Did Not Disclose
Mississippi Council on Economic To infuse economic, personal financial 88% 5%
Education at Millsaps College and entrepreneurial education into
1701 N. State St. the curriculum for kindergarten
Jackson, MS 39210 students through 12th grade through
the professional development of
teachers.
Mississippi Families for Kids Did Not Disclose
Mississippi Food Network To relieve poverty‐related hunger in 98% 1%
440 West Beatty St. our service area by distributing food
Jackson, MS 39201 and grocery products through our
network of member churches and
non‐profit organizations. To ensure a
place at the table for everyone.
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community Did Not Disclose
Foundation
Mississippi Head Start Association Did Not Disclose
Mississippi Hearts Against AIDS Did Not Disclose
Mississippi Heritage Trust Did Not Disclose
Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance Did Not Disclose
Mississippi Kidney Foundation To serve Mississippi kidney patients 68% 10%
3000 Old Canton Rd., Suite 100 by providing quality programs and
Jackson, MS 39216 services, to provide education and
screening to promote the prevention
of kidney disease, and to promote
organ donation throughout the state.
Mississippi Lifeline, Inc. “We are seeking to meet some special 78% 12%
5149 Highway 98 West human need. In the case of the
Summit, MS 39666 Reassurance Program, it is meeting
the needs of those persons with
exceptional feelings of loneliness and
isolation.”
Mississippi Museum of Art To engage Mississippians in the visual 74% 6%
380 S. Lamar Street arts.
Jackson, MS 39201
Mississippi Nurses Association Did Not Disclose
Mississippi SIDS Alliance Provides support services to families 73% 21%
276 Nissan Parkway, Suite D who are or may be touched by the
Canton, MS 39046 tragedy of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome)
Mississippi Technology Alliance To drive innovation and technology‐ 78% 1%
134 Market Ridge Dr. based economic development in the
Ridgeland, MS 39157 state of Mississippi
10
Column (A) Percent of Total Expenses Spent on Programs
Column (B) Percent of Total Expenses Spent on Fundraising
Organization Mission (A) (B) Evaluation
Mississippi Wildlife Federation To conserve Mississippi’s natural 68% 23%
855 S. Pear Orchard, Suite 500 resources and protect our wildlife
Ridgeland, MS 39157 legacy.
Mustard Seed, Inc. Strive to program activities and 89% 6%
1085 Luckney Road services that fulfill the goal of meeting
Brandon, MS 39047 the spiritual, physical, emotional, and
intellectual needs of their clients.
Natchez Children Home Services To provide a nurturing Christian 66% 12%
806 N. Union Street home for children at risk. Also
Natchez, MS 39121 empowers families to establish and
maintain a safe, nurturing
environment that teaches children to
appreciate the individuality and care
for others in a way that facilitates a
change in the cycle of neglect and
abuse.
Neighborhood Christian Centers of Did Not Disclose
Jackson
New Beginnings International Adoption Promoting life and new beginnings for 72% 12%
Services children, birth mothers and adoptive
2164 Southridge Dr. families through parenting education
Tupelo, MS 38829 and adoption.
New Stage, Inc. Did Not Disclose
North Midtown Community To make the North Midtown 52% 38% Did Not Meet Standards 1,
Development Corporation Community a desirable area in which 6, 7, 8, 9, 16, 17; Unable to
215 McTyere Ave. to live, work and raise families. Verify Standards 5, 10, 11,
Jackson, MS 39202 12, 18
OHR‐O’Keefe Museum of Art Did Not Disclose
Operation Shoestring Investing in the hearts and minds of 71% 26%
1711 Bailey Ave. our children and families to promote
Jackson, MS 39283 health and self‐sufficiency, and
faithfully extending the hand of hope
and opportunity to empower the
needy, uplift our target
neighborhoods and the larger
community.
Oprah Winfrey Girls & Boys Club Did Not Disclose
Oseola McCarty Youth Development Empowering youth to win in every 65% 1%
Center area of their lives. To devote the
607 McSwain St. necessary resources to ensuring that
Hattiesburg, MS 39401 all young people are able to build new
skills, make contributions, and
become a productive part of a
community and feel “in control” over
their future.
Our House, Inc. To eliminate domestic violence and 79% 1%
1213 V.F.W. Rd sexual assault through intervention,
Greenville, MS 38704 prevention, prosecution, victim
protection and sustainable
restoration.
Oxford‐Lafayette Humane Society To improve the plight of lost, 92% 2% Did Not Meet Standards 1,
559 Highway 7 South unwanted, abandoned and homeless 17; Unable to Verify
Oxford, MS 38655 animals by providing shelter, care, Standards 3
rescue, adoption services, and foster
homes.
11
Column (A) Percent of Total Expenses Spent on Programs
Column (B) Percent of Total Expenses Spent on Fundraising
Organization Mission (A) (B) Evaluation
Palmer Home for Children Did Not Disclose
Parents for Public Schools, Inc. To strengthen public schools through 66% 25%
200 N. Congress St., Suite 500 broad‐based enrollment.
Jackson, MS 39216
Paws Rescue Dedicated to rescuing stray and 97% 1%
6622 Oak Ridge Road abandoned dogs & cats, restoring
Vicksburg, MS 39183 them to health, ensuring they are
spayed or neutered and placing them
in loving, “forever” adoptive homes.
Pine Belt Association for Community Did Not Disclose
Enhancement
Pioneer Ministries, Inc. Did Not Disclose
Pro‐Life Mississippi To educate the public about the 34% 0% Did Not Meet Standards 1,
618 Briarwood Drive, Suite D sanctity of human life for all persons, 8, 13, 14, 17; Unable to
Jackson, MS 39211 including the unborn, physically Verify Standards 5
handicapped, mentally challenged or
otherwise, and to promote a culture
Recovery House, Inc. Did Not Disclose
Ronald McDonald House of Mississippi Did Not Disclose
Safe Haven Outreach Ministries Did Not Disclose
Sierra Club – Mississippi Chapter Did Not Disclose
Southern Echo, Inc. Did Not Disclose
Southern Pines Animal Shelter Did Not Disclose
Southwest Miss Planning & Did Not Disclose
Development District
Special Olympics Mississippi To provide year‐round sports training 69% 21%
15 Olympic Way and athletic competition in a variety of
Madison, MS 39110 Olympic type sports for all children
and adults with intellectual
disabilities, giving them continuing
opportunities to develop physical
fitness, demonstrate courage,
experience joy and participate in the
sharing of gifts, skills and friendship
with their families, other S. O. athletes
and their community.
Steps Coalition Did Not Disclose
Stewpot Community Services People of faith meeting needs in our 83% 8%
1100 W. Capitol Street community
Jackson, MS 39203
Sunnybrook Children’s Home Did Not Disclose
Teen Challenge of Mississippi In Progress
The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi Did Not Disclose
Together Enhancing Autism Awareness To help improve lives of 88% 6%
in Mississippi (TEAAM) Mississippians with an autism
P. O. Box 37 spectrum disorder by cultivating &
Mize, MS 39116 enhancing family & community
support.
Tupelo Children’s Mansion Did Not Disclose
United Givers of Southwest Mississippi Did Not Disclose
12
Column (A) Percent of Total Expenses Spent on Programs
Column (B) Percent of Total Expenses Spent on Fundraising
Organization Mission (A) (B) Evaluation
United Way of Greater Miss‐Lou To raise funds for programs or 69% 1%
206 N. Canal St. organizations that provide assistance
Natchez, MS 39120 for the socially and economically
disadvantaged.
United Way of Greater Monroe County To serve as a central resource in 93% 1%
1619 Hwy 25 North community problem solving by raising
Amory, MS 38821 and distributing funds in ways which
increase our community’s ability to
provide solutions and meet needs.
United Way of Jackson & George To increase the organized capacity of 84% 11%
Counties people to care for one another.
3510 Magnolia St.
Pascagoula, MS 39567
United Way of Leflore County Did Not Disclose
United Way of Lincoln County Did Not Disclose
United Way of Lowndes County To empower donors and individuals 73% 6%
501 7th St. North, Suite 5 to create lasting change and build a
Columbus, MS 39701 stronger, more caring community.
United Way of Neshoba County Did Not Disclose
United Way of North Central Mississippi Committed to building a better 66% 2%
600 Hogan St., Suite D community by securing funds through
Starkville, MS 39759 a unified volunteer effort for
qualifying agencies who provide
services to youth, elderly and
disadvantaged in Oktibbeha, Winston,
Choctaw and Webster Counties.
United Way of Northeast Mississippi To create opportunities to improve 77% 11%
213 W. Main St., Suite 110 people’s lives in the community we
Tupelo, MS 38804 serve.
United Way of Oxford Lafayette Co. Did Not Disclose
United Way of South Mississippi Provides leadership to mobilize 85% 7%
11975 Seaway Rd. resources to advance the quality of life
Gulfport, MS 39503 for those who live and work in our
community.
United Way of Southeast Mississippi Did Not Disclose
United Way of West Central Mississippi To build a stronger, healthier 72% 13%
920 South St. community by bringing together the
Vicksburg, MS 39180 human, financial and strategic
resources necessary to deliver
measurable improvements and
solutions to the critical health and
human services facing the comunities
we serve.
Vicksburg Junior Auxiliary Did Not Disclose
Visions of Hope, Inc. Did Not Disclose
Voice of Calvary Ministries Did Not Disclose
Walter Anderson Museum of Art To serve as a center of learning, 78% 7%
510 Washington Ave. cultural enrichment & enjoyment for
Ocean Springs, MS 39564 the many‐faceted population area.
YMCA of Metropolitan Jackson, Inc. To serve our community by practicing 84% 1%
800 East River Place Christian principles through programs
Jackson, MS 39202 that build spirit, mind & body.
13
Five Questions To Ask Charity Telemarketers
1. Do you wor k for the charity or a professional solicitor?
Some charities use their own employees or volunteers while others hire outside contractors. If the caller works for a
telemarketing company, the best follow-up question is…
2. W hat percentage of my donation will the charity receive?
By law, telemarketers should answer this question truthfully. While some telemarketing companies charge a
reasonable percentage for their services, others may keep 90% or more of your donation.
3. Is my donation tax-deductible?
If the answer is “no”, then the organization may be a labor union, fraternal organization, political lobbying group, or
even a for-profit company claiming to be a charity. Before you donate, know who the organization is by asking for
their full name and address.
4. How will my donation be used?
Ask for details: when, where, who. If they claim to have local programs, then ask them where the programs take
place. Be cautious of appeals that are long on emotion, but short on details.
5. C an you send me some w ritten information?
Your donation is an important decision, and you deserve the right to make that decision on your own time after
thoughtful consideration. Refusing or being unable to provide written information, or pressuring you to make an
immediate gift is a major red flag.
Proof we can
make a cleaner
future happen today.
I’m proud that Entergy was the first American utility to voluntarily reduce greenhouse gases. When compared with the top
10 U.S. electricity producers, we are the second cleanest in this country. Learn how you can help us save the
environment at entergymississippi.com.
14
Personal Perspectives on Giving
L eaving Your L egacy: Planned G iving
Planned giving is growing in popularity because it often allows donors to make a larger charitable gift than they
thought possible while planning for the financial needs of a spouse or loved one. It can also have positive tax
benefits: planned giving provides inheritances for heirs at a reduced tax cost, reduces income tax for the donor, and
can help the donor avoid capital gains tax. Planned giving can be a powerful experience if you consider the following
ethical standards*:
The primary reason you should leave a bequest is to support the work of a charity. Any tax benefits should
be secondary motivators.
The person assisting you with your planned giving should disclose all tax implications of your gifts.
All parties involved in facilitating your planned gift should disclose any personal interests in the transaction,
including by whom they are compensated.
You should seek assistance from a professional with a high degree of competence in his or her chosen area.
This person should act with fairness, honesty, integrity, and openness, and should advise you only in the
areas in which he or she is professionally qualified.
You should seek advice from, and consult with, the charity you have selected to ensure your gift can be used
in the way designated.
Before settling on a charity, make sure you check them out with the BBB by visiting www.bbb.org or calling (800)
987‐8280.
*Ethical standards are paraphrased from the National Committee on Planned Giving Code of Ethics, www.ncpg.org.
15
Congratulations to these charities for meeting all 20 Standards for Charitable Accountability and
becoming an ACCREDITED CHARITY.
16
Boys & Girls Club of the Mississippi Delta
DREAM of Hattiesburg
F.A.I.T.H Food Pantry
Greater Pinebelt Community Foundation
Mississippi Children’s Home Services
Mississippi Lifeline, Inc.
Mississippi Technology Alliance
Operation Shoestring
United Way of Jackson & George Counties
United Way of the Capital Area
United Way of North Central Mississippi
United Way of Northeast Mississippi
United Way of South Mississippi
United Way of West Central Mississippi
Pine Burr Area Council #304
Charities that display the BBB Charity Seal have committed to the highest ethical standards of conduct. Every
day, these organizations put ethics, accountability, and transparency first. For these organizations, instilling
trust in their donors is vital to fulfilling their mission.
17
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the percentages in Columns A & B mean, and why don’t they add up to
100%?
These percentages measure two important – and very different – ratios and its pure coincidence if they do add up to
100%. Column A measures the percentage of the total expenses spent on programs, while Column B measures the
percentage of contributed revenue spent on fund raising. Since many charities also receive funding from government
contracts, service fees, or product sales, total contributions may be significantly less than total expenses. To meet
BBB Standard 8, Column A should be 65% or higher. To meet Standard 9, Column B should be 35% or less. The
percentages in these two columns tell you whether the organization is spending your donations appropriately and
efficiently.
Why can’t I find a charity I’m looking for?
An organization’s report may have been completed after the Guide was published, so check our website –
www.ms.bbb.org – for all reports. If you are looking for a national charity, there may be a report from the BBB Wise
Giving Alliance – www.give.org. If you still can’t find it, we may not have a report – at least not yet. As our second
year publishing the Giving Guide, the BBB concentrated on those charities we receive the most inquiries or
complaints about. If there is a charity you would like us to review, please call 800.987.8280. and let us know. Your
call will help determine which charities are included in the next Mississippi Charity Giving Guide .
18
Better Business Bureau serving Mississippi
601 Renaissance Way, Suite A
Ridgeland, MS 39157
Thanks for Your Support
K
ey support for the Mississippi BBB Charity Review Program
comes from individuals like you. Your donations will make
it possible for the charity evaluations and giving guide
publications you rely on to be available to donors, charities and
businesses. Thank you for your generosity and your shared
interest in strengthening the accountability of the state’s charities. Give with confidence
to charities and give generously.
Look for our Seal on charity websites and appeals as a quick and easy way to see that
the charity has met the BBB’s Standards for Charitable Accountability. Go to
http://ms.bbb.org for more details.
Better Business Bureau serving Mississippi | 601 Renaissance Way, Suite A | Ridgeland, MS 39157
6018569357 | email: info@ms.bbb.org | website: ms.bbb.org