bbb mississippi 2010 charities guide
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THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU SERVING MISSISSIPPI
WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWINGACCREDITED BUSINESSES FOR THEIR SUPPORTOF THE 2010 MISSISSIPPI CHARITY GIVING GUIDE
The Mississippi Charity Giving Guides are published and produced by the Better Business Bureau ServingMississippi. Through generous support of these BBB Accredited Businesses we are pleased to distribute thisresource free of charge to all BBB Accredited Businesses and charities in the serving area.
The Citizens Bank
Comcast Spotlight
Community Eldercare Services, LLC
DJ Shuttle and Tour Service, Inc.
Entergy Mississippi, Inc.
Mississippi Blood Services
Neil King, State Farm Insurance
Riverwood Family Funeral Service, Inc.
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haritable organizations assist thousands in our community each year: children, senior citizens, those
with disabilities, lowincome families and more. These organizations offer food, shelter, clothing,
advocacy, education, medical care and many other forms of assistance to those in need. They cant 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 theyre
operating responsibly.
To that end, weve published the second annual Mississippi Charity Giving Guide, a local publication from
your Better Business Bureau serving Mississippi. Weve worked with local charities to compile the
information in this guide and pleased to provide it freeofcharge as a service to you: the businesses, charities,
consumers and donors in our 76county service area in Mississippi. We hope youll use this to help you make
informed decisions when evaluating your charitable donations.
The BBB Wise Giving Alliances 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 nonprofit community,just as BBBs Standards forTrust 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 withus 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, butGive Wisely
C
Welcome to the 2010 Mississippi Charity Giving GuideThrough the generous support of our Better Business Bureau Accredited Businesses, we are pleased to
distribute this resource free of charge to BBB Accredited Businesses, donors, and community leaders
throughout Mississippi.
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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
Better Business Bureau serving Mississippi
601 Renaissance Way, Suite A
Ridgeland, Mississippi 39157
(601) 8569357
A publication of the Better Business Bureau serving Mississippi
2010 Mississippi Charity Giving GuideServing 76 Counties excluding Benton, Desoto, Marshall, Tate, Tippah & Tunica
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Mississippi Charity Giving
Guide is published yearly to
help donors make more
informed decisions. This
Guide includes a compilation
of the latest evaluationconclusions completed by the
BBB Charity Review
department.
If you would like to see a
particular charity that is not
listed in the next guide, please
contact us at (601) 856-9357.
BBB of Mississippi Staff
President & CEO: Bill Moak
VP of Operations: Jackie Warren
Director of Communications/Accreditation:
Dick Brodbeck
Director of Trade Standards (Charity Review):
Beth Sheppard
Director of Dispute Resolution: Lelia Wilson
WINTER 0102
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Developing a Charity Report
BBB charity reports extend beyond a cursory review of a charitys 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:
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 makin
professionals, corporate contribution officers, regulatory agencies, research organizations, and the BBBsystem. 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 BBBs 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
Agreements with Solicitors
Annual Report
Any Complaints from the Public
Audited Financial Statements
Board Roster and Meeting Attendance
By-Laws
CEO Evaluation Policy
Conflict-of-Interest Policy
Current Budget
Fundraising Appeals
Grant ProposalsIRS Form 990 and Statement A
Policies for Measuring Program Effectiveness
Special Event Invitations
Telephone Scripts/ Direct Mail LettersTelevision and Radio Appeals
Did Not Disclose
Accredited
Charities
Did Not Meet One
or More Standards
In Progress
The 2010 Mississippi Charity Giving Guideincludes summary reports for 206 charities. Of
these, 56 (27%) met the 20 BBB Standards for
Charitable Accountability, 13 (7%) did not meet
one or more of the standards, 24 (12%) are in
process and 113 (54%) did not discloseinformation.
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GOVERANCE AND OVERSIGHTThe governing board has the ultimate oversight
authority for any charitable organization. Thissection of standards seeks to ensure that thevolunteer board is active, independent, and free
of self-dealing. To meet these standards, the
organization shall have.
1. A board of directors that providesadequate oversight of the charitys
operations and its staff.2. A board of directors with a minimum of
five voting members.3. A minimum of three evenly spaced
meetings per year of the full governing
body, with a majority in attendance, with
face-to-face participation.4. Not more than one or 10% (whichever is
greater) directly or indirectly compensated
person(s) serving as a voting member(s)of the board. Compensated members
shall not serve as the boards chair ortreasurer.
5. No transaction(s) in which any board orstaff members have material conflicting
interest with the charity resulting fromany relationship or business affiliation.
MEASURING EFFECTIVENESS An organization should regularly assess its
effectiveness in achieving its mission. Thissection seeks to ensure that an organization hasdefined, measurable goals and objectives in place
and a defined process in place to evaluate thesuccess and impact of its program(s) in fulfilling
the goals and objectives of the organization andthat also identifies ways to address any
deficiencies. To meet these standards, acharitable organization shall
6. Have a board policy of assessing, no lessthan every two years, the organizationsperformance and effectiveness and of
determining future actions required to
achieve its mission.
7. Submit to the organizations governingbody, for its approval, a written reportthat outlines the results of the
aforementioned performance and
effectiveness assessment andrecommendations for future actions.
FINANCES
This section of the standards seeks to ensure thatthe charity spends its funds honestly, prudently
and in accordance with statements made in fundraising appeals. To meet these standards, thecharitable organization shall
8. Spend at least 65% of its total expenseson program activities.
9. Spend no more than 35% of relatedcontributions on fund raising.
10.Avoid accumulating funds that could beused for current program activities. To
meet this standard, the charitys
unrestricted net assets available for useshould not be more than three times the
size of the past years expenses or threetimes the size of the current years
budget, whichever is higher.11.Make available to all, on request,
complete annual financial statements
prepared in accordance with generallyaccepted accounting principles.
12.Include in the financial statements abreakdown of expenses that shows what
portion of these expenses was allocated to
program, fund raising, and administrativeactivities.
13.Accurately report the charitys expenses,including any joint cost allocations, in itsfinancial statements.
14.Have a board-approved annual budget forits current fiscal year, outlining projected
expenses for major program activities,fund raising, and administration.
Standards For Charitable Accountability
The BBB Standards for Charitable Accountability were developed to assist donors in making sound givingdecisions and to foster public confidence in charitable organizations. The standards seek to encourage fair andhonest solicitation practices, to promote ethical conduct by charitable organizations and to advance support ofphilanthropy. They are based on the belief that full and accurate disclosure of an organizations program,management, and finances will encourage public support of philanthropy. To meet BBB Standards for
Charitable Accountability, an organization is required to:
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Donate With Confidence.
Look for the BBB Charity Seal.Charities that display the BBB CharitySeal have committed to the highest ethical
standards of conduct. Every day, theseorganizations put ethics, accountability, and
transparency first. For these organizations,instilling trust in their donors is vital to fulfilling
their mission.
Look for the BBB Charity Seal to assist with wise
giving decisions. Charities are eligible to displaythe BBB Charity Seal if they meet the following
criteria: they currently meet our comprehensiveStandards for Charitable Accountability, have
committed to continue meeting our 20 Standardsin the future and address any concerns broughtto their attention by the BBB. Charities that
have adopted the Seal have undergone the sameevaluation process as all charities in the GivingGuide, and upon meeting our rigorous standards,have been invited to join this prestigious group.
Charities authorized to use the BBB Charity Sealat the time the Giving Guide was published aremarked by the seal.
FUND RAISING AND INFORMATIONALMATERIALS
A fund raising appeal is often the only contact adonor has with a charity and may be the sole
impetus for giving. This section of the standardsseeks to ensure that a charitys representations
to the public are accurate, complete, andrespectful. To meet these standards, the
charitable organization shall
15.Have solicitations and informationalmaterials, distributed by any means that
is accurate, truthful, and not misleading,both in whole and in part.
16.Have an annual report available to all, onrequest, that includes:
(a)The organizations mission statement(b)A summary of the past years program
service accomplishments.
(c)A roster of the offices and members ofthe board of directors
(d)Financial information that includes(i) Total income in the past fiscal
year
(ii) Expenses in the same program,fund raising, and administrativecategories as in the financial
statements, and
(iii) Ending net assets.17.Include on any charity websites that solicit
contributions, the same information that is
recommended for annual reports, as wellas the mailing address of the charity and
electronic access to its most recent IRSForm 990.18.Address policy concerns of donors by
(a)Providing in written appeals, at leastannually, a means for both new and
continuing donor to inform the charityif they do not want their name andaddress 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 theprivacy policy.
19.Clearly disclose how the charity benefitsfrom the sale of products or services.
20.Respond promptly to and act oncomplaints brought to its attention by theBBB about fund raising practices, privacy
violations, and/ or other issues.
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How to Read the List of Local Charities
he following is an alphabetical listing of the charities that are the subjects of Mississippis Charity Reviewevaluations. 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 email
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
Above is a sample of how organizations are listed in the Mississippis 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 organizations name. The second column, Mission, contains the
charitys mission statement. The third column is broken into two subcolumns. 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 of20 Standards for Charitable Accountability.
Did Not Meet Standard (x)
Based on the BBBs 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 BBBs 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.
T
Organization Mission (A) (B) Evaluation
ABC Charity Inc.
123 Street
AnyCity, State 00000
To provide food and shelter to the
homeless.
73% 17%
XYZ Foundation for Kids
4567 Ave.
AnyCity, State 10001
To support the children in Anytown
with academic tutoring.
55% 20% Did Not Meet Standards
8; Unable to Verify
Standards 3
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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
Reform
Did Not Disclose
Adams County Coalition for Children &
Youth
Did Not Disclose
AIDS Services Coalition Did Not Disclose
AJFC Community Action Agency
1038 N. Union St., Bldg A
Natchez, MS 39121
To eliminate the causes and conditions
of poverty in a land of plenty.
95% 0% Did Not Meet Standard
13; Unable to Verify
Standards 1, 6, 15, 16
All American Football Foundation &
Hall of Honor
Did Not Disclose
Alliance Charitable Foundation of
Marshall County
In Progress
Alpha House Home for Boys, Inc.
213 West Main St., Suite 270
Tupelo, MS 38804
To provide food, clothing and shelter
for residents who would not otherwise
have anyone to care for them.
82% 0% Did Not Meet Standard
13; Unable to verify
Standards 1, 6, 15, 16
Alzheimer Association of Mississippi Did Not Disclose
American Academy of Pediatrics
Mississippi Chapter
In Progress
American Family Associaton Did Not Disclose
American Legion Auxilary of
Mississippi
Did Not Disclose
American Lung Association of
Mississippi
Did Not Disclose
American Red Cross Central
Mississippi Chapter
875 Riverside Drive
Jackson, MS 39202
To provide relief to victims of disasters
and help people prevent, prepare for
and respond to emergencies.
73% 8%
Amory Food Pantry, Inc. Did Not Disclose
Amory Main Street, Inc. Did Not Disclose
Angel Ranch, Inc. Did Not Disclose
Angel Wings OutReach 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
Chapter
Did Not Disclose
ArtsNatchez In Progress
Ashleys Angels, Inc.
185 Ferguson Road
Pontotoc, MS 38863
To provide clothes, coats, shoes and
Christmas wishes to needy children
that would not have a Christmas visitfrom Santa otherwise.
97% 3% Did Not Meet Standards
16, 17
Association for the Rights of Citizens
with Disabilities
Did Not Disclose
B. B. King Museum and Delta
Interpretive Center
Did Not Disclose
Bethel Free Health Clinic
1650 Carrol Drive
Biloxi, MS 39531
To be the place of healing, where
Christian priniciples of compassionate
service meet the medical, social, and
mental health needs of those persons in
the MS Gulf Coast community who are
uninsured or underinsured.
94% 0% Did Not Disclose
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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
175 E. Captital St., Suite 222
Jackson, MS 39201
To provide children and youth with a
supportive and meaningful
relationship with a caring volunteer.
68% 9%
Birthright of Jackson, Inc. Did Not Disclose
Blue Mountain Childrens Home Did Not Disclose
Boy Scouts of America Pine Burr Area
Council 304
1318 Hardy St.
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
To foster the character development,
citizenship training and personal
fitness of young people, and in other
ways, prepare them to make ethical
choices over their lifetime by instilling
values based on those found in the
Scout Oath and Law.
82% 10%
Boy Scouts of America Andrew Jackson
Council
Did Not Disclose
Boys & Girls Club of Central Mississippi
1450 W. Capital St.
Jackson, MS 39203
To enable all young people, especially
those who need us the most, to realize
their full potential as productive,
caring, responsible citizens. To be
the Positive Place for Kids.
81% 12%
Boys & Girls Club of East Mississippi In Progress
Boys & Girls Club of Gulf Coast
Mississippi
11975A160 Seaway Rd
Gulfport, MS 39503
To enable all young people, especially
those who need us the most, to reach
their full potential as positive, caring
responsible citizens.
95% 1% Did Not Meet Standards
17; Unable to Verify
Standards 1, 9, 10, 11, 12
13, 16, 18
Boys & Girls Club of the Mississippi
Delta
14000 Hwy 82 WestStudent Affairs Building, Room 117
Itta Bena, MS 38941
To enable all young people, especially
those who need us the most, to reach
their full potential as positive, caringresponsible citizens.
74% 5%
Boys & Girls Club of MissLou, Inc. In Progress
Boys & Girls Club of North Mississippi
213 W. Main St., Suite 240
Tupelo, MS 38802
To inspire and enable all young people
to realize their full potential as
productive, responsible, and caring
citizens.
85% 7% Did Not Meet Standards
17, 18
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
Brothers Keepers Ministries Did Not DiscloseBuried Treasures Home
4 Dove Way Circle
Clinton, MS 39056
To meet the physical needs and the
emotional and relational recovery of
women who desperately need the
same help and hope who have faced a
cycle of abuse and unhealthy living.
92% 4% Did Not Meet Standards
10 & 17; Unable to Verify
Standards 1, 3, 6, 14 and
16
Business & Professional Outreach, Inc. Did Not Disclose
Camp Rising Sun, Inc. Did Not Disclose
Care Lodge Domestic Violence Shelter
1715 23rd Avenue
Meridian, MS 39302
To provide safe shelter, services and
advocacy to victims of domestic
violence within a nine county service
area in East Central Mississippi.
90% 1%
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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
CatchADream Foundation Did Not Disclose
Catholic Charities, Inc. Diocese of
Jackson
200 N. Congress St., Suite 100
Jackson, MS 39201
To be a visable sign of Christs love
and concern for all people.
90% 1%
CEC Seabee Historical Foundation
P. O. Box 657
Gulfport, MS 39502
To ensure that the proud heritage and
the rich history of the Navys Civil
Engineer Corps and the Navys
military construction force, the
Seabees, are properly documented,
preserved and maintained.
96% 3%
Cedarhill Animal Sancutary Did Not Disclose
Center for Environmental & Economic
Justice
In Progress
Center for Health Education & Economic
Research
In Progress
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
Society
Did Not Disclose
Champions for Children Did Not Disclose
Child Abuse Prevention Center2315 17th Street
Gulfport, MS 39501
To prevent child abuse by improvingthe quality of life for all children and
their families in the South Mississippi
area through prevention, education
and intervention.
79% 8%
Christian Services of America Did Not Disclose
Common Bond Association
P. O. Box 7796
Jackson, MS 39284
To help clients rebuild whole, sober
and productive lives by providing an
environment of hope and healing, and
by operating programs of excellance
at an affordable cost to meet their
needs for treatment.
92% 4% Did Not Verify Standards
15, 15, 17
Community Animal Rescue & Adoption
(CARA)960 N. Flag Chapel Rd.
Jackson, MS 39209
A NoKill animal rescue group. To
provide food, shelter & care forhundreds of abused, unwanted &
stray animals.
95% 2%
Community Foundation of Greater
Jackson
525 E. Captitol St., Suite 5B
Jackson, MS 39201
To serve those who create charitable
funds by providing flexible and tax
efficient methods to contribute to
organizations they love.
94% 2%
Community Outreach, Resources &
Education
Did Not Disclose
CREATE Foundation Did Not Disclose
Deliver Me Senior Support Services Did Not Disclose
Disability Rights Mississippi Did Not Disclose
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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
200 W. Pine Street (Basement Level)
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
To serve as a catalyst for
implementing programs effective in
the prevention or reduction of the use
of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs by
children and their families.
84% 1%
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
172 Verona Ave.
Nettleton, MS 38858
To secure and distribute a regular
source of donated and purchased food
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.
97% 3%
Falconhill Recovery House Did Not Disclose
Family, Career & Community Leaders of
America
Did Not Disclose
Fathers Childs Ministry Did Not Disclose
Foundation for Mississippi History In Progress
Foundation for Public Broadcasting Did Not Disclose
Friends of Childrens Hospital
Dept. of Pediatrics
2500 N. State Street
Jackson, MS 39216
Prioritizes childrens care and places
emphasison the special needs of
hospitalized children.
93% 6%
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
104 E. State Street
Ridgeland, MS 39157
To enable people with disabilites and
others with barriers to employment to
fully participate in our community
through education, training and
employment opportunities.
77% 1%
Goodwill Industries of South Mississippi Did Not Disclose
Grace House, Inc. Did Not Disclose
Greater Pinebelt Community Foundation
1507 Hardy St., Suite 208
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
Giving Way to a Greater Community 83% 6%
Gulf Coast Womens Center for Non
Violence
P. O. Box 333
Biloxi, MS 39533
To support and serve victims of
domestic violence and sexual assault,
and family members of homocide
victims; educate the community; and
act to reduce incidences of violence.
86% 1%
Habitat for Humanity Metro Jackson
1260 Ellis Ave.
Jackson, MS 39209
To develop communities with people
in need by building and renovating
houses, so that there are decent
houses in decent communities in
which every person can experience
Gods love and can live and grow into
all that God intends.
74% 10%
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Column (A) Percent of Total Expenses Spent on Programs
Column (B) Percent of Total Expenses Spent on Fundraising
Organization Mission (A) (B) Evaluation
Habitat for Humanity of Mississippi Gulf
Coast
Did Not Disclose
Hancock County Food Pantry Did Not Disclose
Harbor House Chemical Dependency Did Not Disclose
Hattiesburg Zoo Did Not Disclose
Helping Hands Ministries of Oktibbeha
County
501 Hwy 12 West, Suite 150O
Starkville, MS 39759
To establish and operate a centralized,
cooperative association of churches
and agencies to meet the charitable
needs of the people within Oktibbeha
County community.
84% .3% Did Not Meet Standard 16
Hinds County Human Resource Agency
258 Maddox Road
Jackson, MS 39225
To empower disadvantaged Hinds
County citizens to become selfreliant
and realize their full potential.
99% .5% Did Not Meet Standards
6, 7, 16
Home of Grace Did Not Disclose
Hope Village for Children Did Not Disclose
Humane Society of South Mississippi
2615 25th
Ave.Gulfport, MS 39501
To advocate for the prevention of
suffering of South Mississippi animals,to provide the highest quality services
and compassion to the animals
intrusted to our care, to reduce
companion animal overpopulation, to
increase the saverate of animals in
our community, and to promote the
bond between animals & humans.
82% 6%
Jackson County Childrens Services
Coalition
Did Not Disclose
Jackson Zoological Society
2918 West Capitol St.
Jackson, MS 39209
To provide visitors with a quality
recreational and educational
environment, dedicated to wildlife
care and conservation.
82% 1%
Junior Auxiliary of BiloxiOcean Springs
P. O. Box 738
Biloxi, MS 39533
To improve the community by
meeting the physical, medical,
financial, and educational needs of
children, youth and families in our
service area.
80% 1%
Junior Auxiliary of Grenada Did Not Disclose
Junior Auxiliary of McComb In Progress
Lamar County Education Forum Did Not Disclose
Life Impact Opportunities Did Not Disclose
Lighthouse Rescue Mission Did Not Disclose
Living Independence for Everyone, Inc.
(LIFE)
Did Not Disclose
MakeAWish Foundation of Mississippi
4800 I55 North, Suite 30
Jackson, MS 39211
To grant wishes of children with life
threatening medical conditions to
enrich the human experience with
hope, strength and joy.
82% 13%
Mercy Housing & Human Development Did Not Disclose
Mission Mississippi Did Not Disclose
Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Did Not Disclose
Mississippi 2020 Network Did Not Disclose
Mississippi Animal Rescue League In Progress
Mississippi Center for Justice Did Not Disclose
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Column (A) Percent of Total Expenses Spent on Programs
Column (B) Percent of Total Expenses Spent on Fundraisin
Organization Mission (A) (B) Evaluation
Mississippi Childrens Home Services
1900 N. West St.
Jackson, MS 39215
To improve the lives of children and
families by providing a continuum of
compassionate, measurable and
effective behavioral health and social
services.
88% 4%
Mississippi Childrens Museum
3010 Lakeland Cove, Suite J
Flowood, MS 39232
To provide a unique and exciting
educational experience that ignites
and inspires a thirst for discovery,
knowledge and learning in all
children.
68% 1%
Mississippi Childrens Services Did Not Disclose
Mississippi Council on Economic
Education at Millsaps College
1701 N. State St.
Jackson, MS 39210
To infuse economic, personal financial
and entrepreneurial education into
the curriculum for kindergarten
students through 12th grade through
the professional development of
teachers.
88% 5%
Mississippi Families for Kids Did Not DiscloseMississippi Food Network
440 West Beatty St.
Jackson, MS 39201
To relieve povertyrelated hunger in
our service area by distributing food
and grocery products through our
network of member churches and
nonprofit organizations. To ensure a
place at the table for everyone.
98% 1%
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community
Foundation
Did Not Disclose
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
3000 Old Canton Rd., Suite 100
Jackson, MS 39216
To serve Mississippi kidney patients
by providing quality programs and
services, to provide education and
screening to promote the prevention
of kidney disease, and to promote
organ donation throughout the state.
68% 10%
Mississippi Lifeline, Inc.
5149 Highway 98 West
Summit, MS 39666
We are seeking to meet some special
human need. In the case of the
Reassurance Program, it is meeting
the needs of those persons with
exceptional feelings of loneliness and
isolation.
78% 12%
Mississippi Museum of Art
380 S. Lamar Street
Jackson, MS 39201
To engage Mississippians in the visual
arts.
74% 6%
Mississippi Nurses Association Did Not Disclose
Mississippi SIDS Alliance
276 Nissan Parkway, Suite D
Canton, MS 39046
Provides support services to families
who are or may be touched by the
tragedy of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome)
73% 21%
Mississippi Technology Alliance
134 Market Ridge Dr.
Ridgeland, MS 39157
To drive innovation and technology
based economic development in the
state of Mississippi
78% 1%
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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
855 S. Pear Orchard, Suite 500
Ridgeland, MS 39157
To conserve Mississippis natural
resources and protect our wildlife
legacy.
68% 23%
Mustard Seed, Inc.
1085 Luckney Road
Brandon, MS 39047
Strive to program activities and
services that fulfill the goal of meeting
the spiritual, physical, emotional, and
intellectual needs of their clients.
89% 6%
Natchez Children Home Services
806 N. Union Street
Natchez, MS 39121
To provide a nurturing Christian
home for children at risk. Also
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.
66% 12%
Neighborhood Christian Centers of
Jackson
Did Not Disclose
New Beginnings International Adoption
Services
2164 Southridge Dr.
Tupelo, MS 38829
Promoting life and new beginnings for
children, birth mothers and adoptive
families through parenting education
and adoption.
72% 12%
New Stage, Inc. Did Not Disclose
North Midtown Community
Development Corporation
215 McTyere Ave.
Jackson, MS 39202
To make the North Midtown
Community a desirable area in which
to live, work and raise families.
52% 38% Did Not Meet Standards 1,
6, 7, 8, 9, 16, 17; Unable to
Verify Standards 5, 10, 11,
12, 18
OHROKeefe Museum of Art Did Not Disclose
Operation Shoestring
1711 Bailey Ave.Jackson, MS 39283
Investing in the hearts and minds of
our children and families to promotehealth and selfsufficiency, and
faithfully extending the hand of hope
and opportunity to empower the
needy, uplift our target
neighborhoods and the larger
community.
71% 26%
Oprah Winfrey Girls & Boys Club Did Not Disclose
Oseola McCarty Youth Development
Center
607 McSwain St.
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
Empowering youth to win in every
area of their lives. To devote the
necessary resources to ensuring that
all young people are able to build new
skills, make contributions, and
become a productive part of acommunity and feel in control over
their future.
65% 1%
Our House, Inc.
1213 V.F.W. Rd
Greenville, MS 38704
To eliminate domestic violence and
sexual assault through intervention,
prevention, prosecution, victim
protection and sustainable
restoration.
79% 1%
OxfordLafayette Humane Society
559 Highway 7 South
Oxford, MS 38655
To improve the plight of lost,
unwanted, abandoned and homeless
animals by providing shelter, care,
rescue, adoption services, and foster
homes.
92% 2% Did Not Meet Standards 1,
17; Unable to Verify
Standards 3
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Column (A) Percent of Total Expenses Spent on Programs
Column (B) Percent of Total Expenses Spent on Fundraisin
Organization Mission (A) (B) Evaluation
Palmer Home for Children Did Not Disclose
Parents for Public Schools, Inc.
200 N. Congress St., Suite 500
Jackson, MS 39216
To strengthen public schools through
broadbased enrollment.
66% 25%
Paws Rescue
6622 Oak Ridge Road
Vicksburg, MS 39183
Dedicated to rescuing stray and
abandoned dogs & cats, restoring
them to health, ensuring they are
spayed or neutered and placing them
in loving, forever adoptive homes.
97% 1%
Pine Belt Association for Community
Enhancement
Did Not Disclose
Pioneer Ministries, Inc. Did Not Disclose
ProLife Mississippi
618 Briarwood Drive, Suite D
Jackson, MS 39211
To educate the public about the
sanctity of human life for all persons,
including the unborn, physically
handicapped, mentally challenged orotherwise, and to promote a culture
34% 0% Did Not Meet Standards 1
8, 13, 14, 17; Unable to
Verify Standards 5
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 &
Development District
Did Not Disclose
Special Olympics Mississippi
15 Olympic Way
Madison, MS 39110
To provide yearround sports training
and athletic competition in a variety of
Olympic type sports for all childrenand 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.
69% 21%
Steps Coalition Did Not Disclose
Stewpot Community Services
1100 W. Capitol Street
Jackson, MS 39203
People of faith meeting needs in our
community
83% 8%
Sunnybrook Childrens Home Did Not Disclose
Teen Challenge of Mississippi In Progress
The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi Did Not Disclose
Together Enhancing Autism Awareness
in Mississippi (TEAAM)
P. O. Box 37
Mize, MS 39116
To help improve lives of
Mississippians with an autism
spectrum disorder by cultivating &
enhancing family & community
support.
88% 6%
Tupelo Childrens Mansion Did Not Disclose
United Givers of Southwest Mississippi Did Not Disclose
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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 MissLou
206 N. Canal St.
Natchez, MS 39120
To raise funds for programs or
organizations that provide assistance
for the socially and economically
disadvantaged.
69% 1%
United Way of Greater Monroe County1619 Hwy 25 North
Amory, MS 38821
To serve as a central resource incommunity problem solving by raising
and distributing funds in ways which
increase our communitys ability to
provide solutions and meet needs.
93% 1%
United Way of Jackson & George
Counties
3510 Magnolia St.
Pascagoula, MS 39567
To increase the organized capacity of
people to care for one another.
84% 11%
United Way of Leflore County Did Not Disclose
United Way of Lincoln County Did Not Disclose
United Way of Lowndes County
501 7th St. North, Suite 5
Columbus, MS 39701
To empower donors and individuals
to create lasting change and build a
stronger, more caring community.
73% 6%
United Way of Neshoba County Did Not Disclose
United Way of North Central Mississippi
600 Hogan St., Suite D
Starkville, MS 39759
Committed to building a better
community by securing funds through
a unified volunteer effort for
qualifying agencies who provide
services to youth, elderly and
disadvantaged in Oktibbeha, Winston,
Choctaw and Webster Counties.
66% 2%
United Way of Northeast Mississippi
213 W. Main St., Suite 110
Tupelo, MS 38804
To create opportunities to improve
peoples lives in the community we
serve.
77% 11%
United Way of Oxford Lafayette Co. Did Not Disclose
United Way of South Mississippi
11975 Seaway Rd.
Gulfport, MS 39503
Provides leadership to mobilize
resources to advance the quality of life
for those who live and work in our
community.
85% 7%
United Way of Southeast Mississippi Did Not Disclose
United Way of West Central Mississippi
920 South St.
Vicksburg, MS 39180
To build a stronger, healthier
community by bringing together the
human, financial and strategic
resources necessary to deliver
measurable improvements and
solutions to the critical health and
human services facing the comunitieswe serve.
72% 13%
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
510 Washington Ave.
Ocean Springs, MS 39564
To serve as a center of learning,
cultural enrichment & enjoyment for
the manyfaceted population area.
78% 7%
YMCA of Metropolitan Jackson, Inc.
800 East River Place
Jackson, MS 39202
To serve our community by practicing
Christian principles through programs
that build spirit, mind & body.
84% 1%
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Proof we canmake a cleanerfuture happen today.
Im 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.
Liz Brister, External Affairs Manager
Five Questions To Ask Charity Telemarketers
1. Do you work for thechar ity or a professional solicitor?Some charities use their own employees or volunteers while others hire outside contractors. If the caller works for atelemarketing company, the best follow-up question is
2.
What percentage of my donation will thecharity receive?By law, telemarketers should answer this question truthfully. While some telemarketing companies charge areasonable 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 fortheir full name and address.
4. How wil l 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. Can you send mesome written 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.
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Congratulations to these charities for meeting all 20 Standards for Charitable Accountability andbecoming anACCREDITED CHARITY.
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Boys & Girls Club of the Mississippi Delta
DREAM of Hattiesburg
F.A.I.T.H Food Pantry
Greater Pinebelt Community Foundation
Mississippi Childrens Home Services
Mississippi Lifeline, Inc.
Mississippi Technology Alliance
Operation Shoestring
United Way of Jackson & George CountiesUnited 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Better Business Bureau provide reports on charities?
The BBB provides charity reports for the same reason it provides business reportsto inform the public andencourage ethical practices. It may be harder now than ever before to decide which organizations to support. The
BBB reports the mission, programs, and finances of local charities, and evaluates these organizations according to our20Standardsfor Charitable Accountability, giving you the information you need to make the best decision.
Why have standards for charities?
The BBB Standards for Charitable Accountability answer basic questions about an organizations governance,finances, and fund raising practicesHow do they use your donations? Are they honest in their fund raisingmaterials and financial statements? Does the board of directors avoid conflicts of interest and provide adequate
oversight? A full list of the Standards for Charitable Accountability can be found on pages 2-3.
Which are the best charities in the Giving Guide?
The BBB does not make any judgments about the worthiness of a particular organization or cause. Donors are
strongly encouraged to use the standards as one resource for making their own judgments; you should also take intoaccount the charitys mission, program activities, and history of service. Whenever a charity does not meet allstandards, its full report (available by visiting www.ms.bbb.org or calling 800.987.8280) will explain exactly why and
provide the charitys response, if any.
What do the percentages in Columns A & B mean, and why dont they add up to
100%?
These percentages measure two importantand very differentratios 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 thepercentage of contributed revenue spent on fund raising. Since many charities also receive funding from governmentcontracts, service fees, or product sales, total contributions may be significantly less than total expenses. To meetBBB 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 cant I find a charity Im looking for?An organizations report may have been completed after the Guide was published, so check ourwebsite
www.ms.bbb.orgfor all reports. If you are looking for a national charity, there may be a report from the BBB WiseGiving Alliancewww.give.org. If you still cant find it, we may not have a report at least not yet. As our secondyear 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 Char ity Giving Guide.
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Better Business Bureau serving Mississippi601 Renaissance Way, Suite A
Ridgeland, MS 39157
Thanks for Your Support
ey support for the Mississippi BBB Charity Review Programcomes from individuals like you. Your donations will make
it possible for the charity evaluations and giving guidepublications you rely on to be available to donors, charities and
businesses. Thank you for your generosity and your sharedinterest in strengthening the accountability of the states 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 thatthe charity has met the BBBs 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 39157601 856 9357 | email info@ms bbb o g | ebsite ms bbb o g
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