Governance and Expenses
A nonprofit, charitable organization, HSUS is funded almost entirely by membership dues, contributions, foundation grants, and bequests. It receives a small amount of federal money in support of particular programs.
HSUS is governed by a 27-member, independent board of directors. Each director serves as a volunteer and receives no compensation for service.
In 2010, HSUS’s program expenses comprised 77.9% of its budget. HSUS’s financial efficiency ratios exceed the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance (BBBWGA) standards which require that program expenses as a percentage of total expenses be 65% or greater. HSUS meets all 21 BBWGA financial and administrative standards, and all 20 of the BBB's Standards for Charity Accountability.
Using different estimates of fundraising expenses and efficiency, the American Institute of Philanthropy (AIP) issued a "D" grade to HSUS's financial practices. AIP's rating system heavily penalizes charities for possessing large assets or maintaining more than three years' operating expenses in reserve.
For four years, HSUS received the top four-star rating from Charity Navigator, but in 2010 was downgraded to three stars. Under the new 2.0 rating system implemented by Charity Navigator in 2011, HSUS receives three stars overall, and the top four-star rating for "Accountability & Transparency". HSUS's international affiliate, Humane Society International, received a two-star rating from Charity Navigator in 2011. As of 2012, Charity Navigator has rated both the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International with 4 stars.
In 2009, HSUS was ranked at 168 in the Chronicle of Philanthropy's Philanthropy 400 survey of America's largest charities.
In 2010, Worth Magazine named The HSUS as one of the 10 Most Fiscally Responsible Charities.
In 2011, a study by GuideStar's Philanthropedia ranked HSUS the number one high-impact nonprofit making a positive impact in the field of animal protection.
Read more about this topic: Humane Society Of The United States
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