United Breast Cancer Foundation
Standards Not Met
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Standards Not Met
This organization does not meet one or more of the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability. Click the conclusions section below for more information.
Standards Legend
- Meets Standards
- Standards Not Met
- Did Not Disclose
- Review In Progress
- Unable to Verify
Standards For Charity Accountability
Governance
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Board Oversight
Oversight of Operations and Staff: Standard 1
Description
Organizations shall have a board of directors that provides adequate oversight of the charity's operations and its staff. Indication of adequate oversight includes, but is not limited to, regularly scheduled appraisals of the CEO's performance, evidence of disbursement controls such as board approval of the budget, fund raising practices, establishment of a conflict of interest policy, and establishment of accounting procedures sufficient to safeguard charity finances.UBCF does not meet this Standard because:
- The organization's chief exectutive also serves as the chair of the organization's board of directors.
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Board Size
Number of Board Members: Standard 2
Description
Soliciting organizations shall have a board of directors with a minimum of five voting members.UBCF does not meet this Standard because:
- The organization's board has three voting members.
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Board Meetings
Frequency and Attendance of Board Meetings: Standard 3
Description
An organization shall have a minimum of three evenly spaced meetings per year of the full governing body with a majority in attendance, with face-to-face participation. A conference call of the full board can substitute for one of the three meetings of the governing body. For all meetings, alternative modes of participation are acceptable for those with physical disabilities.UBCF does not meet this Standard because:
- The organization held no face-to-face meetings in 2016.
- The board of directors did not hold a minimum of three evenly spaced meetings in 2016.
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Board Compensation
Compensated Board Members: Standard 4
Description
Not more than one or 10% (whichever is greater) directly or indirectly compensated person(s) serving as voting member(s) of the board. Compensated members shall not serve as the board's chair or treasurer.UBCF does not meet this Standard because:
- Three members out of the three member board of directors (100%) are compensated, one member directly and two members indirectly as relatives of paid staff.
- The chair of the board of directors is compensated directly as paid staff.
- The treasurer of the board of directors is compensated indirectly as a relative of a paid staff member.
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Conflict of Interest
Conflict of Interest: Standard 5
Description
No transaction(s) in which any board or staff members have material conflicting interests with the charity resulting from any relationship or business affiliation. Factors that will be considered when concluding whether or not a related party transaction constitutes a conflict of interest and if such a conflict is material, include, but are not limited to: any arm's length procedures established by the charity; the size of the transaction relative to like expenses of the charity; whether the interested party participated in the board vote on the transaction; if competitive bids were sought and whether the transaction is one-time, recurring or ongoing.The organization meets this standard.
Measuring Effectiveness
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Effectiveness Policy
Board Policy on Effectiveness: Standard 6
Description
Have a board policy of assessing, no less than every two years, the organization's performance and effectiveness and of determining future actions required to achieve its mission.The organization meets this standard.
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Effectiveness Report
Board Approval of Written Report on Effectiveness: Standard 7
Description
Submit to the organization's governing body, for its approval, a written report that outlines the results of the aforementioned performance and effectiveness assessment and recommendations for future actions.The organization meets this standard.
Finances
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Program Expenses
Program Service Expense Ratio: Standard 8
Description
Spend at least 65% of its total expenses on program activities.UBCF does not meet this Standard because:
- According to the organization's audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016 the organization spent $5,671,929 or 61% of its total expenses ($9,262,371) on program service activities.
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Fundraising Expenses
Fund Raising Expense Ratio: Standard 9
Description
Spending should be no more than 35% of related contributions on fund raising. Related contributions include donations, legacies, and other gifts received as a result of fund raising efforts.The organization meets this standard.
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Accumulating Funds
Ending Net Assets: Standard 10
Description
Avoid accumulating funds that could be used for current program activities. To meet this standard, the charity's unrestricted net assets available for use should not be more than three times the size of the past year's expenses or three times the size of the current year's budget, whichever is higher.The organization meets this standard.
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Audit Report
Financial Statements: Standard 11
Description
Make available to all, on request, complete annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. When total annual gross income exceeds $500,000, these statements should be audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. For charities whose annual gross income is less than $500,000, a review by a certified public accountant is sufficient to meet this standard. For charities whose annual gross income is less than $250,000, an internally produced, complete financial statement is sufficient to meet this standard.The organization meets this standard.
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Detailed Expense Breakdown
Detailed Functional Breakdown of Expenses: Standard 12
Description
Include in the financial statements a breakdown of expenses (e.g., salaries, travel, postage, etc.) that shows what portion of these expenses was allocated to program, fund raising, and administrative activities. If the charity has more than one major program category, the schedule should provide a breakdown for each category.The organization meets this standard.
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Accurate Expense Reporting
Accuracy of Expenses in Financial Statements: Standard 13
Description
Accurately report the charity's expenses, including any joint cost allocations, in its financial statements. For example, audited or unaudited statements which inaccurately claim zero fund raising expenses or otherwise understate the amount a charity spends on fund raising, and/or overstate the amount it spends on programs will not meet this standard.The organization meets this standard.
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Budget Plan
Budget: Standard 14
Description
Have a board-approved annual budget for its current fiscal year, outlining projected expenses for major program activities, fund raising, and administration.The organization meets this standard.
Fundraising & Info
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Truthful Materials
Misleading Appeals: Standard 15
Description
Have solicitations and informational materials, distributed by any means, that are accurate, truthful and not misleading, both in whole and in part. Appeals that omit a clear description of program(s) for which contributions are sought will not meet this standard. A charity should also be able to substantiate that the timing and nature of its expenditures are in accordance with what is stated, expressed, or implied in the charity's solicitations.The organization meets this standard.
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Annual Report
Annual Report: Standard 16
Description
Have an annual report available to all, on request, that includes: (a) the organization's mission statement, (b) a summary of the past year's program service accomplishments, (c) a roster of the officers and members of the board of directors, (d) financial information that includes (i) total income in the past fiscal year, (ii) expenses in the same program, fund raising and administrative categories as in the financial statements, and (iii) ending net assets.The organization meets this standard.
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Website Disclosures
Web Site Disclosures: Standard 17
Description
Include on any charity websites that solicit contributions, the same information that is recommended for annual reports, as well as the mailing address of the charity and electronic access to its most recent IRS Form 990.UBCF does not meet this Standard because the organization's website, www.uwha.info, does not include:
- 2016 financial information
- A summary of 2016 program service accomplishments.
- A roster of the organization's board of directors.
- Access to the organization's 2016 IRS Form 990.
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Donor Privacy
Privacy for Written Appeals & Internet Privacy: Standard 18
Description
Address privacy concerns of donors by (a) providing in written appeals, at least annually, a means (e.g., such as a check off box) for both new and continuing donors to inform the charity if they do not want their name and address shared outside the organization, (b) providing a clear, prominent and easily accessible privacy policy on any of its websites that tells visitors (i) what information, if any, is being collected about them by the charity and how this information will be used, (ii) how to contact the charity to review personal information collected and request corrections, (iii) how to inform the charity (e.g., a check off box) that the visitor does not wish his/her personal information to be shared outside the organization, and (iv) what security measures the charity has in place to protect personal information.UBCF does not meet this Standard because the privacy policy on this website, www.ubcf.info, does not indicate:
- What security measures are in place to protect personal information that is collected.
In addition, the privacy policy on the organization's website, www.uwha.info, did not indicate:
- What information is collected.
- What security measures are in place to protect personal information that is collected.
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Cause Marketing Disclosures
Cause Related Marketing: Standard 19
Description
Clearly disclose how the charity benefits from the sale of products or services (i.e., cause-related marketing) that state or imply that a charity will benefit from a consumer sale or transaction. Such promotions should disclose, at the point of solicitation: (a) the actual or anticipated portion of the purchase price that will benefit the charity (e.g., 5 cents will be contributed to abc charity for every xyz company product sold), (b) the duration of the campaign (e.g., the month of October), (c) any maximum or guaranteed minimum contribution amount (e.g., up to a maximum of $200,000).The organization meets this standard.
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Complaints
Complaints: Standard 20
Description
Respond promptly to and act on complaints brought to its attention by the BBB Wise Giving Alliance and/or local Better Business Bureaus about fund raising practices, privacy policy violations and/or other issues.The organization meets this standard.
Conclusion
United Breast Cancer Foundation does not meet the following 7 Standards for Charity Accountability:
Standard 1 - Oversight of Operations and Staff
Organizations shall have a board of directors that provides adequate oversight of the charity's operations and its staff. Indication of adequate oversight includes, but is not limited to, regularly scheduled appraisals of the CEO's performance, evidence of disbursement controls such as board approval of the budget, fund raising practices, establishment of a conflict of interest policy, and establishment of accounting procedures sufficient to safeguard charity finances.
UBCF does not meet this Standard because:
- The organization's chief exectutive also serves as the chair of the organization's board of directors.
Standard 2 - Number of Board Members
Soliciting organizations shall have a board of directors with a minimum of five voting members.
UBCF does not meet this Standard because:
- The organization's board has three voting members.
Standard 3 - Frequency and Attendance of Board Meetings
An organization shall have a minimum of three evenly spaced meetings per year of the full governing body with a majority in attendance, with face-to-face participation. A conference call of the full board can substitute for one of the three meetings of the governing body. For all meetings, alternative modes of participation are acceptable for those with physical disabilities.
UBCF does not meet this Standard because:
- The organization held no face-to-face meetings in 2016.
- The board of directors did not hold a minimum of three evenly spaced meetings in 2016.
Standard 4 - Compensated Board Members
Not more than one or 10% (whichever is greater) directly or indirectly compensated person(s) serving as voting member(s) of the board. Compensated members shall not serve as the board's chair or treasurer.
UBCF does not meet this Standard because:
- Three members out of the three member board of directors (100%) are compensated, one member directly and two members indirectly as relatives of paid staff.
- The chair of the board of directors is compensated directly as paid staff.
- The treasurer of the board of directors is compensated indirectly as a relative of a paid staff member.
Standard 8 - Program Service Expense Ratio
Spend at least 65% of its total expenses on program activities.
UBCF does not meet this Standard because:
- According to the organization's audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016 the organization spent $5,671,929 or 61% of its total expenses ($9,262,371) on program service activities.
Standard 17 - Web Site Disclosures
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.
UBCF does not meet this Standard because the organization's website, www.uwha.info, does not include:
- 2016 financial information
- A summary of 2016 program service accomplishments.
- A roster of the organization's board of directors.
- Access to the organization's 2016 IRS Form 990.
Standard 18 - Privacy for Written Appeals & Internet Privacy
Address privacy concerns of donors by (a) providing in written appeals, at least annually, a means (e.g., such as a check off box) for both new and continuing donors to inform the charity if they do not want their name and address shared outside the organization, (b) providing a clear, prominent and easily accessible privacy policy on any of its websites that tells visitors (i) what information, if any, is being collected about them by the charity and how this information will be used, (ii) how to contact the charity to review personal information collected and request corrections, (iii) how to inform the charity (e.g., a check off box) that the visitor does not wish his/her personal information to be shared outside the organization, and (iv) what security measures the charity has in place to protect personal information.
UBCF does not meet this Standard because the privacy policy on this website, www.ubcf.info, does not indicate:
- What security measures are in place to protect personal information that is collected.
In addition, the privacy policy on the organization's website, www.uwha.info, did not indicate:
- What information is collected.
- What security measures are in place to protect personal information that is collected.
United Breast Cancer Foundation meets the remaining 13 Standards for Charity Accountability.
Complaints
Number of complaints processed by the BBB in the last 36 months: 1
Purpose
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Year, State Incorporated
2000, New York
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Also Known As
United Women's Health Alliance
UWHA!
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Stated Purpose
"to make a positive difference in the lives of those affected by breast cancer."
Programs
UBCF reports that it provides patient and family programs to women, men and children around the country, including breast screening, individual grants, holistic care, breast reconstruction, child sponsorship, domestic services, and the Audrey B. Mastroianni College Scholarship. In addition UBCF reports that it provides grants to hospitals and community health centers to benefit patients and families coping with breast cancer. The organization reports that it strives to alleviate the stress and strain that cancer can cause to patients and families and to foster health and well-being through both traditional and holistic treatments by never denying anyone service regardless of age, race, gender or income. A majority ($3,425,722 or 60%) of program service activities are carried out in conjunction with fund raising appeals.
For the year ended December 31, 2016, UBCF's program expenses were:
| Program services | 5,671,929 |
| Total Program Expenses: | $5,671,929 |
Governance & Staff
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Chief Executive
Audrey S. Mastroianni, Executive Director
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Compensation*
$224,200
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Chair of the Board
Audrey S. Mastroianni
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Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
Executive Director
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Board Size
3
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Paid Staff Size
10
*2016 compensation includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.
Fundraising
Method(s) Used:
Direct mail, telemarketing, print advertisements, Internet appeals, and cause-related marketing.
UBCF incurred joint costs of $6,218,135 for informational materials and activities that included fund raising materials. Of those costs $3,425,772 was allocated to program expenses, and $2,792,363 was allocated to fund raising expenses.
Fundraising costs were 33% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $9,920,307, are donations received as a result of fundraising activities.)
Tax Status
This organization is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes.
Financial
The following information is based on UBCF's audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016.
| Source of Funds | |
|---|---|
| Cash Pledges | 7,872,574 |
| Non-cash contributions | 1,529,354 |
| Car donations, net | 518,379 |
| Interest | 3 |
| Total Income | $9,920,310 |
- Programs: 61%
- Fundraising: 35%
- Administrative: 4%
| Total Income | $9,920,310 |
| Program expenses | 5,671,929 |
| Fundraising expenses | $3,234,255 |
| Administrative expenses | $356,187 |
| Other expenses | $0 |
| Total expenses: | $9,262,371 |
| Income in Excess of Expenses | 657,939 |
| Beginning Net Assets | 26,107 |
| Ending Net Assets | 684,046 |
| Total Liabilities | 768,498 |
| Total Assets | 1,452,544 |
Note: As reported in the organization's audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016, UBCF received in-kind donations totaling $1,529,354 in the form of advertising services ($529,600) and household products and infant items ($999,754).
An organization may change its practices at any time without notice. A copy of this report has been shared with the organization prior to publication. It is not intended to recommend or deprecate, and is furnished solely to assist you in exercising your own judgment. If the report is about a charity and states the charity meets or does not meet the Standards for Charity Accountability, it reflects the results of an evaluation of information and materials provided voluntarily by the charity. The name Better Business Bureau is a registered service mark of the Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc.
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