Humane Society of the United States meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.
Complaints
Number of complaints processed by the BBB in the last 36 months: 2
The organization addressed the complaint issues brought to its attention: 2
The organization did not address the complaint issues brough to its attention: 0
(The complaints involved an individual seeking to have their name and contact information removed from the organization's solicitation list, and an individual seeking to receive a product they previously paid for but did not receive).
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Year, State Incorporated
1954, DE
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Also Known As
Fund for Animals
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Affiliates
Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust
Humane Society International
Doris Day Animal League (DDAL)
Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, Inc. (HSVMA)
The Fund for Animals, Inc. (FFA)
Project Chimps
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Stated Purpose
"to end suffering for all animals."
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) reports that it protects animals through advocacy, direct care, education, investigation, litigation, field work, emergency response services, and public policy initiatives. The organization has programs focusing on companion animals, wild animals and habitat, captive animal issues, farm animal welfare, animals in research, equine protection, animal cruelty and rescue, and humane education. HSUS advocates for animal shelters and provides direct care for animals, including conducting rescues from natural and human-caused disasters, running two sanctuaries through its affiliates, and providing low-cost spay/neuter programs in rural areas and pet wellness clinics in needy communities. The organization also confronts large-scale national and international problems facing animals, such as animal fighting, puppy mills, seal killing, the wildlife trade, inhumane slaughter, and factory farming. HSUS works to pass local, state, and federal laws, makes sure existing animal protection laws are properly enforced, and conducts public awareness campaigns and undercover investigations to highlight cruelty to animals and the need for reform in their treatment. Some ($30,448,347 or 22%) of HSUS' programs are conducted in conjunction with informational materials that include fundraising appeals.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, Humane Society of the United States's program expenses were:
Program services |
$141,405,514 |
Total Program Expenses: |
$141,405,514 |
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Chief Executive
Kitty Block, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief International Officer
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Compensation*
$411,009
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Chair of the Board
Susan and Thomas J. Sabatino
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Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
Former Executive Manager Within Software and Cloud Computing Industry and Attorney, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Aetna Inc.
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Board Size
18
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Paid Staff Size
684
*2019 compensation includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.
Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Door-to-door appeals, Grant proposals, Internet, Invitations to fund raising events, Membership appeals, Planned giving arrangements, Print advertisements (newspapers, magazines, etc.), Telephone appeals, Radio, Cause- related marketing (affinity credit cards, consumer product sales, etc.)
HSUS incurred joint costs of $65,462,666 for informational materials and activities that included fund raising materials. Of those costs, $35,014,319 was allocated to fundraising expenses and $30,448,347 was allocated to program expenses.
Fundraising costs were 22% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $178,793,904, are donations received as a result of fundraising activities.)
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.
The following information is based on Humane Society of the United States's audited financial statements - consolidated for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Source of Funds |
Contributions |
$142,674,059 |
Bequests |
$35,233,690 |
Investment return, net |
$30,645,899 |
Other income |
$5,871,403 |
Event income |
$886,155 |
Royalty income |
$193,886 |
Total Income |
$215,505,092 |
- Programs: 74%
- Fundraising: 20%
- Administrative: 6%
Total Income |
$215,505,092 |
Program expenses |
$141,405,514 |
Fundraising expenses |
$39,145,297 |
Administrative expenses |
$12,862,438 |
Other expenses |
$0 |
Total expenses: |
$193,413,249 |
Income in Excess of Expenses |
$22,091,843 |
Beginning Net Assets |
$300,954,725 |
Other Changes In Net Assets |
$21,401,912 |
Ending Net Assets |
$322,356,637 |
Total Liabilities |
$39,198,361 |
Total Assets |
$361,554,998 |
Note 1: According to HSUS' 2020 audited financial statements - consolidated -, the organization received in-kind contibutions totaling $21,511,693 in the form of public service announcements and other advertising ($15,190,862), donated equipment and supplies ($3,551,454), and donated services ($2,769,377).
Note 2: In the financial section above, "other changes in net assets" refers to a change in net assets before annuity and foreign currency adjustment ($22,091,843), foreign currency gain ($47,852), and annuity liability change in valuation (-$737,783).