Nonhuman Rights Project does not meet the following 4 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.
NhRP does not meet this Standard because:
- The Chief Executive Officer also serves as the chair of the board of directors.
Standard 2 (Number of Board Members)
Soliciting organizations shall have a board of directors with a minimum of five voting members.
NhRP does not meet this Standard because:
- The organization has four voting members of the board.
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.
NhRP does not meet this Standard because:
- The board of directors held two meetings in 2020.
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.
NhRP does not meet this Standard because:
- Two out of the four member board of directors (50%) are compensated directly.
- The chair of the board is compensated directly.
- The treasurer of the board of directors is compensated directly.
Nonhuman Rights Project meets the remaining 16 Standards for Charity Accountability.
The Nonhuman Rights Project's (NhRP) litigation program fights to secure fundamental rights for nonhuman animals through state-by-state, country-by-country, and long-term litigation campaigns. NhRP reports that its lawsuits demand recognition of the legal personhood and fundamental right to bodily liberty of individual great apes, elephants, dolphins, and whales held in captivity across the United States. The organization's legislation and advocacy program works to build grassroots support and pass the first nonhuman rights laws in the United States. Lastly, NhRP's education program works to raise awareness of the importance of and legal basis for nonhuman rights.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, Nonhuman Rights Project's program expenses were:
Program services |
$701,753 |
Total Program Expenses: |
$701,753 |
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Chief Executive
Steven M. Wise, Founder and President
-
Compensation*
$207,775
-
Chair of the Board
Steven Wise
-
Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
Founder and President, Nonhuman Rights Project
-
Board Size
4
-
Paid Staff Size
11
*2020 compensation includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.
Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Grant proposals, Internet, Invitations to fund raising events, Membership appeals, Planned giving arrangements
Fundraising costs were 8% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $1,627,679 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 Nonhuman Rights Project's audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Source of Funds |
Contributions |
$1,627,679 |
Unrealized gain on investments |
($12,641) |
Interest and dividends |
($36,259) |
Total Income |
$1,578,779 |
- Programs: 66%
- Administrative: 22%
- Fundraising: 12%
Total Income |
$1,578,779 |
Program expenses |
$701,753 |
Fundraising expenses |
$136,312 |
Administrative expenses |
$228,284 |
Other expenses |
$0 |
Total expenses: |
$1,066,349 |
Income in Excess of Expenses |
$512,430 |
Beginning Net Assets |
$2,026,806 |
Other Changes In Net Assets |
$0 |
Ending Net Assets |
$2,637,036 |
Total Liabilities |
$144,578 |
Total Assets |
$2,781,614 |