Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum does not meet the following 7 Standards for Charity Accountability:
Standard 6 (Board Policy on Effectiveness)
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.
WCHM does not meet this Standard because:
- The board of directors does not have a written policy stating that, at least every two years, an appraisal be done assessing the organization’s performance and effectiveness and determining future actions required to achieve its mission.
Standard 7 (Board Approval of Written Report on Effectiveness)
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.
WCHM does not meet this Standard because:
- The organization has not completed an effectiveness assessment in the last two years.
Standard 8 (Program Service Expense Ratio)
Spend at least 65% of its total expenses on program activities.
WCHM does not meet this Standard because:
- According to its IRS Form 990 for the year ended December 31, 2020, the organization spent $27,014 or 55% of its total expenses on programs.
Standard 14 (Budget)
Have a board-approved annual budget for its current fiscal year, outlining projected expenses for major program activities, fund raising, and administration.
WCHM does not meet this Standard because, when the organization provided 2022 budget information, it indicated that the budget:
- Did not identify total projected fundraising expenses.
Standard 16 (Annual Report)
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.
WCHM does not meet this Standard because:
- The organization states it does not have an annual report covering activities conducted in 2020.
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.
WCHM does not meet this Standard because the organization’s website, https://wisconsincanoeheritagemuseum.org/, does not include all of the recommended information for those charity websites that solicit for donations. Specifically, it does not include:
- Electronic access to the organization’s 2020 IRS Form 990.
- The organization's 2020 financial information.
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.
WCHM does not meet this Standard because:
- The organization's website, https://wisconsincanoeheritagemuseum.org/, does not provide access to a privacy policy.
The BBB Wise Giving Alliance requested but did not receive complete information from the organization and is unable to verify the organization's compliance with the following Standard(s) for Charity Accountability:
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Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum meets the remaining 11 Standards for Charity Accountability.
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Year, State Incorporated
2009, WI
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Stated Purpose
"to acquire, preserve, and disseminate materials and information relating to the history and heritage of canoe building, canoes, and canoeing in North America."
Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum (WCHM) reports that it maintains an extensive collection of historic canoes and canoe paraphernalia, an exhibit hall, and a working canoe shop, all of which are available to the general public as well as WCHM members. The workshop is utilized to build and restore canoes, paddles, and related wood items. The organization also holds presentations on travel books, historical events, building skills, educational and canoe related topics, and hosts its annual Canoe and Wooden Boat Show.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum's program expenses were:
| Program services |
$27,014 |
| Total Program Expenses: |
$27,014 |
*2020 compensation includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.
Note: WCHM reports that the position of Executive Director is an independent contractor and that compensation is an annual administrative contract rather than salary.
Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Grant proposals, Internet, Invitations to fund raising events, Membership appeals, Other
Fundraising costs were 2% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $60,413 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 Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum's IRS Form 990 for the year ended December 31, 2020.
| Source of Funds |
| Contributions |
$51,633 |
| Special events, net |
$8,780 |
| Program service revenue |
$3,863 |
| Sales of inventory, net |
$648 |
| Total Income |
$64,924 |
- Programs: 56%
- Administrative: 38%
- Other: 4%
- Fundraising: 2%
| Total Income |
$64,924 |
| Program expenses |
$27,014 |
| Fundraising expenses |
$1,170 |
| Administrative expenses |
$18,653 |
| Other expenses |
$2,132 |
| Total expenses: |
$48,969 |
| Income in Excess of Expenses |
$15,955 |
| Beginning Net Assets |
$64,334 |
| Other Changes In Net Assets |
$4,911 |
| Ending Net Assets |
$85,199 |
| Total Liabilities |
$264 |
| Total Assets |
$85,463 |
Note 1: As noted in the above financial section, "other changes in net assets" refers to a change in value of endowment fund investments.
Note 2: As noted in the above financial section, "other expenses" refers to miscellaneous expenses.
Note 3: In 2020, WCHM reports receiving $1,200 in donated storage rental space.