Mission: Established in 1977, Dogs for Better Lives (formerly Dogs for the Deaf) is a national non-profit organization that rescues, breeds, professionally trains, and places ... (More)
Dogs for Better Lives is a 501(c)(3) organization, with an IRS ruling year of 1977, and donations are tax-deductible.
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Star Rating System by Charity Navigator
Charity Navigator evaluates a nonprofit organization’s financial health including measures of stability, efficiency and sustainability. We also track accountability and transparency policies to ensure the good governance and integrity of the organization.
Exceptional
This charity's score is 98.12, earning it a 4-Star rating. Donors can "Give with Confidence" to this charity.
This score is calculated from two sub-scores:
Finance: 97.35 View details
Accountability & Transparency: 100.00 View details
This score represents Form 990 data from 2020, the latest year published by the IRS.
View this organization’s historical ratings.
Star Rated Report
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Program Expense Ratio
84.3%
The Program Expense Ratio is determined by Program Expenses divided by Total Expense (average of most recent three 990s).
This measure reflects the percent of its total expenses a charity spends on the programs and services it exists to deliver. Dividing a charity's average program expenses by its average total functional expenses yields this percentage. We calculate the charity's average expenses over its three most recent fiscal years.
Source: IRS Form 990
Administrative Expenses
7.5%
As reported by charities on their IRS Form 990, this measure reflects what percent of its total budget a charity spends on overhead, administrative staff and associated costs, and organizational meetings. Dividing a charity's average administrative expenses by its average total functional expenses yields this percentage. We calculate the charity's average expenses over its three most recent fiscal years.
Source: IRS Form 990
Fundraising Expenses
8.1%
This measure reflects what a charity spends to raise money. Fundraising expenses can include campaign printing, publicity, mailing, and staffing and costs incurred in soliciting donations, memberships, and grants. Dividing a charity's average fundraising expenses by its average total functional expenses yields this percentage. We calculate the charity's average expenses over its three most recent fiscal years.
Source: IRS Form 990
Liabilities to Assets Ratio
1.1%
The Liabilities to Assets Ratio is determined by Total Liabilities divided by Total Assets (most recent 990).
Part of our goal in rating the financial performance of charities is to help donors assess the financial capacity and sustainability of a charity. As do organizations in other sectors, charities must be mindful of their management of total liabilites in relation to their total assets. This ratio is an indicator of an organization’s solvency and or long term sustainability. Dividing a charity's total liabilities by its total assets yields this percentage.
Source: IRS Form 990
Fundraising Efficiency
$0.09
The amount spent to raise $1 in charitable contributions. To calculate a charity's fundraising efficiency, we divide its average fundraising expenses by the average total contributions it receives. We calculate the charity's average expenses and average contributions over its three most recent fiscal years.
Source: IRS Form 990
Working Capital Ratio
4.60 years
Determines how long a charity could sustain its level of spending using its net available assets, or working capital, as reported on its most recently filed Form 990. We include in a charity's working capital unrestricted and temporarily restricted net assets, and exclude permanently restricted net assets. Dividing these net available assets in the most recent year by a charity's average total expenses, yields the working capital ratio. We calculate the charity's average total expenses over its three most recent fiscal years.
Source: IRS Form 990
Program Expense Growth
7.55%
We compute the average annual growth of program expenses using the following formula: [(Yn/Y0)(1/n)]-1, where Y0 is a charity's program expenses in the first year of the interval analyzed, Yn is the charity's program expenses in the most recent year, and n is the interval of years passed between Y0 and Yn.
Source: IRS Form 990
Governance
Charity Navigator looks to confirm on the Form 990 that the organization has these governance practices in place.
Sources Include: IRS Form 990
| Governance: | |
|---|---|
| Independent Voting Board Members ... (More) | |
| No Material Diversion of Assets ... (More) A diversion of assets – any unauthorized conversion or use of the organization's assets other than for the organization's authorized purposes, including but not limited to embezzlement or theft – can seriously call into question a charity's financial integrity. We check the charity's last two Forms 990 to see if the charity has reported any diversion of assets. If the charity does report a diversion, then we check to see if it complied with the Form 990 instructions by describing what happened and its corrective action. This metric will be assigned to one of the following categories:
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| Audited Financials Prepared by Independent Accountant ... (More) Audited financial statements provide important information about financial accountability and accuracy. They should be prepared by an independent accountant with oversight from an audit committee. (It is not necessary that the audit committee be a separate committee. Often at smaller charities, it falls within the responsibilities of the finance committee or the executive committee.) The committee provides an important oversight layer between the management of the organization, which is responsible for the financial information reported, and the independent accountant, who reviews the financials and issues an opinion based on its findings. We check the charity's Form 990 reporting to see if it meets this criteria.
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| Does Not Provide Loan(s) to or Receive Loan(s) From Related Parties ... (More) | |
| Documents Board Meeting Minutes ... (More) | |
| Distributes 990 to Board Before Filing ... (More) | |
| Compensates Board ... (More) |
Policies
Charity Navigator looks to confirm on the Form 990, or for some metrics on the charity's website, that the organization has these policies in place.
Sources Include: IRS Form 990 and organization's website
| Policies: | |
|---|---|
| Conflict of Interest ... (More) | |
| Whistleblower ... (More) | |
| Records Retention and Destruction ... (More) | |
| CEO Compensation Process ... (More) | |
| Donor Privacy ... (More) Donors can be reluctant to contribute to a charity when their name, address, or other basic information may become part of donor lists that are exchanged or sold, resulting in an influx of charitable solicitations from other organizations. Our analysts check the charity's website to see if the organization has a donor privacy policy in place and what it does and does not cover. Privacy policies are assigned to one of the following categories:
The privacy policy must be specific to donor information. A general website policy which references "visitor" or "user" personal information will not suffice. A policy that refers to donor information collected on the website is also not sufficient as the policy must be comprehensive and applicable to both online and offline donors. The existence of a privacy policy of any type does not prohibit the charity itself from contacting the donor for informational, educational, or solicitation purposes. (Less) |
Transparency
Charity Navigator looks to confirm on the Form 990, or for some metrics on the charity's website, that the organization makes this information easily accessible.
Sources Include: IRS Form 990 and organization's website
| Transparency: | |
|---|---|
| CEO Salary Listed on 990 ... (More) | |
| Board of Directors Listed on Website ... (More) | |
| Key Staff Listed on Website ... (More) | |
| Audited Financial Statements on Website ... (More) | |
| Form 990 Available on Website ... (More) |
Additional Information
Unscored
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Total Revenue and Expenses
This chart displays the trend of revenue and expenses over the past several years for this organization, as reported on their IRS Form 990.
Salary of Key Persons
Presented here are this organizations key compensated staff members as identified by our analysts. This compensation data includes salary, cash bonuses and expense accounts and is displayed exactly how it is reported to the IRS. The amounts do not include nontaxable benefits, deferred compensation, or other amounts not reported on Form W-2. In some cases, these amounts may include compensation from related organizations. Read the IRS policies for compensation reporting
Bryan Williams, President, CEO
$152,564 (4.18% of Total Expenses)
Current CEO and Board Chair can be found in the Leadership & Adaptability report below.
Source: IRS Form 990 (page 7), filing year 2020
Business Master File Data
Below are some key data points from the Exempt Organization IRS Business Master File (BMF) for this organization. Learn more about the BMF on the IRS website
Activities:
Other scientific research activities (BMF activity code: 199)
Museum, zoo, planetarium, etc. (BMF activity code: 060)
Foundation Status:
Organization which receives a substantial part of its support from a governmental unit or the general public 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) (BMF foundation code: 15)
Affiliation:
Independent - the organization is an independent organization or an independent auxiliary (i.e., not affiliated with a National, Regional, or Geographic grouping of organizations). (BMF affiliation code: 3)
Data Sources: IRS Forms 990
The Form 990 is a document that nonprofit organizations file with the IRS annually. We leverage finance and accountability data from it to form Encompass ratings. Click here to view this organization's Forms 990 on the IRS website (if any are available).
Pandemic Response
Due to the unprecedented nature of the pandemic, we give charities such as this one the opportunity to share the story of COVID's impact on them. Charities may submit their own pandemic responses through their nonprofit portal.
Dogs for Better Lives reported being impacted by COVID-19 in the following ways:
Program Delivery
Revenue
Staffing
Administrative Capacity
How COVID-19 impacted the organization's operations financially:
Many of the dog shelters that we work with, have been closed and/or on limited schedules, impacting our ability to access and search for suitable dogs for training in our Assistance Dog programs. Of the shelters that are now operable, we have had our visiting time restricted and continue to be challenged with finding suitable number of rescue dogs. We also applied and received the PPP loan and thus were able to employ a full staff.
How COVID-19 impacted the organization's delivery of programs:
Due to the pandemic, we have been limited with travel outside the west coast, therefore limiting our ability to meet face-to-face (required) follow-ups with existing teams (client and dog). Across the west, we have more than 20 puppy raisers who meet weekly with puppy training classes. Though, during the pandemic, they have been challenged with meeting in public places, therefore moving more of their meetings to Teams/Zoom video calls.
How this organization adapted to changing conditions caused by COVID-19:
Utilizing video conferencing, allowing (where possible) staff to work remote, and providing staff with more flexibility with planning their schedules, are some of the ways we have worked to adapt during COVID19. Since early 2020, we have created several new partnerships with dog breeders and sister Assistance Dog organizations, in an attempt to acquire more purpose-bred dogs for our training programs. Our breeding program which was already in existence prior to COVID, has now been expedited and continues to be a top priority of growth moving forward.
Innovations the organization intends to continue permanently after the pandemic:
Flexibility with remote employees and work, video conferencing meetings, and launching northeast campus (MA).
Historical Ratings
| Date Published | Form 990 FYE | Overall Score | Overall Rating |
| Rating Version: 2.1 | |||
| 7/1/2021 | 2020 | 98.12 | |
| 3/1/2020 | 2019 | 96.88 | |
| 3/1/2019 | 2018 | 95.93 | |
| 5/1/2018 | 2017 | 95.67 | |
| 4/1/2017 | 2016 | 93.78 | |
| 6/1/2016 | 2015 | 94.61 | |
| Rating Version: 2.0 | |||
| 4/1/2016 | 2015 | 95.32 | |
| 2/1/2015 | 2014 | 90.94 | |
| 6/1/2014 | 2013 | 94.42 | |
| 7/1/2013 | 2012 | 88.73 |  |
| 3/1/2012 | 2011 | 89.59 | |
| 9/20/2011 | 2010 | 86.12 | |
| Rating Version: 1.0 | |||
| 3/1/2011 | 2010 | 80.37 | |
| 5/1/2010 | 2009 | 75.99 |  |
| 4/1/2009 | 2008 | 94.39 | |
| 3/1/2008 | 2007 | 98.02 | |
| 2/1/2007 | 2006 | 99.10 | |
| 3/1/2006 | 2005 | 96.21 | |
| 2/1/2005 | 2004 | 96.12 | |
| 2/1/2004 | 2003 | 73.31 | |
| 2/5/2003 | 2002 | 79.24 | |
| 10/15/2002 | 2001 | 96.11 | |
Previous: Finance & Accountability / Next: Leadership & Adaptability
Impact & Results
This score estimates the actual impact a nonprofit has on the lives of those it serves, and determines whether it is making good use of donor resources to achieve that impact.
Impact & Results Score
Not Currently Scored
Dogs for Better Lives cannot currently be evaluated by our Encompass Rating Impact & Results methodology because either (A) it is eligible, but we have not yet received data; (B) we have not yet developed an algorithm to estimate its programmatic impact; (C) its programs are not direct services; or (D) it is not heavily reliant on contributions from individual donors.
Note: The absence of a score does not indicate a positive or negative assessment, it only indicates that we have not yet evaluated the organization.
Do you work at Dogs for Better Lives? Join the waitlist for an updated Impact & Results score.
Additional Information
Unscored
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Largest Programs
Dogs for Better Lives reported its two largest programs on its FY 2020 Form 990 as:
$2,395,371
Spent in most recent FY
75%
Percent of program expenses
Rescuing, Training, & Placing Assistance Dogs
$794,931
Spent in most recent FY
24%
Percent of program expenses
Public Education
Previous: Impact & Results / Next: Culture & Community
Leadership & Adaptability
This score provides an assessment of the organization's leadership capacity, strategic thinking and planning, and ability to innovate or respond to changes in constituent demand/need or other relevant social and economic conditions to achieve the organization's mission.
Leadership & Adaptability Score
100
out of 100
The score earned by Dogs for Better Lives is a passing score. This score has no effect on the organization's Star Rating.
Encompass Rating V4 provides an evaluation of the organization's Leadership & Adaptability through the nonprofit organization submitting a survey response directly to Charity Navigator.
Leadership & Adaptability Report
100
of 100 points
Mission
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking through articulating the organization’s mission
Established in 1977, Dogs for Better Lives (formerly Dogs for the Deaf) is a national non-profit organization that rescues, breeds, professionally trains, and places dogs with people who have different disabilities and needs throughout the United States. Our three primary programs include Hearing Assistance Dogs, Autism Assistance Dogs (currently placing in OR, WA, and CA), and Facility Dogs (that work with teachers, counselors, and physicians), all placed at no cost to the client. Tours of Dogs for Better Lives' southern Oregon campus are by appointment, taking place on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 1:00 pm. The address is 10175 Wheeler Road, Central Point, OR, 97502. For more information visit www.dogsforbetterlives.org or call 1-800-990-DOGS (3647).
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Vision
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking through articulating the organization’s vision.
To pursue a truly National Organization will require implementation of an organizational model that includes training, development, finance, and operational function strategically positioned to serve defined regional populations. Our Chief Executive Officer, Bryan Williams has articulated a vision for such an organization based, in part on his prior experience in another Assistance Dog training organization. This vision is included in this plan as an Attachment. The key points of this vision follow: > Geographic regions > Organizational concept to manage a National entity > Annual operating expenses covered by annual giving > Strategic regional development for optimal success. > Training and placing 400 certified dogs annually when fully implemented.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Strategic Goals
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking and goal setting through sharing their most important strategic goals.
Goal One: Significantly scale the number of mission placements with a specific goal of annual placement growth in the ‘West Region.’
Goal Type: Grow, expand, scale or increase access to the existing programs and services.
Goal Two: Operate at break-even financially by focusing on annual giving while better defining the board’s assistance in fundraising efforts.
Goal Type: Invest in the capacity of our organization (financial, management, technical, etc.).
Goal Three: Be good stewards of organization’s assets, focusing on retaining strong reserves or determine if those reserves should be used to scale the mission.
Goal Type: Focus on core programs to achieve mission and scale back on programs not seen as core.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Leadership Development
The nonprofit provides evidence of investment in leadership development
Describe an investment in leadership
CEO working with Human Resources Director and leadership team, to provide educational trainings, webinars, and annual all-staff strategic planning meetings with entire staff.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Mobilizing for Mission
The nonprofit provides evidence of leadership through focusing externally and mobilizing resources for the mission.
This organization mobilizes for mission in the following ways:
Strategic Partnerships
Networks of Collective Impact Efforts
Raising Awareness
Community Building
What are this organization’s external mobilizaton efforts?
DBL continuously works at the local, regional, and national levels, creating long-term partnerships. One example is working with our accrediting body, Assistance Dogs International (ADI), to identify Assistance Dogs organizations we can collaborate with. Since 2020, we have created five new partnerships within ADI that have helped to grow our project pipelines and benefit our new partners at the same time.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Story of Adaptability
The nonprofit has an opportunity to tell the story of how the organization adapted to tremendous external changes in the last year.
Over the last year, DBL has adapted in several ways. Fortunately, we were able to quickly move the majority of staff to remote work with laptops, communication ,and access to all work via cloud-based software. Obviously, in some critical staff (e.g. training program) needed to be on campus. Since a number of our dogs come from shelters and other rescue facilities, we were certainly challenged with finding these businesses open. If shelters were open, we often found it difficult to find enough suitable dogs for our Assistance Dog programs. Fortunately, we were already in process of developing partnerships with other sister Service Dog organizations. In addition to Guide Dogs for the Blind (CA, OR), we now partner with Guide Dog Foundation (NY) and Southeastern Guide Dogs (FL), who we acquire dogs annually from. Further, we are a founding member of Assistance Dogs International (accrediting body), and through their national ABC Cooperative, we have received 5-10 puppies annually over last two years. This has especially benefitted us in 2020-21. Now with staff in eight different states and all being monitored with different state guidelines, particularly as it relates to the COVID19 pandemic, it has been a little challenging at times. All of our staff have (to varying degrees) flexibility in building their weekly schedules, with approx 80% of staff have flexibility to continue working remote, even beyond the pandemic period.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Additional Information
Unscored
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Organization Leadership
Bryan Williams
President, CEO
David Hollingsworth
Chair
Previous: Leadership & Adaptability
Culture & Community
This score provides an assessment of the organization's culture and connectedness to the community it serves. Learn more about how and why we rate Culture & Community.
Culture & Community Score
95
out of 100
Dogs for Better Lives has earned a passing score. This score has no effect on the organization's Star Rating. The organization provided data about how it listens to constituents (Constituent Feedback) and its Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) practices (see report below).
The Culture & Community Beacon is comprised of the following metrics:
Constituent Feedback: 100/100 (30% of beacon score)
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion: 93/100 (70% of beacon score)
Culture & Community Report
95
of 100 points
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Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
93/100 points
70% of beacon score
This organization's score of 93 is a passing score. The organization reported that it is implementing 8 diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices. Charity Navigator believes nonprofit organizations implementing effective DEI policies and practices can enhance a nonprofit's decision-making, staff motivation, innovation, and effectiveness.
View this organization's DEI Strategies
Methodology
We are utilizing data collected by Candid to document and assess the DEI practices implemented by the organization. Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to fill out the Equity Strategies section of their Candid profiles to receive a rating.
Learn more about the methodology.
Constituent Feedback
100/100 points
30% of beacon score
This organization reported that it is collecting feedback from the constituents and/or communities it serves. Charity Navigator believes nonprofit organizations that engage in inclusive practices, such as collecting feedback from the people and communities they serve, may be more effective.
View this organization's Constituent Feedback Practices
Methodology
We've partnered with Candid to survey organizations about their feedback practices. Nonprofit organizations can fill out the How We Listen section of their Candid profile to receive a rating.
Learn more about the methodology.
Analysis and Research
Like the overall Encompass Rating System, the Culture & Community Beacon is designed to evolve as metrics are developed and ready for integration. Below you can find more information about the metrics we currently evaluate in this beacon and their relevance to nonprofit performance.
Constituent Feedback
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
