Mission: Established in 1894, the Sacramento SPCA is dedicated to fostering a loving and compassionate community for animals and people by providing assistance, creating life ... (More)
Sacramento SPCA is a 501(c)(3) organization, with an IRS ruling year of 1957, and donations are tax-deductible.
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Important note on the timeliness of ratings
The IRS is significantly delayed in processing nonprofits' annual tax filings (Forms 990). As a result, the Financial and Accountability & Transparency score for Sacramento SPCA is outdated and the overall rating may not be representative of its current operations. Please check with the charity directly for any questions you may have.
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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 91.67, earning it a 4-Star rating. Donors can "Give with Confidence" to this charity.
This score is calculated from two sub-scores:
Finance: 88.22 View details
Accountability & Transparency: 100.00 View details
This score represents Form 990 data from 2019, the latest year published by the IRS.
View this organization’s historical ratings.
Star Rated Report
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Program Expense Ratio
79.9%
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
7.1%
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
12.8%
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
3.1%
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
$0.14
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
2.74 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
4.68%
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
Kenn Altine, CEO
$166,848 (2.17% of Total Expenses)
Kenn Altine, CEO
$166,848 (2.17% 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 2019
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:
Activity data not reported from the IRS
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.
Sacramento SPCA reported being impacted by COVID-19 in the following ways:
Program Delivery
Revenue
How COVID-19 impacted the organization's operations financially:
With the COVID-19 pandemic, our public programs (including spay and neuter) were on hold for two months during the shelter in place mandate in April and May of 2020, which resulted in a loss of programmatic income. We applied and received the PPP loan and thus were able to retain a full staff.
How COVID-19 impacted the organization's delivery of programs:
We had to make significant modifications to our operations to allow for social distancing and new safety protocols, including limiting the amount of staff on campus at any given time, which therefore impacted the amount of surgeries we could perform. We also shifted our adoptions program to appointment-only. Our community outreach efforts were negatively impacted, as our community events were put on hold. As of March 2022, all of our programs are open and fully operational.
How this organization adapted to changing conditions caused by COVID-19:
Throughout the pandemic, we remained open and continued to provide services to our community, but in a limited capacity. In 2020, our two largest fundraising events went virtual. And in Spring 2021, due to a surge in cases and as per local mandates, we had to again hold our largest fundraiser virtually. As of March 2022, all of our programs are open and fully operational.
Innovations the organization intends to continue permanently after the pandemic:
To help keep people and their pets together, the Sacramento SPCA created the Paw Pantry, a free, drive-through pet food pantry, in March 2020. Currently, Paw Pantry serves anywhere from 40 to 146 families each week, for a total of 15,064 households served to-date since the initiative began two years ago. We estimate that we have provided more than 548,436 meals to 78,348 animals across the greater Sacramento region. The Paw Pantry is open on Fridays from 9AM to 11AM for pet owners to come pick up free dog food, cat food, and cat litter. We also make deliveries to seniors who are unable to leave their homes. By removing this one financial burden, we hope that the Paw Pantry can support residents during these stressful times and ensure that they continue to receive all the love and comfort that comes from pet ownership.
Historical Ratings
| Date Published | Form 990 FYE | Overall Score | Overall Rating |
| Rating Version: 2.1 | |||
| 7/1/2021 | 2019 | 91.67 | |
| 5/1/2020 | 2018 | 91.28 | |
| 4/1/2019 | 2017 | 87.77 |  |
| 6/1/2018 | 2016 | 87.99 | |
| 7/1/2017 | 2015 | 88.41 | |
| 6/1/2016 | 2014 | 89.59 | |
| Rating Version: 2.0 | |||
| 4/1/2016 | 2014 | 84.13 | |
| 7/1/2015 | 2013 | 85.20 | |
| 4/1/2014 | 2012 | 92.64 | |
| 3/1/2014 | 2012 | 92.34 | |
This organization received multiple star ratings within this fiscal year, due to an update to its Accountability and Transparency data and/or the receipt of an amended Form 990. | |||
| 7/1/2013 | 2011 | 93.46 | |
| 6/1/2013 | 2010 | 94.33 | |
| 3/1/2012 | 2010 | 93.02 | |
| 9/20/2011 | 2009 | 91.57 | |
| Rating Version: 1.0 | |||
| 6/1/2011 | 2009 | 90.35 | |
| 5/1/2010 | 2008 | 90.37 | |
| 5/1/2009 | 2007 | 81.87 | |
| 4/1/2008 | 2006 | 86.72 | |
| 3/1/2007 | 2005 | 89.87 | |
| 6/1/2006 | 2004 | 86.44 | |
| 9/1/2004 | 2003 | 87.12 | |
| 12/1/2003 | 2002 | 95.61 | |
| 4/15/2003 | 2001 | 88.07 | |
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
Sacramento SPCA 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 Sacramento SPCA? Join the waitlist for an updated Impact & Results score.
Additional Information
Unscored
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Largest Programs
Sacramento SPCA reported its three largest programs on its FY 2019 Form 990 as:
$3,021,909
Spent in most recent FY
48%
Percent of program expenses
Animal Care and Shelter
$2,562,163
Spent in most recent FY
41%
Percent of program expenses
Spay and Neuter Services
$637,196
Spent in most recent FY
10%
Percent of program expenses
Education and Outreach
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 Sacramento SPCA 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
Founded in 1892, the Sacramento SPCA has been providing homeless animals with individual comfort, shelter, and love for more than 129 years. We work to reduce pet overpopulation through affordable spay/neuter services, promote humane treatment of animals through education and outreach, and assist pet owners through programs and services designed to keep pets and their families together for life.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Vision
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking through articulating the organization’s vision.
By providing more than shelter, our vision is to eliminate animal homelessness, save pets' lives, and make the life-saving work of others possible.
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: The SSPCA will become a resource center for expertise and accessible programs and services to meet the diverse needs in the region regarding companion animal retention, adoption, care and welfare.
Goal Type: Grow, expand, scale or increase access to the existing programs and services.
Goal Two: With a clear voice and an active presence, the SSPCA will be a strong advocate and partner with others to address the needs of companion animals in our community.
Goal Type: This goal reflects our commitment to further our advocacy work for our organization and or cause area.
Goal Three: Through the development of meaningful relationships, the SSPCA will fully engage the time, talent, resources and passion of community members of all ages to support the mission.
Goal Type: Invest in the capacity of our organization (financial, management, technical, etc.).
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Leadership Development
The nonprofit provides evidence of investment in leadership development
Describe an investment in leadership
The SSPCA has invested in leadership development, as well as training and retention including integration of the Lominger 3 to 5 year plan. In 2021, 9 leadership trainings took place at the SSPCA led by the Training & Retention Coordinator and external parties. Topics included managing vision and purpose, building effective teams, delivering feedback, organizational agility, and others. In addition, a new performance evaluation system was created incorporating core competencies for both essential team members and the leadership team.
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
Raising Awareness
Policy Advocacy
What are this organization’s external mobilizaton efforts?
The SSPCA collaborates with multiple organizations and nonprofits to better further the vision of ending animal homelessness and making the life saving work of others possible. Partnerships include local and regional shelters, as well as those out of state and affected by natural disasters (25 + shelters annually). The SSPCA also works with the local food banks to provide free pet food to those in need. The SSPCA has had the support of the Mayor of Sacramento and multiple County Supervisors and elected officials at SSPCA events.
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.
Despite the challenges 2021 presented, we remained committed to animals in need, and found ways to modify our programs and procedures to allow us to continue serving our community. And, over the past year, we have seen the needs of our community change. When the devastating fires began, we helped our shelter partners in Plumas and El Dorado Counties by transferring in their adoptable animals so they had the capacity (in both space and staff) to take in displaced animals in need of immediate care. Recognizing the physical and emotional toll a disaster can take, we sent a team of SacSPCA staff and volunteers to the El Dorado County animal shelter in Diamond Springs to assist their staff and provide relief. Even without ongoing natural disasters, many of the shelters in our area and across Northern California are overcrowded and lack medical staff. That’s why we continue to say YES to taking in and transferring in animals requiring specialized medical care.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Additional Information
Unscored
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Organization Leadership
Kenn Altine
CEO
Zach Morgan Dvm
President
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
86
out of 100
Sacramento SPCA 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: 80/100 (70% of beacon score)
Culture & Community Report
86
of 100 points
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Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
80/100 points
70% of beacon score
This organization's score of 80 is a passing score. The organization reported that it is implementing 3 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
