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CHARITY REVIEW
Issued: June 2025 Expires: June 2027

Sandy Hook Promise Foundation

Standards Not Met
Standards Not Met
1 4
(203) 304-9780
Post Office Box 3489
Newtown, CT, 06470
https://www.sandyhookpromise.org/
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Standards For Charity Accountability

Governance

  1. Board Oversight
  2. Board Size
  3. Board Meetings
  4. Board Compensation
  5. Conflict of Interest

Measuring Effectiveness

  1. Effectiveness Policy
  2. Effectiveness Report

Finances

  1. Program Expenses
  2. Fundraising Expenses
  3. Accumulating Funds
  4. Audit Report
  5. Detailed Expense Breakdown
  6. Accurate Expense Reporting
  7. Budget Plan

Fundraising & Info

  1. Truthful Materials
  2. Annual Report
  3. Website Disclosures
  4. Donor Privacy
  5. Cause Marketing Disclosures
  6. Complaints

Sandy Hook Promise Foundation does not meet the following 2 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.

SHPF does not meet this Standard because its board of directors did not:

  • Receive information about the financial arrangements made with outside fundraising firms and/or consultants hired during the year ended June 30, 2024.

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.

SHPF does not meet this Standard because:

  • Two members out of the 15 member board of directors (13%) are directly or indirectly compensated by the organization.

Sandy Hook Promise Foundation meets the remaining 18 Standards for Charity Accountability.

Complaints


Number of complaints processed by the BBB in the last 36 months: 2.

Mailing List Removal/Phone List Removal

The organization addressed the complaint issues brought to its attention: 2.

(These complaints involve individuals seeking to have his or her name and contact information removed from the organization's mailing and/or telemarketing list).

Stated Purpose:
"to educate the general public about the impact of, and ways to prevent gun violence and keep youth safe in their schools, homes, and communities."

Year, State Incorporated:
2012, DE

Sandy Hook Promise Foundation (SHPF) reports that it works to prevent gun violence. Through its Know the Signs programs, the organization teaches youth and adults the warning signs of someone who may be in crisis or at-risk of hurting themselves or others. The organization's programs also serve to empower youth to co-create, lead, and advocate for safer schools and communities. SHPF utilizes targeted messaging via social media, public relations, advertising, speaking engagements, and lobbying to address gun violence, firearm access, and increased support for prevention programs.

For the year ended June 30, 2024, Sandy Hook Promise Foundation's program expenses were:

Program services $77,865,426
Total Program Expenses $77,865,426

Chief Executive
Nicole Hockley, Chief Executive Officer

Compensation*
$285,540

Chair of the Board
Matt Bennett

Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
Co-Founder and Executive Vice President for Public Affairs, Third Way

Board Size
15

Paid Staff Size
131

*2023 compensation includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.

Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Grant proposals, Internet, Direct mail appeals, Radio, Special events, Foundation grants, Print advertisements, Corporate solicitation

SHPF incurred joint costs of $4,389,387 for informational materials and activities that included fundraising materials. Of those costs $2,984,389 was allocated to program expenses and $1,404,998 was allocated to fundraising expenses.

Fundraising costs were 5% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $84,829,051, 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 Sandy Hook Promise Foundation's audited financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2024.

Source of Funds
In-kind contributions $60,185,887
Conrtributions and grants $23,246,926
Investment income, net $1,658,166
Governmental grants $1,396,238
Special events $837,340
Program services $261,161
Merchandise sales, net $48,201
Total Income $87,633,919

Programs: 92% Fundraising: 5% Administrative: 3%

Total Income $87,633,919
Total expenses: $84,299,161
  Program expenses $77,865,426
  Fundraising expenses $4,069,328
  Administrative expenses $2,364,407
  Other expenses $0
Income in Excess of Expenses $3,334,758
Beginning Net Assets $31,112,578
Other Changes In Net Assets $0
Ending Net Assets $34,447,336
Total Liabilities $1,877,436
Total Assets $36,324,772

Note: As noted in SHPF's audited financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2024, the organization received $ in contributed goods and services including media ($59,977,904), professional services ($202,373), and goods ($5,610).

An organization may change its practices at any time without notice. A copy of this report has been shared with the organization prior to publication. It is not intended to recommend or deprecate, and is furnished solely to assist you in exercising your own judgment. If the report is about a charity and states the charity meets or does not meet the Standards for Charity Accountability, it reflects the results of an evaluation of information and materials provided voluntarily by the charity. The name Better Business Bureau is a registered service mark of the International Association of Better Business Bureaus.

This report is not to be used for fundraising or promotional purposes.

RELATED CONTENT

Report completed by:
BBB Wise Giving Alliance