The Junior League of Columbus
Meets Standards
Standards For Charity Accountability
Governance
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Board Oversight
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Board Size
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Board Meetings
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Board Compensation
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Conflict of Interest
Measuring Effectiveness
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Effectiveness Policy
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Effectiveness Report
Finances
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Program Expenses
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Fundraising Expenses
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Accumulating Funds
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Audit Report
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Detailed Expense Breakdown
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Accurate Expense Reporting
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Budget Plan
Fundraising & Info
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Truthful Materials
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Annual Report
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Website Disclosures
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Donor Privacy
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Cause Marketing Disclosures
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Complaints
The Junior League of Columbus meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.
Stated Purpose:
MISSION STATEMENT:
The Junior League of Columbus is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.
VISION STATEMENT:
The Junior League of Columbus (JLC) is the leading resource for trained volunteers. Through our programs, and Kelton House Museum and Garden, we educate the community, preserve the past and build for the future of Columbus.
Year, State Incorporated:
1934, OH
Also Known As:
Kelton House Museum & Garden
PROGRAMS & SERVICES:
COMMUNITY SERVICE-
In
the last year, more than 150 active members donated almost 6,000 hours of
volunteer service to community projects within the Junior League of Columbus (JLC). These volunteer hours
equaled an in-kind donation last year of nearly $120,000 to our community. Over
the past decade JLC has contributed more than $675,000 in funds to more than 20
projects.
TRAINING-
Training
is a key focus of Junior League of Columbus (JLC). Through effective action our members receive hands-on
volunteer, community need, organization, fundraising & leadership training
on committees in the League, as well as, through community placements and
projects.
COMMUNITY PROJECTS-
Adopt-a-Backpack for
Children (ABC) Project - Since 1999, JLC has strived to meet
the needs of economically challenged children and families by providing a total
of over 25,000 school supply-filled backpacks. Corporate and community partners
are key to the success of this program, not only by providing financial support
for the project, but also in joining the hundreds of hands required to stuff thousands
of backpacks for deserving students in Central Ohio.
Kids in the Kitchen - Launched by the Association of Junior Leagues International, JLC continues to fight childhood obesity through this project. Activities related to this project include: promoting healthy food choices in partnership with Mid-Ohio Food Bank; supporting the Red Nose Run; planting a vegetable garden at Decorators’ Showhouse; collaborating with the Broad Street Presbyterian Church Food Pantry and Afterschool Program, and; hosting hands-on cooking classes in partnership with Columbus Culinary Institute.
Quick Impact Projects – These Projects are a one-time event, developed and lead in collaboration with a Central Ohio community partner, in attempt to maximize JLC and community volunteer and financial resources to address a community need, usually focusing on educational readiness. Local nonprofit organizations can propose a Quick Impact Project partnership during either the Fall or Spring proposal timing. Approximately, 4-6 Projects are chosen by JLC to support each year.
Kelton House Museum & Garden – This historic site, located in the Discovery District, interprets urban life and the decorating arts in Columbus, Ohio, during the second half of the 19th century. Refurbished and operated by JLC since 1976, the Museum reflects the culturally diverse nature of the past and present, preserves the facility and its collections, interprets local history, educates the community, and trains volunteers. As a documented stop on the “Underground Railroad” the Museum is home to the Underground Railroad Learning Station, which hosts many school and community education tours each year.
Bargain Box – This annual JLC merchandise sale is held at Resolute Athletic Complex. A sale of all types of new and gently used items, this event provides the community with a low-cost alternative to obtain quality merchandise. JLC members spend countless hours each year, developing and organizing this amazing shopping experience. Proceeds from this event help support the JLC mission and its community projects.
For the year ended June 30, 2025, The Junior League of Columbus's program expenses were:
| Kelton House Program Activities | $160,702 |
| Membership Activities | $39,523 |
| Community Projects | $32,383 |
| Total Program Expenses | $232,608 |
Chair of the Board
Kristina Ellis
Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
American Electric Power
Board Size
8
Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Print advertisements (newspapers, magazines, etc.), Television, Grant proposals, Cause-related marketing (affinity credit cards, consumer product sales, etc.), Membership appeals
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 The Junior League of Columbus's audited financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2025.
Source of Funds
| Grants and Contributions | $229,242 |
| Special Events | $93,430 |
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Losses) from Beneficial Interest in Investments Held by the Columbus Foundation | $90,300 |
| Membership Dues | $39,358 |
| Investment Income | $37,220 |
| Program Income | $28,928 |
| Rental Income | $26,706 |
| In-Kind Income | $6,309 |
| Total Income | $551,493 |
Programs: 71% Fundraising: 8% Administrative: 21%
| Total Income | $551,493 |
| Total expenses: | $326,064 |
| Program expenses | $232,608 |
| Fundraising expenses | $25,012 |
| Administrative expenses | $68,444 |
| Other expenses | $0 |
| Income in Excess of Expenses | $225,429 |
| Beginning Net Assets | $2,429,930 |
| Other Changes In Net Assets | $0 |
| Ending Net Assets | $2,655,359 |
| Total Liabilities | $85,211 |
| Total Assets | $1,947,080 |
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
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Meets Standards
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Standards Not Met
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Did Not Disclose
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Review in Progress
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Unable to Verify
Report completed by:
BBB of Central Ohio