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CHARITY REVIEW
Issued: May 2025 Expires: May 2027

Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation

Standards Not Met
Standards Not Met
7 10
(877) 363-6376
1717 K Street NW, Suite 900
Washington, DC, 20006
https://curemeso.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

Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation does not meet the following 2 Standards for Charity Accountability:

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.

Meso Foundation does not meet this Standard because:

  • The organization has not completed an effectiveness assessment in the last two years.

Standard 10 (Ending Net Assets)
Avoid accumulating funds that could be used for current program activities. To meet this standard, the charity's unrestricted net assets available for use should not be more than three times the size of the past year's expenses or three times the size of the current year's budget, whichever is higher.

Meso Foundation does not meet this Standard because:

  • According to the organization's 2023 audited financial statements, Mes Foundation's total unrestricted net assets were $9,423,749, or 6 times the charity's total expenses of $1,476,006.

In response to this report, Meso Foundation states, in part that:

"During late FY 2023 and the majority of FY 2024, Meso Foundation experienced significant changes in its leadership, specifically in the role of Executive Director and Director of Operations.  Thus, the organization was unable move forward with its plans to strategically expand its patient services and research opportunities. With a new Executive Director in place since September 2024, Meso Foundation expects a revitalization of its strategic initiatives and continued momentum in expansion of services and research funding in 2025 and 2026."

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: 16

Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation meets the remaining 17 Standards for Charity Accountability.

Stated Purpose:
"to offer hope and support to patients and their families dealing with mesothelioma."

Year, State Incorporated:
1999, DC

The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (Meso Foundation) reports that it is a collaboration of patients and families, physicians, advocates, and researchers dedicated to finding a cure for mesothelioma. The organization funds research aimed at improving treatment options, advocates for federal funding of research, and provides treatment support and education for patients and their families through every stage of the disease. Meso Foundation provides patients with referrals to mesothelioma specialists and clinical trials, and also provides financial assistance to surviving and bereaved family members for psycho-social support and guidance on end-of-life matters. The organization also advocates for policies that prioritize mesothelioma as a public health issue.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation's program expenses were:

Education, support, and symposium $588,785
Research $488,101
Advocacy $47,517
Total Program Expenses $1,124,403

Chief Executive
Brian Lepacek, Executive Director

Compensation*
$145,000

Chair of the Board
Marjorie G. Zauderer, MD

Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
Medical Oncologist, Westchester Medical Center

Board Size
9

Paid Staff Size
5

*2025 compensation, as reported by the organization, includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.

Note: Meso Foundation reports that Mr. Lepacek became Executive Director on August 19, 2024. Maja Belamaric, Chief Operating Officer, was the highest paid employee in 2023, receiving $141,257 in compensation.

Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Grant proposals, Internet, Direct mail appeals, Radio, Special events

Fundraising costs were 10% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $1,421,408, 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 Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation's audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Source of Funds
Contributions $944,461
Sponsorships $460,450
Investment income, net $413,804
Symposium events $16,497
Other income $3,232
Total Income $1,838,444

Programs: 76% Fundraising: 10% Administrative: 14%

Total Income $1,838,444
Total expenses: $1,476,006
  Program expenses $1,124,403
  Fundraising expenses $145,890
  Administrative expenses $205,713
  Other expenses $0
Income in Excess of Expenses $362,438
Beginning Net Assets $9,062,554
Other Changes In Net Assets $0
Ending Net Assets $9,424,992
Total Liabilities $546,462
Total Assets $9,971,454

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.

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Report completed by:
BBB Wise Giving Alliance