Community Advocates
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
Community Advocates meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.
Stated Purpose:
"to provide individuals and families with advocacy and services that meet their basic needs so they may live in dignity."
Year, State Incorporated:
1976, WI
Community Advocates works to provide advocacy and fundamental assistance to Milwaukee’s low-income and disadvantaged populations. Through its grassroots approach, the organization reports working with clients and the community to identify problems and needs, and then find and design solutions to meet those needs. Community Advocates reports that it identifies gaps in programs and services, pinpoints systemic barriers to accessing those programs and services, and effects change to better serve clients and the community as a whole. Examples of needs addressed by the organization include safe affordable housing, money management services for chronically mentally ill individuals, and quality health care for all. The organization also reports advocating for individuals and families facing health care, heat/utilities, housing, and other basic needs challenges. The strategies used include one-on-one advocacy, case management, representation, information and referral, crisis intervention, education, systems advocacy and coalition building. The organization reports that programs are focused on serving Milwaukee’s low-income population but are available to any person or family in need regardless of their income level.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Community Advocates's program expenses were:
Housing: $16,346,219
Utility: $1,596,972
HONC: $312,439
Case management: $1,379,640
Brighter Futures: $1,069,223
Women's Center Shelter: $1,161,456
Autumn West: $703,456
Public policy: $2,935,437
Disability: $121,413
Family Support Center: $761,500
FSET: $1,162,117
Other: $417,025
Total Program Expenses: $27,966,897
Chief Executive
Andi Elliott, Chief Executive Officer
Compensation*
$198,824
Chair of the Board
Bryan House
Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
Partner, Foley & Lardner LLP
Board Size
12
Paid Staff Size
252
*2022 compensation includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.
Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Grant proposals, Internet, Radio, Special events
Fundraising costs were less than 1% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $29,208,920, 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 Community Advocates's audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Source of Funds
| Contributions | $255,420 |
| United Way | $404,069 |
| Federal grants | $3,519,161 |
| State of Wisconsin grants | $3,770,178 |
| Milwaukee County grants | $17,053,451 |
| City of Milwaukee grants | $1,001,967 |
| Other grants and revenue | $608,596 |
| Investment gain | $11,420 |
| Miscellaneous revenue | $197,792 |
| Foundation grants | $1,099,766 |
| Waukesha County grants | $1,496,312 |
| Rental revenue | $344,736 |
| Total Income | $29,762,868 |
Programs: 96% Fundraising: 0% Administrative: 4%
| Total Income | $29,762,868 |
| Total expenses: | $29,150,958 |
| Program expenses | $27,966,897 |
| Fundraising expenses | $51,556 |
| Administrative expenses | $1,132,505 |
| Other expenses | $0 |
| Income in Excess of Expenses | $611,910 |
| Beginning Net Assets | $6,702,038 |
| Other Changes In Net Assets | $0 |
| Ending Net Assets | $7,313,948 |
| Total Liabilities | $6,417,233 |
| Total Assets | $13,731,181 |
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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Standards Not Met
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Review in Progress
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Report completed by:
BBB Wise Giving Alliance