Dismas Ministry
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
Dismas Ministry does not meet the following 3 Standards for Charity Accountability:
Standard 8 (Program Service Expense Ratio)
Spend at least 65% of its total expenses on program activities.
Dismas Ministry does not meet this Standard because:
- According to its audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, the organization spent $202,174 or 64% of its total expenses on programs.
Standard 14 (Budget)
Have a board-approved annual budget for its current fiscal year, outlining projected expenses for major program activities, fund raising, and administration.
Dismas Ministry does not meet this Standard because, when the organization provided 2025 budget information, it indicated that the budget did not identify:
- Total projected program service expenses.
- Total projected fundraising expenses.
- Total projected administrative expenses.
Standard 16 (Annual Report)
Have an annual report available to all, on request, that includes: (a) the organization's mission statement, (b) a summary of the past year's program service accomplishments, (c) a roster of the officers and members of the board of directors, (d) financial information that includes (i) total income in the past fiscal year, (ii) expenses in the same program, fund raising and administrative categories as in the financial statements, and (iii) ending net assets.
Dismas Ministry does not meet this Standard because, the organization's 2023-2024 annual report did not identify:
- Roster of the board of directors.
- Total program service expenses.
- Total fundraising expenses.
- Total administrative expenses.
- Ending net assets.
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: 3
Dismas Ministry meets the remaining 16 Standards for Charity Accountability.
Stated Purpose:
"to provide prisoners with the free Catholic scripture, faith and prayer resources they need to restore their relationship with the Catholic church and with God."
Year, State Incorporated:
2001, WI
Also Known As:
Dismas Ministry Incorporated
Dismas Ministry offers Catholic outreach to prisoners, providing free resources and spiritual support for incarcerated individuals and those who minister to them. The organization reports that its principal service activities include the distribution of religious materials such as Bibles, prayer books, and faith-based study courses in English and Spanish to individuals and chaplaincies across the United States. Dismas Ministry reports developing and facilitating Bible study programs and spiritual correspondence courses designed to encourage personal reflection and spiritual growth, helping incarcerated individuals find solace and redemption through faith. The organization also conducts training workshops for prison ministry volunteers and chaplains and advocates for the spiritual needs of incarcerated individuals. By focusing on the spiritual rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals, Dismas Ministry aims to foster a sense of hope and community among prisoners, aiding in their reintegration into society and reducing recidivism rates through the supportive framework of faith-based initiatives. The organization reports reaching thousands of prisoners across multiple states, distributing 30,000 religious items and materials during 2024.
For the year ended June 30, 2024, Dismas Ministry's program expenses were:
Program services: $202,174
Total Program Expenses: $202,174
Chief Executive
Juliann Joerres, Executive Director
Compensation*
$85,000
Chair of the Board
Father Frederick Zagone
Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
Acting Vice President for Mission and Ministry, Marquette University
Board Size
8
Paid Staff Size
1
*2025 compensation, as reported by the charity, 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
Fundraising costs were 24% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $305,676, 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 Dismas Ministry's audited financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2024.
Source of Funds
| Grants | $78,550 |
| Inventory sales | $9,825 |
| Contributions | $227,126 |
| Investment income | $22,508 |
| Total Income | $338,009 |
Programs: 64% Fundraising: 23% Administrative: 12%
| Total Income | $338,009 |
| Total expenses: | $314,487 |
| Program expenses | $202,174 |
| Fundraising expenses | $73,739 |
| Administrative expenses | $38,574 |
| Other expenses | $0 |
| Income in Excess of Expenses | $23,522 |
| Beginning Net Assets | $656,770 |
| Other Changes In Net Assets | $0 |
| Ending Net Assets | $680,292 |
| Total Liabilities | $18,953 |
| Total Assets | $699,245 |
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 Wise Giving Alliance