Where does $1 to the ASPCA go?
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) works to ensure the safety and protection of animals through education, animal health services, anti-cruelty operations, community outreach, disaster/emergency services, and government relations. A 501 (c) (3), the ASPCA files an IRS Form 990 annually which provides financial information on the organization to the public.
The most recent IRS Form 990 (2014) reveals the following information:
The ASPCA raised $191 million of which $164 million (86%) came from contributions, grants, gifts, and campaigns while $15 million (8%) came from program service fees and $12 million (6%) from investment income, sale of assets, royalties, miscellaneous income, and fundraising events.
Functional expenses (net of depreciation) totaled $171 million (90% of revenue) spent as follows:
- $63 million (33% of revenue): Salaries, Pension, Benefits, and Payroll Taxes
- $ 6 million (3% of revenue): Compensation to 23 key employees
- $27 million (14% of revenue): Advertising and Promotion
- $22 million (12% of revenue): Office-Related Expenses;
- $15 million (8% of revenue): Operating Supplies
- $ 9 million (4% of revenue): Other Expenses (no detail provided);
- $ 6 million (3% of revenue): Fees ( legal, acct, mgmnt, lobbying, fundraisers etc)
- $ 4 million (3% of revenue): Veterinary and Medical Services, and Transport
- $ 5 million (2% of revenue): Travel and Conferences
- $14 million (8% of revenue): Grants (1,288 grants were given to 844 organizations with 315 non-profits (501 (c) (3)’s) receiving more than $5,000. These grants were primarily for spay/neuter, live release, anti-cruelty, intake reduction, relocation, and equine programs).
Details on the above include the following reported information:
The ASPCA has 953 employees. 128 employees received more than $100,000 in compensation. 23 key executives were given $6 million in compensation (although $416,660 were severance payments to two former employees and $191,66 was for consulting services for the former President and CEO):
- $538,057: Mathew Bershadker, President and CEO
- $332,792: Elizabeth Estroff, SVP Communications
- $326,823: Louise Murray, VP Animal Health
- $321,236: Todd Hendricks, SVP Development and Marketing
- $315,329: Jed Robers, III, DVM, SVP Animal Health Services
- $313,501: Stephen Musso, EVP, Capital Projects
- $307,542: Julie Morris,SVP Community Outreach
- $300,046: J’Mai Gayle, Director of Surgery
- $289,660: Steven Hansen, COO thru 10/15/13 (severance package)
- $280,207: Sarah Levin Goodstine, SVP Operations
- $269,238: Nancy Perry, SVP, Gov’t Relations
- $268,133: Arturo Rios, SVP, HR thru 10/31/14
- $263,293: Randall Lockwood, SVP, Forensic Sciences
- $261,997: Stacy Wolf, SVP, Cruelty
- $240,168: Gail Buchwald, SVP, Adoption Center
- $229,207: Beverly Jones, SVP and CLO
- $222,368: Wilhelmina Waldman, VP Philanthropy
- $210,886: Elysia Howard, VP, Marketing and Licensing
- $210,129: Bert Troughton, SVP, Strategy Management
- $191,666: Edwin Sayres, Former Pres and CEO (for “consulting services”)
- $125,628: Mark Abrahams, SVP and CFO thru 4/16/14
- $127,000: Melissas Norden, Former SVP and Chief of Staff (severance package)
- $ 91,081: Johanna Richman, SVP and CFO
13 of the 23 (57%) most highly compensated employees are female while 10 (43%) are male.
If the above compensation packages totaling $6 million are deducted from the total amount spent on compensation for all employees ($68.5 million) then $62.5 million was spent on 930 employees which equates to an average of $67,200 per employee.
148 contractors were paid in excess of $100,000 with the five largest being:
- $16 million: Eagle-Com, Inc. for media broadcast
- $ 7 million: True North, Inc. for media placement
- $ 4 million: Patton Kiehl for data processing
- $ 3 million: SMS Direct, Inc. for printing services
- $ 2 million: Forum Group Services, Inc. for staffing
Three professional fundraisers were paid $2 million to raise $12 million through direct marketing, fundraising services, and membership appeals. In other words, for every dollar raised, 17 cents was paid to the fundraiser while 83 cents was given to the ASPCA.
The ASPCA reported $233 million in total assets at year-end, of which $149 million (64%) were in liquid investments (cash, securities), $44 million (19%) were in land, buildings, and equipment, $21 million (9%) in beneficial interests in perpetual trusts, $16 million (7%) in accounts receivable, and $4 (1%) million in prepaid expenses.
Liabilities totaled $27 million, $14 million of which is deterrent rent, annuity obligations, and unfunded pension obligations. $10 million are accounts payable while $3 million are grants payable.
Net assets totaled $207 million at year-end – up $9 million from $198 million from the previous year primarily because the ASPCA did not spend as much as they collected (which was mitigated by about $6 million in investment losses).
In summary, every $1 in revenue was spent as follows:
$1.00: Revenue
-$0.33: Salaries, benefits, pension, and payroll taxes to employees
-$0.03: Salaries, benefits, pension, payroll taxes, severance, and consulting fees to 23 key employees
-$0.14: Advertising and promotion
-$0.12: Office, IT, occupancy, insurance, repair and maintenance
-$0.08: Operating supplies
-$0.04: Other expenses
-$0.03: Legal, accounting, mgmnt, lobbying, professional fundraising, and investment fees
-$0.03: Veterinary and medical services, and transport
-$0.02: Travel, conferences, conventions, and meetings
-$0.82: Subtotal Functional Expenses
$0.18: Amount Remaining
-$0.08: Grants to other organizations for spay/neuter, anti-cruelty, live release, etc. programs
$0.10: Amount Unspent
The bottom line is that the ASPCA raised nearly $200 million in 2014 and spent 90%. The organization is staff intensive because of the services provided (i.e. spay/neuter, education, veterinary services, etc) and yet more donations were left unspent (nearly $17 million in 2014) than were delivered in grants to other organizations ($14 million) providing these services.
Given that the ASPCA has more than $200 million in net assets, it is unclear why more funds are not spent on programs. The $6 million in compensation provided to 23 key employees (of which more than $600,000 was for severance packages to two former employees and “consulting” services for the past President) and more than $500,000 to the President and CEO is notable (although one key staff person is a veterinarian). And, finally 14 cents of every dollar being spent on advertising and promotion is nearly twice as much as is spent on grants to other non-profits providing spay/neuter, live release, equine, and anti-cruelty programs.
To review the complete ASPCA 2014 IRS Form 990, click here.
Update: To read Where Does $100 to the ASPCA Go, click here.
Update: To read How is Revenue is Spent at the ASPCA (2016), click here.
Update: To read about Executive Compensation at the ASPCA (2017), click here.
Click on “Executive Compensation at the ASPCA (2018)” for more information.
Click on “Where Does $100 to the ASPCA Go (2018)?” for an update.
Click on “Where Does $100 to the ASPCA GO (2019)?” for an update.
Click on “Executive Compensation at the ASPCA (2019)” for more information.
Comments are closed.
Paddock Post 
The ASPCA does not break out food, water, and shelter. As stated in the post, they spent $15 million on operating supplies, $4 million on veterinary and medical services, and transport, and $14 million on grants (1,288 grants were given to 844 organizations with 315 non-profits (501 (c) (3)’s) receiving more than $5,000. These grants were primarily for spay/neuter, live release, anti-cruelty, intake reduction, relocation, and equine programs)….and about $70 million on compensation.
Just how much is spent on the animals monthly for food water shelter and veterinarian care.? Reading through your article …. Seems more is spent on employees instead of the animals.
I was going to make my donation of $20 a month but after reading the article of where the money goes in the animals are still not taking care of I’ve decided not to do it. I will make my donation at the animal shelters alone!!!!!!
I was almost ready to donate and then starting reading how much the people working for the aspca make, shame on them. Its the animals who need the money, your robbing them of the money people who love animals give FOR THE ANIMALS. You state that 80% goes to the animals, that’s a down right lie, how can you sleep at night.
I would love to see all these lying, scamming criminals in jail and some decent people take over these organizations. I dont mind paying people decent wages but these things are nothing but donation scams preying on good hearted people who actually believe this money is going to save puppy mill dogs and abused animals. Most of it isnt. Nor even close. What makes it so bad? Congress already knows. People have been trying for years to expose these scams.
They have too much uninformed donor money and their ceos have openly stated for years how they would use it to destroy the careers of anyone that opposed them. They’ve become too powerful and even our government officials are afraid of being exposed in the coverup
Why the “h” do you need to pay a former CEO $191k for “consulting?” If the new CEO isn’t smart enough to know what to do after given the reigns to run the company, then he’s in the wrong position and the people who put him there, are just as clueless! I would love to help an organization like this, but I won’t now!! I’ll donate to my local shelter to help them out. These people should be ashamed at how they present themselves in their commercials.
Would love to see federal legislation rewuiring all nonprofits to have to plainly reveal what amount of each $1 taken in actually goes to their stated cause in each and every ad they use
Exactly what others have said… It is so important to spread the word about this organization to anyone who will listen. Remember there are a lot of worthy organizations they do spend the majority of donation money on animal care so please check these places out before you donate!
The ASPCA has become an embarrassment, a scam, and another example of what is wrong with America.
They will never get a penny out of me. What a scam!!! I thought this was suppose to be about the animals not the administrations ridiculous salaries. So very sad! How do you people sleep at night! Obviously better than the suffering animals you could give two cents about! I will be spreading the word about your organization.
I was going to donate to the ASPCA but after reading this I will not be sending the any money. They are as bad as PETA. I’ll look for another animal charity to give my money to. Too bad there isn’t away to let people know about this!
I THOUGHT THE ANIMALS WERE THE FIRST PRIORITY NOT LINING YOUR POCKETS WITH ALL THE MONEY. HOW DO YOU ALL SLEPP AT NIGHT? I WATCH THE COMMERCIALS EVERYDAY. MY HART GOES OUT TO INNOCENT ANIMALS. HOW DARE YOU SAY YOU ARE FOR THE ANIMALS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I USED TO GIVE EVERY MONTH NOT ANYMORE. YOU NED TO BE INVESTIGATED TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW. MY ONLY REGRET IS AGAIN THE POOR/INNOCENT ANIMALS. I REALLY DON’T UNDRSTAND WHY YOUR SALARY HAS TO BE OVER A HALF MILLION DOLLARS MR CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD CEO!!!!!!!!!!!!! I WOULD NOT WANT TO BE IN YOUR SHOES. YOU MUST REALLY LOVE THE ANIMALS SO MUCH YOU STEAL FROM THEM. I SAY WAKE UP AMERICA HAVE THEM ALL INVESTIGATED THE SOONER THE BETTER. POOR/INNOCENT ANIMALS I WILL KEP PRAYING FOR YOU WHILE THE CEO STEALS FROM YOU.
This is totally disgusting and as heartbreaking as their commercials. Feed a starving dog with steak and baked potatoes, but eat it yourself, and if there’s any left on the plate give it to that starving dog! You people are slime. Nonprofit organizations are certainly one thing the government ought to tighten up on. Good grief!
Looks like CEO,S and management are more important than the animals you advertise in commercials
I just cancelled mine! Leave up to NY to create a bloat organization with hefty pensions. You are best donating to small local animal shelters and even slightly rural as they are in the most need.
I don’t want to pay exhorbitant salaries for people who work there. I know they have to be paid but why so much? They should feel guilty making that much money when animals are suffering
Holy crap….look at those salaries!
From now on my money goes to local shelters and animal rescue organizations.
These people have no shame, or morals….
This has changed my opinion of the ASPCA, HSUS and PETA. These organizations are there to enrich themselves and have no interest in caring for the animals.
This has forced me to make the decision to STOP donating to these “charitable organizations”! From my pocket to theirs. These organizations have forgotten why they were formed, to rescue abused animals, to bring down puppy mills and to stop dog fighting rings, and to speak for those who can’t! They have lost their way and are playing on the heart strings of those of us who actually care and love animals and want to stop the abuse!
I’ll never sent another dime to these organizations until there is PROOF they have changed their ways!
I don’t see how much money actually go to the animals. I used to donate monthly to the ASPCA until I found out how much goes to the animals. You should be ashamed of yourselves! Please take those commercials off. They are horrible.
I wanted to do some good and donate. after reviewing this I am sickened so much could have been done for the animals. wouldn’t raise my children to be part of a scam outfit
Do not give these scum bags are dime speaking of dimes ? that’s about what gos to the animals fat cat CEOs and 27,000 vice president‘s and all their other employees bring in over 300 million a year , do your homework on charities that can afford commercials like this ASPCA it’s big money scams!!!!
They break our hearts with the commercials and they destroy our faith with their greed. There should be no puppy mills, dog fighting, animal lab testing, trophy hunting, etc. etc. The ASPCA needs to be held accountable.
Yr CEO GETS way too much money snd the actual animal gets hardly anything spent on them i will never give a dime to the aspca and i tell everyone who listens not to showing them what the CE O and others make from our donations I encourage everyone to give to their local shelters by bringing them useful things food toys litter bleach and sanitizers u prople should be ashamed of yr selves
Very sad we will send our money to shelters
They’re running a shill organization with the blessing of Congress who has no balls any longer , if they ever did. Most of these so called non profits are nothing but scam organizations.
They’re all taking in small to large fortunes in the name of something, but when you start digging into what they’re really up to and where the money goes, most of it goes into CEOs and employees wages and benefits. Nearly always little to nothing goes to the effort they tell us it does.
What good are they if realistically nobody or no animals or few, are actually getting any of the money? Nothing but scammers and shameless scum these days and the government is just as bad. One bunch of moraless thieves protecting another. That’s why I don’t donate to anyone any more. Nothing but spineless cowards and thieves running a bunch of scam operations with government protection.
This is so depressing. My heart is broken over and over. I’ve donated to this charity before because I believe in the cause. Those videos they show in the commercials are real. This organization on the other hand is a fraud. How do the 6 figure executives live with themselves? I was just about to sign up for the $19.00 a month. Better to give it to the local shelter. What a fraud!! So disappointed. Shame on you!!
You Are Horrible People. You Will Reap What You Sew.
Looks kinda like you have a bunch of money. And I bet most of your donors make a 1/3 of what you all do. Sooooooo
Totally disgusting. I watch your ads and I cry for these animals and then to find out that the agency is a fraud – outrageous!! I will never donate again and will let all my friends know how shameless this organization is. My local shelter will get my money!
I think this organization is about the animals!! They need to remember that and make it more about animals and less about their salaries!!! That’s ridiculous!!! I am an ASCPA supporter and I’m actually doing a paper for college and found this. It makes me angry to see how they care more about theirselves than the animals!! The numbers prove that!! I AM SO DISAPPOINTED!!!!!
I am VERY MUCH AN ANIMAL PERSON…I LOVE ANIMALS. I THOUGHT THAT THIS ORGANIZATION REALLY HELP THE NEEDED AND HOPLESS ANIMALS. I CAN SEE THAT JUST SMALL AMOUNT IS USED FOR THE ANIMALS. THIS MESSAGE IS FOR YOU (ASPCA) PLEASE INVEST IN THE ANIMAL NOT YOURSELVES. PROVE THAT YOU ARE A GOOD ORGANIZATION AND DONT BENEFIT FROM THE INNOCENT ANIMALS THAT REALLY NEED YOUR HELP. COMON ON. YOU CAN BE BETTER. START HELPING THESE ANIMALS. GOD IS LOOKING AT YOU AND WHAT YOU ARE DOING. . VERY SMALL AMOUNT IS SPENT ON THE ANIMALS….. $500,000.00 IS TERRIBLE….. Not ONE PERSON HERE IS WORTH THAT… THE ANIMALS ARE THE ONES DESERVING… NOT THE PEOPLE………..
Comes out to .03 on every dollar is bull crap they are Lier they say 80 percent of every dollar is used for care of animals bull they are getting rich off of donations
I I r s has the proff
Yesterday I received a survey in the mail from the ASPCA, regarding my priorities for the ASPCA. Boy, do I intend to give them an earful! Of course they also ask for donations, which I will not be giving. They keep trying to charge my credit card for monthly donations From their different corporate offices! I do not understand how this so called organization is not shut down
I wouldn’t give to the ASPCA period. This is a charity to help animals. The ASPCA is abusing the funds. Everyone should give to local animal shelters.
This is criminal! This farce needs to be exposed! They are literally stealing from people!
If you don’t put anything else out there that I write, then put this one out. We need Congress to pass a law that will make organizations like this put 95 percent of donations that are given to them towards their claimed charities, instead of KEEPING IT THEMSELVES OUT OF GREED.
This either needs to be stopped or exposed for what it is. Everbody put this on their facebook page so it can be stopped.
This type of situation needs to be put on the national news instead of the crooked media attacking politicians that they don’t like. Let the media actually do something constructive for a change.
The only saving grace and all of this is that several million did go towards helping animals… Unfortunately it seems like these were only big-time events where they drew a lot of attention to themselves. Self advertising. You think of all animals that money could help locally… Actually anywhere in the United States at a no kill shelter. I don’t know how the ASPCA gets away with this… It’s false advertising, manipulative, and just self-centered on paying their bigwigs. I tell everyone I can about what a fraud they are.
I’ve read enough to know the heart of this organization is not on animals, it’s on the almighty buck!??!
I’ll never send another cent and will educate those around me. I feel sick thinking of all the suffering animals that have never benefited because of these money hungry people.
When the CEO, big shots make $41,000 out of the total/ get back to me.
Until then- stop those pitiful, pathetic, manipulative commercials.
Should be ashamed.
Peter Abbay
upsetting and I am cancelling my monthly donation.
I am so glad to hear that less people are donating after hearing how little of the money goes to the animals. I have researched local rescue groups and even some from around the country and there are definitely ones where the majority of the money goes to the animals. Humane Society of the United States is awful too with spending their donations on their employees paychecks, but local humanely seem to be a lot better.
I wish more of the money went to helping the animals instead of lining the pockets of employees so I don’t donate anymore
Not much money goes for the animals most of it goes to the greedy people I will not be donating to this anymore
I hope they’re able to block the charges. My credit card did that as well… But the ASPCA billed them/me from other sites with other phone numbers. Keep an eye on the monthly statement… These people are sneaky.
Hopefully your boy can find another organization and check out the information on it and then decide to donate and there are so many reputable organizations out there… Unfortunately this is not one of them.
Just found out my wife has been donating $19 per month. Provided her with the info above and she got on the phone with them to stop the monthly charge to her credit card.
what a RIP off
Carl: I agree with your first paragraph but completely disagree with your opinion on vegans (it is, in fact people like yourself who are “completely nuts”).
There are healthy vegans who follow a whole food plant based diet (low or no oil) and there are unhealthy vegans who eat processed foods (potatoes chips, etc). A whole food plant (no oil) based diet is the most healthy diet one can follow (see http://www.nutritionfacts.org) and is infinitely healthier than the SAD (Standard American Diet). But, not everyone is a vegan for health reasons. There are vegans who are vegans because of the cruelty (slaughtering 10 billion animals annually in the US – a reality that is hidden from most of the population) in the dairy and animal agriculture industry and there are vegans who are vegan for environmental reasons (the animal agriculture industry is in fact one of the largest contributors, after fossil fuels, to the deterioration of our environment). And, contrary to your statement that vegans are from another planet, they are, in fact, trying to save this planet from people like yourself.
To read more about these topics, see below:
https://paddockpost.com/2017/09/12/why-the-big-picture-matters/
https://paddockpost.com/2016/01/08/carnism-and-melanie-joy/
https://paddockpost.com/2015/02/11/the-omnivores-dilemma/
https://paddockpost.com/2014/12/09/how-to-reverse-californias-drought/
https://paddockpost.com/2014/09/06/cowspiracy-the-sustainability-secret/
I, in fact, think that anyone working for animals rights organizations should be a vegan/plant based. There is no difference between dogs, cats, cows, pigs, elephants, etc. – they are all animals who feel, nurture their young (when allowed, which dairy cows are not), form relationships, etc. But, equally if not more important, a whole food plant based diet is the healthiest diet you can follow. Do yourself a favor, READ THE ACTUAL SCIENCE (PubMed and http://www.nutritionfacts.org) and don’t rely on the uneducated and misinformed idiots making you tube videos as your education source. Consider the source. Do your homework. Read the science and not what someone tells you is the science.
It’s completely Shameless is what it is. Imagine what a real animal rescue operation could do with $200,000,000.00 dollars a year … The HSUS is no better nor is PETA .. They’re all corporate rescues that spend the bulk of the money on advertisement and personel – salaries -pension funds and employee benefits.
Like you I have been following this fiasco for many years. It’s unreal what they get away with misleading people with those fake advertisements. They aren’t animal rescue.. Their Vegan spear headed animal rights and their real agenda is against the agriculture industries in this nation. If you research their top ranking board – ceo and other staff, they’re nearly all VEGAN and if you start to dig into the background of each one of them one by one, you’ll find out how deep they really feel about animal agriculture and meat production in general. Their real agenda is anti- meat , anti- animal agriculture and “anti -animal slavery” as they call it aka pet ownership.. Some of these people are down right nuts. People have no idea how extremist some of these people and their affiliates are.. Go back into their past.. People like Sayre and Pacelle and many of these others have been involved with all sorts of animal rights terrorist type groups and people over the years..
Go read their many, many quotes about how their real agenda which is passing laws to shut down meat production – animal agriculture – hunting .. No one has to believe anyone but their own people.. They want to pass laws that make so called “animal cruelty” on the same level as human cruelty laws, but their idea of animal cruelty is not the same as yours and mine.. These people are completely nuts.. Dont believe me? Google them..Read everything you can about their CEOS and google all those board members and staff and people in their Vegan spearheaded groups.. These people are from another planet!
This company is a scam
To me this is such faulty advertising. True, that tiny percentage that goes to help the animals does help some animals… And I am thankful for that… But the fact that most of the money is used to pay the staff and pay for their bills… Unacceptable. I just learned that the Humane Society of the United States… Less than 0.5% goes to the animals!
I check out any organization now before I donate. Would you believe they billed my credit card again? After I spoke to someone at the ASPCA and they apologized and said I would not be charged anymore! Only this time my credit card was able to stop the payment.
People need to stop donating to this. All I see is how much they pay all these people. Pay people to get donations to pay even more people. I don’t see where they are feeding and housing these animals. This is redicious……
Like everyone else, am shocked to see the misuse of money donated…how are any of these high paid thieves worth the salaries they receive…too they call for volunteers at their shelters…here are these good-hearted volunteers being used to help pay these scavengers. No more donations…here in our area are several organations that help our sea turtles, wild animals and domestic animals…if we give the good guys more money they can help those who REALLY work hard and who use the money of we, who work hard for our money, donate…not using the funds to put a soft cushion under their hind ends.
Every single one of you ought to shrink at your image in the mirror. How do you face yourselves?We give our money so those animals can live better lives, and you are stealing it. Talk about fraud. No more money from me.
If you want more of your donation dollars to go towards helping animals, look at your local shelter. Check out their Form 990 (or send me a message and I will quickly review it and get back to you). Local shelters tend to watch expenses closely (but you still want to look at the 990 to make sure).
I highly recommend looking at a local animal shelter that isn’t paying NYC rents/costs/etc and that isn’t paying a portion of donations to a national organization. The local shelters tend to watch expenses more closely. If you want me to look at any local shelter’s Form 990, just send me a message.
How much money actually goes towards feeding & helping the animals??
Staff & ceo get paid way too much!! Absolutely ridicous!!!!
Makes me sick to watch ur pathetic advertisements knowing that the poor animals are NOT being cared for the way they should. The money people donate IS FOR THE ANIMALS!!!!! NOT for 95% paid to ur staff & ceo. Take care of the animals. You people are VERY GREEDY & Coldhearted!!!!!!!!
Thank you. I did call them after they charged me the second time, and they put a block on it, but apparently the ASPCA has several different sites or offices from which they can bill, so they went out of their way to push the charges through that way. It’s ridiculous. Never would have donated to them had I known so very little goes to the animals. Plus I cannot afford to be charged every month.
Laura: Call your credit card company. They can stop the reoccurring charges on your credit card.
So being the animal lover I am, I decided to make a $25 donation to the ASPCA. I have also made donations of various amounts in the past. Their website is very misleading, and somehow they changed my one time donation to a $25 a month guardian ship donation. I have called them several times, only to be disconnected, and I have emailed them several times, only to receive emails back that they receive my message, along with a do not reply in the message line. So they have been taking money from my credit card and my bank/credit card companies can do nothing to stop this because ASPCA goes through various channels to a sure they receive their money to pay their workers, with, I read, 3 to 6% of the money actually going to help the animals. This organization is a rip off, misleading, and federal action should be taken against them. Anyone who wants to donate to an animal cause, please research individual organizations and see what the money really goes to. You may be surprised.
Unexceptional. I wanted to donate a substantial amount… I now see I’m better off investing in my local pound with an investment of over $5,000.00. Sorry to hear the way you run an unethical program.
And this is not the only, ‘non-profit’ that is a rip-off in favor of the people working for it. I do not donate to any of them. I’m sure there are qualified people who would do it for expenses only or a nominal salary, people who truly care about the animals/people and want every penny to go their care. Greedy Ba___rds!
Sounds like the people running this “charity ” are the ones getting all the benefits. Pitty the animals who are not being helped,and the people who give money to charity scams
It’s real simple people. Get this info out on Social media. They need to be shut down.
We can replace all this simply by being proactive on the local level. Pay attention to what is going on around you, and if you see something, say something. Give your money to local shelters and be a greater part of your specific community. Attend Town Hall meetings and hold local officials accountable. Donate your time if you are able to help and better enable all resources donated to actually fix the problems. Don’t enable others to “fix” the problems for your communities as they see fit, with your money, while they exploit your sympathy.
Huh?…… sounds like my little stray cat backyard refuge has done more good than these people have done in the last 10 years, and it comes out of my pocket. No begging allowed in my world.
Thank you for sharing this.
Kevin: The financial breakdown on this post IS NOT completely wrong. The numbers in the post are the numbers the ASPCA reported to the IRS. Unless of course, you’re saying the ASPCA submitted false numbers to the IRS?
Bershadker did not oversee “$270,000,000.00” in fundraising. The IRS Form 990 reported $191,000,000 in revenue (of which $164 million came from contributions, gifts, and grants) at the time this post was written. Whether you subscribe to new math or old math, that’s not a million dollars a day (it’s actually about half that).
Do your homework before you spew false information.
You’re also missing the point of the post. Salary as a percentage of the budget is meaningless (i.e. you can have a CEO making .36% of a budget and yet the staff flies first class or charter, has social club dues paid for, only gives a small percentage of revenue towards its main purpose (i.e.grants, etc) by itself. In other words, looking at how all the revenue is spent is important.
The ASPCA does good things but they could do so much better. If you read the comments, you would realize that most of the criticism is in how revenue is spent. When more revenue is spent on fundraising than in grants to other non-profits providing spay/neuter, live release, equine, and anti-cruelty programs, people get upset.
The financial breakdown on this post is completely wrong. Matthew Bershadker did earn $800K=, and yes high, but he oversaw $270,000,000.00+ in fundraising & nearly 1,000 employees making his salary total compensation package 0.36% of the gross annual budget. No one is going to run a business that size for less. Period. (and before anyone says “I will” you wont because you don’t have the skills or connections to raise nearly a million dollars a day).
Just as I began to write my donation to the ASPCA, I decided to research how each dollar donated is spent.
Thanks so much to Paddock Post for your research and education.
I will not give one dollar to ASPCA. Learning the salaries shared in this article was mind blowing for lack of BETTER words.
It is cruelty to animals at the very least the way this organization uses donations.
Especially since many donations come from people who are just trying to make ends meet for his / her own survival.
I WILL continue to look and research for a place that TRULY needs donations for rescuing, medical attention, supplies , food, clean water, clean comfortable beds for these terrified , sickly, lonely animals. A place that actually uses the donations to provide these basic necessities to the animals.
In 1866 Mr. Henry Bergh was not paid a high salary or other perks to begin his journey of HELPING suffering animals.
How do you folks lay your head’s on pillows under warm blankets and sleep at night, knowing you’ve barely helped any animals that day?? Shame on you.
Doesn’t the Bible say something to the effect…… what you do to the least of My Creatures you do unto Me. From God.
Just saying…
Ok u guys have no idea what the hell u doing it looks like u r paying higher up people n don’t give a damm about the dogs …how cruel is that saw yr commercial for donations so u ass…can get more of the money shame on all of u …but u pay at end of yr life try posting where u have made accommodations n show where the dogs are n how they r doing…stop yr shit .n show the public where the our money goes …I pray that in the next life u Come back as homeless dog n watch what goes around comes around go to hell all of u I WILL not donate my 100 to yr pockets..f u all
Reading this will cure me of ever donating to ASPCA!! A little less to CEO & other and more to the real cause the ANIMALS would be a good idea. I will pass this on. P.S , Just think how many more Animals could have been fed or saved or with that $100,000. Given to the CEO not including other employees. And to think I used to donate to you. Very disappointed, Ruby
This crap should be against the law. You should be prosecuted for stealing. That all most so called charities are today. I would never give any more to you or any charity that does spend 90 cents out of each dollar on the recipients of that charity.
How can any agency be called a non-profit with this type of record? Where is the government over-site?
Spend more on the animals and less on salaries. You are a joke.
I am ashamed the way the specs handles the money that is donated to them in name of the animals. I have seen this same treatment used on employees where the CEO walk with people’s retirement money. It is sad world when greed becomes our worship of choice. God Bless those who high morals.
It is sad that suffering animals are being used to line the pockets of the top management. The calculation that states that when you divide the salaries by all employees each person makes approximately $67k it is inequitable; yet again; from what I can see many employees are probably receiving pay that is below minimum wage so those at the top can take advantage of these people just like the animals. The employees who have the smaller salaries are probably the ones who are more than likely providing the greatest amount case and love to the animals.
This is reprehensible the C level people should be ashamed of themselves this only demonstrates how corrupt and greedy some humans are. Deplorable.
I am going to share this horror story with everyone I know. They need to be put out of business.
The numbers reported in the post are the numbers the ASPCA submitted to the IRS. They are what they are. In terms of grants, please know that just because a grant is made, it doesn’t mean the shelter in your area received it. The 990 shows the recipient of all grants over $5,000. Not all ASPCA shelters are recipients of ASPCA grants. If you click on the link to the 990, you can find more information on the grants made.
hey Anne, perhaps I am reading it wrong? I see 36% going to salaries, pension, benefits, etc. and 8% for grants to “other” organizations. I checked with three local animal shelters in my area. None receive any funds from ASPCA. What am I missing?
Carol: I share your frustration but read the post. All the numbers are from the IRS Form 990 submitted by the ASPCA.
I will never donate again. This is a business to make people wealthy. It doesn’t seem to collect donations for animals. I must say your commercials are very convincing. But after reading this I won’t watch these commercials anymore. I will help in some other way. Sounds like The ASPCA is just another scam, to take peoples money. I will share this information I just read from your tax records, with all my family and friends. Shame on ASPCA!!!!
I dont’ know where you got your 82% figure from but my info differs!!when the ceo/president is pulling in $530,000.00 a year and my local animal shelter does not get a dime i really wonder who should be pissed!!!
Ok u know when u go to Google & ask how much of my donations actually goes for the animals. ( ASPCA) WELL SCROLL ON DOWN TO WHERE IT BREAKS ALL THE QUESTIONS DOWN AND IT STATES 82% GOES DIRECTLY TO THE ANIMALS ….WTF WHO WRITES THIS SHIT & HOW DO WE GET IT CHANGED
I just signed up for monthly donation. But after seeing these salaries I will have to cancel . This is not helping animals this is lining pockets
I will not donate again and I have ripped up your address labels and will not advertise for you that way. I will give to my local shelter. I know it costs money to run any organization, TV ads cost a good deal of money. But I will admit, these salaries are over the top. I work for a 501c now, and we work for free. Not suggesting you should all work for free, but you could supplement many shelters around the USA for what you are overpaying your staff. It is sad, such a good cause, moving commercials and you are sitting back in your leather chairs laughing at us for being fools.
WTF!! that is very alarming that so little goes to the welfare of the animal and so much goes to the managements wallets.
If this is your life’s work, to help, save, shelter, feed, protect animals, wouldn’t you do it for free?!? So why do you need to give so little to the very thing you swear to save and so much of the money goes into your pocket?!?!? I get we all have ti make a living and we all have bills but do these people need $100,000 bonus?!? For what? Its disconcerting that we give so much and so little goes towards saving and protecting them…. disgraceful
Please have any employee that has an issue with my comments to contact me.
Well said!
GIVE TO YOUR LOCAL ANIMAL SHELTERS
Would Love to donate monies at time of my death…however conconcrned about HIGH compensation to senior employees and minimal % spent on animals.
Will have to think hard before I done the monies I planned.
I will never EVER give another dime to your organization. The salaries are ridiculous. You give nothing to these poor animals. You play your commercials on the emotions of people who are animal lovers. So these poor things get no help but your pockets keep growing. I will spread the news how greedy ASPCA really is. It sickens me how you use animals to get your hundreds of thousands dollars for your own benefit. You all will be judged one day!
I am not sure what more I could possibly add. Decided to check on the compensation prior to donating. Needless to say, there will not be a donation here from us . Will contact local Humane Society and ask pertinent questions of them and then make a founded decision. Shame on ASPCA.
If you want to donate contact your local shelter. They don’t get anything from ASCPA.
the aspca is one of the very few i donate to. but after checking out just where the money goes, i will not be lining the ceo and the ceo assistant pockets any longer. i will go to my local shelter and donate there. i think everyone who really cares for animals should do the same. all i can picture is some poor abused animal waiting for a home while the ceo and the compensated severance people are sailing their yacht!!!what happened to volunteers???
Consider donating to a LOCAL non-profit that helps animals as they typically don’t pay high salaries or have big marketing budgets. Still check out the 990 though.
. . . Their commercials are made so well, they bring tears to my eyes. You want to send more money than you can afford. Aren’t there laws to control this theft of hard earned money from animal lovers??? Where can you donate knowing that most of the money goes to the animals???
Thanks for letting me know. I just posted the updated info. Here is the link:
https://paddockpost.com/2019/01/17/executive-compensation-at-the-aspca-2017/
I agree that the commercials are absolutely far to many back to back. Now I understand why they want to make sure that the big salaries can be met. This is so, so, so wrong on so many levels. I have been a supporter for the last three years and only saw this site because I got a new debit card and needed to change it. I even have the ASPCA as my smile amazon charity. I will now give to another local animal charity. However, what really happens to the animals if we all stop giving??
Update: I just got a look at the ASPCA’s 2017 IRS Form 990. The CEO’s compensation directly from the ASPCA was listed at $804,372 with an additional $47,859 listed as “other compensation from the organization and related organizations.” For a non-profit organization, that’s obscene!
THE PAYROLL CONVINCED ME NOT TO GIVE
I’m watching television and 7 commercial for a 1 hour show from the ASPCA. They state that they desperately need 3000.00 new monthly senators. How is that when the ty left 10% on the table.
well i won’t be donating to them anymore.their ceo makes more than the president of the usa.. this is wrong.
The breakdown is confusing, but I’m not inclined to donate to this group. I prefer to stay local or choose a group that explains their spending more clearly.
I hate the ad, which makes me sick. And i have no interest in getting a reward for giving.
Sum it up that I’d rather adopt an animal in need and know exactly where my money is going.
So, how much of every dollar raised is actually and directly spent benefiting the animals???
Shame on ASPCA. Give to your local organizations where you can walk into a building and see the animals and the benefits delivered directly to the animals
This is a horrible “charity”, and I use the term lightly. They prey on people’s love for animals and use shams to collect money. I’ve been aware of this for some time and stopped giving to them a long time ago. There should be a way to shut this outfit down. They are absolutely shameful.
Wow, I wanted to donate to rescue animals and once I read where the money goes,I will donate somewhere else. Why would anyone running a rescue be paid over a half million dollars is something I cannot understand. They are supposed to be helping the rescued animals not themselves. Disgusting.
I just read this information. Up to today, I was a monthly donor. I’ve been a bit concerned with the amount of advertising I see the ASPCA doing on TV. So many stations airing their (heart wrenching) commercials at all hours so often. Well, now I know the truth. Fraud and theft come to mind. Live and learn. My contributions stop tomorrow. I’ll redirect to a no-kill shelter where I know how my money is spent.
CROOKS!
Here’s another tidbit to go with the above from Wikipedia “In 2012 the ASPCA agreed to pay Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus $9.3 million of donations to settle a lawsuit regarding the ASPCA’s false allegations of animal cruelty by the circus. Courts found that ASPCA activists had paid the key witness, a former Ringling barn helper, at least $190,000, making him “essentially a paid plaintiff” who lacked credibility.[15] Edwin J. Sayres stepped down as CEO in 2012, and in 2013 longtime ASPCA staff member Matthew Bershadker was named president and CEO.[16]” sources: 15. “Animal rights group settles lawsuit with Ringling”. Denver Post. Archived from the original on December 30, 2012. Retrieved 2017-01-08. 16. “Angst at the ASPCA”. New York Times. Retrieved 2013-06-28.
So in 2012, $9.3 MILLION IN DONATIONS were spent to settle a lawsuit where ASPCA was implicated in paying the key witness, which led to to the CEO (who was receiving a half-million dollar plus salary, far more than his HSA counterpart) stepping down. Incidentally, this is the same man who is listed above as receiving $191,666 for “consulting fees”.
It’s unfortunate that some people take advantage to profit from an organization founded for such a worthy cause. There is no honor with such people whom I find despicable. I have donated to the Aspca for many years. I will never donate another dime .because such blant disregard for truth in advertising and the uncaring regard for animals that could be helped is really cruel.
I had my donation card in hand and ready to send in. I don’t have a lot of money to donate but I do really care about the animals and how many are mistreated. Something just told me to look into this a little closer and I am so glad I did. You are not donating to the animals here you giving to a bunch of greedy, scamming, fundraisers for their own profit. Never Again!
If you truly want your donation to help the animals…donate to your local Human Society. Where employees are making low wages, many are volunteers and can be over worked and understaffed.
Not surprised at all, just really disappointed. All of the poor animals that so desperately need the simple basics of food and shelter, are being exploited by those who only want to make a $.
So very sad.
I use to give every month until I found out what they really do wit almost all the money. Never again will I give money to the ASPCA!
I too am shocked and disappointed with how the ASPCA handles its organization and the funding it receives. Believe me I understand that a high salary and title are impressive; however, when these ego centric facts are more important than the organization’s mission statement, philosophy, and reasons for operation, then truly all you’ve got is the exact definition of greed. Greed at the expense of animal safety …. UNACCEPTABLE!
I made a one-time donation of $25 last year to the ASPCA. My receipt said that it would be monthly. When I called to have the mistake corrected, I was told that the problem was fixed. It was not. Thinking that the ASPCA was a good organization, I allowed the monthly contributions to continue. But I never eceived a receipt for any of these additional donations, and when I cancelled my credit card the ASPCA did not contact me to let me know the next monthly contribution did not go through (as any legitimate organization would do). The moral,of the story? Do not donate to the ASPCA.
I know without a doubt that Henry Bergh would not have agreed with the amount of money that his organization is pocketing instead of putting towards the animals that desperately need it. It is such a disappointment for those of us who want to feel like we can contribute towards a cause that we passionate about. Finding out that our money is going towards a $500,000 salary instead of to the livestock that are being slaughtered and the dogs who are sleeping on the street. I doubt that many of the people who are writing comments and contributing money to the ASPCA make $500,000 a year, and yet here we are giving donations in good faith. Shame on you and the saying “Karma is a bitch” comes to mind. Maybe in your next life you come back as one of the poor animals that you’re cheating.
It is disgusting what you so called animal lovers and guardians take away from the animals in your filthy, greedy, dispicable, worthless lives. There is no way any of you deserve the salaries that you have given yourselves. The feet on the ground workers are the only ones that deserve a decent salary which you greedy jerks in charge make sure they don’t get. I’m totally disgusted with all of you in upper management,! Vile human beings you are and I hope Karma gets you soon!!!! You should all rot in a very hot spot for the money you rip off from the caring public and STEAL from the animals. DISGUSTING
You know, I think they do care but often times these organizations grow and people have their jobs with salaries, benefits, etc. and it becomes bureaucratic and more about growing the organization which costs in terms of buildings, support, benefits, etc. I think you are spot on about keeping it local and I tell people this all the time. Giving local, especially to a small organization that struggles to use every dollar wisely means donor dollars go further.
I had heard that the ASPCA didn’t really care for animals but I wasn’t sure it was accurate. This is an eye opener. I volunteer for and donate to a golden retriever rescue organization and donate to our local Humane Society and San Antonio Pets Alive. There are enough animals in need locally that I prefer to keep it close to home.
And the animals are still Hungary and in need, while everybody else gets fat on big salaries .
WOOOOW, Some INSANE Salaries. I was going to start giving again. I’ll give to A No Kill shelter.
Sheila: Thank you. Your comments and recommendations are spot on.
These facts are too hard to even comprehend. And worse yet are the spokespersons who have to be aware of them as well. They disgust me beyond words. What fakes!
Give to your local shelter in spite of these blatant crooks. God bless these abused animals, for they truly have no voice. And love and care for your own with a double and triple dose of TLC.
Why do CEO and staff need to make so much if someone can’t live comfortably with 75,000 yearly they have priority messed up ….
You people get on tv begging for money showing all these sad faces. While y’all asses sit up there gat a big wallets.y’all are all sorry as hell
ASPCA is losing donations because of these crazy salaries… shame on you for not using more of the money for these poor animals instead of greedy CEO’s
And you want me to contribute to a worthy cause?? While the damn CEO makes over a half million a year? You people are batdhit crazy. The poor animals are suffering while you live the life of luxury. He could donate 400 thousand of his salary and still make good money. Its crooks like you that make people quit giving.
Would anyone like to start a charity to do what they say they do. We could advertise that we don’t pay our CEO 500,000 dollars and that the money is really going to the animals. Drive apace out of business. That would be a good idea.
I would never give to these crooks.I always knew their weepy commercials were a scam.If you want to help the animals,go to your local humane society and donate your time or much needed supplies.
L.M.F.A.O.!!!!!! Where do I send my resume to become a CEO for this place I love the pay I can go to work right now and I have more than the qualifications for it just don’t have to have any kind of worry about ripping people off I guess I think I could figure out how to get that way but I guess I could learn as I go along or have some of those Past Masters teach me LOL
I was going to donate again but decided to do some research on where the money received is spent. After seeing so LITTLE goes to the animals I am not. I will not support the large salaries of some employees. The ASPCA should be ashamed! Advertising is misleading. Our money is not really going to the animals but rather someone’s pocket! No more donations from me!!
Too bad I thought most of my hard earned donations went to care of the animals not super high salaries shame shame shame
Sad that so little of our monies truly goes to the needy animals. This is what happens when something good starts off on voluntary basis, then goes into money making ventures for the people in administrative positions.
I will never give again to this organization or any others I cannot find where the money exceeds 15 percent for any admin. Fees.
Evil pwople collecting money to pay themselves excess monies while doing little to help animals they spend more on themselves than on the animals
i was thinking of leaving my estate to ASPCA, but not now, so sad, so wasteful, not enough for the animal care.
I love animals but you won’t be getting my donation. You have done nothing but line your pockets with it. Your bunch should moonlight as a TV preacher
I just watched one of their commercials and looked up where the donations go. This list is unreal! The people who work for this organization should be in jail for using animals & people’s emotions to line their pockets.
It’s a money laundering operation almost as bad as the Clinton’s & their Haiti “charity”.
There is a special place in hell for people who use other people’s generosity, humanity, and guilt to make themselves rich.
It’s despicable!
I agree with you. Donors need to speak up to bring about change.
Reading this article is very depressing given the funding they receive for REALLY helping abused animals. So who will monitor the ASPCA? We need to speak out against this apparent abuse of top heavy executives taking the share of Money donated for the purpose it reports to do.
Appalling. Never again.
I will Never send money to you again
Do not donate and also check out PETA and HSUS. The 3 which has the most exposure and pull on people’s heartstrings are scam artists.
I have seen those T V ads for a long time …I finally decided to consider donating . I already do a monthly check of $ 200 to the local animal shelter but thought this ASPCA deserved some help also . Glad I saw this website ! No way I will send money to them now .
their always saying they need 3000 new donors every few weeks or so. they try to make you feel bad by showing the animals in bad conditions but are they staged? they offer you a t-shirt for donating but why don’t they use the money to help the animals instead of giving you a free gift. i love animals and have given homes to strays that have no home and give them a nice home full of love. shame on those greedy ceo’s.
Scott Kimmel: The salaries are high but to be fair, more than a quarter of 1% goes to the cause. Your point that more revenue should go to the cause is spot on.
i have never seen the amount of money being paid to a so called non profit agency. I thought the money was for the well being of the animals.The ceo, mathew bershadlker making over $500,000 is repulsive. elizabeth estroff making close to 330,000. todd hendricks the same. Not to mention the high amount of money to other paid employees and severance packages of other multiple former employees. A well established veterinarian who dedicated his life on helping people and their pets (family members) do not come close to making your salary. You prey on the people to donate and help the abused and neglected animals but more than 99.99% goes to salaries and understandably some expenses. Its sad knowing that you can sleep knowing that only less than a quarter on 1% even goes to the cause.
The rooster of these employees reads like a pro sports team. One commenter wrote that they should be ashamed of themselves. I doubt it. Cold hearted personal who use television to pull heart strings is a crime..I pray God bless the animals harmed by their deception., they are just as guilty as the dog fighters and puppy mill operators.
I was making out my yearly donations. ASPCA is one. I decided to look you up on line. You can imagine my disappointment when I saw the huge insentives that were paid and what small percentage actually goes to the animals.
I will not be donating again.
You should be ashamed of yourself🐷
I will not donate again. You don’t need to pay $600,000. There must be qualified people that would do it for much less!
I have never given to the ASPCA because I’ve always heard for every one dollar given , only one cent is spent on the animals. While this is not true, I find it disgraceful that less than 21 % is spent on the actual REASON FOR THE ASPCA- the innocent, helpless animals! Greedy people and lack of restraint of how the contributions should spent is the reason I contribute to my local SPCA.
Yes,there are several sanctuaries around the country including Farm Sanctuary and Woodstock Farm Sanctuary. You can also google sanctuaries in your geographic area and then look at the 990’s. Note that donations to sanctuaries are generally used for vets, staff, meds, food, and the property that houses them.
I wish more and more people are aware of this abuse of people’s kindness… It’s a shame that these people collect funds in the name of animals.. Why would a charity organization pay a CEO $600,000?
Is there any places to donate for animals in the same situation where the money actually goes to the animals?
Liars
After all is said and done. What really goes to the Animals sure it’s much. Many other local Humain Societies that 85% plus really goes for help. I would never donate to a charity like this!
This is absolutely terrible…. I am VERY MUCH AN ANIMAL PERSON…. AND NOT ENOUGH IS SPENT ON THE ANIMALS….. AND $500,000.00 IS Horrible….. Not ONE PERSON HERE IS WORTH THAT… THE EXPENDITURES
ARE TO SAY THE LEAST IS ATROCIOUS…… THE ANIMALS ARE THE ONES DESERVING… NOT THE PEOPLE……….. PRAY FOR THE ANIMALS…….. STOP THE STUPID SPENDING,, WHY ADVERTISING…. WHY DO YOU NEED, ADVERTISING????? GOOD LORD…. RIDICULOUS…. STUPID,,,,,,!!!!!!!
STOP IT, TAKE CARE OF THE ANIMALS.. PERIOD…… NOT THE PEOPLE………