Habitat for Humanity
Is This Your Business?3.5
3.5
Author: Jenna Vasquez
LAST UPDATED: January 25th, 2022
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The Good
- Administrative expenses
- Fundraising expenses
- Program percentage
- Accessible financial information
- Donor communication
Administrative Expenses
Habitat for Humanity International's administrative expenses for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015, were reported as $12,305,756, or 4.7 percent of the organization's total annual revenue, which is relatively low when compared to other charities. Top executives for Habitat for Humanity earn just over $300,000 per year, which is significantly lower than salaries paid by similar organizations.Fundraising Expenses
Habitat for Humanity's fundraising budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015, was $40,602,123, or 15.7 percent of its annual revenue.Program Percentage
Generally, a program delivery percentage above 80 percent is gauged as an effective use of funds by various charity watchdog organizations. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015, Habitat for Humanity used 81.9 percent of its income for program delivery.Accessible Financial Information
Habitat for Humanity International publishes its annual reports, consolidated financial statements, and IRS Form 990s from 2010 to 2015 online. These documents can be easily located on the organization's website.Donor Communication
Donors can support Habitat for Humanity in several ways. For example, donors can offer support by volunteering time on a house build or in one of the organization's ReStore locations. Donors can also make regular monthly monetary contributions, honor or tribute donations, or support the organization with the gift of a vehicle or stocks and bonds. Donors can expect communication that is directly related to the way in which they have chosen to support the charity. Those selecting to volunteer their time will receive information about upcoming opportunities. However, anyone can sign up to receive regular updates by submitting their email address online. The organization has robust social media accounts, so interested parties can connect with or follow Habitat for Humanity on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.The Bad
- Total income
- Negative press
- Solicited awards
Total Income
Habitat for Humanity International's total revenue has been decreasing for the past few years. The organization has implemented some necessary cutbacks in its program in order to offset the decreased revenue. Incomes for the past several years are as follows:- 2015: $252,890,636
- 2014: $258,178,649
- 2013: $287,676,608
- 2012: $285,746,081
Negative Press
Nearly all organizations that are as large as Habitat for Humanity have received at least some bad press coverage. While the number of controversies that Habitat for Humanity has been involved in is relatively lower than many similar organizations, the charity has received the following negative press: Peoria, Illinois: 2013 Neighbors of a proposed Habitat home that was going to be built for a decorated war veteran petitioned to ban the home from being built. The reason? It was going to be built of wood, rather than brick, like the neighboring houses. The local affiliate for Habitat for Humanity responded by stating that misconceptions often lead to similar problems with neighbors who are fearful that they will see declines in their property values. The home was ultimately constructed with brick façades. New York City: 2012-2016 The New York affiliate for Habitat for Humanity received a $21 million federal grant to rehabilitate buildings in the city. The organization selected Bedford-Stuyvesant, a historically poor Brooklyn neighborhood. One of the government grant requirements was that the buildings must be vacant before the purchase went through to Habitat for Humanity. Up until this point, everything had gone smoothly; however, one of the owners of the properties ended up displacing residents, some of whom became homeless because they had nowhere else to live after these government-subsidized apartments were no longer available.Solicited Awards
Habitat for Humanity has received some awards, but these awards are all from entries into a solicited contest. In other words, rather than being awarded independently, Habitat for Humanity actively competed for these awards through organized contests. While these awards should not be discredited, it's important to recognize the lengths to which the organization has gone to win them. Received rewards include:- Habitat for Humanity International was recognized multiple times from 2011 to 2013 with the Telly Award for its promotional and informational video productions
- In 2012, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) awarded Habitat for Humanity International with the Bronze Anvil Award, which is given to organizations for their work in public relations
- In 2012, the League of American Communications Professionals awarded Habitat for Humanity International with a Gold Vision Award, recognizing the organization's 2012 annual report visually and for clarity of message
The Bottom Line
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Kaylee Gay Columbia, MO
I love what Habitat for Humanity does for people in communities. They build houses for people for various reasons like their home was destroyed somehow or someone is homeless. I got to help out with a project and we built a home for a single mom who had her house burned down. It was so amazing to get to change her life and help her out. I also learned valuable construction experience and how to work well as a team. It was so amazing to see the finished project and Habitat for Humanity can always use more volunteers.
4 years ago
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Janice Crawford Asheboro, NC
being a neighbor to a home that habitat for humanity built and watching the process from day one seeing the number of people that show up to help others was a great experience and a teaching one for my grandkids they loved seeing it being built from preparing the site by trucking dirt in and leveling the lot that my 4-year-old grandson loved on a daily basis and the guys doing it waved to him ever time he was outside and he could hear the trucks coming and had to go see them dump the dirt and then spread it out was a great day for him so many big trucks and then seeing them work was great for him watching it all from beginning to end was amazed at what it took and the time that it ended up taking was great for me as well being a student taking interior design gave me the chance to see something from beginning to end was eye opening i had never realized how much time it took to build from site prep to seeing all the different trades plumbing to electrial to roof going on also seeing how many people and groups that gave their time for someone else was heat warming also finding out that the house was being built for friends of mine a single mother with 2 girls seeing the amount of time they spend on the house and knowing that they were building something that would be there for them forever this group has helped thousands and will continue to do so proves that their are still good people in thus world that do step out of there comfort zone to help someone they didnt know before the process started and knowing that they take pride in what they do and the ability to help others is still what this country needs
6 years ago
Michelle Rios Ogden, UT
Building houses for the homeless... Wow! It feels great to get out there with others to build HOMES for families. They are always organized, providing all materials and instruction needed while allowing a layman to pick up a hammer and literally "build a house." Thank you for the opportunity to pitch in an make a difference.
6 years ago
Eddie Rios Ogden, UT
Habitat for Humanity is such a wonderful organization that I try to volunteer as much as possible to give back. They actually build small family homes to help the community get back on its feet. These starter homes provide a sound basis for future success with these families. It is a heart-warming experience to support Habitat for Humanity!
6 years ago
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Sarah Marfo Tallahassee, FL
My freshmen year in college, I was able to help put the finishing and touch’s to a family of threes home. The mother expressed her happiness in knowing that the community cares about the wellbeing of her and her two children. So much so they placed a roof over their head. The was such a humbling experience.
6 years ago
Michelle W Coraopolis, PA
In high school I went on a trip with my peers to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. It was such an amazing experience building homes for those in need. I hope my kids have the same experience in the future.
6 years ago
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Jon Robinson Riverton, UT
Habitat for Humanity helps provide shelter and housing for thousands of families. I like that they involve the families they serve as active participants, so the program is not just a "hand out".
6 years ago
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Kimmi Riverton, UT
There are great opportunities to serve through this organization. I love that so many age groups can help in a hands on way. It's good for kids to see the results of their service and they can when serving here.
6 years ago
Thomas Hullinger Pleasant Grove, UT
I have taken part in many building projects with Habitat for Humanity and I have seen the families that they help and i love everything that they do.
8 years ago
Tom Pleasant Grove, UT
I have personally helped on projects and I love their story and I love to meet the families that they are helping. A great organization.
8 years ago
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Danielle Powell Long Beach, MS
Love this charity. Recently a restore has opened making if easy to buy and support the work they do. They also make it easy to sign up for the service opportunities.
6 years ago
Grossarth Family Herriman, UT
Appreciate the good they do for the community. Had the opportunity to help build a home for someone in need.
4 years ago
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Eric Smith Riverton, UT
Great opportunities to serve the community. I love that you help others improve their life style and improve the community all through serving
6 years ago
Eric Bennett Heber, UT
Great organization. Well run and serves people right here in our community.
8 years ago
Amanda Warrendale, PA
Habitat for Humanity is a great cause that helps so many people across the country. Kudos!
6 years ago
