Financial Stewardship
Accountability in action
Financial Stewardship & Transparency
At Friends of the Bahamas Humane Society (FBHS), we recognize that our mission is only possible through the trust and generosity of our donors. We are committed to the highest standards of fiscal accountability and transparency. Below is an overview of our recent journey from institutional renewal to operational excellence.
2024: Laying the Foundations
The early part of 2024 marked a period of transition for FBHS. Following an administrative dormancy—during which our 501(c)(3) status was temporarily revoked due to filing delays during the COVID-19 pandemic—a dedicated effort was launched to revitalize the organization.
New Leadership: On November 12, 2024, a completely new Board of Directors was appointed. This Board comprises professionals with diverse expertise in finance, business, veterinary medicine, and nonprofit governance. You can meet our current Board members here.
Restoring Compliance: The incoming Board worked diligently to complete and file all historical IRS returns for the 2020–2023 period, ensuring the organization’s records were fully up to date.
Infrastructure: While grantmaking was limited during this transition, the focus remained on establishing the rigorous governance structures necessary to support the organization’s long-term future.
IRS Reinstatement: On March 24, 2025, the IRS issued a formal determination letter granting FBHS full 501(c)(3) status. Crucially, this status was applied retroactively to May 15, 2023, ensuring there was no lapse in tax-deductibility for our supporters.
Operational Scaling: With our status reaffirmed, the Board ramped up grantmaking activities. We focused on strengthening relationships with both individual and corporate partners to further our mission in the Bahamas.
Financial Performance: We are currently finalizing our 2025 IRS filings. We are proud to report that, provisionally, FBHS facilitated over $100,000 in grants to support animal welfare during this calendar year.
2025: Reinstatement and Immediate Impact
2025 was a year of significant milestones and the formal resumption of our philanthropic activities.
2026: Sustained Growth and Excellence
This year marks our first full year of optimized operations, supported by modern systems and a clear strategic vision.
Enhanced Donor Experience: We have implemented a new Donor Relationship Management system to better serve our supporters and have expanded our donation channels to make giving more accessible.
Platinum Transparency: In recognition of our commitment to open governance, FBHS was recently upgraded from a Gold to a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid (formerly GuideStar). This is the highest level of recognition offered by the world’s largest source of nonprofit information.
Looking Forward: With a solid foundation in place, we are executing ambitious plans for the remainder of 2026. We invite you to explore our recent grant case studies and current campaigns to see your donations in action.
Verification & Public Records
For your peace of mind and independent verification, we provide direct links to our filings and profiles with regulatory and watchdog agencies:
Florida Department of State (Sunbiz):
View our Articles of Incorporation and annual corporate reports.
IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search:
erify our 501(c)(3) status and view our Determination Letter.
Our EIN is 84-1923420.
Candid (GuideStar)
Profile:
Review our Platinum Seal of Transparency and comprehensive financial data
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about how these projects come to life? Explore our FAQs to see how we maintain rigorous oversight and maximize the impact of every grant we provide
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. Friends of The Bahamas Humane Society is a registered US 501(c)(3). All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law for US taxpayers.
How much of the funding goes toward overhead and planning?
While every organization has basic operational costs, a key strength is our efficiency. 100% of our team is comprised of volunteers, meaning our salary expense is zero. This unique structure allows us to direct the maximum possible amount of every donation straight to the projects that help the animals in The Bahamas.
How is the money transferred to the Bahamas?
We operate as a grant-making organization. We review specific project proposals and urgent needs from the Bahamas Humane Society (BHS) and other animal welfare charities in The Bahamas and issue formal grants requiring that funds are used exactly as intended. We wire funds directly to our grantees or sometimes purchase grant items directly (e.g when located in the US)
Who oversees the funds?
Our Board of Directors collectively oversee the funds of the organization, which are kept in reputable finanical institutions held in FBHS’ name. Our Board is comprised of professionals with deep expertise in veterinary medicine, chartered accountancy, and nonprofit administration and strategy with the highest standards of professional ethics and and a commitment to the transparent stewardship of your support. Every member serves on a 100% volunteer basis, ensuring that our oversight is driven entirely by our mission and the responsible management of the resources entrusted to us.
See your kindness in action!
The work doesn’t stop after the donation. By signing up for our updates, you stay informed on how we are strategically funding the most urgent needs of the BHS and other charities in The Bahamas. Get exclusive insights into the projects your grants are making possible and stay updated on our upcoming animal welfare initiatives.
Our Mission
Improving the lives of animals in The Bahamas through rescue, shelter, care, education, and advocacy.
We are a U.S. 501(c)(3) Nonprofit registered in Florida. Our EIN is 84-1923420.
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