Why are you not rated by the Better Business Bureau (BBB)?
Like many other nonprofit organizations, St. Joseph's Indian School does not have a Better Business Bureau charity rating because a conscious decision was made to not submit information requested by the BBB's Wise Giving Alliance. Perhaps the most important factor influencing our decision is a firm belief that the Council on Accreditation provides a more thorough evaluation of our organization's credibility and thus, our value. This is achieved because the COA's evaluation process is based on comparisons to similar programs across the nation, the effectiveness of our programs, and the impact felt by the individuals in the communities we serve.
Through the Council on Accreditation's extensive audit process, we receive evaluation by a panel of experts in social services fields. The evaluation, including site visits and interviews with St. Joseph's personnel and families served, assesses more than just finances. St. Joseph's Indian School receives ratings in:
- Ethical Practice
- Financial Management
- Governance
- Human Resources
- Performance & Quality Improvement
- Risk Prevention & Management
- Best Practices in Child Care
All areas are then measured against national standards for service organizations.
COA's standards emphasize that St. Joseph's Indian School's services are:
- Accessible
- Appropriate
- Culturally responsive
- Evidence-based
- Outcome-oriented
- Provided by a skilled and supported workforce
How are St. Joseph's Indian School funds spent?
St. Joseph's Indian School spends fundraising dollars to attract new donors to fund not only current programs, but future programs as well. Our ultimate goal is to decrease fundraising costs and increase the percentage of funds going towards programs.
- Education
- Residential care
- Promotion and preservation of Lakota culture
- Faith development
See how much of your dollar goes directly to the Lakota children and review our most recent financial information.
We are dedicated to balancing our program needs with improving the efficiency of our fundraising; without effective fundraising, programs the Lakota children need would have to be cut.
We strive to be good stewards of the gifts we are given and provide for the Lakota boys and girls in accordance with our mission statement:
St. Joseph's Indian School, an apostolate of the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart, partners with Native American children and families to educate for life — mind, body, heart and spirit.
For more information about how we spend our money check out our annual financial report.
About the Council on Accreditation
COA was founded in 1977 and maintains a rigorous assessment process designed to identify providers who have set high performance standards and made a commitment to deliver the highest quality services to children in need. Learn more about the Council on Accreditation.
Thank you on behalf of our Lakota (Sioux) students who have benefitted from your generous giving. Wóphila tȟáŋka — many thanks — for your generosity! If you have any other questions, check out our FAQ page as well as our testimonial page.
