STRATEGY STUDIO / PUBLIC DATA EXPLORER

BLESS THE ORPHANS INC

Cite this

Plain text BLESS THE ORPHANS INC. Strategy Studio, nonprofit organization profile, tax years 2011–2024. https://strategystudio.org/org/274267485. Retrieved 2026-10-20.

APA Strategy Studio. (n.d.). BLESS THE ORPHANS INC [Nonprofit organization profile; tax years 2011–2024]. Retrieved October 20, 2026, from https://strategystudio.org/org/274267485

MLA “BLESS THE ORPHANS INC.” Strategy Studio, tax years 2011–2024, https://strategystudio.org/org/274267485. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Retrieved 2026-10-20; covers tax years 2011–2024. Data: Strategy Studio, CC BY 4.0.

2024 · Form 990EZ · revenue $75K · expenses $82K · assets $66K

EIN
27-4267485
Address
PO BOX 115, SHELBYVILLE, MI 49344-0115
Website
WWW.BLESSTHEORPHANS.ORG
NTEE code
P29
Subsection
501(c)(3)
Ruling year
2011
Cross-check
ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer

Mission

OUR PRIMARY EXEMPT PURPOSE IS TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF HAITIAN ORPHANS AND IMPOVERISHED CHILDREN THROUGH OUTREACH AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT, WHILE ENCOURAGING OUR OWN LOCAL COMMUNITY TO LEARN ABOUT THE MANY NEEDS OF THE CHILDREN WE HELP.

Each tax year counts once: when a return was amended, only the latest return for that period is used below (superseded returns stay listed, greyed, under Finances).

People paid by the organization

None of the 17 people listed on these returns reported compensation from the organization. They are listed below.

Officers and directors, no compensation reported

17 people listed on the returns with $0 (or no amount) in every compensation column: current people first. Hours are as filed on the latest return each person appears on.

NameLatest titleYearsHrs/wk (latest)CompensationOrganizations
Melanie Lake PRESIDENT2021-2024 3 $0 reported 1
Melissa Thurston VICE PRESIDE2021-2024 0 $0 reported 1
Barbara Kruis SECRETARY2021-2024 0 $0 reported 1
Patricia Myers TREASURER2021-2024 20 $0 reported 1
Carole Degennaro BOARD MEMBER2021-2024 0 $0 reported 1
Leslie Tiff-Hammond BOARD MEMBER2021-2024 0 $0 reported 1
Nate Bishop BOARD MEMBER2021-2024 0 $0 reported 1
Douglas Campbell (former) BOARD MEMBER2021-2023 0 $0 reported 1
Pat Myers (former) PRESIDENT2013-2014 40 $0 reported 1
Melanie Myers (former) VICE PRESIDE2011-2014 0 $0 reported 1
Connie Timmer (former) TREASURER2011-2014 0 $0 reported 1
Barb Kruis (former) SECRETARY2011-2014 3 $0 reported 1
Mary Ann Church (former) BOARD MEMBER2011-2014 5 $0 reported 1
Jeri Hadley (former) BOARD MEMBER2013-2014 4 $0 reported 1
Carol Degennaro (former) BOARD MEMBER2011-2014 0 $0 reported 1
Patty Meyer (former) PRESIDENT2011-2012 46 $0 reported 1
Jerie Hadley (former) BOARD MEMBER2011-2012 6 $0 reported 1

People by year

2024 · 7 people listed · none paid
NameTitleHrs/wkFrom orgFrom relatedOtherTotalOrgs
MELANIE LAKE PRESIDENT3 $0-- $01
MELISSA THURSTON VICE PRESIDE0 $0-- $01
BARBARA KRUIS SECRETARY0 $0-- $01
PATRICIA MYERS TREASURER20 $0-- $01
CAROLE DEGENNARO BOARD MEMBER0 $0-- $01
LESLIE TIFF-HAMMOND BOARD MEMBER0 $0-- $01
NATE BISHOP BOARD MEMBER0 $0-- $01
2023 · 8 people listed · none paid
NameTitleHrs/wkFrom orgFrom relatedOtherTotalOrgs
MELANIE LAKE PRESIDENT3 $0-- $01
MELISSA THURSTON VICE PRESIDE0 $0-- $01
BARBARA KRUIS SECRETARY0 $0-- $01
PATRICIA MYERS TREASURER20 $0-- $01
CAROLE DEGENNARO BOARD MEMBER0 $0-- $01
LESLIE TIFF-HAMMOND BOARD MEMBER0 $0-- $01
NATE BISHOP BOARD MEMBER0 $0-- $01
DOUGLAS CAMPBELL BOARD MEMBER0 $0-- $01
2022 · 8 people listed · none paid
NameTitleHrs/wkFrom orgFrom relatedOtherTotalOrgs
MELANIE LAKE PRESIDENT3 $0-- $01
MELISSA THURSTON VICE PRESIDE0 $0-- $01
BARBARA KRUIS SECRETARY0 $0-- $01
PATRICIA MYERS TREASURER20 $0-- $01
CAROLE DEGENNARO BOARD MEMBER0 $0-- $01
LESLIE TIFF-HAMMOND BOARD MEMBER0 $0-- $01
NATE BISHOP BOARD MEMBER0 $0-- $01
DOUGLAS CAMPBELL BOARD MEMBER0 $0-- $01
2021 · 8 people listed · none paid
NameTitleHrs/wkFrom orgFrom relatedOtherTotalOrgs
MELANIE LAKE PRESIDENT3 $0-- $01
MELISSA THURSTON VICE PRESIDE0 $0-- $01
BARBARA KRUIS SECRETARY0 $0-- $01
PATRICIA MYERS TREASURER20 $0-- $01
CAROLE DEGENNARO BOARD MEMBER0 $0-- $01
LESLIE TIFF-HAMMOND BOARD MEMBER0 $0-- $01
NATE BISHOP BOARD MEMBER0 $0-- $01
DOUGLAS CAMPBELL BOARD MEMBER0 $0-- $01
2014 · 7 people listed · none paid
NameTitleHrs/wkFrom orgFrom relatedOtherTotalOrgs
PAT MYERS PRESIDENT40 $0-- $01
MELANIE MYERS VICE PRESIDE0 $0-- $01
CONNIE TIMMER TREASURER0 $0-- $01
BARB KRUIS SECRETARY3 $0-- $01
MARY ANN CHURCH BOARD MEMBER5 $0-- $01
JERI HADLEY BOARD MEMBER4 $0-- $01
CAROL DEGENNARO BOARD MEMBER0 $0-- $01
2013 · 7 people listed · none paid
NameTitleHrs/wkFrom orgFrom relatedOtherTotalOrgs
PAT MYERS PRESIDENT46 $0-- $01
MELANIE MYERS VICE PRESIDE0 $0-- $01
CONNIE TIMMER TREASURER1 $0-- $01
BARB KRUIS SECRETARY5 $0-- $01
MARY ANN CHURCH BOARD MEMBER10 $0-- $01
JERI HADLEY BOARD MEMBER6 $0-- $01
CAROL DEGENNARO BOARD MEMBER0 $0-- $01
2012 · 7 people listed · none paid
NameTitleHrs/wkFrom orgFrom relatedOtherTotalOrgs
PATTY MEYER PRESIDENT46 $0-- $01
CONNIE TIMMER TREASURER1 $0-- $01
BARB KRUIS BOARD MEMBER5 $0-- $01
CAROL DEGENNARO BOARD MEMBER0 $0-- $01
JERIE HADLEY BOARD MEMBER6 $0-- $01
MARY ANN CHURCH BOARD MEMBER10 $0-- $01
MELANIE MYERS VICE PRESIDE0 $0-- $01
2011 · 7 people listed · none paid
NameTitleHrs/wkFrom orgFrom relatedOtherTotalOrgs
PATTY MEYER PRESIDENT60 $0-- $01
CONNIE TIMMER TREASURER2 $0-- $01
BARB KRUIS BOARD MEMBER4 $0-- $01
CAROL DEGENNARO BOARD MEMBER0 $0-- $01
JERIE HADLEY BOARD MEMBER24 $0-- $01
MARY ANN CHURCH BOARD MEMBER28 $0-- $01
MELANIE MYERS VICE PRESIDE3 $0-- $01

Highest-paid independent contractors

No independent contractors reported.

Who gave

Contributor names are not public for this form type.

Public charities filing Form 990 or 990-EZ report large donors on Schedule B, but the IRS withholds their names and addresses from public copies. Private foundations (990-PF) are different: their contributors are public.

Finances

Newest first. Each filing: its name on one row, its figures on the row beneath. Greyed filings are superseded by a later return for the same period and are left out everywhere else on this page.

RevenueExpensesAssetsNet assetsContributionsProgram revenueOfficer payEmployeesVolunteers
2024 · Form 990EZ period ending 2024-12-31 · view filing · original 990 ↗
$75,218$81,754 $65,943$65,943 $66,097- ---
2023 · Form 990EZ period ending 2023-12-31 · view filing · original 990 ↗
$116,966$114,796 $72,479$72,479 $109,287- ---
2022 · Form 990EZ period ending 2022-12-31 · view filing · original 990 ↗
$105,609$92,234 $70,309$70,309 $99,894- ---
2021 · Form 990EZ period ending 2021-12-31 · view filing · original 990 ↗
$86,198$88,410 $56,934$56,934 $79,670- ---
2014 · Form 990EZ period ending 2014-12-31 · view filing · original 990 ↗
$49,812$45,031 $79,291$79,291 $11,730- ---
2013 · Form 990EZ period ending 2013-12-31 · view filing · original 990 ↗
$94,060$63,207 $75,716$74,510 $18,826- ---
2012 · Form 990EZ period ending 2012-12-31 · view filing · original 990 ↗
$73,368$54,048 $44,958$43,657 $13,621- ---
2011 · Form 990EZ period ending 2011-12-31 · amended · view filing · original 990 ↗
$49,960$25,623 $25,139$24,337 $13,524- ---
2011 · Form 990EZ period ending 2011-12-31 · superseded · view filing · original 990 ↗
$49,960$25,623 $25,139$24,337 $13,524- ---

Funders of this organization

3 grantors reported grants to this organization, $162,538 in all, tax years 2013 to 2024. Exact: the grantor wrote this organization's EIN. Fuzzy: the grantor wrote only a name (foundations' 990-PF has no EIN field), matched to the same or a near-identical name in the same state; the name as filed is shown. From the latest return for each grantor and year, so amended returns aren't counted twice. CSV

GrantorTypeMatchYears givenGrantsTotalLatest yearLatest year's amountGrants
FIDELITY INVESTMENTS CHARITABLE GIFT FUND DAF sponsor Exact 2016-2017, 2019-2024 8$160,000 2024$25,000
show
NATIONAL CHRISTIAN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION DAF sponsor Exact 2013 1$2,500 2013$2,500
show
AMAZONSMILE FOUNDATION Private foundation Fuzzy filed as “BLESS THE ORPHANS INC” 2021-2023 3$38 2023$16
show

Similar organizations

Ranked without any AI: same NTEE code first, then the same NTEE group; then revenue within 2x, 5x or 10x; then the same state; then similar name and mission text. Same state only · More (100)

OrganizationStateNTEELatest revenueLatest expensesTop-paid titleTop payWhy similar
ANAS TREASURESMIP29 $128,812$138,334 PRESIDENT$28,134 Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x, same state
SOCIETY OF ST VINCENT DEPAUL OF GRAND RAPIDS INCMIP29 $135,201$120,846 Grand Rapids District Council President$0 Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x, same state
CEDAR POST INCMIP29 $57,910$53,923 TREASURER$0 Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x, same state
OGEMAW COMMUNITY THRIFT STOREMIP29 $127,818$123,993 PRESIDENT$13,088 Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x, same state
WORTH REPEATINGMIP29 $68,124$49,144 President$0 Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x, same state
COMMUNITY CLOTHING CENTER INCMIP29 $122,965$139,335 TREASURER$0 Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x, same state
THE THRIFT SHOP ASSOCIATION OF YPSILANTIMIP29 $98,238$67,711 President$0 Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x, same state
GOODWILL ASSOCIATION OF MICHIGANMIP29 $65,976$54,915 DIRECTOR$0 Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x, same state
FORGET-ME-NOT THRIFT STOREMIP29 $120,665$126,768 PRESIDENT$0 Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x, same state
MANCELONA FOOD PANTRY & RESALE INCMIP29 $62,703$77,767 President$0 Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x, same state
THRIFT SHOP ASSOCIATION OF MONROEMIP29 $89,575$72,297 President$0 Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x, same state
SOCIETY OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL STS HUBERT JAMES & MICHAEL CONFERENCEMIP29 $139,789$137,054 PRESIDENT$0 Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x, same state
MATTHEWS HOUSEMIP29 $82,033$82,033 MANAGING MEMBER$20,000 Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x, same state
LOTSMIP29 $113,165$92,634 PRESIDENT$0 Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x, same state
THE LESC FOUNDATION INCNYP29 $38,489$17,732 PRESIDENT & CEO$0 Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x
STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART INCCAP29 $91,260$98,019 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR$0 Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x
THREE WOMEN INCWIP29 $63,337$58,355 President & CEO$19,153 Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x
LILIES OF THE FIELD THRIFT STORE IN CVAP29 $105,270$70,034 President$0 Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x
BELIEVE IN BLESSINGS THRIFT SHOPPAP29 $39,916$35,004 PRESIDENT$0 Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x
CASEY THRIFT SHOP INCILP29 $84,373$84,457 TREASURER$0 Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x
SONRISE MINISTRY INCKYP29 $51,109$56,306 SECRETARY/TR$0 Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x
THE GLENDA GOOCH FOUNDATION INCGAP29 $85,107$82,840 CO-CHAIRMAN$0 Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x
FISH INCIDP29 $83,531$77,600 SEC/TREAS$0 Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x
SECOND HAND ROSE THE THRIFT SHOP INCNYP29 $66,996$62,271 Director$0 Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x
VETERANS INDOOR YARDSALEALP29 $45,330$40,124 DIRECTOR$0 Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x

Who funds organizations like this

Grantors that funded the 100 most similar organizations. Ranked by total given to them. Foundations (990-PF) and donor-advised fund sponsors only. Same matching as Funders above (by EIN, or by name for foundations).

GrantorTypeTotal givenGrantsOrganizations fundedYearsWhich ones
HWS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION INC Private foundation$110,0002 12024–2025 THE CHANGING TABLE
FIDELITY INVESTMENTS CHARITABLE GIFT FUND funds this one DAF sponsor$72,5005 32020–2024 STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART INC; GEARIN UP BICYCLES; BASCOMB MISSION THRIFT INC
MORRIS AND GWENDOLYN CAFRITZ FOUNDATION Private foundation$70,0003 12020–2022 GEARIN UP BICYCLES
MAINE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION INC DAF sponsor$60,6652 12023–2024 BAMBINO BASKET INC
STEWART AND LENORE KNIFF FAMILY FOUNDATION INC Private foundation$53,2503 12023–2025 MATTHEWS HOUSE
GREATER WASHINGTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION DAF sponsor$45,0004 12018–2021 GEARIN UP BICYCLES
GILBERT AND AILEEN CHUCK CHARITABLE TR Private foundation$30,0001 12024–2024 CHRISTIANS ACTING TOGETHER INC
OUTRIDE Private foundation$27,5941 12022–2022 GEARIN UP BICYCLES
DENNY AND CANDY ELWELL FOUNDATION Private foundation$25,0004 12022–2025 THE ANKENY KLOTHING EXCHANGE
VANGUARD CHARITABLE ENDOWMENT PROGRAM DAF sponsor$20,0003 12022–2024 TRANSFORMATIONS THRIFT STORE
WHITAKER FOUNDATION INC Private foundation$20,0004 12022–2025 COMMUNITY PARTNERS OF@POWELL COUNTY INC
SERVANT FOUNDATION DAF sponsor$20,0001 12022–2022 ON A MISSION THRIFT INC
GREATER NORTHWEST KANSAS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION DAF sponsor$20,0002 12021–2024 BARGAIN BOX INC
WOODHOUSE FAMILY FOUNDATION Private foundation$19,1009 12016–2024 CLARK FORK VALLEY WOMEN IN TIMBER
THE BLACKBAUD GIVING FUND DAF sponsor$17,4112 22022–2023 THE ANKENY KLOTHING EXCHANGE; THE CHANGING TABLE

The full list · all similar organizations

Where the money went

Every expense line on each return, biggest first: Form 990 Part IX (with its program, management and fundraising columns), 990-EZ Part I, or 990-PF Part I. Event marks lines the organization itself describes as events. “Events” in each summary adds those lines, conferences and meetings, and the direct costs of fundraising events. Unusual is not the same as improper. Many of these patterns have ordinary explanations. Check the filing.

2024 · Form 990EZ · $81,754 spent · pay $0 · grants $78,300 · events $6,741
LineAs describedTotalShare
Grants and similar amounts paid $78,300 95.8%
Other expenses (detail on Schedule O) $1,655 2.0%
Printing, publications, postage $1,274 1.6%
Fees to independent contractors $525 0.6%
Fundraising events Eventdirect expenses; gross income -$6,741reported apart
Total$81,754100%

View the filing

2023 · Form 990EZ · $114,796 spent · pay $0 · grants $109,570 · events $6,309
LineAs describedTotalShare
Grants and similar amounts paid $109,570 95.4%
Printing, publications, postage $3,110 2.7%
Other expenses (detail on Schedule O) $2,116 1.8%
Fundraising events Eventdirect expenses; gross income -$6,309reported apart
Total$114,796100%

View the filing

2022 · Form 990EZ · $92,234 spent · pay $0 · grants $90,089 · events $5,746
LineAs describedTotalShare
Grants and similar amounts paid $90,089 97.7%
Printing, publications, postage $1,157 1.3%
Other expenses (detail on Schedule O) $988 1.1%
Fundraising events Eventdirect expenses; gross income -$5,746reported apart
Total$92,234100%

View the filing

2021 · Form 990EZ · $88,410 spent · pay $0 · grants $84,760 · events $3,772
LineAs describedTotalShare
Grants and similar amounts paid $84,760 95.9%
Printing, publications, postage $2,764 3.1%
Other expenses (detail on Schedule O) $886 1.0%
Fundraising events Eventdirect expenses; gross income -$3,772reported apart
Total$88,410100%

View the filing

2014 · Form 990EZ · $45,031 spent · pay $0 · grants $28,614 · events $2,370
LineAs describedTotalShare
Grants and similar amounts paid $28,614 63.5%
Occupancy, rent, utilities, maintenance $12,437 27.6%
Fees to independent contractors $2,379 5.3%
Other expenses (detail on Schedule O) $1,569 3.5%
Printing, publications, postage $32 0.1%
Fundraising events Eventdirect expenses; gross income -$2,370reported apart
Total$45,031100%

View the filing

2013 · Form 990EZ · $63,207 spent · pay $0 · grants $32,252 · events $3,041
LineAs describedTotalShare
Grants and similar amounts paid $32,252 51.0%
Occupancy, rent, utilities, maintenance $19,563 31.0%
Fees to independent contractors $6,488 10.3%
Other expenses (detail on Schedule O) $4,883 7.7%
Printing, publications, postage $21 0.0%
Fundraising events Eventdirect expenses; gross income -$3,041reported apart
Total$63,207100%

View the filing

2012 · Form 990EZ · $54,048 spent · pay $0 · grants $19,590 · events $2,376
LineAs describedTotalShare
Occupancy, rent, utilities, maintenance $31,890 59.0%
Grants and similar amounts paid $19,590 36.2%
Other expenses (detail on Schedule O) $1,595 3.0%
Fees to independent contractors $973 1.8%
Fundraising events Eventdirect expenses; gross income -$2,376reported apart
Total$54,048100%

View the filing

2011 · Form 990EZ · $25,623 spent · pay $0 · grants $1,500 · events $2,660
LineAs describedTotalShare
Occupancy, rent, utilities, maintenance $21,416 83.6%
Other expenses (detail on Schedule O) $2,707 10.6%
Grants and similar amounts paid $1,500 5.9%
Fundraising events Eventdirect expenses; gross income -$2,660reported apart
Total$25,623100%

View the filing