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Each tax year counts once: when a return was amended, only the latest return for that period is used below (superseded returns stay listed, greyed, under Finances).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.
| Name | Latest title | Years | Hrs/wk (latest) | Compensation | Organizations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melanie Lake | PRESIDENT | 2021-2024 | 3 | $0 reported | 1 |
| Melissa Thurston | VICE PRESIDE | 2021-2024 | 0 | $0 reported | 1 |
| Barbara Kruis | SECRETARY | 2021-2024 | 0 | $0 reported | 1 |
| Patricia Myers | TREASURER | 2021-2024 | 20 | $0 reported | 1 |
| Carole Degennaro | BOARD MEMBER | 2021-2024 | 0 | $0 reported | 1 |
| Leslie Tiff-Hammond | BOARD MEMBER | 2021-2024 | 0 | $0 reported | 1 |
| Nate Bishop | BOARD MEMBER | 2021-2024 | 0 | $0 reported | 1 |
| Douglas Campbell (former) | BOARD MEMBER | 2021-2023 | 0 | $0 reported | 1 |
| Pat Myers (former) | PRESIDENT | 2013-2014 | 40 | $0 reported | 1 |
| Melanie Myers (former) | VICE PRESIDE | 2011-2014 | 0 | $0 reported | 1 |
| Connie Timmer (former) | TREASURER | 2011-2014 | 0 | $0 reported | 1 |
| Barb Kruis (former) | SECRETARY | 2011-2014 | 3 | $0 reported | 1 |
| Mary Ann Church (former) | BOARD MEMBER | 2011-2014 | 5 | $0 reported | 1 |
| Jeri Hadley (former) | BOARD MEMBER | 2013-2014 | 4 | $0 reported | 1 |
| Carol Degennaro (former) | BOARD MEMBER | 2011-2014 | 0 | $0 reported | 1 |
| Patty Meyer (former) | PRESIDENT | 2011-2012 | 46 | $0 reported | 1 |
| Jerie Hadley (former) | BOARD MEMBER | 2011-2012 | 6 | $0 reported | 1 |
People by year
2024 · 7 people listed · none paid
| Name | Title | Hrs/wk | From org | From related | Other | Total | Orgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MELANIE LAKE | PRESIDENT | 3 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| MELISSA THURSTON | VICE PRESIDE | 0 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| BARBARA KRUIS | SECRETARY | 0 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| PATRICIA MYERS | TREASURER | 20 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| CAROLE DEGENNARO | BOARD MEMBER | 0 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| LESLIE TIFF-HAMMOND | BOARD MEMBER | 0 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| NATE BISHOP | BOARD MEMBER | 0 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
2023 · 8 people listed · none paid
| Name | Title | Hrs/wk | From org | From related | Other | Total | Orgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MELANIE LAKE | PRESIDENT | 3 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| MELISSA THURSTON | VICE PRESIDE | 0 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| BARBARA KRUIS | SECRETARY | 0 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| PATRICIA MYERS | TREASURER | 20 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| CAROLE DEGENNARO | BOARD MEMBER | 0 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| LESLIE TIFF-HAMMOND | BOARD MEMBER | 0 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| NATE BISHOP | BOARD MEMBER | 0 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| DOUGLAS CAMPBELL | BOARD MEMBER | 0 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
2022 · 8 people listed · none paid
| Name | Title | Hrs/wk | From org | From related | Other | Total | Orgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MELANIE LAKE | PRESIDENT | 3 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| MELISSA THURSTON | VICE PRESIDE | 0 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| BARBARA KRUIS | SECRETARY | 0 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| PATRICIA MYERS | TREASURER | 20 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| CAROLE DEGENNARO | BOARD MEMBER | 0 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| LESLIE TIFF-HAMMOND | BOARD MEMBER | 0 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| NATE BISHOP | BOARD MEMBER | 0 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| DOUGLAS CAMPBELL | BOARD MEMBER | 0 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
2021 · 8 people listed · none paid
| Name | Title | Hrs/wk | From org | From related | Other | Total | Orgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MELANIE LAKE | PRESIDENT | 3 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| MELISSA THURSTON | VICE PRESIDE | 0 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| BARBARA KRUIS | SECRETARY | 0 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| PATRICIA MYERS | TREASURER | 20 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| CAROLE DEGENNARO | BOARD MEMBER | 0 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| LESLIE TIFF-HAMMOND | BOARD MEMBER | 0 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| NATE BISHOP | BOARD MEMBER | 0 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| DOUGLAS CAMPBELL | BOARD MEMBER | 0 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
2014 · 7 people listed · none paid
| Name | Title | Hrs/wk | From org | From related | Other | Total | Orgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PAT MYERS | PRESIDENT | 40 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| MELANIE MYERS | VICE PRESIDE | 0 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| CONNIE TIMMER | TREASURER | 0 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| BARB KRUIS | SECRETARY | 3 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| MARY ANN CHURCH | BOARD MEMBER | 5 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| JERI HADLEY | BOARD MEMBER | 4 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| CAROL DEGENNARO | BOARD MEMBER | 0 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
2013 · 7 people listed · none paid
| Name | Title | Hrs/wk | From org | From related | Other | Total | Orgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PAT MYERS | PRESIDENT | 46 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| MELANIE MYERS | VICE PRESIDE | 0 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| CONNIE TIMMER | TREASURER | 1 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| BARB KRUIS | SECRETARY | 5 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| MARY ANN CHURCH | BOARD MEMBER | 10 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| JERI HADLEY | BOARD MEMBER | 6 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| CAROL DEGENNARO | BOARD MEMBER | 0 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
2012 · 7 people listed · none paid
| Name | Title | Hrs/wk | From org | From related | Other | Total | Orgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PATTY MEYER | PRESIDENT | 46 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| CONNIE TIMMER | TREASURER | 1 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| BARB KRUIS | BOARD MEMBER | 5 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| CAROL DEGENNARO | BOARD MEMBER | 0 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| JERIE HADLEY | BOARD MEMBER | 6 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| MARY ANN CHURCH | BOARD MEMBER | 10 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| MELANIE MYERS | VICE PRESIDE | 0 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
2011 · 7 people listed · none paid
| Name | Title | Hrs/wk | From org | From related | Other | Total | Orgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PATTY MEYER | PRESIDENT | 60 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| CONNIE TIMMER | TREASURER | 2 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| BARB KRUIS | BOARD MEMBER | 4 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| CAROL DEGENNARO | BOARD MEMBER | 0 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| JERIE HADLEY | BOARD MEMBER | 24 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| MARY ANN CHURCH | BOARD MEMBER | 28 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
| MELANIE MYERS | VICE PRESIDE | 3 | $0 | - | - | $0 | 1 |
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.
| Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Net assets | Contributions | Program revenue | Officer pay | Employees | Volunteers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 · Form 990EZ | ||||||||
| $75,218 | $81,754 | $65,943 | $65,943 | $66,097 | - | - | - | - |
| 2023 · Form 990EZ | ||||||||
| $116,966 | $114,796 | $72,479 | $72,479 | $109,287 | - | - | - | - |
| 2022 · Form 990EZ | ||||||||
| $105,609 | $92,234 | $70,309 | $70,309 | $99,894 | - | - | - | - |
| 2021 · Form 990EZ | ||||||||
| $86,198 | $88,410 | $56,934 | $56,934 | $79,670 | - | - | - | - |
| 2014 · Form 990EZ | ||||||||
| $49,812 | $45,031 | $79,291 | $79,291 | $11,730 | - | - | - | - |
| 2013 · Form 990EZ | ||||||||
| $94,060 | $63,207 | $75,716 | $74,510 | $18,826 | - | - | - | - |
| 2012 · Form 990EZ | ||||||||
| $73,368 | $54,048 | $44,958 | $43,657 | $13,621 | - | - | - | - |
| 2011 · Form 990EZ | ||||||||
| $49,960 | $25,623 | $25,139 | $24,337 | $13,524 | - | - | - | - |
| 2011 · Form 990EZ | ||||||||
| $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
| Grantor | Type | Match | Years given | Grants | Total | Latest year | Latest year's amount | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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)
| Organization | State | NTEE | Latest revenue | Latest expenses | Top-paid title | Top pay | Why similar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANAS TREASURES | MI | P29 | $128,812 | $138,334 | PRESIDENT | $28,134 | Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x, same state |
| SOCIETY OF ST VINCENT DEPAUL OF GRAND RAPIDS INC | MI | P29 | $135,201 | $120,846 | Grand Rapids District Council President | $0 | Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x, same state |
| CEDAR POST INC | MI | P29 | $57,910 | $53,923 | TREASURER | $0 | Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x, same state |
| OGEMAW COMMUNITY THRIFT STORE | MI | P29 | $127,818 | $123,993 | PRESIDENT | $13,088 | Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x, same state |
| WORTH REPEATING | MI | P29 | $68,124 | $49,144 | President | $0 | Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x, same state |
| COMMUNITY CLOTHING CENTER INC | MI | P29 | $122,965 | $139,335 | TREASURER | $0 | Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x, same state |
| THE THRIFT SHOP ASSOCIATION OF YPSILANTI | MI | P29 | $98,238 | $67,711 | President | $0 | Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x, same state |
| GOODWILL ASSOCIATION OF MICHIGAN | MI | P29 | $65,976 | $54,915 | DIRECTOR | $0 | Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x, same state |
| FORGET-ME-NOT THRIFT STORE | MI | P29 | $120,665 | $126,768 | PRESIDENT | $0 | Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x, same state |
| MANCELONA FOOD PANTRY & RESALE INC | MI | P29 | $62,703 | $77,767 | President | $0 | Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x, same state |
| THRIFT SHOP ASSOCIATION OF MONROE | MI | P29 | $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 CONFERENCE | MI | P29 | $139,789 | $137,054 | PRESIDENT | $0 | Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x, same state |
| MATTHEWS HOUSE | MI | P29 | $82,033 | $82,033 | MANAGING MEMBER | $20,000 | Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x, same state |
| LOTS | MI | P29 | $113,165 | $92,634 | PRESIDENT | $0 | Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x, same state |
| THE LESC FOUNDATION INC | NY | P29 | $38,489 | $17,732 | PRESIDENT & CEO | $0 | Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x |
| STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART INC | CA | P29 | $91,260 | $98,019 | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | $0 | Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x |
| THREE WOMEN INC | WI | P29 | $63,337 | $58,355 | President & CEO | $19,153 | Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x |
| LILIES OF THE FIELD THRIFT STORE IN C | VA | P29 | $105,270 | $70,034 | President | $0 | Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x |
| BELIEVE IN BLESSINGS THRIFT SHOP | PA | P29 | $39,916 | $35,004 | PRESIDENT | $0 | Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x |
| CASEY THRIFT SHOP INC | IL | P29 | $84,373 | $84,457 | TREASURER | $0 | Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x |
| SONRISE MINISTRY INC | KY | P29 | $51,109 | $56,306 | SECRETARY/TR | $0 | Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x |
| THE GLENDA GOOCH FOUNDATION INC | GA | P29 | $85,107 | $82,840 | CO-CHAIRMAN | $0 | Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x |
| FISH INC | ID | P29 | $83,531 | $77,600 | SEC/TREAS | $0 | Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x |
| SECOND HAND ROSE THE THRIFT SHOP INC | NY | P29 | $66,996 | $62,271 | Director | $0 | Same NTEE code P29, revenue within 2x |
| VETERANS INDOOR YARDSALE | AL | P29 | $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).
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
| Line | As described | Total | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 Event | direct expenses; gross income - | $6,741 | reported apart |
| Total | $81,754 | 100% |
2023 · Form 990EZ · $114,796 spent · pay $0 · grants $109,570 · events $6,309
| Line | As described | Total | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 Event | direct expenses; gross income - | $6,309 | reported apart |
| Total | $114,796 | 100% |
2022 · Form 990EZ · $92,234 spent · pay $0 · grants $90,089 · events $5,746
| Line | As described | Total | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 Event | direct expenses; gross income - | $5,746 | reported apart |
| Total | $92,234 | 100% |
2021 · Form 990EZ · $88,410 spent · pay $0 · grants $84,760 · events $3,772
| Line | As described | Total | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 Event | direct expenses; gross income - | $3,772 | reported apart |
| Total | $88,410 | 100% |
2014 · Form 990EZ · $45,031 spent · pay $0 · grants $28,614 · events $2,370
| Line | As described | Total | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 Event | direct expenses; gross income - | $2,370 | reported apart |
| Total | $45,031 | 100% |
2013 · Form 990EZ · $63,207 spent · pay $0 · grants $32,252 · events $3,041
| Line | As described | Total | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 Event | direct expenses; gross income - | $3,041 | reported apart |
| Total | $63,207 | 100% |
2012 · Form 990EZ · $54,048 spent · pay $0 · grants $19,590 · events $2,376
| Line | As described | Total | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 Event | direct expenses; gross income - | $2,376 | reported apart |
| Total | $54,048 | 100% |
2011 · Form 990EZ · $25,623 spent · pay $0 · grants $1,500 · events $2,660
| Line | As described | Total | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 Event | direct expenses; gross income - | $2,660 | reported apart |
| Total | $25,623 | 100% |