irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2024
What they reported doing
- #1 primary $265KTHE SOAPMAKERS GUILD CONDUCTS AN ANNUAL CONFERENCE OFFER ITS MEMBERS WHICH PROVIDES THE MEMBERSHIP WITH EDUCATIONAL, NETWORKING AND SOCIAL INTERACTION WITH THEIR PEERS AND OTHER ELEMENTS OF THE INDUSTRY.
- #2 $0THE SOAPMAKERS GUILD ALSO PROVIDES INDUSTRY SOAPMAKERR CERTIFICATION SERVICES TO ITS MEMBERS.
named programs · 4 · from sources
What they call their work
Annual Conference
Provides educational sessions, networking, and social interaction for member soap and cosmetic makers.
Legislative Advocacy
Monitors and influences state and federal regulations affecting handcrafted soap and cosmetic makers, including MoCRA compliance.
Member Certification Program
Offers soap and cosmetic maker certification services to members to enhance credibility and skills.
Resource Center
Provides educational content including how-to videos, podcasts, business tools, and compliance guidance.
activities · 8 groups
What they do
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Industry and Community Recognition Awards 1 activity
- Expands membership and industry recognition through inclusion and awardsExtended membership eligibility to include handcrafted cosmetics and candle makers and grants Memorial Awards to honor members who have made significant lifetime contributions to the organization and the broader industry.
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Professional Networking Events 1 activity
- Hosts annual conference for handcrafted soap, cosmetic, and candle makersOrganizes an annual four-day conference offering educational sessions, networking, and social interaction opportunities for members and non-members, which has been held nearly every year for almost 28 years. The event includes classes on soap and cosmetic making and serves as a platform for professional growth and community building.
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Professional Ethics & Dispute Resolution 1 activity
- Maintains an Ethics Committee to uphold professional standardsOperates an Ethics Committee responsible for receiving and reviewing complaints related to member compliance with the HSCG Code of Ethics, ensuring accountability and integrity within the membership.
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Artist Marketplace Operations 1 activity
- Operates a Maker Marketplace for member businessesRuns an online marketplace that enables member artisans to reach new customers and fulfill custom orders, supporting the growth and visibility of small handcrafted soap and cosmetic businesses.
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Toxic Chemicals and Plastics Reform 1 activity
- Promotes sustainable practices and reduces plastic wasteEngages in initiatives to promote environmentally sustainable practices among handcrafted soap and cosmetic makers and consumers, with a focus on reducing plastic waste in the industry.
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Professional Certification and Continuing Education 1 activity
- Provides certification programs for handcrafted soap and cosmetic makersOffers a Member Soap and Cosmetic Maker Certification Program and other certification services to help members advance their skills, demonstrate professional credibility, and grow their businesses.
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Member-Exclusive Resource Access 1 activity
- Provides educational resources and tools for makersOffers classes, videos, podcasts, reference materials, a specialized lye calculator, an ingredient database, and tools to support compliance with regulations such as MoCRA, enabling members to improve their skills, ensure product safety, and expand their businesses.
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Uncategorized 2 activities
- Conducts legislative and regulatory advocacy for the handcrafted industryRepresents the handcrafted soap, cosmetic, and candle industry in meetings with Congress and federal agencies, monitors relevant legislation and regulations, and advocates for favorable policies. Efforts have led to the introduction of at least one bill annually since 2008 and include direct engagement with lawmakers and regulatory bodies such as the FDA.
- Offers affordable insurance options to small handcrafted businessesProvides access to specialized, low-cost insurance products tailored to the needs of small handcrafted soap, cosmetic, and candle businesses, helping them manage risk and operate securely.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$2.37M
Contributions & grants$860K36%
Program service revenue$1.50M63%
Investment income$00%
Other revenue$6K
expenses
Total expenses$2.37M
Program expenses92%
Admin / overhead8%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$448K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$143K
Cash$129K
Investments$0
Liabilities$197K
Net assets$-54K
Liquid reserves0.7 mo
4 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +1.6%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEIGH O'DONNELL | EXECUTIVE DI | 40 | $155K |
board members · 5
- REBECCA FORD — MEMBER
- SARA GOLDING — SECRETARY/TR
- STEPHANIE FALSETTA — PRESIDENT
- STONEY MORRIS — MEMBER
- TRACEY HEPPES — VICE PRESIDE
relationships · 10
Who they work with
- Carnahan Global Consulting Partner — Partners with Carnahan Global Consulting to represent members in Washington, D.C., shaping legislative strategy and monitoring federal policy.
- Congress Government — Represents the handcrafted soap and cosmetic industry in meetings with members of Congress regarding legislation and regulation.
- Facebook Partner — Hosts a private Facebook group for member connection and community engagement.
- Federal Drug Administration Government — Engages with the FDA on cosmetic safety regulations, including submitting petitions and disseminating safety alerts to members.
- Federal Trade Commission Government — Federal agency whose regulations members are expected to follow for truthful marketing and advertising practices.
- Food and Drug Administration Government — Federal agency whose regulations members are expected to follow for product safety and labeling compliance.
- HSCG Vendors Partner — Provides access to quality supplies and equipment through HSCG Vendors for members and makers.
- Mohegan Sun Resort Partner — Planned venue partner for the 2026 Annual Conference in Mystic, CT.
- Woodspirits Farm Partner — Hosted the founding gathering of the organization in 1998.
- state and federal lawmakers Government — Works with lawmakers to advocate for regulations that support handcrafted soap and cosmetic businesses.
strategies · 5
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Four-Pillar Industry Supportmethodology: four_pillar_industry_supportBy supporting the handcrafted soap and cosmetic industry through coordinated promotion, communication, education, and representation, the HSCG strengthens sector resilience and professionalization because these four functions collectively address the systemic needs of a decentralized craft community.
- Member-Led Advocacy for Regulatory Balancemethodology: balanced_regulatory_advocacyBy combining legislative monitoring with stakeholder education and balanced regulatory advocacy, the HSCG influences policy outcomes that protect consumer safety while preserving small-scale producers’ operational viability, because informed, member-driven advocacy ensures regulations are proportionate and practical for home-based businesses.
- Plastic Waste Reduction Through Product Substitutionmethodology: plastic_waste_reduction_through_product_substitutionBy advocating for bar soap as a replacement for liquid body wash, the HSCG reduces single-use plastic waste because shifting consumer behavior toward durable, package-free alternatives directly decreases plastic pollution at scale.
- Professional Certification as Market Trust Buildermethodology: professional_certificationBy offering tiered, rigorous certification programs and maintaining a certified instructor network, the HSCG advances industry standards and member credibility because validated expertise increases consumer trust and supports professional development within a self-regulated craft sector.
- Unbiased Education to Ensure Instructional Integritymethodology: unbiased_educationBy providing expert-led, sales-free education, the HSCG ensures that learning builds genuine skill and trust, because removing commercial influence from instruction fosters credibility, equity, and long-term industry growth.