Desai Foundation
Standards For Charity Accountability
Governance
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Board Oversight
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Board Size
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Board Meetings
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Board Compensation
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Conflict of Interest
Measuring Effectiveness
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Effectiveness Policy
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Effectiveness Report
Finances
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Program Expenses
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Fundraising Expenses
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Accumulating Funds
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Audit Report
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Detailed Expense Breakdown
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Accurate Expense Reporting
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Budget Plan
Fundraising & Info
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Truthful Materials
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Annual Report
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Website Disclosures
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Donor Privacy
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Cause Marketing Disclosures
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Complaints
Desai Foundation does not meet the following 7 Standards for Charity Accountability:
Standard 7 (Board Approval of Written Report on Effectiveness)
Submit to the organization's governing body, for its approval, a written report that outlines the results of the aforementioned performance and effectiveness assessment and recommendations for future actions.
Desai Foundation does not meet this Standard because:
- The organization did not produce a written report outlining the results of its June 2024 effectiveness assessment.
Standard 8 (Program Service Expense Ratio)
Spend at least 65% of its total expenses on program activities.
Desai Foundation does not meet this Standard because:
- According to its audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023, the organization spent $800,057 or 62% of its total expenses on programs.
Standard 9 (Fund Raising Expense Ratio)
Spending should be no more than 35% of related contributions on fund raising. Related contributions include donations, legacies, and other gifts received as a result of fund raising efforts.
Desai Foundation does not meet this Standard because:
- According to its audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023, the organization's fundraising costs were 37% ($229,757) of related contributions, which totaled $625,547.
Standard 10 (Ending Net Assets)
Avoid accumulating funds that could be used for current program activities. To meet this standard, the charity's unrestricted net assets available for use should not be more than three times the size of the past year's expenses or three times the size of the current year's budget, whichever is higher.
Desai Foundation does not meet this Standard because:
- According to the organization's audited financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2023, the organization's total unrestricted net assets were $4,775,952 or 3.7 times the charity's total expenses of $1,297,719.
Standard 14 (Budget)
Have a board-approved annual budget for its current fiscal year, outlining projected expenses for major program activities, fund raising, and administration.
Desai Foundation does not meet this Standard because:
- The organization did not produce a 2025 budget.
Standard 16 (Annual Report)
Have an annual report available to all, on request, that includes: (a) the organization's mission statement, (b) a summary of the past year's program service accomplishments, (c) a roster of the officers and members of the board of directors, (d) financial information that includes (i) total income in the past fiscal year, (ii) expenses in the same program, fund raising and administrative categories as in the financial statements, and (iii) ending net assets.
Desai Foundation does not meet this Standard because the 2023 annual report does not include:
- Financial information that matches the organization's audited financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2023.
Standard 17 (Web Site Disclosures)
Include on any charity websites that solicit contributions, the same information that is recommended for annual reports, as well as the mailing address of the charity and electronic access to its most recent IRS Form 990.
Desai Foundation does not meet this Standard because the organization’s website, https://thedesaifoundation.org/, does not include all of the recommended information for those charity websites that solicit for donations. Specifically, it does not include:
- Electronic access to the organization’s 2022 IRS Form 990.
The BBB Wise Giving Alliance requested but did not receive complete information from the organization and is unable to verify the organization's compliance with the following Standard(s) for Charity Accountability: 1, 3, 15, 18
Desai Foundation meets the remaining 9 Standards for Charity Accountability.
Stated Purpose:
"to improve social and economic life in the villages of India and to develop and implement educational programs to promote Indian culture and heritage in the United States."
Year, State Incorporated:
1997, MA
The Desai Foundation reports that it delivers a range of community-based programs aimed at improving health, promoting gender equity, and enhancing livelihood opportunities in rural India. The organization conducts health camps and awareness sessions covering gynecology, pediatrics, eye care, vaccinations, and general check-ups. The Asani Sanitary Napkin Program trains rural women (Sanginis) to produce and distribute affordable sanitary pads, promoting both menstrual health and financial independence. The program also includes educational outreach to men and boys to reduce stigma and foster gender equity. The Heroes for Humanity (HFH) initiative trains community members to serve as local health facilitators and Help Desk operators, guiding residents in accessing government and financial services. Plans are underway to formalize the program with certification, internships, and job placements. Desai Foundation reports that it has trained 100 women in EV rickshaw operation and solar panel maintenance. This initiative provides access to employment in renewable energy sectors, builds technical skills, and supports safer transportation for women in rural areas. The organization's vocational training in areas such as sewing, beautician services, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship strives to enable participants to earn sustainable incomes and develop market-relevant skills.
For the year ended June 30, 2023, Desai Foundation's program expenses were:
| Program services | $800,057 |
| Total Program Expenses | $800,057 |
Chief Executive
Megha Desai, President
Chair of the Board
Samir Desai
Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
Founder, Desai Foundation
Board Size
10
Paid Staff Size
8
*2022 compensation includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.
Note: The organization reports that Ms. Desai does not receive any compensation.
Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Telephone appeals, Invitations to fund raising events, Print advertisements (newspapers, magazines, etc.), Grant proposals, Internet, Planned giving arrangements, Membership appeals, Cryptocurrency
Fundraising costs were 37% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $625,547, are donations received as a result of fundraising activities.)
This organization is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes.
The following information is based on Desai Foundation's audited financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2023.
Source of Funds
| Contributions | $455,787 |
| Special events, net | $169,760 |
| Interest and dividends | $106,799 |
| Realized and unrealized gains on investments, net | $106,529 |
| Total Income | $838,875 |
Programs: 62% Fundraising: 18% Administrative: 21%
| Total Income | $838,875 |
| Total expenses: | $1,297,719 |
| Program expenses | $800,057 |
| Fundraising expenses | $229,757 |
| Administrative expenses | $267,905 |
| Other expenses | $0 |
| Income in Excess of Expenses | $-458,844 |
| Beginning Net Assets | $5,234,796 |
| Other Changes In Net Assets | $0 |
| Ending Net Assets | $4,775,952 |
| Total Liabilities | $105,290 |
| Total Assets | $4,881,242 |
An organization may change its practices at any time without notice. A copy of this report has been shared with the organization prior to publication. It is not intended to recommend or deprecate, and is furnished solely to assist you in exercising your own judgment. If the report is about a charity and states the charity meets or does not meet the Standards for Charity Accountability, it reflects the results of an evaluation of information and materials provided voluntarily by the charity. The name Better Business Bureau is a registered service mark of the International Association of Better Business Bureaus.
This report is not to be used for fundraising or promotional purposes.
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Meets Standards
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Standards Not Met
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Review in Progress
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Unable to Verify
Report completed by:
BBB Wise Giving Alliance