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CHARITY REVIEW
Issued: April 2023 Expires: June 2025

Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan

Accredited Charity
Accredited Charity

Meets Standards
(866) 665-7451
160 68th St SW Ste 110
Grand Rapids, MI, 49548-7145
https://www.dsawm.org
📄 Full Report 🖨️ Print 📋 BBB Charity Standards

Standards For Charity Accountability

Governance

  1. Board Oversight
  2. Board Size
  3. Board Meetings
  4. Board Compensation
  5. Conflict of Interest

Measuring Effectiveness

  1. Effectiveness Policy
  2. Effectiveness Report

Finances

  1. Program Expenses
  2. Fundraising Expenses
  3. Accumulating Funds
  4. Audit Report
  5. Detailed Expense Breakdown
  6. Accurate Expense Reporting
  7. Budget Plan

Fundraising & Info

  1. Truthful Materials
  2. Annual Report
  3. Website Disclosures
  4. Donor Privacy
  5. Cause Marketing Disclosures
  6. Complaints

Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.

RE: Standard 8 - According to the charity's Audited Financial Statements for the year-ended 12/31/2021, the charity spent $209,437.00, or 60.29%, of its total expenses ($347,392.00) on program service activities. However, historically the program services runs at 71% and the budget for the next year is at 71%. While reviewing this, the Executive Director states that for 2021 Functional Expense amounts for staff were distributed to administration rather than program services, hence the disparity from year's past and the upcoming year. This will fall in line with the Standard's requirement of at least 65% spent on program services.

Stated Purpose:
The Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan strives to create communities that embrace Down syndrome, empower individuals and promote opportunities for meaningful lives.

Year, State Incorporated:
1985, MI

Beginning in 1985, Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan has been addressing barriers and providing support opportunities for people with Down syndrome and their families. Programs are available and broken down for all age groups, early stages, school ages, teens and adults, parents, educators and medical professionals. The programs include group gatherings and outings, educational trainings and material, play groups and sports and recreation activities. For educators, the association provides DSA press and weekly updates, Teacher information packet and workshops and conferences. For medical Professionals, the association provides prenatal testing and diagnosis resources as well as medical care connections. The Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan also provides a financial assistance program. They are designed to provide financial support to families of persons with Down syndrome who need help with certain Down syndrome-related expenses. DSAWM programs and services are designed to address barriers and support opportunities for people with Down syndrome and their families. All programs and services for families are free with In Area family membership.

For the year ended December 31, 2021, Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan's program expenses were:

Program Services $209,437
Total Program Expenses $209,437

Chair of the Board
Maria Nykerk, Customer Contact

Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation

Board Size
8

Paid Staff Size
5

Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Invitations to fund raising events, Grant proposals, Membership appeals, Appeals via Social Media (Facebook, etc.)

% of Related Contributions on Fundraising: 15.30%

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 Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan's audited financial statements - combined for the year ended December 31, 2021.

Source of Funds
Public Support $205,356
Fundraising Events $88,816
Grant Revenue $56,000
Governmental Grants $37,374
Member Dues $4,258
Total Income $391,804

Programs: 60% Fundraising: 17% Administrative: 23%

Total Income $391,804
Total expenses: $347,392
  Program expenses $209,437
  Fundraising expenses $59,295
  Administrative expenses $78,660
  Other expenses $0
Income in Excess of Expenses $44,412
Beginning Net Assets $98,062
Other Changes In Net Assets $0
Ending Net Assets $142,474
Total Liabilities $9,411
Total Assets $0

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.

RELATED CONTENT

Report completed by:
BBB Serving Western Michigan