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:
6
National Down Syndrome Society meets the remaining 19 Standards for Charity Accountability.
BBB WGA Comment
In finding that NDSS meets Standard 10, which calls for total unrestricted net assets to be no more than 3 times the previous year's expenses, BBB WGA considered the fact that, although the organization reports unrestricted assets of $10,320,503 which is 3.6 times total 2019 expenses of $2,847,624, this increase was due to the sale of property in 2016, which NDSS has been spending down since the sale was made. BBB WGA will look for this ratio to be at or below 3 times by the next evaluation of NDSS in order to continue meeting this Standard.
National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) reports that it supports and advocates for the Down syndrome community by focusing on three key areas of programming: Resources and Support, Policy and Advocacy, and Community Engagement. Within these focus areas, the organization engages in various activities, events, and programs. Among these are the National Advocacy and Public Policy Center; resources to support individuals with Down syndrome, their families and caregivers through the lifespan; education and employment; as well as community events like the National Buddy Walk Program and New York City Buddy Walk, the annual NDSS Gala and Auction, Racing for 3.21 for World Down Syndrome Day, Run for 3.21 and various Team NDSS charity racing events across the country.
For the year ended June 30, 2020, National Down Syndrome Society's program expenses were:
Community relations |
$788,820 |
Public policy |
$633,717 |
Public awareness |
$451,321 |
Buddy Walks |
$265,245 |
Total Program Expenses: |
$2,139,103 |
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Chief Executive
Kandi Pickard, President and Chief Executive Officer
-
Compensation*
$142,242
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Chair of the Board
Charles Symington
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Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
Senior Vice President of External, Industry & Government Affairs, Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America
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Board Size
24
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Paid Staff Size
20
*2019 compensation includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.
Note: Ms. Pickard became President and Chief Executive Officer on May 1, 2019. In 2019, the previous President and Chief Executive Officer, Sara Hart Weir, received $95,219 in compensation.
Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Grant proposals, Internet, Invitations to fund raising events, Cause- related marketing (affinity credit cards, consumer product sales, etc.)
Fundraising costs were 16% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $2,899,101, 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 National Down Syndrome Society's audited financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2020.
Source of Funds |
Contributions |
$1,923,558 |
Investment income |
$502,179 |
National Buddy Walk |
$377,793 |
Special events, net |
$370,432 |
In-kind contributions |
$227,318 |
Miscellaneous income |
$16,097 |
Total Income |
$3,417,377 |
- Programs: 76%
- Fundraising: 16%
- Administrative: 8%
Total Income |
$3,417,377 |
Program expenses |
$2,139,103 |
Fundraising expenses |
$458,314 |
Administrative expenses |
$250,207 |
Other expenses |
$0 |
Total expenses: |
$2,847,624 |
Income in Excess of Expenses |
$569,753 |
Beginning Net Assets |
$11,173,807 |
Other Changes In Net Assets |
$0 |
Ending Net Assets |
$11,743,560 |
Total Liabilities |
$653,643 |
Total Assets |
$12,397,203 |
Note: According to the organization's audited financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2020, NDSS received in-kind gifts totaling $227,318 in the form of consultation and personnel fees ($94,695), annual benefit auction items ($77,820), NYC Buddy Walk advertising ($38,258), golf outing ($9,195), and other ($7,350).