Disability Rights Mississippi does not meet the following 2 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.
DRMS does not meet this Standard because:
- The organization has not completed an effectiveness assessment in the last two years.
Standard 18 (Privacy for Written Appeals & Internet Privacy)
Address privacy concerns of donors by (a) providing in written appeals, at least annually, a means (e.g., such as a check off box) for both new and continuing donors to inform the charity if they do not want their name and address shared outside the organization, (b) providing a clear, prominent and easily accessible privacy policy on any of its websites that tells visitors (i) what information, if any, is being collected about them by the charity and how this information will be used, (ii) how to contact the charity to review personal information collected and request corrections, (iii) how to inform the charity (e.g., a check off box) that the visitor does not wish his/her personal information to be shared outside the organization, and (iv) what security measures the charity has in place to protect personal information.
DRMS does not meet this Standard because:
- The organization's website, http://www.drms.ms/, does not provide access to a privacy policy.
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:
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Disability Rights Mississippi meets the remaining 17 Standards for Charity Accountability.
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Year, State Incorporated
1983, MS
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Stated Purpose
"to promote, protect and advocate for the legal and human rights of all people with disabilities, and to assist them with full inclusion in home, community, education and employment."
Disability Rights Mississippi (DRMS) reports that it serves to protect and advocate for the rights of individuals with disabilities across the state of Mississippi. The organization advocates for accommodations in the classroom, employment accessibility and benefits, medicaid rights, increased community-based services and supports, equal access to the electoral process, accessible transportation, and affordable and accessible housing. DRMS states that it works closely with local communities across the state to ensure that the organization is prioritizing the needs of its constituents and stakeholders. In addition, the organization reports that it investigates complaints of abuse or neglect on behalf of individuals with physical or mental disabilities and files suit on behalf of its clients free of charge.
For the year ended September 30, 2019, Disability Rights Mississippi's program expenses were:
| Developmental disabilities |
$345,136 |
| Mental illness |
$214,597 |
| Representative payee |
$189,601 |
| Individual rights |
$140,026 |
| Assistive technology |
$51,025 |
| Voter access |
$46,313 |
| Beneficiaries of social security |
$45,540 |
| Traumatic brain injury |
$41,451 |
| Family support |
$17,880 |
| Developmental Disabilities Council |
$1,033 |
| Total Program Expenses: |
$1,092,602 |
*2018 compensation includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.
Method(s) Used:
Grant proposals, Internet, Invitations to fund raising events, Print advertisements (newspapers, magazines, etc.)
Fundraising costs were 1% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $1,397,823 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 Disability Rights Mississippi's audited financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2019.
| Source of Funds |
| Federal grants |
$1,391,436 |
| Contributions |
$6,387 |
| Other income |
$463 |
| Total Income |
$1,398,286 |
- Programs: 78%
- Administrative: 22%
- Fundraising: Less than 1%
| Total Income |
$1,398,286 |
| Program expenses |
$1,092,602 |
| Fundraising expenses |
$8,974 |
| Administrative expenses |
$303,221 |
| Other expenses |
$0 |
| Total expenses: |
$1,404,797 |
| Income in Excess of Expenses |
$-6,511 |
| Beginning Net Assets |
$16,589 |
| Other Changes In Net Assets |
$0 |
| Ending Net Assets |
$10,078 |
| Total Liabilities |
$130,546 |
| Total Assets |
$140,624 |