VisionSpring does not meet the following 2 Standards for Charity Accountability:
Standard 6 (Board Policy on Effectiveness)
Have a board policy of assessing, no less than every two years, the organization's performance and effectiveness and of determining future actions required to achieve its mission.
VisionSpring does not meet this Standard because:
- The board of directors does not have a written policy stating that, at least every two years, an appraisal be done assessing the organization?s performance and effectiveness and determining future actions required to achieve its mission.
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.
VisionSpring does not meet this Standard because:
- The organization did not produce a written report outlining the results of its February 2021 effectiveness assessment.
VisionSpring meets the remaining 18 Standards for Charity Accountability.
VisionSpring reports that it works to create access to affordable eyewear in 24 countries, which serves as a tool for social and economic development. The organization states that it conducts community-based vision screenings and has more than 500 partners in bringing bulk quantities of eyeglasses to low-income customers. Partners include hospitals, vision centers, government agencies, and non-profit entities. VisionSpring also provides training and marketing support to its partners in bringing eyewear to low-income populations. In 2019, the organization reports that it screened the vision of 3.7 million people and provided 1.38 million individuals with eyeglasses.
For the year ended December 31, 2019, VisionSpring's program expenses were:
| India |
$4,183,724 |
| Global partnerships |
$2,488,447 |
| Total Program Expenses: |
$6,672,171 |
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Chief Executive
Ella Gudwin, Chief Executive Officer
-
Compensation*
$280,888
-
Chair of the Board
Reade Fahs
-
Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
Chief Executive Officer, National Vision
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Board Size
14
-
Paid Staff Size
297
*2019 compensation includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.
Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Grant proposals, Internet, Cause- related marketing (affinity credit cards, consumer product sales, etc.), Other
Fundraising costs were 7% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $8,158,808 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 VisionSpring's audited financial statements - consolidated for the year ended December 31, 2019.
| Source of Funds |
| Contributions and grants |
$8,158,808 |
| Earned income |
$1,407,768 |
| Capital contribution |
$13 |
| Investment and other income |
($19,056) |
| Total Income |
$9,547,533 |
- Programs: 81%
- Administrative: 13%
- Fundraising: 6%
| Total Income |
$9,547,533 |
| Program expenses |
$6,672,171 |
| Fundraising expenses |
$539,079 |
| Administrative expenses |
$1,092,514 |
| Other expenses |
$0 |
| Total expenses: |
$8,303,764 |
| Income in Excess of Expenses |
$1,243,769 |
| Beginning Net Assets |
$7,751,814 |
| Other Changes In Net Assets |
$-33,159 |
| Ending Net Assets |
$8,962,424 |
| Total Liabilities |
$1,548,933 |
| Total Assets |
$10,511,357 |
Note 1: As noted in the above financial section, "other changes in net assets" refers to a foreign currency translation loss.
Note 2: In 2019, VisionSpring reports receiving $49,928 in contributed goods and services.