Muscular Dystrophy Association does not meet the following 3 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.
MDA does not meet this Standard because:
- The organization has not completed an effectiveness assessment in the last two years.
Standard 8 (Program Service Expense Ratio)
Spend at least 65% of its total expenses on program activities.
MDA does not meet this Standard because:
- According to its audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020, the organization spent $36,626,469 or 51% 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.
MDA does not meet this Standard because:
- According to its audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020, the organization's fundraising costs were 56% ($29,975,462) of related contributions, which totaled $52,725,349.
Muscular Dystrophy Association meets the remaining 17 Standards for Charity Accountability.
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) reports that it works to find a cure for muscular dystrophy and offers multidisciplinary care for individuals and families to help manage disease symptoms. The organization states that it funds research across diseases to uncover breakthroughs that accelerate treatments and cures. MDA also states that it provides care for kids and adults at MDA Care Centers, support and resources for families through the Resource Center, and summer camp opportunities.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, Muscular Dystrophy Association's program expenses were:
Patient and community services |
$18,830,936 |
Research |
$11,024,253 |
Professional and public health education |
$6,771,280 |
Total Program Expenses: |
$36,626,469 |
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Chief Executive
Donald S. Wood, President and Chief Executive Officer
-
Compensation*
$0
-
Chair of the Board
Steve Farella
-
Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
Chairman, MDC Media Partners
-
Board Size
20
-
Paid Staff Size
235
*Current compensation information not available for Mr. Wood.
Note: Former President and Chief Executive Officer, Ellen Vos, received $536,247 in 2019. Compensation, as reported by the charity, includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.
Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Grant proposals, Internet, Invitations to fund raising events, Planned giving arrangements, Cause- related marketing (affinity credit cards, consumer product sales, etc.)
MDA incurred joint costs of $1,773,766 for informational materials and activities that included fundraising materials. Of those costs $1,088,304 was allocated to fundraising expenses, $430,828 was allocated to administrative expenses, and $254,634 was allocated to program expenses.
Fundraising costs were 57% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $52,725,349, 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 Muscular Dystrophy Association's audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Source of Funds |
Special events, net |
$35,615,780 |
Contributions |
$16,483,059 |
Investment return, net |
$5,899,759 |
Gain on sale of oil and gas lease |
$1,900,235 |
Interest income |
$360,089 |
Revenue from government awards |
$329,833 |
Combined federal campaigns and health appeals |
$296,677 |
Total Income |
$60,885,432 |
- Programs: 52%
- Fundraising: 42%
- Administrative: 6%
Total Income |
$60,885,432 |
Program expenses |
$36,626,469 |
Fundraising expenses |
$29,975,462 |
Administrative expenses |
$4,666,525 |
Other expenses |
$0 |
Total expenses: |
$71,268,456 |
Income in Excess of Expenses |
$-10,383,024 |
Beginning Net Assets |
$-713,651 |
Other Changes In Net Assets |
$-12,612,986 |
Ending Net Assets |
$-23,709,661 |
Total Liabilities |
$95,625,096 |
Total Assets |
$71,915,435 |
Note: As noted in the above financial section, "other changes in net assets" refers to changes in unrecognized benefit plan costs.