Mennonite Disaster Service meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.
Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) is a volunteer network of Anabaptist churches that respond to natural and man-made disasters in Canada and the United States. The organization reports that their aim is to assist the most vulnerable community members, individuals, and families who would not otherwise have the means to recover. MDS volunteers provide the skills and labor needed to respond, rebuild and restore in the wake of a disaster. The organization works with other groups including faith-based organizations, local recovery committees, and both governmental and non-governmental agencies. In 2019, MDS reports it had 5,569 volunteers across Canada and the U.S., finished 352 cleanups, completed 313 repairs, and built 68 new homes.
For the year ended July 31, 2020, Mennonite Disaster Service's program expenses were:
Disaster recovery |
$7,496,864 |
Volunteer development |
$537,963 |
Total Program Expenses: |
$8,034,827 |
*2019 compensation, as reported by the organization, includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.
Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Door-to-door appeals, Grant proposals, Internet, Invitations to fund raising events, Planned giving arrangements, Print advertisements (newspapers, magazines, etc.), Television
Fundraising costs were 5% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $6,415,299, 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 Mennonite Disaster Service's audited financial statements for the year ended July 31, 2020.
Source of Funds |
Contributions |
$5,873,314 |
Investment income |
$918,583 |
Bequests and estates |
$541,985 |
Other income |
$72,102 |
Gain on sale of property and equipment |
$32,043 |
Total Income |
$7,438,027 |
- Programs: 83%
- Administrative: 14%
- Fundraising: 3%
Total Income |
$7,438,027 |
Program expenses |
$8,034,827 |
Fundraising expenses |
$332,651 |
Administrative expenses |
$1,319,270 |
Other expenses |
$0 |
Total expenses: |
$9,686,748 |
Income in Excess of Expenses |
$-2,248,721 |
Beginning Net Assets |
$23,451,927 |
Other Changes In Net Assets |
$0 |
Ending Net Assets |
$21,203,206 |
Total Liabilities |
$816,669 |
Total Assets |
$22,019,875 |
Note: According to the organization's audited financial statements for the year ended July 31, 2020, MDS received in-kind gifts totaling $21,237 in the form of donated videography services ($20,137) and tools and equipment ($1,100).