Northwest Association for Blind Athletes
Standards Not Met
- 11
- 18
- 1
- 3
Standards Not Met
Standards Legend
- Meets Standards
- Standards Not Met
- Did Not Disclose
- Review In Progress
- Unable to Verify
Standards For Charity Accountability
Governance
-
Board Oversight
Oversight of Operations and Staff: Standard 1
Description
Organizations shall have a board of directors that provides adequate oversight of the charity's operations and its staff. Indication of adequate oversight includes, but is not limited to, regularly scheduled appraisals of the CEO's performance, evidence of disbursement controls such as board approval of the budget, fundraising practices, establishment of a conflict of interest policy, and establishment of accounting procedures sufficient to safeguard charity finances.The charity reports its Board of Directors has not appointed members to serve as Treasurer.
-
Board Size
Number of Board Members: Standard 2
Description
Soliciting organizations shall have a board of directors with a minimum of five voting members.The organization meets this standard.
-
Board Meetings
Frequency and Attendance of Board Meetings: Standard 3
Description
An organization shall have a minimum of three evenly spaced meetings per year of the full governing body with a majority in attendance, with face-to-face participation. A conference call of the full board can substitute for one of the three meetings of the governing body. For all meetings, alternative modes of participation are acceptable for those with physical disabilities. -
Board Compensation
Compensated Board Members: Standard 4
Description
Not more than one or 10% (whichever is greater) directly or indirectly compensated person(s) serving as voting member(s) of the board. Compensated members shall not serve as the board's chair or treasurer.The organization meets this standard.
-
Conflict of Interest
Conflict of Interest: Standard 5
Description
No transaction(s) in which any board or staff members have material conflicting interests with the charity resulting from any relationship or business affiliation. Factors that will be considered when concluding whether or not a related party transaction constitutes a conflict of interest and if such a conflict is material, include, but are not limited to: any arm's length procedures established by the charity; the size of the transaction relative to like expenses of the charity; whether the interested party participated in the board vote on the transaction; if competitive bids were sought and whether the transaction is one-time, recurring or ongoing.The organization meets this standard.
Measuring Effectiveness
-
Effectiveness Policy
Board Policy on Effectiveness: Standard 6
Description
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.The organization meets this standard.
-
Effectiveness Report
Board Approval of Written Report on Effectiveness: Standard 7
Description
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.The organization meets this standard.
Finances
-
Program Expenses
Program Service Expense Ratio: Standard 8
Description
Spend at least 65% of its total expenses on program activities.The organization meets this standard.
-
Fundraising Expenses
Fundraising Expense Ratio: Standard 9
Description
Spending should be no more than 35% of related contributions on fundraising. Related contributions include donations, legacies, and other gifts received as a result of fundraising efforts.The organization meets this standard.
-
Accumulating Funds
Ending Net Assets: Standard 10
Description
Avoid accumulating funds that could be used for current program activities. To meet this standard, the charity's unrestricted net assets available for use should not be more than three times the size of the past year's expenses or three times the size of the current year's budget, whichever is higher.The organization meets this standard.
-
Audit Report
Financial Statements: Standard 11
Description
Make available to all, on request, complete annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. When total annual gross income exceeds $1 million, these statements should be audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. For charities whose annual gross income is less than $1 million, a review by a certified public accountant is sufficient to meet this standard. For charities whose annual gross income is less than $250,000, an internally produced, complete financial statement is sufficient to meet this standard.Northwest Association for Blind Athletes does not meet this standard because:The organization does not conduct an annual audit of its financial statements, which BBB Standards require for charities with revenues exceeding $1 million. The organization does, however, have financial statements that were reviewed by a certified public accountant (CPA). A review is an accounting service providing some assurance to interested parties as to the reliability of financial data without the CPA conducting an examination in accordance with Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS).
-
Detailed Expense Breakdown
Detailed Functional Breakdown of Expenses: Standard 12
Description
Include in the financial statements a breakdown of expenses (e.g., salaries, travel, postage, etc.) that shows what portion of these expenses was allocated to program, fundraising, and administrative activities. If the charity has more than one major program category, the schedule should provide a breakdown for each category.The organization meets this standard.
-
Accurate Expense Reporting
Accuracy of Expenses in Financial Statements: Standard 13
Description
Accurately report the charity's expenses, including any joint cost allocations, in its financial statements. For example, audited or unaudited statements which inaccurately claim zero fundraising expenses or otherwise understate the amount a charity spends on fundraising, and/or overstate the amount it spends on programs will not meet this standard.The organization meets this standard.
-
Budget Plan
Budget: Standard 14
Description
Have a board-approved annual budget for its current fiscal year, outlining projected expenses for major program activities, fundraising, and administration.The organization meets this standard.
Fundraising & Info
-
Truthful Materials
Misleading Appeals: Standard 15
Description
Have solicitations and informational materials, distributed by any means, that are accurate, truthful and not misleading, both in whole and in part. Appeals that omit a clear description of program(s) for which contributions are sought will not meet this standard. A charity should also be able to substantiate that the timing and nature of its expenditures are in accordance with what is stated, expressed, or implied in the charity's solicitations.The organization meets this standard.
-
Annual Report
Annual Report: Standard 16
Description
Have an annual report available to all, on request, that includes: (a) the organization's mission statement, (b) a summary of the past year's program service accomplishments, (c) a roster of the officers and members of the board of directors, (d) financial information that includes (i) total income in the past fiscal year, (ii) expenses in the same program, fundraising and administrative categories as in the financial statements, and (iii) ending net assets.The organization meets this standard.
-
Website Disclosures
Web Site Disclosures: Standard 17
Description
Include on any charity websites that solicit contributions, the same information that is recommended for annual reports, as well as the mailing address of the charity and electronic access to its most recent IRS Form 990.The organization meets this standard.
-
Donor Privacy
Privacy for Written Appeals & Internet Privacy: Standard 18
Description
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.Northwest Association for Blind Athletes does not meet this standard because:The organization's website, nwaba.org, does not provide access to a privacy policy that includes the recommended privacy information.- Notice: What information is being collected by the charity and how will it be used?- Access: How do you contact the charity to review your personal information and, if needed, ask for corrections?- Choice: How do you inform the charity if you do not wish your personal information to be shared outside the organization?- Security: What security measures does the charity have to protect personal information that is received by them?NWABA is working on developing a privacy policy and aims to have it available on its website in December 2020.
-
Cause Marketing Disclosures
Cause Related Marketing: Standard 19
Description
Clearly disclose how the charity benefits from the sale of products or services (i.e., cause-related marketing) that state or imply that a charity will benefit from a consumer sale or transaction. Such promotions should disclose, at the point of solicitation: (a) the actual or anticipated portion of the purchase price that will benefit the charity (e.g., 5 cents will be contributed to abc charity for every xyz company product sold), (b) the duration of the campaign (e.g., the month of October), (c) any maximum or guaranteed minimum contribution amount (e.g., up to a maximum of $200,000).The organization meets this standard.
-
Complaints
Complaints: Standard 20
Description
Respond promptly to and act on complaints brought to its attention by the BBB Wise Giving Alliance and/or local Better Business Bureaus about fundraising practices, privacy policy violations and/or other issues.The organization meets this standard.
Conclusion
Northwest Association for Blind Athletes does not meet the following 2 Standards for Charity Accountability:
Standard 11: Financial Statements - Make available to all, on request, complete annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. When total annual gross income exceeds $1 million, these statements should be audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. For charities whose annual gross income is less than $1 million, a review by a certified public accountant is sufficient to meet this standard. For charities whose annual gross income is less than $250,000, an internally produced, complete financial statement is sufficient to meet this standard.
Northwest Association for Blind Athletes does not meet this standard because:The organization does not conduct an annual audit of its financial statements, which BBB Standards require for charities with revenues exceeding $1 million. The organization does, however, have financial statements that were reviewed by a certified public accountant (CPA). A review is an accounting service providing some assurance to interested parties as to the reliability of financial data without the CPA conducting an examination in accordance with Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS).
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.
Northwest Association for Blind Athletes does not meet this standard because:The organization's website, nwaba.org, does not provide access to a privacy policy that includes the recommended privacy information.- Notice: What information is being collected by the charity and how will it be used?- Access: How do you contact the charity to review your personal information and, if needed, ask for corrections?- Choice: How do you inform the charity if you do not wish your personal information to be shared outside the organization?- Security: What security measures does the charity have to protect personal information that is received by them?NWABA is working on developing a privacy policy and aims to have it available on its website in December 2020.
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: 3, 1
Northwest Association for Blind Athletes meets the remaining 16 Standards for Charity Accountability.
Purpose
-
Year, State Incorporated
2007, WA
-
Stated Purpose
To provide life-changing opportunities through sports and physical activity to individuals who are blind and visually impaired.
Programs
Whether an individual is learning to swim before their first steps, lost their vision later in life and desires a sense of community, or simply wants to experience the joy of the outdoors, NWABA believes people of all ages deserve the opportunity to participate and to achieve their goals. NWABA offers a diverse range of sports and physical activities for individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.NWABA’s Camp Spark is a comprehensive, overnight sports camp for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. This unique model uses sports, physical activity, and orientation and mobility as a catalyst to encourage leadership, independence, advocacy, empowerment, daily living skills, and overall greater quality of life. NWABA hosts camp sessions in Oregon and Washington each summer and winter.The Sports Adaptation Program is a three-prong approach designed to combat a sedentary lifestyle:- Adaptive Equipment Lending Library: NWABA believes that everyone deserves to play regardless of visual ability, physical location, or financial background. That is why we established the Adaptive Equipment Lending Library which loans sports equipment to individuals, families, teachers, schools, and communities at no cost. No matter where individuals live, we can send equipment to urban and rural communities, encouraging further independence and physical activity.- Video Resource Library: NWABA provides an online video resource library of instructional strategy videos to educate and inform anyone who wants to learn to teach individuals with visual impairments in sport and physical activity. Currently we have three videos on our website, with many more in production. They are actively seeking support to expand and enhance video resources for our athletes.- PE Consultations: NWABA's highly educated and experienced staff travel across the region to work with teachers, IEP teams, administrators, and organizations to ensure sports and physical activities are accessible for people who are blind and visually impaired. Consultations are often as simple as adding a sound source to a target or goal, suggesting a higher contrast ball for visibility, or modifying rules to ensure everyone is included.Sports Teams: NWABA supports various teams that compete in local, regional, and national competitions. These teams develop a sense of community, teamwork, and belonging that leads to a richer, fuller quality of life.- Dragon Boating: NWABA supports two dragon boating teams in Portland. Team Lethally Blind competes exclusively at the Portland Rose Festival every year. Team VIP practices multiple times per week and competes in races throughout the year.- Goalball:Goalball is a sport specifically designed for people who are visually impaired. NWABA supports Team Avalanche that has a men’s and women’s team, and cohosts the South Sound Throwdown Goalball Tournament with athletes from across the U.S. and Canada.Scholarships: To encourage every athlete in achieving their own goals, scholarships reduce financial barriers and empower individuals with the resources they need for special equipment and to participate in local, regional, national, or international competitions.
For the year ended June 30, 2019, Northwest Association for Blind Athletes program expenses were:
| Programs | $756,927 |
| Program Expenses | $756,927 |
Governance & Staff
-
CEO
Mr. Billy Henry, Founder/Executive Director
-
Compensation*
¤0.00
-
Board Chair
Mr. Erik Selden, Senior Vice President
-
Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
First Citizens Bank
-
Board Size
18
-
Paid Staff Size
11
Fundraising
Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Invitations to fundraising events, Print advertisements (newspapers, magazines, etc.), Grant proposals, Internet, Planned giving arrangements, Cause-related marketing (affinity credit cards, consumer product sales, etc.).
% of Related Contributions on Fundraising: 19.42%
Tax Status
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.
Financial
The following information is based on Northwest Association for Blind Athletes's IRS Form 990 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019
| Source of Funds | |
|---|---|
| Contributions and grants | $597,818 |
| Fundraising events | $406,336 |
| Program service fees | $46,966 |
| Sales of assets | $2,000 |
| Investment income | $284 |
| Total Income | $1,053,404 |
Breakdown of Expenses
| Total Income | $1,053,404 |
| Total Expenses: | $1,061,774 |
| Program Expenses | $756,927 |
| Fundraising Expenses | $195,016 |
| Administrative Expenses | $109,831 |
| Other Expenses | $0 |
| Expenses in Excess of Income | $8,370 |
| Beginning Net Assets | $395,821 |
| Other Changes In Net Assets | $0 |
| Ending Net Assets | $388,551 |
| Total Liabilities | $88,391 |
| Total Assets | $476,942 |
An organization may change its practices at any time without notice. A copy of this report has been shared with the organization prior to publication. It is not intended to recommend or deprecate, and is furnished solely to assist you in exercising your own judgment. If the report is about a charity and states the charity meets or does not meet the Standards for Charity Accountability, it reflects the results of an evaluation of information and materials provided voluntarily by the charity. The name Better Business Bureau ® is a registered service mark of International Association of Better Business Bureaus.
This report is not to be used for fundraising or promotional purposes.