Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
Meets Standards

Standards For Charity Accountability
Governance
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Board Oversight
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Board Size
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Board Meetings
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Board Compensation
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Conflict of Interest
Measuring Effectiveness
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Effectiveness Policy
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Effectiveness Report
Finances
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Program Expenses
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Fundraising Expenses
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Accumulating Funds
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Audit Report
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Detailed Expense Breakdown
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Accurate Expense Reporting
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Budget Plan
Fundraising & Info
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Truthful Materials
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Annual Report
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Website Disclosures
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Donor Privacy
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Cause Marketing Disclosures
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Complaints
Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.
Stated Purpose:
"to dramatically increase the number of adoptions of children waiting in North America's foster care systems."
Year, State Incorporated:
1992, OH
The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption (DTFA) focuses exclusively on foster care adoption. Through its signature program, Wendy's Wonderful Kids, the organization provides grants to adoption agencies for hiring recruiters who use an evidence-based, child-focused recruitment model with the aim of finding loving, permanent homes for children waiting in foster care. DTFA reports that it works closely with child welfare advocates and policymakers, provides free resources about foster care adoption, and raises awareness through social media campaigns, public service announcements, and events.
For the year ended June 30, 2023, Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption's program expenses were:
Program grants and awareness: $33,322,185
Wendy's Wonderful Kids: $28,717,412
Post-adoption: $12,720
Adoption-friendly workplace: $175,307
National Adoption Day/Month: $27,584
Total Program Expenses: $62,255,208
Chief Executive
Rita L. Soronen, President and Chief Executive Officer
Compensation*
$496,088
Chair of the Board
Robert Geen
Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
Consultant, Child Welfare Policy, LLC
Board Size
21
Paid Staff Size
71
*2022 compensation includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.
Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Grant proposals, Internet, Direct mail appeals, Radio, Special events, Foundation grants, Print advertisements, Corporate solicitation
Fundraising costs were 5% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $64,412,935, 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 Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption's audited financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2023.
Source of Funds
Contributions | $35,026,713 |
Donated PSA broadcasting | $29,386,222 |
Government contracts | $12,571,904 |
Interest income | $480,509 |
Investment gain, net | $3,528,090 |
Total Income | $80,993,438 |
Programs: 91% Fundraising: 5% Administrative: 4%
Total Income | $80,993,438 |
Total expenses: | $68,432,093 |
Program expenses | $62,255,208 |
Fundraising expenses | $3,487,509 |
Administrative expenses | $2,689,376 |
Other expenses | $0 |
Income in Excess of Expenses | $12,561,345 |
Beginning Net Assets | $72,100,350 |
Other Changes In Net Assets | $-118,000 |
Ending Net Assets | $84,543,695 |
Total Liabilities | $9,541,573 |
Total Assets | $94,085,268 |
Note 1: According to DTFA's audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023, the organization received in-kind contributions totaling $29,386,222 in the form of donated PSA broadcasting.
Note 2: In the financial section above, "other changes in net assets" refers to a loss on disposal of donated art.
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