Friendship Force International meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.
Friendship Force International (FFI) focuses on promoting understanding, cultural education and citizen diplomacy through homestay journeys and personal friendships. Through these personal encounters, the organization reports that strangers become friends ? and by experiencing different views, aim to discover common ground. FFI's program brings people together into each other?s cultures and homes to share experiences not available to regular tourists. The organization reports that it has 15,000 active members based in more than 60 countries and across six continents, .
For the year ended December 31, 2019, Friendship Force International's program expenses were:
Program services |
$815,758 |
Total Program Expenses: |
$815,758 |
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Chief Executive
Jeremi Snook, President and Chief Executive Officer
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Compensation*
$127,826
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Chair of the Board
Roberta Mulholland
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Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
Retired, Australian Telecommunications Service
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Board Size
10
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Paid Staff Size
11
*2019 compensation includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.
Method(s) Used:
Grant proposals, Internet, Membership appeals
Fundraising costs were 31% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $277,269, 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 Friendship Force International's audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Source of Funds |
Journey fees |
$944,002 |
Club affiliation fees |
$174,814 |
Government grants |
$69,100 |
Other income |
$67,264 |
Annual Fund contributions |
$33,355 |
Investment return |
$270 |
Total Income |
$1,288,805 |
- Programs: 72%
- Administrative: 21%
- Fundraising: 7%
Total Income |
$1,288,805 |
Program expenses |
$815,758 |
Fundraising expenses |
$85,344 |
Administrative expenses |
$235,785 |
Other expenses |
$0 |
Total expenses: |
$1,136,887 |
Income in Excess of Expenses |
$151,918 |
Beginning Net Assets |
$272,662 |
Other Changes In Net Assets |
$0 |
Ending Net Assets |
$424,580 |
Total Liabilities |
$215,676 |
Total Assets |
$640,256 |
Going Concern:
According to FFI's 2019 audited financial statements, the auditors stated, in part, that:
". . .The extent of COVID-19's effect on FFI's operational and financial performance will depend on future developments, including the duration, spread and intensity of the pandemic, all of which are uncertain and difficult to predict considering the rapidly evolving landscape. COVID-19 will likely have a material adverse effect on the FFI's business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
FFI operates globally coordinating global travel exchanges (Journeys). Journey fees are FFI's most significant source of operating revenue. All Journeys scheduled for March through June 2020 have been cancelled, and without a clear view of when this pandemic will subside enough for travel to continue, many of these Journeys have been postponed to 2021 and even 2022 with others being refunded by FFI. Depending on the duration of the pandemic, management projects that as much as all of 2020's remaining revenue may be lost. These conditions raise substantial doubt about FFI's ability to continue as a going concern.
. . .FFI has developed the following mitigation plans:
- All expenses have been cut with most subscriptions ending in March, all projects have been frozen and maintenance on technology reduced.
- Starting April 1st. some staff have been furloughed while everyone will see their hours reduced.
- A major international fundraising campaign has been launched appealing to [the organization's] 15,000 members to give the equivalent of one international week's Journey fee to FFI. Clubs are also being asked to make a generous contribution from their treasuries.
- Management and staff have researched the aid and stimulus package approved by the U.S. government to assist small business during this difficult time and are working with [the organization's] banks to participate in these programs"