Sudan Relief Fund does not meet the following 4 Standards for Charity Accountability:
Standard 1 (Oversight of Operations and Staff)
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, fund raising practices, establishment of a conflict of interest policy, and establishment of accounting procedures sufficient to safeguard charity finances.
SRF does not meet this Standard because its board of directors does not:
- Review the performance of the Chief Executive Officer at least once every two years.
- The paid Chief Executive Officer also serves as the chair of the board of directors.
Standard 3 (Frequency and Attendance of Board Meetings)
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.
SRF does not meet this Standard because:
- The board of directors did not hold any meetings in 2020.
Standard 4 (Compensated Board Members)
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.
SRF does not meet this Standard because:
- The chair of the board is directly compensated as an employee of the organization.
- Two voting board members (40%) out of the five member board are directly and indirectly compensated. One voting board member is directly compensated as an employee of the organization and the other voting board member is the wife of an employee.
Standard 16 (Annual Report)
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, fund raising and administrative categories as in the financial statements, and (iii) ending net assets.
SRF does not meet this Standard because the 2019 annual report did not include:
- A roster of the organization's board of directors.
- The organization's 2019 financial information.
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:
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Sudan Relief Fund meets the remaining 15 Standards for Charity Accountability.
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Year, State Incorporated
1998, DE
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Stated Purpose
"to assist in capacity building; the provision of food, clothing, shelter, education, and medical attention; and to proclaim the Gospel of Christ to the people of South Sudan."
Sudan Relief Fund (SRF) reports that it brings the Gospel and basic necessities to the people of South Sudan. The organization states that it funds four dioceses in South Sudan and the Sudan Bishops Conference for operations and capacity building for churches, schools, and an orphanage. SRF reports that it funds the operation and maintenance of an 80-bed hospital in Numa Mountains, which includes supplying medicine, medical supplies, staff salaries, and staff training. The organization is also developing its first educational system in the diocese and building centers of education and religious formation. In 2020, SRF states that it distributed 28 grants for construction projects, food, vehicles, refugee aid, education aid, medical support, and pastoral support. Some ($674,399 or 13%) of SRF's program activities are carried out in conjunction with fundraising appeals.
For the year ended December 31, 2019, Sudan Relief Fund's program expenses were:
| Program services |
$5,027,351 |
| Total Program Expenses: |
$5,027,351 |
*2019 compensation includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.
Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Internet, Planned giving arrangements
SRF incurred joint costs of $998,959 for informational materials and activities that included fundraising materials. Of those costs $674,399 was allocated to program expenses and $324,560 was allocated to fundraising expenses.
Fundraising costs were 10% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $5,179,901 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 Sudan Relief Fund's audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019.
| Source of Funds |
| Contributions |
$5,179,901 |
| Unrealized gain on investments |
$98,913 |
| Interest and dividends |
$2,480 |
| Other income |
$1,253 |
| Total Income |
$5,282,547 |
- Programs: 89%
- Fundraising: 9%
- Administrative: 2%
| Total Income |
$5,282,547 |
| Program expenses |
$5,027,351 |
| Fundraising expenses |
$518,184 |
| Administrative expenses |
$140,314 |
| Other expenses |
$0 |
| Total expenses: |
$5,685,849 |
| Income in Excess of Expenses |
$-403,302 |
| Beginning Net Assets |
$4,752,565 |
| Other Changes In Net Assets |
$0 |
| Ending Net Assets |
$4,349,263 |
| Total Liabilities |
$10,544 |
| Total Assets |
$4,359,807 |