National Multiple Sclerosis Society meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) works to help people affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) connect to each other and to programs, services, and resources. The organization reports that its programs facilitate education, recreation, and physical and emotional wellness. Additionally, programs aim to support independence, safety, health, quality of life, and connection with others both online and in-person. In 2020, the organization reports that it invested $32.1 million in MS research to support nearly 400 new and ongoing research projects around the world.
For the year ended September 30, 2020, National Multiple Sclerosis Society's program expenses were:
Client and community services |
$44,396,626 |
Public education |
$36,968,620 |
Research and scientific studies |
$32,126,615 |
Professional education and training |
$5,849,032 |
Total Program Expenses: |
$119,340,893 |
*2019 compensation includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.
Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Grant proposals, Internet, Invitations to fund raising events, Membership appeals, Planned giving arrangements, Print advertisements (newspapers, magazines, etc.), Telephone appeals, Radio, Cause- related marketing (affinity credit cards, consumer product sales, etc.)
NMSS incurred joint costs of $4,587,221 for informational materials and activities that included fundraising materials. Of those costs $3,301,401 was allocated to fundraising expenses, $744,149 was allocated to administrative expenses, and $541,671 was allocated to program expenses.
Fundraising costs were 20% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $152,761,717, 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 National Multiple Sclerosis Society's audited financial statements - consolidated for the year ended September 30, 2020.
Source of Funds |
Special events, net |
$68,118,410 |
Contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations |
$57,153,550 |
Bequests and trust income |
$22,104,750 |
In-kind gifts |
$5,380,007 |
Advertising, program fees, and other |
$5,109,379 |
Investment income |
$2,836,601 |
Other non-operating income |
$11,543 |
Endowment contributions |
$5,000 |
Total Income |
$160,719,240 |
- Programs: 73%
- Fundraising: 19%
- Administrative: 8%
Total Income |
$160,719,240 |
Program expenses |
$119,340,893 |
Fundraising expenses |
$29,954,052 |
Administrative expenses |
$14,406,959 |
Other expenses |
$0 |
Total expenses: |
$163,701,904 |
Income in Excess of Expenses |
$-2,982,664 |
Beginning Net Assets |
$118,554,707 |
Other Changes In Net Assets |
$259,624 |
Ending Net Assets |
$115,831,667 |
Total Liabilities |
$57,601,368 |
Total Assets |
$173,433,035 |
Note 1: As noted in the above financial section, "other changes in net assets" refers to change in value of split-interest agreements ($195,545) and change in fair value of beneficial interest in trusts ($64,079).
Note 2: According to the organization's audited financial statements - consolidated - for the year ended September 30, 2020, NMSS received in-kind gifts totaling $5,847,994 in the form of print, radio, and television ($4,978,371), donated goods and services ($527,697), and volunteer hours ($341,926).