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https://www.nursingworld.org/foundation/
8515 Georgia Avenue
Suite 400
Silver Spring MD 20910
Silver Spring MD | IRS ruling year: 1956 | EIN: 13-1893924
Organization Mission
The American Nurses Foundation was founded in 1955 as the research, education, and charitable affiliate of ANA. Since then, it has fought tirelessly to advance the n ... (More)
The American Nurses Foundation was founded in 1955 as the research, education, and charitable affiliate of ANA. Since then, it has fought tirelessly to advance the nursing profession through raising funds for advances in research, education, and clinical practice to the benefit of the whole health care system. As the philanthropic arm of the American Nurses Association (ANA), our vision is to achieve 'a healthy world through the power of nursing', and this is more relevant today than ever. With the future of health care changing so dramatically, nurses can revolutionize the approach to care for the better. With gifts and grants from generous donors, the Foundation invests in the wellbeing and success of individual nurses while championing the nursing cause throughout the health care system. (Less)
Great
This charity's score is 98%, earning it a Four-Star rating. If this organization aligns with your passions and values, you can give with confidence.
This overall score is calculated from multiple beacon scores, weighted as follows: 33% Accountability & Finance, 50% Impact & Results, 8% Leadership & Adaptability, 10% Culture & Community. Learn more about our criteria and methodology.
We recognize that not all metrics and beacons equally predict a charity’s success. The percentage each beacon contributes to the organization’s overall rating depends on the number of beacons an organization has earned.
Use the tool below to select different beacons to see how the weighting shifts when only one, two, or three beacons are earned.
Charity Navigator's ratings previously did not consider Leadership & Adaptability, Culture & Community, or Impact & Results. The historic rating mainly reflects a version of today’s Accountability and Finance score. More information on our previous rating methodologies can be found on our rating methodology page.
| Date Published | Overall Rating | ||
| 11/1/2021 |  | ||
| 10/1/2021 | | ||
This organization received multiple star ratings within this fiscal year, due to an update to its Accountability and Transparency data and/or the receipt of an amended Form 990. | |||
| 10/1/2020 | | ||
| 9/1/2020 | | ||
Score
Most Recent Fiscal Year:
FY 2021
This beacon provides an assessment of a charity's financial health (financial efficiency, sustainability, and trustworthiness) and its commitment to governance practices and policies.
Learn more
Full Credit
Partial Credit
No CreditMajority Independent Board Members - 100% independent members10 out of 10 points Majority Independent Board Members - 100% independent members10 out of 10 points
Industry professionals strongly recommend an independent governing body to allow for full deliberation and diversity of thinking on governance and other organizational matters. We check to see that a majority of board members are identified as independent on their tax form.
Source: IRS Form 990
Independent Board Size - 14 independent members10 out of 10 points Independent Board Size - 14 independent members10 out of 10 points
Industry professionals strongly recommend an independent governing body to allow for full deliberation and diversity of thinking on governance and other organizational matters. For most organizations, we check to see if the organization has at least three independent board members. For large, donor-funded organizations, we check to see if the organization has at least five independent board members
Source: IRS Form 990
Financial Statements - Audit and Oversight Committee20 out of 20 points Financial Statements - Audit and Oversight Committee20 out of 20 points
An Audit, Review, or Compilation provides important information about financial accountability and accuracy. Organizations are scored based on their Total Revenue Amount:
| Total Revenue Amount | Expectation to Receive Credit |
| $2 million or higher and 40% or higher donor support | Expected to complete an audit and have an audit oversight committee |
| $1 million or higher | Expected to complete an audit |
| $500,000 - $1 million | Expected to complete an audit, review, or compilation |
| Less than $500,000 | No expectation (removed from scoring methodology) |
Source: IRS Form 990
Material Diversion of Assets - None20 out of 20 points Material Diversion of Assets - None20 out of 20 points
A diversion of assets — any unauthorized conversion or use of the organization's assets other than for the organization's authorized purposes, including but not limited to embezzlement or theft — also can seriously call into question a charity's financial integrity. We review the charity's most recent IRS Form 990 to see if the charity has reported any diversion of assets.
Source: IRS Form 990
Full CreditPartial CreditNo CreditWebsite Listed on Tax Form - Listed5 out of 5 points Website Listed on Tax Form - Listed5 out of 5 points
Charity Navigator looks for a website on the IRS Form 990 as an accountability and transparency metric.
Nonprofits act in the public trust and reporting publicly on activities is an important component.
Source: IRS Form 990
Conflict of Interest Policy - Listed5 out of 5 points Conflict of Interest Policy - Listed5 out of 5 points
Charity Navigator looks for the existence of a conflict of interest policy on the IRS Form 990 as an accountability and transparency measure.
This policy protects the organization and by extension those it serves, when it is considering entering into a transaction that may benefit the private interest of an officer, director and/or key employee of the organization.
Source: IRS Form 990
Whistleblower Policy - Listed5 out of 5 points Whistleblower Policy - Listed5 out of 5 points
Charity Navigator looks for the existence of a whistleblower policy per the IRS Form 990 as an accountability and transparency measure.
This policy outlines procedures for handling employee complaints, as well as a confidential way for employees to report financial or other types of mismanagement.
Source: IRS Form 990
Document Retention and Destruction - Listed5 out of 5 points Document Retention and Destruction - Listed5 out of 5 points
Charity Navigator looks for the existence of a document retention and destruction policy per the IRS Form 990 as an accountability and transparency measure.
This policy establishes guidelines for the handling, backing up, archiving and destruction of documents. These guidelines foster good record keeping procedures that promote data integrity.
Source: IRS Form 990
Documents Board Meeting Minutes - Yes5 out of 5 points Documents Board Meeting Minutes - Yes5 out of 5 points
Charity Navigator looks to confirm on the IRS Form 990 that the organization has this process in place as an accountability and transparency measure.
An official record of the events that take place during a board meeting ensures that a contemporaneous document exists for future reference.
Source: IRS Form 990
Tax Form Distributed to Board Before Filing - Listed5 out of 5 points Tax Form Distributed to Board Before Filing - Listed5 out of 5 points
Providing copies of the IRS Form 990 to the governing body prior to filing is considered a best practice, as it allows for thorough review by the individuals charged with overseeing the organization. The Form 990 asks the charity to disclose whether or not it has followed this best practice.
Loans to/from Officers - Missing5 out of 5 points Loans to/from Officers - Missing5 out of 5 points
Making loans to related parties, such as key officers, staff, or Board members, is not standard practice in the sector as it diverts the charity's funds away from its charitable mission and can lead to real and perceived conflict-of-interest problems.
The IRS requires charities to disclose on their Form 990 any loans to or from current and former officers, directors, trustees, key employees, and other "disqualified persons." Some state laws go so far as to prohibit loans to board members and officers.
Although employees and trustees are permitted to make loans to charities, this practice can also result in real and/or perceived conflict of interest problems for the charity. Furthermore, it is problematic because it indicates that the organization is not financially secure. Our analysts check to see if any loans have been made.
Full CreditPartial CreditNo CreditTax Form Posted on Nonprofit's Website - Listed5 out of 5 points Tax Form Posted on Nonprofit's Website - Listed5 out of 5 points
For almost all charities, we check the charity's IRS Form 990 to see if it discloses that the Form 990 is available on the charity's website. As with the audited financial statement, donors need easy access to this financial report to help determine if the organization is managing its financial resources well.
Source: IRS Form 990
Full CreditPartial CreditNo CreditLiabilities to Assets: Ratio - 3.02%25 out of 25 points Liabilities to Assets: Ratio - 3.02%25 out of 25 points
The Liabilities to Assets Ratio is determined by Total Liabilities divided by Total Assets (most recent IRS Form 990). This ratio is an indicator of an organization's solvency and/or long-term sustainability.
Source: IRS Form 990
Program Expense: Ratio - 89.87%25 out of 25 points Program Expense: Ratio - 89.87%25 out of 25 points
The Program Expense Ratio is determined by Program Expenses divided by Total Expense (average of most recent three IRS Forms 990). This measure reflects the percent of its total expenses a charity spends on the programs and services it exists to deliver.
Source: IRS Form 990
Fundraising Efficiency: Ratio - $0.0325 out of 25 points Fundraising Efficiency: Ratio - $0.0325 out of 25 points
The amount spent to raise $1 in charitable contributions. To calculate a charity's fundraising efficiency, we divide its average fundraising expenses by the average total contributions it receives. We calculate the charity's average expenses and average contributions over its three most recent fiscal years.
Source: IRS Form 990
Working Capital: Ratio - 6.94 years25 out of 25 points Working Capital: Ratio - 6.94 years25 out of 25 points
Determines how long a charity could sustain its level of spending using its net available assets, or working capital, as reported on its most recently filed IRS Form 990. Dividing these net available assets in the most recent year by a charity's average total expenses, yields the working capital ratio. We calculate the charity's average total expenses over its three most recent fiscal years.
Source: IRS Form 990
This chart displays the trend of revenue and expenses over the past several years for this organization, as reported on their IRS Form 990.
Presented here are up to five of this organization's highest compensated employees. This compensation data includes salary, cash bonuses, and expense accounts and is displayed exactly how it is reported to the IRS. The amounts do not include nontaxable benefits, deferred compensation, or other amounts not reported on Form W-2. In some cases, these amounts may include compensation from related organizations. Read the IRS policies for compensation reporting
Loressa Cole, Ana Enterprise Ceo
$342,178
Gregory Dyson, Coo, Acting Cfo - 05/21-12/21
$316,212
Catherine Judge, Executive Director
$255,072
Lynn Wasylina, Cfo - Until 05/21
$83,608
Daniel Warco, Cfo - As Of 12/21
$10,993
Source: IRS Form 990 (page 7), filing year 2021
Below are some key data points from the Exempt Organization IRS Business Master File (BMF) for this organization. Learn more about the BMF on the IRS website
Foundation Status:
Organization that normally receives no more than one-third of its support from gross investment income and unrelated business income and at the same time more than one-third of its support from contributions, fees, and gross receipts related to exempt purposes. 509(a)(2) (BMF foundation code: 16)
Affiliation:
Independent - the organization is an independent organization or an independent auxiliary (i.e., not affiliated with a National, Regional, or Geographic grouping of organizations). (BMF affiliation code: 3)
The Form 990 is a document that nonprofit organizations file with the IRS annually. We leverage finance and accountability data from it to form Encompass ratings. Click here to search for this organization's Forms 990 on the IRS website (if any are available). Simply enter the organization's name (American Nurses Foundation) or EIN (131893924) in the 'Search Term' field.
Score
This beacon estimates the actual impact a charity has on the lives of those it serves, and determines whether it is making good use of donor resources to achieve that impact.
Learn more
Program
Pro-bono Financial Guidance for Nurses
Activities
The nonprofit provides assistance to help those struggling financially to improve their financial health.
Program Type
Financial Counseling
Beneficiaries Served
Adults
Program Geography
In general, we are a national foundation with a mission statement to serve all registered nurses in the United States. The nurses who participated in this specific program are based across the United States and have varied degrees of specialization.
Time Period of Data
11/1/20 to 11/1/21
Outcomes: Changes in the lives of those served by a nonprofit. They can be caused by the nonprofit.
Costs: The money spent by a nonprofit and its partners and beneficiaries.
Impact: Outcome caused by a nonprofit relative to its cost.
Cost-effectiveness: A judgment as to whether the cost was a good use of resources to cause the outcome.
Outcome Metric
Average increase in FICO credit score for recipients of counseling
Outcome Data Source
Ratings are based on data the nonprofit itself collects on its work. We use the most recent year with sufficient data. Typically, this data allows us to calculate direct changes in participants' lives, such as increased income.
The nonprofit submitted data on pre- and post-counseling average credit scores.
Method for Attributing Outcomes
We don't know if the observed changes were caused by the nonprofit's program or something else happening at the same time (e.g., a participant got a raise). To determine causation, we take the outcomes we observe and subtract an estimate of the outcomes that would have happened even without the program (i.e., counterfactual outcomes).
We estimate the credit score increase as a result of the nonprofit's work by comparing its reported figures to the credit score increase that would have been achieved without the nonprofit's help (the “counterfactual”). We estimate that, in the absence of counseling, populations comparable to those who receive counseling will see FICO credit score increases of 6.13 points. We subtract this from the observed difference between pre- and post-intervention scores.
Cost Data Source
After estimating the program's outcomes, we need to determine how much it cost to achieve those outcomes. All monetary costs are counted, whether they are borne by a nonprofit service deliverer or by the nonprofit’s public and private partners.
Program cost data reported by the nonprofit. Partner and beneficiary costs reported by the nonprofit or estimated by Charity Navigator.
Cost Calculation
$5,236 program costs + $0 partner costs + $0 beneficiary costs = $5,236 total costs
We calculate impact, defined as the change in outcomes attributable to a program divided by the cost to achieve those outcomes.
Impact Calculation
$5,236 total costs / 853 aggregate increase in credit score = roughly $6.14 raises a person's FICO credit score by one point. [2021 USD]
Benchmark for Rating
Impact & Results scores of financial counseling programs are based on the estimated income boost per dollar spent. We compare this cost-effectiveness measure to a benchmark for the program type. The benchmark for financial counseling nonprofits is the cost to operate the program. We award nonprofits 80 points if they can increase income by between 85% and 150% of the cost of the program and 100 points if they can do so by greater than 150% of their program cost. We estimate that beneficiaries receive an $82 (2019 USD) income boost per 1-point increase in credit score.
Determination
Highly cost-effective
Score
This beacon provides an assessment of the organization's culture and connectedness to the community it serves.
Learn more
Full CreditPartial CreditNo CreditConstituent Feedback - Data Available100/100 points Constituent Feedback - Data Available100/100 points
30% of beacon score
This organization reported that it is collecting feedback from the constituents and/or communities it serves. The methodology leveraged for Constituent Feedback is based on The Core Principles of Constituent Feedback, which describes listening and responding well to feedback. Charity Navigator participates in a consortium with other feedback experts and leading nonprofit infrastructure platforms to drive Constituent Feedback's advancement, promotion, and data collection.
How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?
To identify and remedy poor client service experiences, To identify bright spots and enhance positive service experiences, To inform the development of new programs/projects, To identify where we are less inclusive or equitable across demographic groups, To strengthen relationships with the people we serve
What challenges does your organization face in collecting feedback from the people you serve?
It is difficult to find the ongoing funding to support feedback collection, It is difficult to identify actionable feedback, Other means
Equity Practices - Data Available73/100 points Equity Practices - Data Available73/100 points
70% of beacon score
This organization's score of 73 is a passing score. The organization reported that it is currently only implementing 1 Equity Practices.
This assessment demonstrates the importance of implementing practices that contribute positively to an organization's overall culture, both internally and with respect to community engagement. Furthermore, equity centered frameworks and similar approaches have drawn much attention from donors, experts, and sector leaders who underscore its value to the nonprofit's overall health and capacity for mission success. Currently, the Equity Strategies Checklist assessment consists of practices and policies that promote racial equity in their operations and programs (per the Equity Strategies checklist administered by Candid). As we refine our DEI assessment, Charity Navigator partners with DEI consultants and field experts to broaden and deepen this work.
| Equity Practices (0/7) | |
| The organization did not respond to this question. | |
| Equity Policies and Procedures (1/7) | |
We use a vetting process to identify vendors and partners that share our commitment to race equity. | |
We have a promotion process that anticipates and mitigates implicit and explicit biases about people of color serving in leadership positions. | |
We seek individuals from various race backgrounds for board and executive director/CEO positions within our organization. | |
We have community representation at the board level, either on the board itself or through a community advisory board. | |
We help senior leadership understand how to be inclusive leaders with learning approaches that emphasize reflection, iteration, and adaptability. | |
We measure and then disaggregate job satisfaction and retention data by race, function, level, and/or team. | |
We engage everyone, from the board to staff levels of the organization, in race equity work and ensure that individuals understand their roles in creating culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization. | |
Score
This beacon provides an assessment of the organization's leadership capacity, strategic thinking and planning, and ability to innovate or respond to changes in constituent demand/need or other relevant social and economic conditions to achieve the organization's mission.
Learn more
Full CreditPartial CreditNo CreditMission 10/10 points Mission 10/10 points
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking through articulating the organization's mission
The American Nurses Foundation was founded in 1955 as the research, education, and charitable affiliate of ANA. Since then, it has fought tirelessly to advance the nursing profession through raising funds for advances in research, education, and clinical practice to the benefit of the whole health care system. As the philanthropic arm of the American Nurses Association (ANA), our vision is to achieve 'a healthy world through the power of nursing', and this is more relevant today than ever. With the future of health care changing so dramatically, nurses can revolutionize the approach to care for the better. With gifts and grants from generous donors, the Foundation invests in the wellbeing and success of individual nurses while championing the nursing cause throughout the health care system.
Vision 10/10 points Vision 10/10 points
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking through articulating the organization’s vision.
American Nurses Foundation’s vision is to achieve a healthy world through the power of nursing. Amer
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Goals 20/20 points Goals 20/20 points
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking and goal setting through sharing their most important strategic goals.
Goal One: aims to transform nursing by preparing and supporting nurses to practice in new settings and in new ways to achieve better patient and community health results.
Goal Type: New program(s) based on observed changes in needs among our constituencies/communities served.
Goal Two: Re-orient our Nursing Research Grant program, to focus more strategically on topics that are essential at this time, and shift from small to larger grants for greater research impact.
Goal Type: Focus on core programs to achieve mission and scale back on programs not seen as core.
Goal Three: Integrate our Well-Being Initiative and Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation programs – focused on improving nurses’ mental and physical well-being, respectively – for holistic engagement and greater impact.
Goal Type: Focus on core programs to achieve mission and scale back on programs not seen as core.
Leadership Development 15/15 points Leadership Development 15/15 points
The nonprofit provides evidence of investment in leadership development
Describe an investment in leadership
The Foundation invests in leadership development across a wide range of issues, including opportunities for all staff. Examples include a board member completing Northwestern University’s 'Leading with Equity' program along with our Executive Director (ED). Our ED attended a 3-day 'Whites Confronting Racism' in 2020 provided by the non-profit of the same name. Our board has engaged in Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion training provided by Courage to Care that will continue into 2022. The entire staff completed Unconscious Bias training provided by ANA in 2020 and discuss DE&I topics in team meetings. Every staff member does a DiSC assessment, is a member of both ASAE and PEAK, and is encouraged to engage in trainings and benefits they offer. Foundation staff are engaged in comprehensive training on non-profit grantmaking, featuring sessions on Values-Based Grantmaking, Risk in Philanthropy, and Legal, Regulatory, and Ethical Issues in Grantmaking.
Mobilizing for Mission 15/15 points Mobilizing for Mission 15/15 points
The nonprofit provides evidence of leadership through focusing externally and mobilizing resources for the mission.
This organization mobilizes for mission in the following ways:
Strategic Partnerships
Networks of Collective Impact Efforts
Thought Leadership
Raising Awareness
What are this organization’s external mobilizaton efforts?
We collaborate extensively with associations, nonprofits and corporations to advance our mission. With American Nurses Assn (ANA), American Assn of Critical Care Nurses, American Psychiatric Nurses Assn, Emergency Nurses Assn, and AORN, the American Nurses Foundation launched the Well-Being Initiative to offer self-care resources for nurses as they care for others. We partner with ASHP Foundation to award a Collaborative Care Grant for nurse-pharmacist interprofessional health services research. With support from specialty nursing associations and corporations, we’ve granted $5 million+ in research funding to over 1,200 nurses. The Foundation, ANA, and the American Academy of Nursing support the National Academy of Medicine’s Distinguished Nurse Scholar-In-Residence program, providing fellows with a yearlong immersion experience in developing federal health policy. As a leader of the Nurses on Boards Coalition, we drove the appointment of 10,000 nurses to board positions in 5 years.
Adaptability Story 30/30 points Adaptability Story 30/30 points
The nonprofit has an opportunity to tell the story of how the organization adapted to tremendous external changes in the last year.
American Nurses Foundation experienced tremendous growth in the past year, while also navigating changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. We launched the Coronavirus Response Fund for Nurses in April 2020, designed to give immediate relief to frontline nurses experiencing life-threatening challenges in the pandemic, and in anticipation of long-term impacts. Based on nurses’ responses to our on-going survey series, our data informed COVID response planning across federal agencies (CDC, FDA, FEMA, GAO). We provided millions in direct financial assistance to nurses, advocated on their behalf with the US government, educated them with the latest scientific information on pandemic care, and launched the Well-Being Initiative, a slate of invaluable mental health resources and services for nurses. These free resources have continued to expand based on evolving needs, to include mood-boosting apps, confidential phone consultations with licensed professionals, a narrative expressive writing program, a podcast series on mental health and wellness, and free and discounted therapy services, among others. While our program team refined and enhanced offerings over the past year, the development staff grew our funds from $2 million to $17.7 million through strategic campaigns, grant writing, and soliciting institutional donors. The staff has accomplished all this while working remotely since March 2020. Working from home, the Foundation also established new partnerships, created new webpages, and produced two donor newsletters and countless updates, two successful board meetings, a virtual conference for our corporate advisory board, virtual team meetings, and an annual impact report. To build the capacity required to successfully operate the expansive programs, the staff grew from 3 to 12 employees, recruited, hired, and successfully onboarded in the last year, enabling the Foundation to continue to produce crucial results for the nurses we serve.
Impact & Results
Accountability & Finance
Culture & Community
Leadership & Adaptability
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