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Erlanger KY | IRS ruling year: 1987 | EIN: 52-1521276
The DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Charitable Service Trust supports physical and psychological rehabilitation programs that provide direct service to ill, injured ... (More)
The DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Charitable Service Trust supports physical and psychological rehabilitation programs that provide direct service to ill, injured, or wounded veterans. Programs supported by the Trust target several groups of physically and psychologically injured veterans. Programs supported by the Trust typically include: providing food, shelter and other necessary items to homeless or at-risk veterans; accessibility or mobility items for veterans with vision or hearing impairments; therapeutic activities; physical and psychological activities for rehabilitation; and other forms of direct service for veterans and their families. (Less)
Great
This charity's score is 100%, 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: 85% Accountability & Finance, 10% Leadership & Adaptability, 5% 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.
| Date Published | Form 990 FYE | Overall Score | Overall Rating |
| Rating Version: 2.1 | |||
| 4/1/2023 | 2020 | 94.93 | |
| 12/23/2020 | 2019 | 100.00 | |
| 12/1/2019 | 2018 | 100.00 | |
| 5/1/2019 | 2017 | 92.01 | |
| 4/1/2019 | 2017 | 91.73 | |
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. | |||
| 12/22/2017 | 2016 | 96.66 | |
| 2/1/2017 | 2015 | 98.23 | |
| 6/1/2016 | 2014 | 98.23 | |
| Rating Version: 2.0 | |||
| 12/22/2015 | 2014 | 92.68 | |
| 12/1/2015 | 2014 | 88.79 |  |
| 2/1/2015 | 2013 | 94.33 | |
| 3/1/2014 | 2012 | 91.25 | |
| 2/1/2013 | 2011 | 85.36 | |
| 12/1/2011 | 2010 | 84.22 | |
| 11/1/2011 | 2010 | 85.00 | |
| 9/20/2011 | 2009 | 97.12 | |
| Rating Version: 1.0 | |||
| 11/1/2010 | 2009 | 99.23 | |
| 2/1/2010 | 2008 | 99.50 | |
| 11/1/2008 | 2007 | 99.58 | |
| 8/1/2007 | 2006 | 94.93 | |
| 9/1/2006 | 2005 | 99.34 | |
| 7/1/2005 | 2004 | 99.27 | |
| 9/1/2004 | 2003 | 93.84 | |
| 2/1/2004 | 2002 | 99.34 | |
The IRS is significantly delayed in processing nonprofits' annual tax filings (Forms 990). As a result, the Accountability & Finance score for DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Charitable Service Trust is outdated and the overall rating may not be representative of its current operations. Please check with the charity directly for any questions you may have.
DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Charitable Service Trust has earned a 100% for the Accountability & Finance beacon. See the metrics below for more information.
This beacon provides an assessment of a charity's financial health (financial efficiency, sustainability, and trustworthiness) and its commitment to governance practices and policies.
This Accountability & Finance score represents IRS Form 990 data up until FY 2019. More recent filing data is available, but it has not been factored into this score, due to COVID-19's effect on this organization.
Rating update postponed due to COVID-19's impact on this organization. View DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Charitable Service Trust's response.
Learn more
Full Credit
Partial Credit
No Credit
Not Applicable
Charity Navigator looks to confirm on the Form 990 that the organization has these governance practices in place.
Sources Include: IRS Form 990
| Independent Voting Board Members ... (More) The presence of an independent governing body is strongly recommended by many industry professionals to allow for full deliberation and diversity of thinking on governance and other organizational matters. Our analysts check the Form 990 to determine if the independent Board members are a voting majority and also at least five in number. (Less) | |
| No Material Diversion of Assets ... (More) 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 – can seriously call into question a charity's financial integrity. We check the charity's last two Forms 990 to see if the charity has reported any diversion of assets. If the charity does report a diversion, then we check to see if it complied with the Form 990 instructions by describing what happened and its corrective action. This metric will be assigned to one of the following categories:
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| Audited Financials Prepared by Independent Accountant ... (More) Audited financial statements provide important information about financial accountability and accuracy. They should be prepared by an independent accountant with oversight from an audit committee. (It is not necessary that the audit committee be a separate committee. Often at smaller charities, it falls within the responsibilities of the finance committee or the executive committee.) The committee provides an important oversight layer between the management of the organization, which is responsible for the financial information reported, and the independent accountant, who reviews the financials and issues an opinion based on its findings. We check the charity's Form 990 reporting to see if it meets this criteria.
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| Does Not Provide Loan(s) to or Receive Loan(s) From Related Parties ... (More) Making loans to related parties such as key officers, staff, or Board members, is not standard practice in the sector as it may divert the charity's funds away from its charitable mission and can lead to real and perceived conflict-of-interest problems. This practice is discouraged by sector trade groups which point to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act when they call for charities to refrain from making loans to directors and executives. And the IRS is concerned enough with the practice that it 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." Furthermore, some state laws go so far as to prohibit loans to board members and officers. And 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 is an indicator that the organization is not financially secure. (Less) | |
| Documents Board Meeting Minutes ... (More) An official record of the events that take place during a board meeting ensures that a contemporaneous document exists for future reference. Charities are not required to make their Board meeting minutes available to the public. As such, we are not able to review and critique their minutes. For this performance metric, we are checking to see if the charity reports on its Form 990 that it does keep those minutes. In the future, we will also track and rate whether or not a charity keeps minutes for its committee meetings. (Less) | |
| Distributes 990 to Board Before Filing ... (More) Providing copies of the Form to the governing body in advance of 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. If the charity has not distributed its Form 990 to the board before filing, then we deduct 4 points from its Accountability and Transparency score. (Less) | |
| Does not Compensate Board Members ... (More) The IRS requires that any compensation paid to members of the charity's governing body be listed on the Form 990. Furthermore, all members of the governing body need to be listed whether or not they are compensated. It is not unusual for some members of the board to have compensation listed. The executive director of the organization frequently has a seat on the board, for instance, and is compensated for being a full time staff member. However, it is rare for a charity to compensate individuals only for serving on its Board of Directors. Although this sort of board compensation is not illegal, it is not considered a best practice. (Less) | |
Charity Navigator looks to confirm on the Form 990, or for some metrics on the charity's website, that the organization has these policies in place.
Sources Include: IRS Form 990 and organization's website
| Conflict of Interest ... (More) Such a 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 or director of the organization. Charities are not required to share their conflict of interest policies with the public. Although we can not evaluate the substance of its policy, we can tell you if the charity has one in place based on the information it reports on its Form 990. If the charity does not have a Conflict of Interest policy, then we deduct 4 points from its Accountability and Transparency score. (Less) | |
| Whistleblower ... (More) This policy outlines procedures for handling employee complaints, as well as a confidential way for employees to report any financial mismanagement. Here we are reporting on the existence of a policy as reported by the charity on its Form 990. (Less) | |
| Records Retention and Destruction ... (More) Such a policy establishes guidelines for handling, backing up, archiving and destruction of documents. These guidelines foster good record keeping procedures that promotes data integrity. Here we are reporting on the existence of a policy as reported by the charity on its Form 990. If the charity does not have a Records Retention and Destruction Policy, then we deduct 4 points from its Accountability and Transparency score. (Less) | |
| CEO Compensation Process ... (More) This process indicates that the organization has a documented policy that it follows year after year. The policy should indicate that an objective and independent review process of the CEO's compensation has been conducted which includes benchmarking against comparable organizations. We check to be sure that the charity has reported on its Form 990 its process for determining its CEO pay. (Less) | |
| Donor Privacy ... (More) Donors can be reluctant to contribute to a charity when their name, address, or other basic information may become part of donor lists that are exchanged or sold, resulting in an influx of charitable solicitations from other organizations. Our analysts check the charity's website to see if the organization has a donor privacy policy in place and what it does and does not cover. Privacy policies are assigned to one of the following categories:
The privacy policy must be specific to donor information. A general website policy which references "visitor" or "user" personal information will not suffice. A policy that refers to donor information collected on the website is also not sufficient as the policy must be comprehensive and applicable to both online and offline donors. The existence of a privacy policy of any type does not prohibit the charity itself from contacting the donor for informational, educational, or solicitation purposes. (Less) | |
Charity Navigator looks to confirm on the Form 990, or for some metrics on the charity's website, that the organization makes this information easily accessible.
Sources Include: IRS Form 990 and organization's website
| CEO Salary Listed on 990 ... (More) Charities are required to list their CEO's name and compensation on the Form 990. Our analysts check to be sure that the charities complied with the Form 990 instructions and included this information in their filing. (Less) | |
| Board of Directors Listed on Website ... (More) Our analysts check to see if the charity lists Board members on its website. Publishing this information enables donors and other stakeholders to ascertain the make up of the charity's governing body. This enables stakeholders to report concerns to the Board. Charity Navigator does not cross-check the Board members listed on the website with that reported on the Form 990, because the latter often isn't available until more than a year after the charity's fiscal year ends. In that time, the charity's Board members may have changed, and the charity typically reflects those more recent changes on the website. (Less) | |
| Key Staff Listed on Website ... (More) It is important for donors and other stakeholders to know who runs the organization day-to-day. Charity Navigator does not cross-check the leadership listed on the website with that reported on the Form 990 because the latter often isn't available until more than a year after the charity's fiscal year ends. In that time, the charity's leadership may have changed and the charity typically reflects those more recent changes on the website. In other words, since the Form 990 isn't especially timely, it can not be used to verify the leadership information published on the charity's site. (Less) | |
| Audited Financial Statements Listed on Website ... (More) We check the charity's website to see if it has published its audited financial statements for the fiscal year represented by the most recently filed IRS Form 990. It is important for donors to have easy access to this financial report to help determine if the organization is managing its financial resources well. We currently rate charities on whether or not they publish their audit on their website. (Less) | |
| Form 990 Available on Website ... (More) We check the charity's website to see if it has published its most recently filed IRS Form 990 (a direct link to the charity's 990 on an external site is sufficient). It is important for donors to have easy access to this financial report to help determine if the organization is managing its financial resources well. (Less) | |
Full CreditPartial CreditNo CreditNot ApplicableLiabilities to Assets Ratio - 13.00% - 10/10 ptsLiabilities to Assets Ratio - 13.00% - 10/10 pts
The Liabilities to Assets Ratio is determined by Total Liabilities divided by Total Assets (most recent 990).
Part of our goal in rating the financial performance of charities is to help donors assess the financial capacity and sustainability of a charity. As do organizations in other sectors, charities must be mindful of their management of total liabilites in relation to their total assets. This ratio is an indicator of an organization’s solvency and or long term sustainability. Dividing a charity's total liabilities by its total assets yields this percentage.
Source: IRS Form 990
Working Capital Ratio - 4.02 years - 10/10 ptsWorking Capital Ratio - 4.02 years - 10/10 pts
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 Form 990. We include in a charity's working capital unrestricted and temporarily restricted net assets, and exclude permanently restricted net assets. 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
Fundraising Efficiency - $0.01 - 10/10 ptsFundraising Efficiency - $0.01 - 10/10 pts
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
Administrative Expense Ratio - 3.40% - 10/10 ptsAdministrative Expense Ratio - 3.40% - 10/10 pts
As reported by charities on their IRS Form 990, this measure reflects what percent of its total budget a charity spends on overhead, administrative staff and associated costs, and organizational meetings. Dividing a charity's average administrative expenses by its average total functional expenses yields this percentage. We calculate the charity's average expenses over its three most recent fiscal years.
Source: IRS Form 990
Fundraising Expense Ratio - 1.40% - 10/10 ptsFundraising Expense Ratio - 1.40% - 10/10 pts
This measure reflects what a charity spends to raise money. Fundraising expenses can include campaign printing, publicity, mailing, and staffing and costs incurred in soliciting donations, memberships, and grants. Dividing a charity's average fundraising expenses by its average total functional expenses yields this percentage. We calculate the charity's average expenses over its three most recent fiscal years.
Source: IRS Form 990
Program Expense Ratio - 95.10% - 10/10 ptsProgram Expense Ratio - 95.10% - 10/10 pts
The Program Expense Ratio is determined by Program Expenses divided by Total Expense (average of most recent three 990s).
This measure reflects the percent of its total expenses a charity spends on the programs and services it exists to deliver. Dividing a charity's average program expenses by its average total functional expenses yields this percentage. We calculate the charity's average expenses over its three most recent fiscal years.
Source: IRS Form 990
Program Expense Growth - 16.45% - 10/10 ptsProgram Expense Growth - 16.45% - 10/10 pts
Organizations that demonstrate consistent annual growth in program expenses are able to outpace inflation and thus sustain their programs year to year. These organizations also supply givers with greater confidence by maintaining broad public support for their programs. We compute the average annual growth of program expenses using the following formula: [(Yn/Y0)(1/n)]-1, where Y0 is a charity's program expenses in the first year of the interval analyzed, Yn is the charity's program expenses in the most recent year, and n is the interval of years passed between Y0 and Yn.
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 this organizations key compensated staff members as identified by our analysts. 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
Richard E. Marbes, President
$0 (0.00% of Total Expenses)
Current CEO and Board Chair can be found in the Leadership & Adaptability report below.
Source: IRS Form 990 (page 7), filing year 2020
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
Activities:
Veterans activities (BMF activity code: 907)
Foundation Status:
Organization which receives a substantial part of its support from a governmental unit or the general public 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) (BMF foundation code: 15)
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 (DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Charitable Service Trust) or EIN (521521276) in the 'Search Term' field.
This organization was impacted by COVID-19 in a way that effected their financial health in 2020. This normally would have reduced their star rating. Due to the unprecedented nature of the pandemic, we give charities such as this one the opportunity to share the story of COVID's impact on them, and doing this pauses our revision of their rating. Charities may submit their own pandemic responses through their nonprofit portal.
DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Charitable Service Trust reported being impacted by COVID-19 in the following ways:
Program Delivery
Revenue
Grants Sent
How COVID-19 impacted the organization's operations financially:
It was anticipated income from investments and donations would decrease significantly throughout the pandemic but, despite an unpredictable and unprecedented year, revenue to the DAV Charitable Service Trust declined by only 10%. While investments were down by 26%, the decline was offset by donations from a very generous public. Operating & Fundraising expenses increased in 2020, primarily due to cancellation of a major gift pledged. Program Services declined by 18% which is attributable to fewer funding requests. However, the Trust's program services ratio was not impacted and Net Assets increased by 16% for the year.
How COVID-19 impacted the organization's delivery of programs:
Program delivery was most impacted by COVID-19 for varying reasons, including but not limited to: fewer grant requests received due to closure, cancellation, or limited in-person services; lower grant amounts requested as a result of fewer programs being delivered in-person (i.e. in-person events/programs cancelled and/or changed to all virtual = less grant funds needed); programs could not be delivered because of staffing issues and/or stay at home mandates; nonprofits that did not survive the economic impact were forced to close their doors.
How this organization adapted to changing conditions caused by COVID-19:
Our team shifted to an all virtual modality rather seamlessly and continued to deliver services to veterans, their caregivers and families throughout the nation. Through methodical strategic planning, we were prepared to pivot, as needed, to accommodate ever changing conditions and restrictions, stayed connected with our team members, donors, and grant applicants/recipients via many virtual platforms, increased public awareness about our grant program via social media channels, and continued to highlight program and service initiatives for which grant funds supported. Additionally, special consideration was given to organizations providing critical services to veterans and their families, with an emphasis on food, shelter, crisis intervention, disaster relief, and transportation to/from medical appointments. Lastly, a more efficient electronic application and evaluation system was implemented to allow for more user engagement and streamlined communication among our award recipients.
Innovations the organization intends to continue permanently after the pandemic:
We will continue to utilize virtual technology to interact with our constituents and provide awareness to nonprofits about our grant program. We will also continue to focus on programs and services most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, providing critical care for our nation's heroes and their families, and those serving in severely unserved or underserved communities. As we transition to a new normal, the Trust is more connected to its donors and grantees than ever and our focus will remain on new and innovative ways to incorporate user-friendly processes and experiences.
Not Currently Scored
DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Charitable Service Trust cannot currently be evaluated by our Impact & Results methodology because either (A) it is eligible, but we have not yet received data; (B) we have not yet developed an algorithm to estimate its programmatic impact; (C) its programs are not direct services; or (D) it is not heavily reliant on contributions from individual donors.
Note: The absence of a score does not indicate a positive or negative assessment, it only indicates that we have not yet evaluated the organization.
Learn More
DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Charitable Service Trust reported its two largest programs on its FY 2019 Form 990 as:
Spent in most recent FY
Percent of program expenses
Grants and Allocations
Spent in most recent FY
Percent of program expenses
Grant Processing and Service Expenditures
DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Charitable Service Trust has earned a 100% for the Culture & Community beacon. See the metrics below for more information.
This beacon provides an assessment of the organization's culture and connectedness to the community it serves.
Learn more
Full CreditPartial CreditNo CreditNot ApplicableConstituent Feedback - Data Available - 100/100 ptsConstituent Feedback - Data Available - 100/100 pts
100% of beacon score
This organization reported that it is collecting feedback from the constituents and/or communities it serves. Charity Navigator believes nonprofit organizations that engage in inclusive practices, such as collecting feedback from the people and communities they serve, may be more effective.
Who are the people you serve with your mission? Describe briefly.
The DAV Charitable Service Trust (Trust) serves veterans, their caregivers and families of every era. More specifically, the Trust aims to assist veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder; traumatic brain injury; military sexual trauma; substance use disorders; amputations; spinal cord injuries; and other physical and psychological afflictions. The Trust also focuses on addressing the needs of caregivers and/or their family members. Additionally, through financial assistance grants, the Trust enables nonprofit organizations to sustain quality programming to millions of veterans and dependents each year.
How is your organization collecting feedback from the people you serve?
Suggestion box/email
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 strengthen relationships with the people we serve
With whom does your organization share the feedback you got from the people you serve?
Our board
How has asking for feedback from the people you serve changed your relationship with them or shifted power - over decisions, resources, rules or in other ways - to them?
By seeking feedback from those we serve, the Trust is able to accommodate and adapt to the ever changing needs of veterans, their caregivers and families. Staying connected with veterans, donors, and grant applicants/recipients allows for additional growth in critical programs areas; more collaboration and strong partnerships; increased public awareness; and, most importantly, helps veterans connect with new possibilities as they address the most challenging hurdles between them and their maximum potential.
What challenges does your organization face in collecting feedback from the people you serve?
It is difficult to identify actionable feedback
Briefly describe a recent change that your organization made in response to feedback from the people you serve.
The DAV Charitable Service Trust carefully evaluates and addresses the most vital needs of wounded, ill and injured veterans and their families and continually seeks ways to enhance program delivery for those we serve. Through feedback from various sources, the Trust observed a growing and emergent need to support programs delivering critical services to veterans impacted by the pandemic. In response to this need, the Trust gave (and continues to give) priority consideration to organizations providing food, shelter, crisis intervention, disaster relief, and transportation to/from medical appointments. Additionally, a more efficient electronic application system was implemented to allow for expedited review processes and streamlined communication among our grant award recipients.
Equity Practices - Data Available - UnscoredEquity Practices - Data Available - Unscored
The organization reported that it is currently only implementing 2 Equity Practices. At this time, organizations must implement 3 or more of these practices in order to be scored on this metric. Charity Navigator believes nonprofit organizations implementing effective equity policies and practices can enhance a nonprofit's decision-making, staff motivation, innovation, and effectiveness.
Equity Practices (0/7) | |
|---|---|
The organization did not respond to this question. | |
Equity Policies and Procedures (2/7) | |
|---|---|
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. | |
DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Charitable Service Trust has earned a 100% for the Leadership & Adaptability beacon. See the metrics below for more information.
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 CreditNot ApplicableMission - 10/10 ptsMission - 10/10 pts
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking through articulating the organization's mission
The DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Charitable Service Trust supports physical and psychological rehabilitation programs that provide direct service to ill, injured, or wounded veterans. Programs supported by the Trust target several groups of physically and psychologically injured veterans. Programs supported by the Trust typically include: providing food, shelter and other necessary items to homeless or at-risk veterans; accessibility or mobility items for veterans with vision or hearing impairments; therapeutic activities; physical and psychological activities for rehabilitation; and other forms of direct service for veterans and their families.
Vision - 10/10 ptsVision - 10/10 pts
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking through articulating the organization’s vision.
The DAV Charitable Service Trust aims to reconnect veterans with new possibilities and address the most challenging hurdles that stand between them and their maximum potential as productive members of society. The programs that benefit from the Trust address the wide range of physical and psychological barriers that impact a veterans' quality of life. The Trust identifies and assists initiatives that do things such as enhance research and mobility for veterans who've lost limbs or suffered spinal cord injuries, help aging veterans enjoy a sense of dignity and peace, provide shelter to homeless veterans and give them a path toward a fulfilled life, and give caregivers and families of veterans the tools and resources needed to lead sustainable and enriched lives. The Trust carefully evaluates and addresses the most vital needs of ill and injured veterans and their families while empowering them to maximize their quality of life.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Goals - 20/20 ptsGoals - 20/20 pts
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking and goal setting through sharing their most important strategic goals.
Goal One: Increase partnerships by proactively searching for new and innovative ways to serve veterans, their family members, and caregivers.
Goal Type: Grow, expand, scale or increase access to the existing programs and services.
Goal Two: Thoroughly evaluate grant requests and approved grants to ensure funded projects are operating in a financially stable, well-established, evidence-based way and are meeting accountability measures.
Goal Type: This goal reflects our commitment to further our advocacy work for our organization and or cause area.
Goal Three: Maintain strong fiscal responsibility and be careful stewards of donated funds, keeping program service expenditures high and fundraising and administrative costs low.
Goal Type: Invest in the capacity of our organization (financial, management, technical, etc.).
Leadership Development - 15/15 ptsLeadership Development - 15/15 pts
The nonprofit provides evidence of investment in leadership development
The DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Charitable Service Trust (Trust) does not have employees. The Board of Directors of this organization has contracted with its affiliated organization, DAV, to utilize the services of a DAV employee to serve as the Administrator of the Trust. The Administrator assists the President and other officers in the implementation of board directives and ensures all members are kept fully abreast of business matters.
Mobilizing for Mission - 15/15 ptsMobilizing for Mission - 15/15 pts
The nonprofit provides evidence of leadership through focusing externally and mobilizing resources for the mission.
Strategic Partnerships
Networks of Collective Impact Efforts
Raising Awareness
Leaders of the DAV Charitable Service Trust are constantly looking to align with other organizations that have shared goals and believes this allows for a broader reach and impact in serving veterans, their spouses/caregivers, and dependents. The Trust is particularly interested in partnering with organizations that are not only like-minded in terms of mission, but also bring unique experience, expertise and resources to the table that complement our overall goals and initiatives. Through combining strengths, we are able to magnify and drive more positive outcomes for the constituents we serve, offer diverse programming for veterans in unserved or underserved communities, and combat the physical and psychological injuries veterans endured while in service to their country. The Trust raises awareness of its mission via website, social media platform, and Annual Report and giving is promoted through the Combined Federal Campaign, military magazines, and postcard mailings.
Adaptability Story - 30/30 ptsAdaptability Story - 30/30 pts
The nonprofit has an opportunity to tell the story of how the organization adapted to tremendous external changes in the last year.
In March 2020, DAV operations changed dramatically when the organization had to instantaneously shift to a telework status due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization was able to adapt quickly and seamlessly because of the constant and intentional progression it has made toward implementing more efficient processes over time. The Trust was prepared to embrace immediate change, utilizing technology as a primary source for conducting daily business operations and incorporating an outside of the box strategy. We were deliberate in our planning to ensure veterans and their families would continue to receive the crucial services they needed regardless of the unprecedented circumstances. Through systematic collaboration, extraordinary communication, and strong team work, the Trust stayed connected to the community it serves and continued to carry out its mission of empowering veterans to lead high quality lives with respect and dignity. Additionally, programs providing emergency financial assistance and relief efforts to veterans impacted by the pandemic were of the upmost priority and remained at the core of where the Trust focused its primary efforts during the most difficult times. Through partnerships with other charitable organizations, the Trust proactively searched for new and innovative ways to serve veterans and meet the unique challenges experienced as a result of the national crisis. Because of the Trust's ability to adapt to tremendous change, ill and injured veterans of all generations continued to received life-changing assistance and high quality care on their path toward sustainable and enriched lives after service to our country.
Impact & Results
Accountability & Finance
Culture & Community
Leadership & Adaptability
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