Impact & Measurement
Accountability & Finance
Culture & Community
Leadership & Adaptability
Direct Relief
Santa Barbara CA | IRS ruling year: 1949 | EIN: 95-1831116 
An EIN is a unique nine-digit number that identifies a business for tax purposes.
An EIN is a unique nine-digit number that identifies a business for tax purposes.Organization Mission
Direct Relief is a humanitarian organization, active in all 50 states and more than 80 countries, with a mission to improve the health and lives of people affected b ... (More)
Rating Information
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, weighted as follows: 35% Accountability & Finance, 44% Impact & Measurement, 9% Leadership & Adaptability, 12% Culture & Community. Learn more about our criteria and methodology.
Historical Ratings 
Historical Ratings 
Charity Navigator's ratings previously did not consider Leadership & Adaptability, Culture & Community, or Impact & Measurement. 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 | ||
| 6/1/2022 | | ||
| 8/3/2021 | | ||
| 9/1/2020 | | ||
| 7/1/2019 | | ||
| 5/1/2018 | | ||
| 5/1/2017 | | ||
| 7/1/2016 | | ||
| 6/1/2016 | | ||
| 5/1/2015 | | ||
 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. | |||
| 7/1/2014 | | ||
| 8/1/2013 | | ||
| 5/1/2012 | | ||
| 9/20/2011 | | ||
| 2/1/2011 | | ||
| 7/1/2010 |  | ||
| 5/1/2009 | | ||
| 6/1/2008 | | ||
| 3/1/2007 | | ||
| 3/1/2006 | | ||
| 10/1/2004 | | ||
| 1/1/2004 | | ||
| 2/5/2003 | | ||
| 10/15/2002 | | ||
Rating Report
Accountability & Finance
Score
100
Most Recent Fiscal Year:
FY 2022
FY 2022
This beacon provides an assessment of a charity's financial health (financial efficiency, sustainability, and trustworthiness) and its commitment to governance practices and policies.
Key Accountability Metrics
Full Credit
Partial Credit
No CreditMajority Independent Board Members - 100% independent members6 out of 6 points
Majority Independent Board Members - 100% independent members6 out of 6 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 - 16 independent members6 out of 6 points
Independent Board Size - 16 independent members6 out of 6 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 Committee12 out of 12 points
Financial Statements - Audit and Oversight Committee12 out of 12 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 - None12 out of 12 points
Material Diversion of Assets - None12 out of 12 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
Tax Form Disclosures and Policies
Full CreditPartial CreditNo CreditWebsite Listed on Tax Form - Listed3 out of 3 points
Website Listed on Tax Form - Listed3 out of 3 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 - Yes3 out of 3 points
Documents Board Meeting Minutes - Yes3 out of 3 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
Compensates Board - No5 out of 5 points
Compensates Board - No5 out of 5 points
The IRS requires that the charity lists any compensation paid to the charity's governing body members on the IRS Form 990. Furthermore, all governing body members must be listed whether or not they are compensated. Our analysts verify that the charities complied with the Form 990 instructions and that no board members are compensated simply for being on the board.
Source: Nonprofit's Website
Tax Form Distributed to Board Before Filing - Listed3 out of 3 points
Tax Form Distributed to Board Before Filing - Listed3 out of 3 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 - None5 out of 5 points
Loans to/from Officers - None5 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.
Reports CEO and Compensation on Tax Form - Listed5 out of 5 points
Reports CEO and Compensation on Tax Form - Listed5 out of 5 points
Charities must list their CEO's name and compensation on their tax forms, an issue of concern for many donors. Our analysts check to be sure that the charities complied with the IRS Form 990 instructions and include this information.
CEO Compensation Process - Listed5 out of 5 points
CEO Compensation Process - Listed5 out of 5 points
This process indicates that the organization has a documented policy that it follows yearly. The policy should indicate that an objective and independent review process of the CEO's compensation has been conducted, including benchmarking against comparable organizations. We check to be sure that the charity has reported on its IRS Form 990 its process for determining its CEO pay.
Website Disclosures
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
Audit Posted on Nonprofit's Website - Listed5 out of 5 points
Audit Posted on Nonprofit's Website - Listed5 out of 5 points
Charity Navigator checks 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. Donors need easy access to this financial report to help determine if the organization is managing its financial resources well. We are rating charities on whether or not they publish their audit on their website.
Source: Nonprofit's Website
Staff Members Listed on Nonprofit's Website - Listed3 out of 3 points
Staff Members Listed on Nonprofit's Website - Listed3 out of 3 points
Donors and other stakeholders need to know who runs the organization day-to-day. While key staff should be reported on the IRS Form 990, the charity's staff may have changed since then. The charity typically reflects the most current members on the website.
Source: Nonprofit's Website
Board Members Posted on Nonprofit's Website - Listed5 out of 5 points
Board Members Posted on Nonprofit's Website - Listed5 out of 5 points
The IRS requires that the charity lists any compensation paid to the charity's governing body members on the IRS Form 990. Furthermore, all governing body members must be listed whether or not they are compensated. Our analysts verify that the charities complied with the Form 990 instructions and that no board members are compensated simply for being on the board.
Source: Nonprofit's Website
Donor Privacy Policy Posted on Nonprofit's Website - Listed2 out of 2 points
Donor Privacy Policy Posted on Nonprofit's Website - Listed2 out of 2 points
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 and if its tw-contents are sufficient to protect the donor's information.
Source: Nonprofit's Website
Financial Metrics
Full CreditPartial CreditNo CreditLiabilities to Assets: Ratio - 1.94%25 out of 25 points
Liabilities to Assets: Ratio - 1.94%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 - 99.56%25 out of 25 points
Program Expense: Ratio - 99.56%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 - $0.0025 out of 25 points
Fundraising Efficiency: Ratio - $0.0025 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 - 0.49 years25 out of 25 points
Working Capital: Ratio - 0.49 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
Additional Information
Total Revenue and Expenses - Data Available
Total Revenue and Expenses - Data Available
This chart displays the trend of revenue and expenses over the past several years for this organization, as reported on their IRS Form 990.
Salary of Key Persons - Data Available
Salary of Key Persons - Data Available
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
Thomas Tighe, Chief Executive Officer
$501,663
Bhupi Singh, Executive Vp, Senior Advisor
$425,715
Dawn Long, Senior Vp, Coo
$342,260
Adan Grouman, Director, It
$269,475
Jonathan Steiner, Vp Of Finance, Cfo
$260,154
Source: IRS Form 990 (page 7), filing year 2022
IRS Published Data (Business Master File) - Data Available
IRS Published Data (Business Master File) - Data Available
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)
Data Sources (IRS Forms 990) - Data Available
Data Sources (IRS Forms 990) - Data Available
The Form 990 is a document that nonprofit organizations file with the IRS annually. We leverage accountability and finance 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 (Direct Relief) or EIN (951831116) in the 'Search Term' field.
Impact & Measurement
Score
100
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.
Assessments
Impact
100 out of 100 points
100% of Impact & Measurement score
Full CreditPartial CreditNo CreditImpact Determination - Highly Cost Effective100 out of 100 points
Impact Determination - Highly Cost Effective100 out of 100 points
Impact Statement
$1.04 provides a dollar's worth of financial assistance to a patient. [2021 USD]
Program Context
The nonprofit provides financial assistance to patients with medical conditions.
Data Time Period
4/22/22 to 4/21/23
Benchmark for Scoring
Impact & Results scores of financial assistance to patients programs are based on income generated relative to cost. Programs receive an Impact & Results score of 100 if they provide a dollar worth of assistance for less than $1.25 and a score of 80 if they provide a dollar worth of assistance at a cost ranging from $1.25 to $2 . If a nonprofit reports impact but doesn't meet the benchmark for cost-effectiveness, it earns a score of 65.
This nonprofit's cost per meal is less than 125% of the local meal cost.
Methodology
Nonprofit submission
Data Source
These data were submitted directly by the nonprofit.
Measurement
Unscored
0% of Impact & Measurement score
Full CreditPartial CreditNo CreditProgram Planning and Design - No data availableProgram Planning and Design - No data availableThis section assesses the use of crucial evaluation tools in program objective-setting and activities.
Program Development - No data availableProgram Development - No data availableThis section assesses the consideration of stakeholders in program objectives and activities.
Data Collection and Analysis - No data availableData Collection and Analysis - No data availableThis section assesses the best practices used in collecting and analyzing program data.
Reporting and Distribution of Results - No data availableReporting and Distribution of Results - No data availableThis section assesses reporting and disseminating program results.
Use of Results - No data availableUse of Results - No data availableThis section assesses the use of results to guide learning.
Culture & Community
Score
98
This beacon provides an assessment of the organization's culture and connectedness to the community it serves.
Metrics
Full CreditPartial CreditNo CreditConstituent Feedback - Data Available100/100 points
Constituent Feedback - Data Available100/100 points
33.33% 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 make fundamental changes to our programs and/or operations, 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 get the people we serve to respond to requests for feedback, It is difficult to find the ongoing funding to support feedback collection
Equity Practices - Data Available97/100 points
Equity Practices - Data Available97/100 points
66.67% of beacon score
This organization's score of 97 is a passing score. The organization reported that it is implementing 13 Equity Practices.
The Equity Strategies Checklist, developed by Equity in the Center, consists of practices and policies that promote racial equity in operations and programs. This data is collected in partnership with Candid.
| Equity Practices (6/7) | |
We review compensation data across the organization (and by staff levels) to identify disparities by race. | |
We ask team members to identify racial disparities in their programs and/or portfolios. | |
We analyze disaggregated data and root causes of race disparities that impact the organization/'s programs, portfolios, and the populations served. | |
We disaggregate data to adjust programming goals to keep pace with changing needs of the communities we support. | |
We employ non-traditional ways of gathering feedback on programs and trainings, which may include interviews, roundtables, and external reviews with/by community stakeholders. | |
We disaggregate data by demographics, including race, in every policy and program measured | |
We have long-term strategic plans and measurable goals for creating a culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization. | |
| Equity Policies and Procedures (7/7) | |
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. | |
Leadership & Adaptability
Score
100
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.
- Strategic Partnerships
- Networks of Collective Impact Efforts
- Thought Leadership
- Raising Awareness
- Community Building
Metrics
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
Note: The organization did not respond to this question.
Vision 10/10 points
Vision 10/10 points
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking through articulating the organization’s vision.
Note: The organization did not respond to this question.
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: Ensure health professionals in resource-poor communities are equipped to meet the challenges of diagnosing and caring for people in need.
Goal Type: Grow, expand, scale or increase access to the existing programs and services.
Goal Two: Ensure disaster-prone communities are prepared for more frequent, more destructive emergencies.
Goal Type: Grow, expand, scale or increase access to the existing programs and services.
Goal Three: Expand access to medications and health services for under-served populations.
Goal Type: Grow, expand, scale or increase access to the existing programs and services.
Leadership Development 15/15 points
Leadership Development 15/15 points
The nonprofit provides evidence of investment in leadership development
Describe an investment in leadership
To effectively advance its mission, Direct Relief aims to recruit, train and retain high-performing employees and motivate, recognize, and reward excellent performance. To enhance employees’ knowledge, skills, and expertise related to their work, Direct Relief provides ongoing online and in-person learning opportunities to staff at every level. Additionally, Direct Relief offers financial assistance in complete or partial payment for approved training programs, courses, workshops, and seminars. Other professional development opportunities available to staff include membership to professional organizations, job-related certifications, licenses, continuing education credit courses, and subscriptions to job-related scholarly journals, books, and computer-based resources.
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:
What are this organization’s external mobilizaton efforts?
Direct Relief has long sought partnerships with public and private-sector organizations that leverage for humanitarian purposes their expertise. This approach has led healthcare manufacturers and other corporations in sectors ranging from technology to transportation to contribute needed resources and services that match urgent health needs in over 80 countries worldwide, including the U.S.
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.
(1) PPE: When the virus broke out in January 2020, Direct Relief was one of the few non-profits prepared to make a substantial and immediate impact on the crisis with a large supply of PPE and critical care medications that it distributed to safety-net health centers and clinics, hospitals and public health agencies around the U.S. and globally. The year after the pandemic began, Direct Relief delivered more than 100 million PPE items,m including masks and gloves, free-of-charge, to health workers throughout the U.S. and world.
(2) Critical Medicine: In addition to PPE, Direct Relief’s early identification of needed intensive care medication became an essential source of information during the crisis. Its pre-packaged ICU medications modules were requested and delivered to the most advanced hospitals, from Chan Zuckerberg General to the University of Miami Hospital.
(3) COVID-19 Vaccines: To assist public health authorities and healthcare providers in distributing Covid-19 vaccines, Direct Relief invested approximately $2.5 million in cold-chain pharmaceutical distribution capabilities, increasing its medical refrigeration and freezer capacity three-fold.
(4) Research: Collaborating with the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Direct Relief launched the COVID-19 Mobility Data Network—an information and research hub using anonymized mobility data from phones to understand how people limited their movements during the pandemic.
(5) Grants: As is the case in emergencies, the pre-existing gaps get bigger as resources are redirected to the crisis. That’s why Direct Relief’s focus since the onset of Covid-19 has been on supporting its partner network of community health centers, free and charitable clinics, and other safety-net health facilities that care for people who are among the least fortunate and most vulnerable to crises. These healthcare providers have expanded their services during the pandemic, often without reimbursement.