Frequently Asked Financial Questions

1. How much of a donated dollar goes to program services, and how much of that same dollar goes to administration and fundraising?

The leadership of the Council of Churches of the Ozarks is committed to prioritizing program delivery over fundraising and administrative costs. According to our most recent Form 990, 85% of total expenses were put to work to deliver program services, 14% in support of administration and program management, and 1% in support of fundraising. In addition, each donated dollar is leveraged 4 times. For every private dollar donated another 4 dollars in support is obtained through other sources.

2. If the Council of Churches leverages every donated dollar with $4 from other sources, what are those "other sources"?

Donations to the Council of Churches actually help to “attract” funding from other sources. Other sources of funding include fees for services (such as client fees paid to Daybreak Adult Daycare and Therapeutic Riding of the Ozarks) and state and federal contracts (which include funding for Child Care Resource and Referral, Child Care Food Program, Retired Senior Volunteer Program-RSVP, and Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program).

3. Does the Council of Churches have a sustainable financial plan?

The Council of Churches recently celebrated 40 years of service in the Ozarks. Our sustainability as a nonprofit public charity over the years is based on a financial plan that includes a combination of fundraising, grant seeking, endowment support, contract supported services, some fees for some services and a commitment to maintaining cash reserves that enable the organization to weather difficult economic times. This diversified approach, along with the due diligence exercised by our Board of Directors and a staff commitment to efficient management of resources, contributes to our continued sustainability.

4. Are the books of the Council of Churches audited?

Yes. Each year the Council of Churches hires an independent accounting firm to conduct an audit of our accounting and financial procedures

5. Does the board of directors of the Council of Churches financially support the organization?

The Board of Directors (an all volunteer board) is committed to a goal of 100% participation from board members to give an annual gift in support of the Council of Churches of the Ozarks. In addition to financial support, many board members also volunteer their time on board committees and in service delivery through one or more of the nine service agencies operated by the Council of Churches.

6. Can the Council of Churches receive my gift of appreciated stock? Real estate? Other real property?

Yes. Such gifts can be a great benefit to the Council of Churches of the Ozarks, and provide several tax advantages for the donor. For more information about giving appreciated stock, real estate or real property, please contact Mark Struckhoff, Executive Director, at 417-862-3586.