Doctors Without Borders, also known internationally as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), is a globally recognized humanitarian organization providing medical aid in conflict zones and countries affected by endemic diseases. For individuals looking to contribute to impactful charities, understanding a charity’s rating and accountability is crucial. This article delves into the Doctors Without Borders Charity Rating, specifically focusing on the assessment provided by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other relevant factors concerning their operations and financial transparency.
Doctors Without Borders USA and BBB Standards for Charity Accountability
The BBB Wise Giving Alliance provides a comprehensive evaluation of charities based on a set of 20 Standards for Charity Accountability. These standards assess various aspects of a charity’s operations, governance, fundraising, and transparency. According to the BBB’s assessment, Doctors Without Borders USA (DWB USA) meets 16 out of these 20 standards. While this indicates a strong overall performance, it’s important to understand the standards DWB USA does not fully meet and the reasons behind these discrepancies.
Areas Where Doctors Without Borders USA Falls Short
The BBB report highlights four specific standards where DWB USA does not currently meet the criteria:
1. Standard 4: Compensated Board Members: This standard addresses potential conflicts of interest by limiting the number of compensated individuals on a voting board and restricting them from holding key positions like chair or treasurer. DWB USA does not meet this standard because their board chair is compensated. In their response, DWB USA clarified that the chair’s compensation is due to the significant time commitment and responsibilities required for the role, including office presence, internal and external meetings, and donor relations, making it difficult for the chair to hold a full-time position elsewhere.
2. Standard 6: Board Policy on Effectiveness: This standard emphasizes the importance of regular self-assessment by requiring a documented board policy for evaluating the organization’s performance and effectiveness at least every two years. DWB USA does not have a formally written policy that explicitly outlines this bi-annual assessment process.
3. Standard 16: Annual Report Details: Transparency is paramount in charity accountability. Standard 16 requires charities to have an annual report available to the public upon request, including mission statement, program accomplishments, board roster, and detailed financial information. While DWB USA provides an annual report, the 2021 report reviewed by BBB did not include a breakdown of total expenses for each program category (communications, emergency and medical programs, field staff, and program support and development) as presented in their financial statements.
4. Standard 19: Cause-Related Marketing Disclosure: When charities engage in cause-related marketing, it’s crucial to clearly disclose how the charity benefits from consumer sales. Standard 19 requires specific disclosures at the point of solicitation, including the portion of the purchase price benefiting the charity, campaign duration, and any maximum or minimum guaranteed contribution. The BBB found that past DWB USA cause-related marketing promotions lacked specific details regarding the actual or anticipated benefit to the organization from consumer purchases.
Despite these points of non-compliance with BBB standards, it’s crucial to note that Doctors Without Borders USA meets the vast majority of accountability benchmarks, demonstrating a strong commitment to ethical practices.
A Broader Look: Programs, Governance, and Financial Health
Beyond the BBB charity rating, a comprehensive understanding of Doctors Without Borders involves examining their programs, governance, and financial standing.
Programs and Impact
Doctors Without Borders is renowned for its impactful programs providing medical humanitarian aid. In 2022, DWB USA’s program expenses totaled over $540 million, allocated as follows:
- Emergency and medical programs: $514,055,079
- Program support and development: $16,094,583
- Field staff: $6,646,308
- Communications: $3,483,343
These figures highlight the significant resources directed towards core medical programs in areas facing crises, epidemics, and healthcare exclusion. Doctors Without Borders reports operating in over 70 countries, showcasing its global reach and commitment to addressing critical health needs worldwide.
Governance and Leadership
Effective governance is essential for any non-profit organization. Doctors Without Borders USA is led by Executive Director Avril Benoit and governed by a 13-member board of directors, chaired by physician Africa Stewart. While the chair’s compensation is noted in the BBB report, the leadership structure reflects a blend of professional management and expert oversight. DWB USA employs a substantial paid staff of 221, indicating the scale of their operations and the professional capacity driving their mission.
Financial Transparency and Fundraising Efficiency
Financial transparency and efficient fundraising are key indicators of a responsible charity. Doctors Without Borders USA demonstrates strong financial health with a substantial total income of nearly $670 million in 2022. The majority of funding comes from individual donors, highlighting public trust and support. Notably, a very high percentage of expenses (84%) are allocated to programs, with 15% going to fundraising and less than 1% to administrative costs. This efficient allocation of funds ensures that donations are primarily used to support the organization’s medical humanitarian work.
Doctors Without Borders utilizes diverse fundraising methods, including direct mail, online appeals, grants, planned giving, and cause-related marketing. Fundraising costs are reported at 15% of related contributions, which is a reasonable percentage for a large international organization.
Addressing Complaints and Maintaining Trust
The BBB report indicates a very low number of complaints against Doctors Without Borders USA, with only one complaint processed in the last 36 months. This complaint, concerning removal from a mailing list, was addressed by the organization. This minimal complaint volume further strengthens the image of Doctors Without Borders as a trustworthy and well-managed charity.
Conclusion: A Strong Charity Rating and Continued Commitment
While Doctors Without Borders USA does not fully meet all BBB Standards for Charity Accountability, particularly in the areas of compensated board members, formal policy documentation, and specific reporting details, it’s crucial to consider the overall picture. The organization meets a vast majority of the standards, operates impactful global programs, maintains financial transparency, and exhibits efficient fundraising practices.
The minor areas of non-compliance should be viewed in the context of the organization’s scale, operational complexity, and the demanding nature of its humanitarian work. For donors seeking to support a highly effective and reputable medical charity, Doctors Without Borders remains a strong choice. Understanding their charity rating and the details behind it allows for informed giving and continued support of their life-saving mission around the world.
