Donor Resources
Stewardship
At Desire Street, stewardship is important! So we want to share with you our policies and organizational information pertaining to your giving decision.
Desire Street Ministries is committed to the highest standards of integrity in all fundraising efforts and to the ethical collection, retention and use of information about our donors. We respect your privacy and work to protect your personal information. We will never sell, share, or rent your personal information to another organization for its own use. On this site, there are opportunities for you to request additional information and make contributions online. The only way we will obtain identifying information about you when you visit our site is if you choose to provide that information by sending us an email, making a donation, or signing up to receive our communications. We protect the information you choose to provide such as name, contact and billing information, transaction and credit card information.
When you click the Donate button, your online transaction is processed through FundraiseUp, using industry-leading Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology to keep your personal information as secure as possible.
Desire Street Ministries Uniform Disclosure Statement
Desire Street Ministries is a public charity exempt from federal income tax as an organization described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All contributions we receive are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. A copy of our latest financial report, registration filed, and a description of our programs and activities may be obtained by contacting us at Desire Street Ministries, 600 Means St NW, Ste 110, Atlanta, GA 30318-5799, phone 678-681-3979. If you are a resident of the following states, you may obtain information directly from the state agency.
Colorado: Colorado residents may obtain copies of registration and financial documents from the office of the Secretary of State, 303-894-2860, www.sos.state.co.us/ Reg. No. 20063007534
Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE, WITHIN THE STATES, 800-435-7352 (800- HELP-FLA) OR BY VISITING www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Registration # CH21987.
Georgia: A full and fair description of our programs and our financial statement summary is available upon request at our office and phone number indicated above.
Illinois: Contract and reports regarding Desire Street Ministries are on file with the Illinois Attorney General.
Maryland: For the cost of copies and postage, from the Office of the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401, 800-825-4510.
Michigan: MICS # 36040
Mississippi: The official registration and financial information of Desire Street Ministries may be obtained from the Mississippi
Secretary of State’s office by calling 888-236-6167. Registration by the Secretary of State does not imply endorsement by the Secretary of State.
New Jersey: INFORMATION FILED WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CONCERNING THIS CHARITABLE SOLICITATION AND THE PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED BY THE CHARITY DURING THE LAST REPORTING PERIOD THAT WERE DEDICATED TO THE CHARITABLE PURPOSE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY BY CALLING 973-504-6215 AND IS AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET AT: http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/charity/chardir.htm. REGISTRATION WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT.
New York: Upon Request, a copy of the latest annual report can be obtained from the organization or from the Office of the Attorney General, by writing the Charities Bureau, 102 Broadway, New York, NY 10271.
North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the state.
Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of Desire Street Ministries may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free within Pennsylvania 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Virginia: Financial statements are available from State Division of Consumer Affairs, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services, PO Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218.
Washington: Secretary of State at 800-332-4483 or http://www.sos.wa.gov/charities/.
West Virginia: West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305. Registration does not imply endorsement.
REGISTRATION WITH A STATE AGENCY DOES NOT CONSTITUTE OR IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THAT STATE.
Conflicts of Interest
Purpose
As a Christian ministry formed to revitalize impoverished urban neighborhoods through spiritual and community development, Desire Street Ministries (DSM) has a mandate to conduct all of its affairs decently and above reproach both in the sight of God and man. That accountability includes a commitment to operate with the highest level of integrity and to avoid conflicts of interest.
As a nonprofit, tax-exempt entity, DSM depends on charitable contributions from the public. Maintenance of its tax-exempt status is important both for its continued financial stability and for the receipt of contributions and public support. Therefore, the IRS and state corporate and tax officials view the operations of DSM as a public trust, accountable to both governmental authorities and members of the public.
Among DSM Board members and executive staff, there exists a fiduciary duty, which carries with it a broad and unbending duty of loyalty. Board members and executive staff are responsible for administering the affairs of DSM honestly and prudently, and for exercising their best care, skill, and judgment for the sole benefit of the organization. Those persons shall exercise the utmost good faith in all transactions involved in their duties, and they should not use their positions with DSM or knowledge gained there from for their personal benefit. The interests of DSM must have first priority, and all purchases of goods and services must be affected on a basis that secures for DSM full competitive advantages as to product, service, and price.
Potential Areas of Conflict
Conflicts of interest may arise in the relations of Board members and executive staff with any of the following third parties:
- Persons or entities supplying goods and services to DSM.
- Persons or entities from which DSM leases property and equipment.
- Persons or entities with whom DSM is dealing or planning to deal in connection with the gift, purchase, or sale of real estate, securities, or other property.
- Persons or entities paying honoraria or royalties for products or for services delivered by DSM for its agents or employees.
- Other ministries or nonprofit organizations.
- Donors and others supporting DSM.
- Agencies, organizations, and associations that affect the operations of DSM.
Nature of Conflicting Interest
A material conflicting interest may be defined as an interest, direct or indirect, between any person or entity mentioned above as a Board member or executive staff, which might affect, or might reasonably be thought by others to affect, the judgment or conduct of a Board member or executive staff of DSM. Such an interest might arise through the following:
- Owning stock or holding debt of other proprietary interests in any third party dealing with DSM.
- Holding office, serving on the Board, participating in management, or being otherwise employed (or formerly employed) in any third party dealing with DSM.
- Receiving remuneration for services with respect to individual transactions involving DSM.
- Using DSM’s personnel, equipment, supplies, or goodwill for other than organization-approved activities, programs, and purposes.
- Receiving personal gifts or loans from third parties dealing with DSM. (Receipt of any gift is disapproved except gifts of nominal value, which could not be refused without discourtesy. No personal gift of money should ever be accepted.)
- Obtaining an interest in real estate, securities, or other property that DSM might consider buying or leasing.
- Expending staff time during DSM’s normal business hours for personal affairs or for other organizations, civic or otherwise, to the detriment of work performance for DSM.
As noted above, conflicting interest may be indirect. A Board member or executive staff will be considered to have an indirect interest in another entity or transaction if any of the following also have an interest:
- A family of a Board members and executive staff. (Family member is defined for these purposes as all persons related by blood or marriage).
- An estate or trust of which the Board member or executive staff or member of his family is a beneficiary, personal representative, or trustee.
- A company of which a member of the family of a Board member or executive staff is an officer, director, or employee, or in which he has ownership or other proprietary interests.
Interpretation of this Policy
The areas of conflicting interest listed in the potential areas of conflict section and the relations in those areas which may give rise to conflict are not exhaustive. Conflicts may arise in other areas or through other relations. It is assumed that the Board members and executive staff will recognize such areas and relation by analogy.
The fact that one of the interests described above exists does not necessarily mean that a conflict exists, or that the conflict, if it exists, is material enough to be of practical importance, or if material, that upon full disclosure of all relevant facts and circumstances that is necessarily adverse to the interests of DSM. However, it is the policy of the Board that the existence of any of the interests described above shall be disclosed before any transaction is consummated. It will be the continuing responsibility of Board members and executive staff to scrutinize their transactions with outside business interests and relationships for potential conflicts and to immediately make such disclosures.
Disclosure should be made to the Executive Director (or if he is the one with the conflict, then to the Board Chair), who will bring these matters to the attention of the Board. The Board then determines whether a conflict exists and is material, and in the presence of an existing material conflict, whether the contemplated transaction may be authorized as just, fair, and reasonable as to DSM. The decisions on these matters are the sole discretion of the Board. The Board’s first concern must be the welfare of DSM and the advancement of its purposes.
Certification
I have carefully read the foregoing statement of policy concerning Conflicts of Interest. In signing this certificate, I have considered not only the literal expression of the policy but also its intents. I hereby certify that, except as hereinafter stated, I do not, to the best of my knowledge: 1) have any of the relations described in Nature of Conflicting Interest section with any person or firm of the classes listed in the Potential Areas of Conflict section; and 2) have no interests conflicting with the interests of DSM, nor have any relationship that may appear conflicting.
If any situation should arise in the future which I believe may involve me in a conflict of interest, I will promptly and fully disclose the circumstances to the Executive Director or Board Chair of DSM directly.
CEO Compensation Process
The compensation for Desire Street Ministries’ Executive Director (E.D.) will be established and reviewed annually by the Board of Directors. The compensation level is established using a combination of external peer data of other not-for-profit executive directors, as well as, evaluating the current job duties of the E.D. and comparing them to other comparable for-profit positions. In addition to outside factors, the Board will also consider cost of living and what cost the organization can bear in determining the compensation level awarded. The Board may delegate all or certain aspects related to executive compensation to a standing committee of the Board.
Document Retention and Destruction Policy
This policy specifies important documents that will be retained by Desire Street Ministries in the form of either hard copy, electronic image, or other media. Documents will be stored in a protected environment for at least the following minimum periods of time. They are eligible for destruction by shredding or fire after these minimum periods.
In regard to documents requested and subpoenaed for investigations or litigation, release will authorized by the Executive Director and Board Chair, and provided within 5 business days. No document will be concealed, altered or destroyed with the intent to obstruct an investigation or litigation.
DEFINITIONS:
- Electronically – On Desire Street's cloud storage provider
- Finance Office – Assigned storage at Desire Street Ministries’ office location
- Offsite – Backup copies automatically saved by Desire Street's cloud storage provider
Corporate Records
| Record Type | Storage Location | Retention Period |
| Article of Incorporation | Finance Office: Physically and Electronically | Permanent |
| IRS Form 1023 | Finance Office: Physically and Electronically | Permanent |
| Letter of Determination granting tax-exempt and/or charitable status | Finance Office: Physically and Electronically | Permanent |
| Bylaws | Finance Office: Physically and Electronically | Permanent |
| Board policies | Finance Office: Physically and Electronically | Permanent |
| Resolutions | Finance Office: Physically and Electronically | Permanent |
| Board meeting minutes | Finance Office: Physically and Electronically | Permanent |
| Sales tax exemption documents | Finance Office: Physically and Electronically | Permanent |
| Tax or employee identification number designation | Finance Office: Physically and Electronically | Permanent |
| Annual corporate filings | Finance Office: Physically and Electronically | Permanent |
Whistleblower Policy
Purpose
Desire Street Ministries (DSM) is committed to high standards of ethical, moral and legal business conduct. In line with this commitment, and DSM’s commitment to open communication, this policy aims to provide an avenue for employees to raise concerns and reassurance that they will be protected from reprisals or victimization for whistleblowing.
This whistleblowing policy is intended to cover protections for you if you raise concerns regarding DSM, such as concerns regarding:
- Incorrect financial reporting;
- Unlawful activity;
- Activities that are not in line with DSM policy, including the Code of Business Conduct;
- Activities, which otherwise amount to serious improper conduct.
Safeguards
Harassment or Victimization — Harassment or victimization for reporting concerns under this policy will not be tolerated.
Confidentiality — Every effort will be made to treat the complainant’s identity with appropriate regard for confidentiality.
Anonymous Allegations — This policy encourages employees to put their names to allegations because appropriate follow-up questions and investigation may not be possible unless the source of the information is identified. Concerns expressed anonymously will be explored appropriately, but consideration will be given to:
- The seriousness of the issue raised;
- The credibility of the concern; and
- The likelihood of confirming the allegation from attributable sources.
Bad Faith Allegations — Allegations in bad faith may result in disciplinary action.
Process for Raising a Concern
Reporting — The whistleblowing procedure is intended to be used for serious and sensitive issues. Such concerns, including those relating to financial reporting, unethical or illegal conduct, may be reported directly to: Rahul Patel, King and Spalding, (404) 572-4754, 1180 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta, GA 30309-3521, rpatel@kslaw.com. Employment-related concerns should continue to be reported through your normal channels such as your supervisor, or to the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director. If necessary, you can report any concerns to the Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Timing — The earlier a concern is expressed, the easier it is to take action.
Evidence — Although the employee is not expected to prove the truth of an allegation, the employee should be able to demonstrate to the person contacted that the report is being made in good faith.
How the Report of Concern Will be Handled
The action taken by DSM in response to a report of concern under this policy will depend on the nature of the concern. The Executive Committee of the DSM Board of Directors shall receive information on each report of concern and follow-up information on actions taken.
Initial Inquiries — Initial inquiries will be made to determine whether an investigation is appropriate, and the form that it should take. Some concerns may be resolved without the need for investigation.
Further Information — The amount of contact between the complainant and the person or persons investigating the concern will depend on the nature of the issue and the clarity of information provided. Further information may be sought from or provided to the person reporting the concern
About Percentages
At Desire Street, we strive to keep our expense ratios in line with our stewardship commitment. If you have questions about this, please do not hesitate to contact James Gadsby at jgadsby@desirestreet.org. You may also be interested in this article: The debate rages! Some thoughts about percentages…
