Corporation of Guardianship
Accredited Charity
Meets Standards
Accredited Charity
Meets Standards
Standards Legend
- Meets Standards
- Standards Not Met
- Did Not Disclose
- Review In Progress
- Unable to Verify
Standards For Charity Accountability
Governance
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Board Oversight
Oversight of Operations and Staff: Standard 1
Description
Organizations shall have a board of directors that provides adequate oversight of the charity's operations and its staff. Indication of adequate oversight includes, but is not limited to, regularly scheduled appraisals of the CEO's performance, evidence of disbursement controls such as board approval of the budget, fundraising practices, establishment of a conflict of interest policy, and establishment of accounting procedures sufficient to safeguard charity finances.The organization meets this standard.
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Board Size
Number of Board Members: Standard 2
Description
Soliciting organizations shall have a board of directors with a minimum of five voting members.The organization meets this standard.
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Board Meetings
Frequency and Attendance of Board Meetings: Standard 3
Description
An organization shall have a minimum of three evenly spaced meetings per year of the full governing body with a majority in attendance, with face-to-face participation. A conference call of the full board can substitute for one of the three meetings of the governing body. For all meetings, alternative modes of participation are acceptable for those with physical disabilities.The organization meets this standard.
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Board Compensation
Compensated Board Members: Standard 4
Description
Not more than one or 10% (whichever is greater) directly or indirectly compensated person(s) serving as voting member(s) of the board. Compensated members shall not serve as the board's chair or treasurer.The organization meets this standard.
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Conflict of Interest
Conflict of Interest: Standard 5
Description
No transaction(s) in which any board or staff members have material conflicting interests with the charity resulting from any relationship or business affiliation. Factors that will be considered when concluding whether or not a related party transaction constitutes a conflict of interest and if such a conflict is material, include, but are not limited to: any arm's length procedures established by the charity; the size of the transaction relative to like expenses of the charity; whether the interested party participated in the board vote on the transaction; if competitive bids were sought and whether the transaction is one-time, recurring or ongoing.The organization meets this standard.
Measuring Effectiveness
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Effectiveness Policy
Board Policy on Effectiveness: Standard 6
Description
Have a board policy of assessing, no less than every two years, the organization's performance and effectiveness and of determining future actions required to achieve its mission.The organization meets this standard.
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Effectiveness Report
Board Approval of Written Report on Effectiveness: Standard 7
Description
Submit to the organization's governing body, for its approval, a written report that outlines the results of the aforementioned performance and effectiveness assessment and recommendations for future actions.The organization meets this standard.
Finances
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Program Expenses
Program Service Expense Ratio: Standard 8
Description
Spend at least 65% of its total expenses on program activities.The organization meets this standard.
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Fundraising Expenses
Fundraising Expense Ratio: Standard 9
Description
Spending should be no more than 35% of related contributions on fundraising. Related contributions include donations, legacies, and other gifts received as a result of fundraising efforts.The organization meets this standard.
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Accumulating Funds
Ending Net Assets: Standard 10
Description
Avoid accumulating funds that could be used for current program activities. To meet this standard, the charity's unrestricted net assets available for use should not be more than three times the size of the past year's expenses or three times the size of the current year's budget, whichever is higher.The organization meets this standard.
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Audit Report
Financial Statements: Standard 11
Description
Make available to all, on request, complete annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. When total annual gross income exceeds $1 million, these statements should be audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. For charities whose annual gross income is less than $1 million, a review by a certified public accountant is sufficient to meet this standard. For charities whose annual gross income is less than $250,000, an internally produced, complete financial statement is sufficient to meet this standard.The organization meets this standard.
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Detailed Expense Breakdown
Detailed Functional Breakdown of Expenses: Standard 12
Description
Include in the financial statements a breakdown of expenses (e.g., salaries, travel, postage, etc.) that shows what portion of these expenses was allocated to program, fundraising, and administrative activities. If the charity has more than one major program category, the schedule should provide a breakdown for each category.The organization meets this standard.
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Accurate Expense Reporting
Accuracy of Expenses in Financial Statements: Standard 13
Description
Accurately report the charity's expenses, including any joint cost allocations, in its financial statements. For example, audited or unaudited statements which inaccurately claim zero fundraising expenses or otherwise understate the amount a charity spends on fundraising, and/or overstate the amount it spends on programs will not meet this standard.The organization meets this standard.
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Budget Plan
Budget: Standard 14
Description
Have a board-approved annual budget for its current fiscal year, outlining projected expenses for major program activities, fundraising, and administration.The organization meets this standard.
Fundraising & Info
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Truthful Materials
Misleading Appeals: Standard 15
Description
Have solicitations and informational materials, distributed by any means, that are accurate, truthful and not misleading, both in whole and in part. Appeals that omit a clear description of program(s) for which contributions are sought will not meet this standard. A charity should also be able to substantiate that the timing and nature of its expenditures are in accordance with what is stated, expressed, or implied in the charity's solicitations.The organization meets this standard.
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Annual Report
Annual Report: Standard 16
Description
Have an annual report available to all, on request, that includes: (a) the organization's mission statement, (b) a summary of the past year's program service accomplishments, (c) a roster of the officers and members of the board of directors, (d) financial information that includes (i) total income in the past fiscal year, (ii) expenses in the same program, fundraising and administrative categories as in the financial statements, and (iii) ending net assets.The organization meets this standard.
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Website Disclosures
Web Site Disclosures: Standard 17
Description
Include on any charity websites that solicit contributions, the same information that is recommended for annual reports, as well as the mailing address of the charity and electronic access to its most recent IRS Form 990.The organization meets this standard.
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Donor Privacy
Privacy for Written Appeals & Internet Privacy: Standard 18
Description
Address privacy concerns of donors by (a) providing in written appeals, at least annually, a means (e.g., such as a check off box) for both new and continuing donors to inform the charity if they do not want their name and address shared outside the organization, (b) providing a clear, prominent and easily accessible privacy policy on any of its websites that tells visitors (i) what information, if any, is being collected about them by the charity and how this information will be used, (ii) how to contact the charity to review personal information collected and request corrections, (iii) how to inform the charity (e.g., a check off box) that the visitor does not wish his/her personal information to be shared outside the organization, and (iv) what security measures the charity has in place to protect personal information.The organization meets this standard.
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Cause Marketing Disclosures
Cause Related Marketing: Standard 19
Description
Clearly disclose how the charity benefits from the sale of products or services (i.e., cause-related marketing) that state or imply that a charity will benefit from a consumer sale or transaction. Such promotions should disclose, at the point of solicitation: (a) the actual or anticipated portion of the purchase price that will benefit the charity (e.g., 5 cents will be contributed to abc charity for every xyz company product sold), (b) the duration of the campaign (e.g., the month of October), (c) any maximum or guaranteed minimum contribution amount (e.g., up to a maximum of $200,000).The organization meets this standard.
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Complaints
Complaints: Standard 20
Description
Respond promptly to and act on complaints brought to its attention by the BBB Wise Giving Alliance and/or local Better Business Bureaus about fundraising practices, privacy policy violations and/or other issues.The organization meets this standard.
Conclusion
Corporation of Guardianship meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.
Purpose
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Year, State Incorporated
1979, NC
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Also Known As:
CoG
Programs
The Corporation of Guardianship is a private, non-profit organization which provides fiduciary services coupled with care management to vulnerable persons. We serve older adults and individuals with disabilities. We understand that every client is unique; every situation is different. Our clients get to know us, and we get to know them. We take the time to connect with each client as a whole person, including their background, major life events, and important relationships. We offer personalized and compassionate services that safeguard our clients’ right to choice, dignity, respect, and self-determination. These services include Guardianship, Trustee of Special Needs Trusts, Power-of-Attorney, Representative Payee, and Proxy/Successor for family members who are currently serving in these roles but who are seeking additional support and assistance for their loved one either now or in the future.GuardianshipGuardianship is a legal intervention put in place when an individual becomes incapacitated by illness, aging, injury, or other factors and is unable to continue making life’s big decisions. Many of our clients have suffered brain injuries or have been diagnosed with mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. In these situations, a Guardian may step in to care for them and make decisions on their behalf. Family members and friends commonly serve as Guardians, but in some cases this isnot possible. When a professional Guardian is recommended, we are here to help.The Corporation of Guardianship has been providing professional, person-centered guardianship services for more than 30 years. As Guardian, we serve as a diligent advocate for our clients. Our goal is to keep vulnerable adults secure, safe, and independent. We ensure that our clients have a stable and supportive lifestyle within the least restrictive environment possible.The Corporation of Guardianship can serve as:• Guardian of the Person• Guardian of the Estate• General GuardianIn addition, the Corporation of Guardianship can provide Care Management and other services to support family Guardians in fulfilling their role.Trustee of Special Needs TrustsPlanning for the future is one of the many challenges facing individuals with a disability, their parents, and family members. If you or a loved one have special needs, you might consider setting up a Special Needs Trust to ensure that the resources are in place to enjoy a full and meaningful life. Unlike many other types of trusts, a Special Needs Trust is specifically designed to work for the benefit of the person with a disability.The primary purpose of a Special Needs Trust is to preserve government benefits for disabled beneficiaries. Many benefits from government programs have asset eligibility requirements. Although the rules about governmental benefits limit the amount of money a recipient may have, Special Needs Trusts allow you to sidestep these rules.The Corporation of Guardianship administers:• First-Party (d)(4)(A) Trusts• First-Party (d)(4)(C) Pooled Trusts• Third-Party TrustsAs Trustee, the Corporation of Guardianship’s experienced staff understand the complex rules governing public benefits and Special Needs Trusts. We work hard to be our clients' advocate, offer person-centered care management services when needed, handle our fiduciary responsibilities in an ethical and honest way, and work with our professional partners to ensure that our clients enjoy the highest quality of life now and in the future.Power of AttorneyA Power of Attorney is a useful planning tool for making financial and medical decisions in the event that you or a loved one ever become unable to make important decisions independently. Disability can arise from a number of different causes, such as illness, injury, an accident, or old age. If you become incapacitated by a disability, and you have not executed a Power of Attorney, then the court may decide who will act on your behalf.Having a Power of Attorney in place is the easiest way to deal with the legal aspects that could arise should you or your loved one need assistance with important decisions. In short, a Power of Attorney is a legal document that gives someone, often called an Agent, the legal authority to make financial and medical decisions for another person who is unable to make them independently. In executing your Power of Attorney documents, the Agent will be granted a great deal of power and authority. Thus, you should be sure to choose someone you trust and have confidence in to handle your affairs.In some cases, a trusted family member or friend may not be available to serve. Yourfamily may live in another state or country. You may not have any close family or friends that can be trusted with this responsibility. Or, you may simply want to spare your loved ones the burden of handling your affairs if you become incapacitated. Whatever the reason, the Corporation of Guardianship can help you establish an effective Power of Attorney. We offer you peace of mind, knowing that your future financial and medical decisions will be in good hands.Representative PayeeA Representative Payee is appointed when an individual receives benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) but is unable to manage his or her own funds. The law requires all legally incompetent adults and most minor children to have Payees.When needed, the SSA usually looks for a Representative Payee among the beneficiary’s family or friends. But for the many beneficiaries who do not have a traditional support network, the SSA must appoint a professional Payee.The Corporation of Guardianship is authorized by SSA to serve as Payee for beneficiaries who do not have a trusted family member or friend available to manage their benefits. We serve as Representative Payee for individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities, dementia, substance abuse problems, chronic homelessness, and/or other conditions that limit his or her capacity to manage money responsibly. As Payee, we play a vital role in serving Social Security beneficiaries.We are dedicated to providing professional, caring financial management services to ensure a stable living environment for every client we serve. We believe in serving our clients’ best interests, providing for their current and foreseeable needs, and ensuring our clients remain involved and aware of their finances.Private Care Management & Care Assistance ServicesAs an independent, non-profit organization, the Corporation of Guardianship provides a person-centered, integrated package of services that goes well beyond financial management. It’s a holistic approach – that respects our clients’ values, preferences, and resources. Our multi-faceted, comprehensive approach to caring for individuals and families is known as Care Management and Care Assistance.Care Management ServicesDuring an initial consultation, our Care Managers work one-on-one with clients and their representatives to identify key issues or goals. Based on this information, our Care Managers work with clients and their representatives to create advocacy plans to achieve these goals. Care Management may include regular in-person meetings with clients and their families, regular assessments of the client’s needs, routine telephone consultation and advocacy, review of existing support services, linkage to needed services, and assistance with budgeting.Care Assistance ServicesIn some cases, our clients may require assistance with routine care needs. Our Care Assistants work in the home or in a residential facility to monitor clients’ condition and help with day-to-day activities. Care Assistants may provide or arrange for transportation, run errands, perform light housekeeping, escort clients on outings and to medical appointments, and provide companionship. Our Care Assistants do not function as a medical or hands-on care providers; but, instead, provide non-medical caregiving services designed to enhance quality of life.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, Corporation of Guardianship program expenses were:
| Program expenses | $613,600 |
| Program Expenses | $613,600 |
Governance & Staff
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CEO
Mrs. Dorian Sylvester, Executive Director
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Board Chair
Mrs. Anne Daniel, Board President
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Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
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Board Size
12
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Paid Staff Size
10
Fundraising
Method(s) Used:
Grant proposals, Planned giving arrangements, Cause-related marketing (affinity credit cards, consumer product sales, etc.), Appeals via Social Media (Facebook, etc.).
Tax Status
Financial
The following information is based on Corporation of Guardianship's IRS Form 990 for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2020
| Source of Funds | |
|---|---|
| Program service revenue | $625,374 |
| Contributions, gifts, and grants | $91,967 |
| Miscellaneous revenue | $61,812 |
| Total Income | $779,153 |
Breakdown of Expenses
| Total Income | $779,153 |
| Total Expenses: | $693,727 |
| Program Expenses | $613,600 |
| Fundraising Expenses | $0 |
| Administrative Expenses | $80,127 |
| Other Expenses | $0 |
| Income in Excess of Expenses | $85,426 |
| Beginning Net Assets | $64,799 |
| Other Changes In Net Assets | $0 |
| Ending Net Assets | $150,225 |
| Total Liabilities | $0 |
| Total Assets | $150,225 |
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