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Doctors Without Borders USA Donate

CharityWatch analysts conduct in-depth analysis of charities' audited financial statements and IRS tax returns, often reviewing other documents such as government filings, annual reports and fundraising agreements during their assessments. Below are selected notes that CharityWatch believes may be of interest to donors.

According to MSF's audited statement of activities for the year ending December 31, 2020, MSF reported receiving in-kind service contributions valued at $1,877,335.

[Note: CharityWatch generally excludes the value of in-kind (non-cash) donations of goods and services from its calculations of program percentage and $100 collection costs. More information on how to calculate points and treat in-kind donations can be found on our process page.]

According to MSF USA's December 31, 2020 review (Note 2 re: risks and uncertainties):

"MSF's US investments consist of a variety of investment securities and mutual funds. Investments are generally subject to various risks, such as interest rate, market, credit and overall market volatility. Due to the level of risk associated with certain investments, it is reasonably possible that changes in the value of MSF USA's investments will occur in the near future and that these changes could materially affect the amounts reported in the accompanying [audited] financial statements.”

According to MSF USA's December 31, 2020 review (Note 17, Risks and Uncertainties, COVID-19):

"On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global health emergency due to the new strain of the coronavirus... (the COVID-19 outbreak) and the risks to the international community as the virus spreads globally. March 2020, the World Health Organization classified the emergence of COVID-19 as a pandemic...

“MSF's operations in the United States are highly dependent on private and public donations and grants from individuals, foundations and companies. MSF USA has incurred, and is expected to incur, for the foreseeable future, additional and other costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"From a fundraising perspective, MSF's donations are in step with the US's 2020 plans. Short-term cash and investment positions in the US are sufficient to meet MSF's current obligations. From an international perspective, the COVID-19 pandemic is limiting MSF's ability in the US to recruit international staff, and some international programs are reducing their activity or considering closing.

"The full impact of the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve as of the date of this report [May 25, 2021]. As such, the full impact of the pandemic on the financial position, liquidity and future results of operations in the U.S. is uncertain. The Administration continues to monitor the global situation effectively affecting its financial condition, liquidity, operations, suppliers, industry and workforce. The rapid evolution of this situation and its liquidity preclude any expectation of an ultimate adverse material impact of the outbreak of COVID-19 with respect to MSF USA, its performance and financial results.

"While MSF USA cannot estimate the length or severity of the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak at this time, it could have an adverse impact on MSF USA's future operating results, financial condition and liquidity in 2021."

According to MSF USA's December 31, 2020 review (Note 17, Risks and Uncertainties, CARES Act):

"On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Relief, Assistance, and Economic Security Act (Cares Act) was enacted. The CARES Act includes, among other things, provisions relating to refundable wage tax credits...

"The CARES Act also set aside funds for loans from the Small Business Administration's Wage Protection Program that can be forgiven in certain situations to promote continued employment, as well as economic disaster loans to provide liquidity to small businesses affected by COVID-19. Médecins Sans Frontières chose a US American not to apply for a loan through the Salary Protection Program.

"MSF USA failed to withhold or delay the timely payment of payroll taxes for the period March 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020."

"On December 27, 2020, the President signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (the Act), which includes $900 billion in stimulus benefits as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. MSF USA is currently evaluating the impact of the law. "