Press Releases: 1997 Releases

United Cerebral Palsy Continues Streak as One of Nation's Largest and Most Efficient Health Charities

National statistics highlight UCP's effective use of dollars to assist people with disabilities

Washington, DC, November 7, 1997—United Cerebral Palsy was once again recognized as one of the largest and most efficient health charities in America, according to a recent charity ranking.

In the annual "Philanthropy 400" released this week by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, the report data showed United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) as the largest health charity in America, with an annual income in 1996 of $554,978,000, up nearly $12 million dollars from 1995. The "Philanthropy 400" ranks the top 400 non-profit groups based on the amount of private support they receive from individuals, foundations and corporations. Only non-profit organizations raising at least $17.2 million from private support were included in the ranking.

The "Philanthropy 400" also showed United Cerebral Palsy as the one of the most efficient health charities in the country, with more than 85 percent of the agency's income spent directly on programs and services to advance the independence, productivity, and full participation in community life by persons with disabilities and their families. Even more significantly, while other health charities decreased the amount of funds spent directly on programs, UCP increased its efficiency by spending 85 cents of every dollar on programs, up from 83 cents in 1995.

"We are proud to be America's largest health charity, but we are even more honored to be one of the most efficient with our funds," said Michael Morris, National Executive Director of United Cerebral Palsy. "Many of the other large health charities spend only 60 to 78 cents and in some instances, as little as 58 cents of every budgeted dollar directly on programs to help the people they are trying to benefit. The rest of the money is spent on administration and fund raising. UCP prides itself on being fiscally responsible, spending more than 85 cents of every dollar directly on programs and services that benefit children and adults with disabilities and their families."

Among all non-profits in the survey, United Cerebral Palsy ranked #174 this year, with more than $44.5 million in contributed dollars. The Chronicle of Philanthropy ranks the nation's top nonprofits based on the amount of money they raised from the public.

"We are very proud of our ranking and our inclusion in the 'Philanthropy 400'. While other health charities were ranked above us based on the amount of money they raised in private support, few of them can claim to spend more than 85 cents of every dollar directly on programs benefiting their cause," said Michael H. Simonson, Esq., National Volunteer President of United Cerebral Palsy. "UCP has what donors are looking for a high rate of return on their investment. When individuals and corporations give to UCP, they can be assured that their money goes straight to our mission and makes a tangible difference in people's lives."

United Cerebral Palsy's income comes from public support by donors and corporations, grants, contracts and payments, service fees, material sales, membership and investment income. The more than $473 million spent on programs and services help provide therapy; evaluation and treatment; assistive technology programs; information and referral services; early intervention; employment; individual and family support; social and recreation programs; community inclusion; independent living; and advocacy for people with disabilities and their families, as well as community education. More than 65 percent of the people who receive services from United Cerebral Palsy have primary disabilities other than cerebral palsy, such as spina bifida, mental retardation, and other physical and developmental disabilities.

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