56: Number of Service Dog Teams Created since our inception
200: Number of Veterans on our waiting list
0: Number of paid employees
$0: What Freedom Fidos charges a recipient to receive a service dog
$25,000: Median cost to train a service dog
100%: Amount of your tax-deductible donation which goes towards training the service dogs.
5: Existing Board Members and growing
$4000: Amount the Co-Founder Loans to Freedom Fidos on a monthly basis from his SSDI, VA 100% permanent and total disability, and combat-related special compensation.
-VA disability is not taxed. Therefore this removes the potential for Tax Shelter to be implicated.
4: Amount of service dogs which have been placed during 2020.
Is Freedom Fidos a legitimate IRS Approved 501(C)(3): YES
Is Freedom Fidos a legitimate GA Approved Corporation: Yes
Is Freedom Fidos currently compliant with all IRS and Ga nonprofit mandates; Yes
Is Freedom Fidos compliant with the 1990 Americans with Disabilities ACT: Yes
Does Freedom Fidos incorporate the following:
Bylaws: Yes, written consistent with Ga Nonprofit Code
990 filing: Yes, yearly.
Articles of Incorporation: Yes
Fidos 4 Heroes, Inc.
Federal ID: 81-3891401
The organization is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code. Upon the dissolution of this organization, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose.
Does Freedom Fidos provide access to their 990s; Yes, 2017, and 2018 are posted on the website: Our 2019-2022, 990N(Fidos4Heroes was under $50,000. We were under $15,000) can be accessed at IRS.gov.
A State Yearly Corporation filing; Yes
Board of Directors: Yes
Officers; President, Secretary, Treasurer; Yes
Does the Freedom Fidos Board President have a leadership/mentor/ accountability team: Yes
The use of a professional paid for fundraising Corporation: No
Potentially risky investments; No
Receive Grants; No
The use of Lobbyists: No
An IRS approved Fraud Certified Accountant: Yes:
Have their most recent 990 available for public viewing at public events: Yes
internal controls:Yes:
-Preventative and detective
Segregation of Duties: Yes
Checks and Balances: Yes
Donor Return On Service Investment: Yes. Tenants of that document include urgency, transparency, repeatable, verifiable, safe, non-risky, and more.
Donor Bill of Rights: Yes
Guidestar Rating; Yes.
GA State license allowing Raffles: IN process
Does Freedom Fido have and adhere to the following written policies: Are they also current?
Conflict of interest: Yes
Whistleblower: Yes
Document Retention: Yes
Sexual Harassment: Yes
Criminal Background Check: Yes
Confidentiality: Yes
Equal Opportunity: Yes
Inclusivity: Yes
Transparency: Yes
Open Books: Yes
Stolen Valor: Yes
Political and Religious IRS mandates: Yes
Canine Health and welfare, neglect, Abuse: YES
Mission and Vision Statement; Yes
Current Business plan; Yes
Succession plan: Yes
Drugs and alcohol: Yes
Code of conduct: Yes
Mission Drift: Yes
Risk Analysis? Yes
Volunteer Release and Waiver of Liability Form:Yes
VMOSA (Vision, Mission, Objectives, Strategies, and Action Plans): Absolutely. This acronym and all its exponential, multi-faceted ramifications cross the Co-Founders mind on a daily basis. During countless sleepless nights He walks the mental pathway of this acronym as he feels countless emotions and replays the voices of 200 individuals seeking a Service Dog which re-creates the burning desire to do much more.
Social Return On Investment: Online Definition:(SROI is similar to ROI but shows the double bottom line: the financial impact AND the social impact of your nonprofit’s work. SROI helps you determine the cost of what would happen if your nonprofit did not exist.)https://www.thebalancesmb.com/using-sroi-to-show-your-nonprofit-s-impact-2501977 .
Absolutely. This describes an exhilarating daily journey we are blessed to travel as we hear from our Service Dog Handlers as they inform us of the miraculous life they are living because of their Service Dog. We are intentionally committed to sharing what they tell us with you. We are beyond speechless and inspired by the kindness of humanity who so graciously provide the monetary funding which is what allows us to witness such exponential rewards on your investment in humanity. Thank You.
Does the Freedom Fidos CEO receive a salary; NO; In contrast, Loans $36,000 per year to Freedom Fidos from his disability income.
Has the Freedom Fidos CEO ever monetarily benefited from contributions made to Freedom Fidos? No
Has the Freedom Fidos CEO ever benefited in any manner from Freedom Fidos. OH YEAH. He has constantly re-found his life's purpose and passion. He has witnessed,learned, and is still learning, just how AMAZING canines are. They inspire him with heartfelt emotions and gratitude. His own Service dog has brought him back from over 7 heart attacks, saved his life several times, shown him his life purpose, done countless demonstrations while still being my service dog, been part of the training of every SD we have placed, and much more. Brinks is my hero. I have repeatedly seen the best of humanity. I have been had countless people give me grace and believe in me since the first day I announced my intention to create Freedom Fidos. I have had Phenomenal people coach,mentor, and help me which has shaped where I stand today. I am grateful they helped me which was paying it forward to all the canines and individuals we have helped and countless more we are committed to helping.
A lengthy book could not adequately describe all the amazing relationships and high caliber individuals I have met; which has a cascade of great feeling emotions behind them created by these people's actions and words. I have experienced in a great way not being able to process the care and kindness of so many people who care for their fellow brothers and sister by providing the funding which allows our mission to go on.
I have the honor to live my life with a never ending replay of so many individuals who despite tremendous adversity and often loss of their humanity still: somehow, find the resolve and resilience to have faith and belief leading them to obtain a Service Dog. Then once they do I smile old fashioned heart smiles when I see and hear them filled with emotion tell me what their service dog is doing, the fulfilling life they are living, the healing they are experiencing, how they are again giving back to their community, and experiencing the Knowing they so hoped was possible. They believed there was hope which has created their limitless possibilities life. They inspire me and become the best "Chevron" I like to go to in order to "gas up."
I have observed other nonprofits come along to help Freedom Fidos with the same commitment to help humanity. The mission statement might be different while the mission, and the why behind the mission statement is the same: HUMANITY. Impossible to describe the joyous emotions and win,win, win, when what we have in common not only becomes the focus, but also, transcends what might be different. I have been the humble recipient of watching our Board Members work tirelessly with passionate exuberance committed to our mission. Sometimes behind the scenes without being the recipient of so much of the feel good aspects as the more front line individuals such as myself receive. For example the lawyer(s) who create our policies yet might not be able to personally hear the inspirational reports I am privy to. Yet they continue because they believe in humanity. They all are the ones responsible for the 43 Service Dog Teams created and all the far reaching ramifications of each one of those teams. They are the ones who will create hundreds of other inspirational life changing collaborative journeys between canines and the populations we serve.
I am grateful to be living,large, abundant( in every area excluding monetary), pinch me living. I have every confidence the continuation of this journey will be just as exhilarating. Much Love and Gratitude.
Does any member of Freedom Fidos receive a salary? Currently; No.
Has any member of the Freedom Fidos Team ever received a monetary benefit from contributions? No
How much of my contribution goes directly to the organization, canines, and the populations served? 100 %
Am I able to designate how I want my donation used: Yes. Please fill out the donor-advised sheet and send it to [email protected]
How many times has Freedom Fidos been thoroughly vetted?
Corporations; 20
Governor Kemp and the State of Georgia:1
Other nonprofits:10
Individuals: Countless
Is Freedom Fidos curriculum based? Yes
Is Freedom Fidos committed to remaining a culture and values Organization? Yes
Does Freedom Fido’s clearly understand their why? Yes
Are we filing the correct Form 990? Yes
Do we have $1,000 of gross revenue from unrelated business sources? No
Are governance documents available for public inspection? Yes
Are our representations regarding the following written governance policies accurate: conflict of interest, whistleblower, document retention, and joint venture? Yes
Do we use rebuttable presumption rules in determining executive compensation? There is no executive compensation
Did we endorse any candidate for public office? No
Are we required to file an annual report with the Secretary of State Charity office? Yes
https://ecorp.sos.ga.gov/BusinessSearch
Are we providing a written acknowledgment for gifts over $250? Yes
And disclosing the fair value of any goods or services provided in exchange for a $75 donation? Yes, we would if the Board chose to unanimously go in that direction. Our current tax receipt states" no goods or services were provided" consistent with IRS mandates. We plan to remain in this current position which is intentional. We do not like the feeling of blurred lines.
Did our organization make loans to any of its officers or directors? No
Did we do anything to violate our tax-exempt status with the IRS or the State of Washington? No
Is our return signed and complete? Yes
Do we operate like a commercial business? Yes
Are our programs real and substantial? Yes
Are minutes being kept for all board meetings and other authorized meetings? Yes
Consistent with Georgia Nonprofit code do you have a corporate record-keeping location: Yes. Additionally a filing cabinet under lock and key consistent with Georgia Nonprofit Code.
Is your website current and active: Yes. We are intentionally committed to updating it as we have new material to post. Our website is a joyous experience for us as we pass along the life we are blessed to live.
Can I sign up for a monthly newsletter? Yes.
Freedom Fidos is an organization which is an extension of each individual within the Organization’s Family. Consequently, Freedom Fidos becomes a collective of each individual’s integrity-
commitment to:
- mission only
-transparency
-our personal unwritten codes
The Freedom Fidos Pledge:
Declaration of Contribution
I will make good things happen for other
people. For those here now and those who
come after us.
When things get tough and I fall short I will
remind myself I can accomplish anything,
with time, effort, patience, and resilience.
Anything
When my situation is not the best I will do
the best with what I have.
I will be resourceful and responsible…
I will get over myself and expect more of
myself.
I will be obligated to this world and the
people in it.
I will give more. I will enjoy more..
I will love openly
I will fearlessly pursue my dreams
I will express unlimited gratitude
I will fearlessly connect
I will remain committed to my internal
authentic state of being.
I will be part of something that is much larger than myself.
I will be committed to MISSION ONLY.
I, Matt Burgess attest that all the above information is true, factual, valid, and verifiable. I have provided transparent information with my personal standards of integrity, truth, consistent with my internal locus of control and the person I am. With humbling gratitude for your trust and support, I remain committed to nothing but your utmost certainty your support for Freedom Fidos is saving the lives of Canines and Veterans. Much Love and Gratitude. Matt Burgess. Freedom Fidos CEO and Co-Founder