The Children's Inn at NIH

What it reported doing in 2024

Resident services - the children's inn at nih was founded 35 years ago to provide a comfortable and nurturing "place like home" at no cost to families whose children participate in clinical research studies for the treatment of rare and severe diseases at the national institutes of health (nih). Today, the inn serves children, teens and young adults up to 30 years old, as well as their families. Nih scientists work with young research participants to pioneer medical innovations that improve the lives and survival rates of young people worldwide. In addition to providing free lodging for the entire family, our goals are to make childhood possible, relieve the burden of illness on families and help advance nih clinical research. Through the family support program, the inn aims to meet the various needs of families who are staying with us by developing and implementing therapeutic, recreational and educational programs. Keeping families together is crucial for their health and well-being, especially when faced with a child's rare and serious illness. These activities not only provide entertainment but also help foster lasting relationships with other families, creating the inn's unique nurturing and supportive community. The inn's environment supports family life and meets everyday needs such as cooking a child's favorite meal, spending quality time together outside the hospital, and participating in recreational activities together. All activities are designed to be inclusive, so that each resident feels a sense of belonging, safety, care and, most importantly, has fun. Whether it be through a relaxing yoga session, movie night on the playground, or a sailing trip around chesapeake bay, our wide range of activities offer families a chance to simply enjoy themselves.the inn's educational programs support the patient and their siblings with schoolwork and group activities. Children can be matched with individual tutors based on their educational needs and language preferences. Educational activities include learning about technology or meeting children's book authors who lead lively discussions about the fun of reading and writing stories. Special activities for patients and their siblings include:- camp inncredible: allows children to participate in typical camp activities during the spring, summer and fall months. - sibling day: provides the chance for siblings to learn about the medical procedures their sick sibling may undergo and be recognized as "super sibs" for their many important contributions to their families.the children's inn provides support and activities for our teen and young adult residents. The teen and young adult lounge is designed for ages 13 and older to have their own space to play board and video games, read, study, participate in organized group discussions or gather before outings to local restaurants, live concerts and shows. The chance to get to know, socialize and make friends with peers of the same age faced with chronic or life-threatening diseases is welcomed by our young people who typically have never had the chance to meet others faced with similar, rare health challenges. Each year, the inn provides two days of special activities for our teen residents participating in the "teen retreat."the children's inn is expanding programs and activities for our young adults who often have not had the chance to develop independent living skills to the same degree as their healthy peers.. In 2026, the inn plans to open a second building located directly across the street, which will provide housing designed for our young adults, ages 18-30. Caregiver gatherings led by the clinical center's non-denominational chaplain provide parents, grandparents and others with the chance to engage in discussions, sing songs together and explore their spirituality. Many caregivers report they find solace and inspiration in conversations with the chaplain and other families. Having the opportunity to express and discuss the

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 54.5%; rating input score 54
• Program expense ratio: 75.6%; rating input score 76
• Fundraising efficiency: $10.86 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 41; 41st percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 62nd percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: 4 of 6 controls in place; rating input score 67
  • Compensation committee: Pass
  • Independent consultant: Pass
  • Other Form 990s reviewed: Missing
  • Written employment contract: Missing
  • Compensation survey or study: Pass
  • Board or committee approval: Pass
• Foreign activity oversight: Scored; rating input score 0
• Grant itemization coverage: 100%; rating input score 100; 72nd percentile among comparable filings
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 100%; rating input score 100; 66th percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 8 of 9 controls in place; rating input score 89
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: Pass
  • Other executive compensation review process: Fail
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Pass
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: 34.2%; rating input score 90; 90th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 5.35; rating input score 85; 85th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.04; rating input score 86; 86th percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 13.2%; rating input score 11; 11th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 7.7% per year; rating input score 100; 60th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 7.4% per year; rating input score 100; 62nd percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 4% per year; rating input score 100; 29th percentile among comparable filings