Compassion Delivered

What it reported doing in 2025

Compassion Delivered provides nutritious meals at no cost to individuals in Stark County who are coping with life-threatening or terminal diseases. Beyond meeting a critical nutritional need, the organization's services are rooted in fostering connection, ensuring that everyone served is reminded they are not alone in their journey.In 2025, Compassion Delivered provided over 25,000 meals to individuals ranging from age 3 years old to their late 90s, supporting more than 280 individuals and families across Stark County. During the year, the organization served 284 individuals, many of whom were facing complex medical and financial challenges. Services were also provided to 18 veterans. Approximately 30% of those served lived at or below 125% of the federal poverty level. The population served reflected a wide range of ages, with 39% under the age of 60 and 61% age 60 and older.Services are often delivered during deeply transitional and critical periods in clients' lives. In 2025, 81 clients passed away while receiving services, 22 transitioned to assisted living, and 74 exited the program due to changes in health or other life circumstances. These figures underscore the severity of disease among those served and highlight the importance of providing stability, nourishment, and supportive care during treatment and end-of-life journeys. Each meal delivered represents not only nutritional support but also an opportunity to offer comfort and human connection during challenging times. As demand for services continues to grow, the organization remains committed to expanding its reach and enhancing delivery programming. In addition to meal services, Compassion Delivered strengthened its outreach through community engagement efforts, expanded fundraising activities, and a continued focus on long-term sustainability. Volunteers, donors, board members, and community partners play a critical role in supporting operations and enabling the organization to meet increasing demand. A unique component of the program includes the involvement of community youth, who decorate meal delivery bags and contribute handwritten notes of encouragement. These efforts provide an additional layer of emotional support and connection for recipients. Compassion Delivered also continued to expand supportive services in 2025. The organization maintained its men's support group and introduced a women's support group, creating opportunities for individuals experiencing grief to connect with others in a supportive environment. These groups are open to individuals of all ages and at any stage of grief. Looking ahead, the organization is developing a Compassionate Care team to provide additional emotional support to meal recipients and caregivers through structured outreach and communication. Compassion Delivered is also evaluating long-term growth opportunities, including securing a permanent facility to expand service capacity and support future program development. These efforts are part of broader strategic planning that may include a capital campaign within the next three to five years. With continued growth, the organization has established a goal of providing 30,000 meals in 2026. Since its founding in 2017, Compassion Delivered has approached a milestone of providing over 100,000 meals at no cost to individuals in the community. All services are provided without charge to recipients.

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 51%; rating input score 51
• Program expense ratio: 73.9%; rating input score 74
• Fundraising efficiency: Limited

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 93.3%; rating input score 93; 27th percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: Limited
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: Limited
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 100%; rating input score 100; 64th percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 6 of 8 controls in place; rating input score 75
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: Pass
  • Other executive compensation review process: NotApplicable
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Missing
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Fail

Sustainability

• Operating margin: 32.1%; rating input score 82; 82nd percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 1.53; rating input score 52; 52nd percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.03; rating input score 30; 30th percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 23.2%; rating input score 16; 16th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 16.1% per year; rating input score 100; 79th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 23.7% per year; rating input score 100; 89th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 31% per year; rating input score 100; 91st percentile among comparable filings