Friends Committee on National Legislation

What it reported doing in 2024

Legislative and educational activities: has two major overall programs which are domestic policy and foreign policy. Fcnl fields an experienced team of registered lobbyists working on capitol hill for peace and justice. These lobbyists work in partnership with people around the country. Through conversations with members of congress and their staff, meetings with coalition groups, and contacts with administration officials, fcnl identifies practical steps that people around the country can take to move federal policy in the direction of the world we seek. Each year, more than 400 quakers and others from around the country gather in Washington for an annual conference to discuss fcnl's work, hear from our lobbyists about specific public policy issues, and make decisions about legislative priorities and policies. In accordance with the legislative priorities set by fcnl's general committee, the legislative teams focus on the following issues: (1) immigration and refugee policy; (2) criminal justice reform; (3) energy and the environment; (4) economic justice; (5) native american concerns; (6) election integrity; (7) gun violence prevention; and general topics including: (1) peacebuilding, diplomacy and the peaceful prevention and resolution of violent conflict with an emphasis on the middle east; (2) reduction of military spending and armed interventions; and (3) nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. Although all but one of the team members are registered as lobbyists, only a small portion of their work falls into the category of direct lobbying, involving contacting a lawmaker seeking to influence the passage or defeat of legislation. Even the broader definition of "lobbying activities", which includes preparation and planning activities, research and other background work that is intended, at the time it is performed, for use in contacts, and coordination with the lobbying activities of others, does not capture the full breadth of their work. In addition to these lobbying activities, team members: monitor and analyze developments in their areas of expertise; communicate with fcnl constituents and the general public to explain these developments; advocate for general policy changes that are not legislative in nature; engage in education of members of congress and their staff, administration officials, fcnl constituents and the general public; participate in roundtable discussions, panels and seminars; write articles and informational materials; develop messaging strategies and media relationships; write and edit proposals for foundation grants and prepare reports on their activities; and engage in administrative and support activities.

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 51.4%; rating input score 51
• Program expense ratio: 66.7%; rating input score 67
• Fundraising efficiency: $4.43 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 14; 14th percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: 5 of 6 controls in place; rating input score 83
  • Compensation committee: Pass
  • Independent consultant: Pass
  • Other Form 990s reviewed: Pass
  • Written employment contract: Missing
  • Compensation survey or study: Pass
  • Board or committee approval: Pass
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: Limited
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Yes; rating input score 100

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 100%; rating input score 100; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 9 of 9 controls in place; rating input score 100
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: Pass
  • Other executive compensation review process: Pass
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Pass
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: 27.5%; rating input score 83; 83rd percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 3.51; rating input score 77; 77th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.46; rating input score 23; 23rd percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 19.4%; rating input score 13; 13th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 6.1% per year; rating input score 100; 46th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 5.9% per year; rating input score 100; 47th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 10.9% per year; rating input score 100; 62nd percentile among comparable filings