NowMattersNow Org

What it reported doing in 2024

In 2024, NowMattersNow.org made substantial progress in suicide prevention and support through research, program development, and expanded user engagement. These achievements reflect our commitment to providing accessible, evidence-based resources for those experiencing suicidal thoughts and intense emotions. Research Publication: We published a critical paper titled, Conceptual model of and intervention development for unplanned suicide attempts (Whiteside, U., Richards, J. A., Fruhbauerova, M., & Shokouhaghaei, G.), in The Permanente Journal, 28(3), 117 (2024).. This publication addresses the phenomenon of unplanned suicide attempts and a brief intervention for handling overwhelming suicidal urges. Website Reach and Crisis Connection: Our website engaged over 50,000 unique users in 2024. Through this online presence, we facilitated connections to live crisis services for 146 individuals in need of immediate support. Virtual Peer Support Pilot Program: We developed and piloted free virtual peer support meetings focused on emotion coping skills. We held 164 meetings for nearly 200 individuals seeking peer-led guidance. This reach demonstrates the practical impact of our free digital platform as a bridge to life-saving resources for those at risk. Grant Acquisition and Program Expansion: We received the second half of a significant grant that was used to enhance our website and develop a peer support program. This funding supported a comprehensive redesign of our website to improve accessibility, navigability, and functionality, making our resources more inclusive, particularly for users with disabilities. Long-term Project Goals: In alignment with our long-term mission, we have continued a project with goals extending into 2025 and beyond, including: Enhanced Website Accessibility: Creating a more accessible, user-centered website to support diverse user needs (e.g., adding search capabilities). Expanded DBT Content and Skills: We added 19 new DBT skills and plan to add an additional 20, each complemented by original content, lived experience stories, and community tips. These resources emphasize the "why" & "how" of skill application, equipping users with actionable strategies for emotional regulation and crisis management. Virtual Peer Support Pilot Program: Expanding offerings of virtual peer support meetings focused on emotion coping skills throughout 2025, aiming to establish a scalable model with a sustainable support network for individuals seeking peer-led guidance. These initiatives, combined with our digital reach and connections to crisis services, reflect NowMattersNow.org's dedication to making mental health resources accessible and impactful. Through these expanded efforts, we continue to bridge critical gaps in suicide prevention and emotional support.

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 100%; rating input score 100
• Program expense ratio: 91.7%; rating input score 92
• Fundraising efficiency: $61.75 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 80; 80th percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 64th percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: 3 of 6 controls in place; rating input score 50
  • Compensation committee: Pass
  • Independent consultant: Pass
  • Other Form 990s reviewed: Missing
  • Written employment contract: Pass
  • Compensation survey or study: Missing
  • Board or committee approval: Missing
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: 100%; rating input score 100; 80th percentile among comparable filings
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 25%; rating input score 25; 15th percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 7 of 9 controls in place; rating input score 78
  • 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: Missing
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Fail

Sustainability

• Operating margin: -11.1%; rating input score 21; 21st percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 0.65; rating input score 30; 30th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0; rating input score 50; 50th percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 53.2%; rating input score 3; 3rd percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 133.7% per year; rating input score 100; 99th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 14% per year; rating input score 100; 81st percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: -13.8% per year; rating input score 0; 5th percentile among comparable filings