Upstream International Inc

What it reported doing in 2024

Empowering people who help people - the organization seeks out world changers and difference makers around the globe and equips them to fulfill their unique purpose. The organization assists organizations and individuals helping people and communities in need and empowers them to become sustainable, independent, and proud. How and where the organization contributes is based on the cultural challenges and strengths of a community as defined by its most precious resource--the people. The organization uses donor support to build schools, provide educational materials, create sustainable food programs, provide employment opportunities, plant and grow churches, host mission trips, and improve the communities they serve.as we reflect on all that god has allowed us to be a part of this year, we are deeply humbled by his unwavering faithfulness and the incredible generosity of our upstream donors. Those we serve depend on god's provision, delivered through the hands of his people. It's because of our donors that upstream is able to step in and meet the needs during these difficult times. This includes 486 students served at our school, over 375,000 meals provided, and over 6,200 salvations across the churches we support in 2024.as haiti faces physical and spiritual challenges, especially with the prevalence of voodoo and violence, upstream continues to prioritize theology and the establishment of biblical churches. This year, we planted 2 new churches, expanding our outreach and strengthening local communities. At the same time, families from across haiti are grappling with severe food and water crisis. Access to clean water is essential for survival, and without it, people are at greater risk of dehydration, illness, and death. Meeting these basic needs is vital for the health and resilience of these communities so upstream supported the provision of over 1.7 million gallons of water to the communities we serve.upstream also continues to sponsor the better than bullets program training 136 students 3 days a week with 4 instructors - all to keep kids out of the local gangs and build confidence and strength in self and the community. This is one of many examples that upstream partners with others to meet the needs of our haitian brothers and sisters.

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 74.7%; rating input score 75
• Program expense ratio: 74.4%; rating input score 74
• Fundraising efficiency: $10.14 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 40; 40th percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 91.7%; rating input score 92; 19th percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: Limited
• Foreign activity oversight: 1 of 8 controls in place; rating input score 12
  • Claims monitoring procedures: Pass
  • Requires narrative reports: Fail
  • Conducts field audits: Fail
  • May suspend future funding: Fail
  • Requires financial reports: Fail
  • Conducts site visits: Fail
  • Requires grant agreements: Fail
  • May require repayment: Fail
• Grant itemization coverage: 95.3%; rating input score 95; 55th percentile among comparable filings
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 80%; rating input score 80; 21st 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: -0.3%; rating input score 38; 38th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 0.16; rating input score 9; 9th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.11; rating input score 25; 25th percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 23.2%; rating input score 16; 16th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 3.1% per year; rating input score 100; 45th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 4.1% per year; rating input score 100; 47th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: -3.2% per year; rating input score 0; 14th percentile among comparable filings