Key Takeaways:
Feed the Children reported $415 million in total revenue and deployed $393 million (91% program expense ratio) in program services during fiscal year 2024, reaching approximately 15 million people worldwide.
Gifts-in-kind (donated goods) comprise 85% of total revenue, making the top-line figure heavily dependent on non-cash valuations while cash contributions hold steady around $49 million.
Cash reserves declined from $9.8 million to $2.5 million over three years, and the organization distributed 94 million pounds of food and essentials with 39% of people served being under 18.
Feed the Children reported $415 million in total revenue, gains, and other support in FY2024 (fiscal year ending June 30), with $393 million directed to program services. That 91% program expense ratio has held steady between 91% and 95% for five consecutive years. Charity Navigator rates the organization 4 stars with an accountability score of 99 out of 100.
The numbers tell a specific story when you break them apart. Of that $415 million, approximately $353 million is gifts-in-kind, meaning donated goods valued at fair market price. Cash contributions came in at $49 million. Federal grants added $6.8 million, up from $1 million just two years earlier. The organization distributed 94 million pounds of food and essentials, reaching about 15 million people, 10 million in the US and 4.7 million internationally. Among those served, 39% were under 18.
The cash side tells a different story. Cash and cash equivalents dropped from $9.8 million in FY2022 to $5.1 million in FY2023 to $2.5 million in FY2024. Investments grew to $42.6 million, but liquid operating cash is thin and declining. The organization carries minimal debt (total liabilities of $8.3 million against $186 million in total assets), and the balance sheet is dominated by inventory at $104 million, representing the physical goods waiting to be distributed.
CEO Travis Arnold's total compensation was $681,000 in FY2024. Fundraising expense was $21.3 million, or 4.9% of total expenses, with direct mail costs rising to $9.4 million as the organization invested more in donor acquisition.
The operating model works at scale but depends on the continued flow of corporate donated goods. When GIK swings, so does the entire top line. Cash operations are structurally tighter than the headline numbers suggest.
People Also Ask
Q: What percentage of Feed the Children's budget goes to programs? A: Approximately 91% of total expenses go to program services, with fundraising at 4.9% and management at 3.5%.
Q: How many people does Feed the Children serve? A: Feed the Children reached approximately 15 million people worldwide in FY2023, including 10 million in the US and 4.7 million internationally.
Q: What are gifts-in-kind? A: Gifts-in-kind are donated goods (food, personal essentials, educational supplies) valued at fair market price on financial statements, comprising about 85% of Feed the Children's reported revenue.
Q: How much does Feed the Children's CEO make? A: CEO Travis Arnold's total reportable compensation was approximately $681,000 in FY2024.