East Coast Assistance Dogs Inc

“Ecad was founded by dale and lucille picard, spouses, in 1995. Dale, the director of operations, and lucille, director of programs, both bring a level of passion, dedication and professional life experiences that have been a vital part of ecad's success. In 2010, carrie picard, their daughter, joined the team as director of development, marketing and communications and in 2024, became the executive director. With a bachelor's degree in international business, and over 10 years experience in corporate positions, she has been instrumental in developing brand awareness, implementing a diversified development strategy, and streamlining operational demands.”

“The organization retained the services of consultance accounting services a bookkeeping, accounting and financial services firm to provide out-sourced bookkeeping and accounting services.”

“The organization's minutes are maintained by the board of directors.”

“The form 990 is prepared by the organization's certified public accountants. The form 990 is submitted to management in a draft form for review and approval. Once the draft form 990 is reviewed and approved by management, the draft is then submitted to the finance committee for review and approval. Once the form 990 is approved by the finance committee, the final return is sent to the board of directors for signature and distribution.”

“Organizational employees and the board of dirctors are required to complete a conflict of interest form on an annual basis.”

“Compensation paid to the dale, lucille and carrie picard is reviewed and approved by the board of directors based on an annual performance evaluation. The remaining employees are compensated through the budget process.”

“The organization's governing documents, conflict of interest policy and financial statements are are available at the organization's corporate offices during regular business hours.”

“Professional fundraising - ecad is 100% funded through the generosity of individual and foundational gifts, resulting in declining hundreds of applicants every year. With demand far exceeding the current supply, ecad is currently going through a growth phase. The organization has created a ten-year plan to increase supporter-ship, expand planned giving and bequest and diversify income streams. As such, the organization is investing in new donor acquisition, which is necessary to sustain ecad and its mission. This investment in the future sustainability and growth of the organization is a substantial undertaking for ecad. And, effects the cost of fundraising (fundraising percentage) significantly during this growth period. However, it is imperative for the health of the organization and the clients served. Investing in fundraising helps to ensure the long term financial health of the organization and the security of the services provided to people living with disabilities.”