2009 was the most tumultuous year on record for the March of Dimes, and for the economy in general, since the Great Depression. On the ensuing pages, we present the 2009 and 2008 financial results for the Foundation, including the national office and 51 chapters.

Due to the generosity of the American public, we were fortunate to be able to fund $27 million in research and other community grants, expand our NICU Family Support® initiatives to more than 94 locations, and maintain a strong Program Services Ratio.

In 2009, 75.4 percent of our expenses went to funding program activities, including research, advocacy, community programs and education activities.

As you can see, total Operating Revenue came in at $215 million, a decrease of $27 million compared to the prior year. Through decisive and timely expense cuts, we were able to manage a net operating gain of $2.3 million. The gains on investments reflect the market-related improvement in the Foundation’s Investment Portfolio. The portfolio improved by 23 percent, which helped us regain a portion of the losses we suffered in 2008. The Foundation’s adoption of SFAS #158-Pension Accounting Standard in 2007 resulted in an increase to net assets in 2009 of nearly $19 million due to market-driven gains on our pension assets, again offsetting the pension losses we absorbed in 2008.

As we move forward into 2010, we are hopeful the markets will continue to rebound as well as the general economy, which will allow the March of Dimes to expand its vitally important programs through revenue growth.

We thank our many volunteers and donors and ask for their continued support.