Christian Blind Mission /CBM 
Summary
Christian Blind Mission International is the world's leading agency working towards the prevention and cure of blindness and towards the enablement of people with disabilities in developing countries. Founded in 1908, CBMI helps over 10 million sick and disabled people each year at more than 1,000 projects in over 100 of the world's poorer countries.
This organization is a nonprofit. Contributions to it are fully tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. It is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA).
Contact information
Mailing address:
PO Box 19000
450 East Park Avenue (29601)
Greenville, SC 29602-9602
Website: www.cbmus.org
Phone: (864) 239-0065
Email: info@cbmus.org
Organization details
EIN: 362959883
CEO/President: Mr. Ron Nabors
Chairman: Dr. Van C. Joffrion
Board size: 10
Founder: Mr Ernest Christoffel
Year founded: 1976
Tax deductible: Yes
Fiscal year end: 06/30
Member of ECFA: Yes
Member of ECFA since: 1983
Purpose
CBM International ("CBMI") is an independent aid organization of Christians of various denominations, dedicated to helping blind and other disabled people in "Third World" countries, irrespective of nationality, race, sex or religion. The work focuses on healing and preventing blindness as well as on the education and vocational training of blind people and their integration into society. CBMI works together with more than 600 partners (national churches, international missions, local self-help groups and Christian aid organizations).
The present number of 131 seconded eye doctors, orthopedic surgeons, special educators, physiotherapists, rehabilitation experts and project managers see their foremost task as that of training national co-workers. This reflects the principle that by training hundreds, hundreds of thousands can be healed. Approximately 10,000 national experts are financed by CBMI via the partner organizations.
The project work is performed through a joint network of nine Regional Offices and a project coordination office in Germany.
CBMI supports over 1,000 development projects in 109 countries, most of them in the "Third World" - hospitals with eye units, mobile eye-care services, village health and rehabilitation centers, schools, training institutions and many other facilities.
Thirty years ago, CBMI departed from the long-established tradition of those missions which felt themselves obliged to found or maintain their own stations. As a provider of services, CBMI instead set itself the task of enabling national partners to take care of their own suffering compatriots by means of professional advice, financial aid and support through qualified personnel.
This organization is a nonprofit. Contributions to it are fully tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. It is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA).
Mission statement
CBMI uses the following to communicate its mission:
CBMI is an interdenominational Christian medical organization, working to prevent blindness, restore sight and impart living skills to the blind and disabled.
Statement of faith
CBM uses the following to express its mission:
A whole-hearted acceptance of the revelation of God given in the Scriptures of
the Old and New Testaments.
A confession of faith therein set forth and summarized in the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds
summarily stated as follows:
- a. One God eternally existent in three persons - the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
- b. The Deity and perfect humanity of Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, His atoning death, His bodily resurrection, His ascension to heaven, His mediatorial work, intercession and reign and His personal return in power and glory as judges of all mankind.
- c. The universal sinfulness of human nature in consequence of the fall, making man subject to God's wrath and condemnation.
- d. Redemption from the guilt and power of sin through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ as our representative and substitute and the justification of the sinner by grace through faith alone.
- e. The necessity of the work of the Holy Spirit in the regeneration of the sinner and sanctification of the believer.
- f. The unity in the Holy Spirit of all true believers in the Church which is the body of Christ.
- g. The divine inspiration of all Holy Scriptures, its trustworthiness and its supreme authority and sufficiency in all matters of faith and conduct.
The commission of Christ is to proclaim the Good News to all people, making them disciples and teaching them to obey Him.
The Command of Christ includes loving God with all of our heart, mind and strength and loving our neighbors as expressed in service to the Church and society, in seeking reconciliation for all with God and His people - serving them in body, mind and spirit.
Transparency grade
A
To understand our transparency grade, click here.
Financial efficiency ratings
Sector: Relief and Development
| Category | Rating | Overall rank | Sector rank |
| Overall efficiency rating | | 2 of 500 | 1 of 67 |
| Fund acquisition rating | | 20 of 500 | 4 of 67 |
| Resource allocation rating | | 9 of 500 | 2 of 67 |
| Asset utilization rating | | 4 of 500 | 2 of 67 |
Financial ratios
| Funding ratios | Median % for all ministries in MW database | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 |
Return on fundraising efforts Return on fundraising efforts = Fundraising expense / Total contributions | 8% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
Fundraising cost ratio Fundraising cost ratio = Fundraising expense / Total revenue | 6% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
Contributions reliance Contributions reliance = Total contributions / Total revenue | 95% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
Fundraising expense ratio Fundraising expense ratio = Fundraising expense / Total expenses | 6% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
Other revenue reliance Other revenue reliance = Total other revenue / Total revenue | 5% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Operating ratios | Median % for all ministries in MW database | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 |
Program expense ratio Program expense ratio = Program services / Total expenses | 82% | 100% | 99% | 100% | 99% | 99% |
Spending ratio Spending ratio = Total expenses / Total revenue | 98% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 97% |
Program output ratio Program output ratio = Program services / Total revenue | 80% | 99% | 99% | 99% | 100% | 96% |
Savings ratio Savings ratio = Surplus (deficit) / Total revenue | 2% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 3% |
Reserve accumulation rate Reserve accumulation rate = Surplus (deficit) / Net assets | 2% | 8% | 2% | 4% | -6% | 68% |
General and admin ratio General and admin ratio = Management and general expense / Total expenses | 10% | 0% | 1% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Investing ratios | Median measure for all ministries in MW database | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 |
Total asset turnover Total asset turnover = Total expenses / Total assets | 1.19 | 23.37 | 13.76 | 28.65 | 27.50 | 20.04 |
Degree of long-term investment Degree of long-term investment = Total assets / Total current assets | 1.53 | 1.07 | 1.01 | 1.01 | 1.01 | 1.01 |
Current asset turnover Current asset turnover = Total expenses / Total current assets | 2.31 | 25.05 | 13.88 | 28.92 | 27.85 | 20.28 |
| Liquidity ratios | Median measure for all ministries in MW database | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 |
Current ratio Current ratio = Total current assets / Total current liabilities | 9.12 | 9.99 | 10.49 | 6.61 | 31.17 | 50.30 |
Current liabilities ratio Current liabilities ratio = Total current liabilities / Total current assets | 0.10 | 0.10 | 0.10 | 0.15 | 0.03 | 0.02 |
Liquid reserve level Liquid reserve level = (Total current assets - Total current liabilities) / (Total expenses / 12) | 4.41 | 0.43 | 0.78 | 0.35 | 0.42 | 0.58 |
| Solvency ratios | Median % for all ministries in MW database | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 |
Liabilities ratio Liabilities ratio = Total liabilities / Total assets | 10% | 15% | 18% | 21% | 8% | 8% |
Debt ratio Debt ratio = Debt / Total assets | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
Reserve coverage ratio Reserve coverage ratio = Net assets / Total expenses | 70% | 4% | 6% | 3% | 3% | 5% |
Financials
| Balance sheet | |||||
| Assets | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 |
| Cash | $685,089 | $1,537,896 | $1,551,053 | $780,775 | $1,327,116 |
| Receivables, inventories, prepaids | $503,149 | $798,151 | $734,490 | $413,215 | $3,131,919 |
| Short-term investments | $4,847,777 | $3,440,947 | $3,197,230 | $2,970,746 | $129,397 |
| Other current assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total current assets | $6,036,015 | $5,776,994 | $5,482,773 | $4,164,736 | $4,588,432 |
| Long-term investments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Fixed assets | $0 | $0 | $1,563 | $1,784 | $4,438 |
| Other long-term assets | $432,810 | $50,974 | $50,974 | $50,974 | $50,974 |
| Total long-term assets | $432,810 | $50,974 | $52,537 | $52,758 | $55,412 |
| Total assets | $6,468,825 | $5,827,968 | $5,535,310 | $4,217,494 | $4,643,844 |
| Liabilities | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 |
| Payables and accrued expenses | $13,954 | $72,275 | $31,484 | $133,632 | $52,514 |
| Other current liabilities | $590,479 | $478,348 | $797,694 | $0 | $38,699 |
| Total current liabilities | $604,433 | $550,623 | $829,178 | $133,632 | $91,213 |
| Debt | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Due to (from) affiliates | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Other long-term liabilities | $359,920 | $519,681 | $320,196 | $204,973 | $294,285 |
| Total long-term liabilities | $359,920 | $519,681 | $320,196 | $204,973 | $294,285 |
| Total liabilities | $964,353 | $1,070,304 | $1,149,374 | $338,605 | $385,498 |
| Net assets | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 |
| Unrestricted | $687,978 | $277,764 | $168,420 | $781,269 | $1,083,304 |
| Temporarily restricted | $4,816,494 | $4,479,900 | $4,217,516 | $3,097,620 | $3,175,042 |
| Permanently restricted | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Net assets | $5,504,472 | $4,757,664 | $4,385,936 | $3,878,889 | $4,258,346 |
| Revenues and expenses | |||||
| Revenue | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 |
| Total contributions | $151,533,592 | $80,294,477 | $158,748,771 | $115,693,478 | $95,758,484 |
| Program service revenue | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Membership dues | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Investment income | $113,101 | ($1,982) | $4,883 | $35,895 | $189,882 |
| Other revenue | $0 | $0 | $5,458 | $0 | $0 |
| Total other revenue | $113,101 | ($1,982) | $10,341 | $35,895 | $189,882 |
| Total revenue | $151,646,693 | $80,292,495 | $158,759,112 | $115,729,373 | $95,948,366 |
| Expenses | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 |
| Program services | $150,533,637 | $79,631,398 | $157,831,146 | $115,165,998 | $92,328,262 |
| Management and general | $336,167 | $414,185 | $235,177 | $329,605 | $360,395 |
| Fundraising | $313,878 | $132,090 | $497,391 | $485,592 | $379,530 |
| Total expenses | $151,183,682 | $80,177,673 | $158,563,714 | $115,981,195 | $93,068,187 |
| Change in net assets | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 |
| Surplus (deficit) | $463,011 | $114,822 | $195,398 | ($251,822) | $2,880,179 |
| Other changes in net assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total change in net assets | $463,011 | $114,822 | $195,398 | ($251,822) | $2,880,179 |
Response from ministry
No response has been provided by this ministry.
History
Ninety years ago, Pastor Ernst J. Christoffel (born in Rheydt, Germany, in 1876) set up his first home for blind, physically disabled and orphaned children in Turkey. This was the inception of Christoffel-Blindenmission. There are few organizations which provide services for the disabled in poor countries, yet the need is immeasurably great. Back in the seventies, supporters were therefore sought also outside Germany.
One of the visions of former CBMI director Siegfried Wiesinger was to set up an international network of supportive associations, also in order to reduce the risk of a decline in donations in one country or another.
In North America, Australia and various European countries, independent CBMI organizations came into being. Step by step, this "CBMI family" grew, making it necessary to establish a modern structure to coordinate the activities of the national associations.
Joining forces is not just a reaction to the increasingly difficult situation of donor organizations in the donor countries. Instead of strengthening existing institutions, the number of aid organizations continues to grow. At the same time, the overall social conditions are deteriorating. In such times, CBMI, which is, after all, the major international NGO for disabled persons and eye patients, has set itself the task of ensuring professional standards of donation acquisition, and of gradually expanding the financial basis for the services it provides.
1908
Pastor Ernst J. Christoffel opens the first home for blind, physically disabled and orphaned children in Malatia, Turkey.
1925
Opening of a residential school for the blind in Tabriz, Iran.
1955
Death of Pastor Christoffel in Isfahan, Iran, at the age of 78.
1956
"Christliche Blindenmission" changes its name to "Christoffel-Blindenmission" in honour of its founder.
1961
Pastor Siegfried Wiesinger (1930 - 1989) is appointed Director of the mission.
1963
Ophthalmic work begins in Afghanistan, shortly afterwards also in Iran.
1967
CBM extends its work to the first African countries - Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania.
1973
CBM supports its first aid project in South America (Peru).
1976
An independent association is founded in the USA. Further CBMI associations follow in Canada (1978) and Australia (1983).
1986
The millionth cataract operation is performed by a CBMI-supported project since 1966.
1988
The large number of CBM friends in Austria and Switzerland means that independent member associations are established in these two countries.
1989
The World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognizes CBM/CBMI as a collaborating agency in the fields of preventing and curing blindness.
1992
CBM constituencies in western Germany (Bensheim) and eastern Germany (Potsdam) unite.
1994
All Christoffel-Blindenmissions and "Christian Blind Missions" join hands under the umbrella of CBM International, with head office in Zurich.
1996
Opening of CBM in Britain, followed in 1997 by CBM Belgium.
1997
The three millionth cataract operation is enabled by CBM International.
Program accomplishments
Needs
CBM International has communicated the following needs:
The ministry has several different projects in need of sponsorship. More information may be found on their website.