WIXLIB

LEADER DOGS FOR THE BLINDAnnual ReportFiscal Year 2019–2020GUIDE DOGTRAININGORIENTATION& MOBILITYSUMMEREXPERIENCE CAMP

This page left intentionally blank

CONTENTS456–79111314Message from Susan DanielsVision, Mission and ValuesFiscal Year 2019–2020 HighlightsProgram Numbers and InformationFinancial InformationBoard of TrusteesBoard CommitteesFuture Leader Dog SequoiaMission Mom entI was born blind and in 1988 with the help of a local Lions club, I received my first LeaderDog. It changed my life. Soon, with my guide dog mobility instructor’s help, Leader DogBo and I were going all over my hometown. We had challenges but we got through themtogether as a team. In 1998 I got my second Leader Dog, Jake. In 2008 came my thirdLeader Dog, Tad (he was in my wedding) andon March 11, 2019, I got my current Leader Dog,Casey. He is working out like the true pro he is,with a little ham thrown in.I wouldn’t be where I am today if it were notfor Leader Dogs for the Blind. They are afirst-class organization and I am so proud tobe a part of it. John M and Leader Dog, CaseyFY 2019 20203

A Message from Susan DanielsSince 1939, Leader Dogs for the Blind has been the answer forthousands of people in critical need of our services. This needwas made even more critical by a worldwide pandemic that stoppedagencies and nonprofits, including Leader Dog, from providingservices. For only the second time in our history, we had to cancelGuide Dog Training classes (in 1967 we cancelled one class dueto extreme snow and cold). We also cancelled several Orientationand Mobility Training classes, and for the first time, our SummerExperience Camp was virtual.Like the dogs we train, our goal is to be a leader, and this yearconfirmed that we are!During a statewide shutdown, we quickly developed new protocols which enabled us to continuetraining and caring for our dogs. Our team began providing more support services to over 1,500active guide dog teams and hundreds of puppy raisers via video chat, email and phone. Theteam also moved our Summer Experience Camp to an online format enabling us to expandthe age range of participants from 16–17 to 14–17 and to host a record number of 38 campers.Though our campus was quieter, an immense amount of work was happening as our teamprepared for the day when we could again provide our life-changing services in person.We updated many operational protocols to resume in-person training while ensuring thecontinued good health and well-being of our clients and team members. We “masked up,”implemented daily health screenings and reduced class sizes. We made changes in ourresidence to promote social distancing and adapted our training equipment to create moredistance between instructors and clients. This hard work and determination positionedLeader Dog to be the first U.S. guide dog organization to resume on-campus training.Leader Dog remains steadfast in our belief that every person deserves equal opportunity fortravel and independence, which is why all our services are provided at no cost. Thank you foryour support of Leader Dogs for the Blind, as together we work to make people unstoppable.Sincerely,Susan M. DanielsPresident & CEO4FY 2019 2020

VISIONEvery person who is blind or visually impaired travels safely and independently.MISSIONTo empower people who are blind or visually impaired with lifelong skills for safe andindependent daily travel.VALUESDo what is rightWe act with integrity in every situation.Show respect and compassionWe show empathy and kindness to every personand every dog.Demonstrate passion for the workWe do more than just our job, we believe in ourmission.Deliver a superior experienceWe exceed expectations for every person inthe Leader Dog community.Work as a teamWe partner to achieve goals and advance the mission.A guide dog mobility instructor follows closelybehind a client during 2019 warm weather trainingin Naples, Florida.Seek innovationWe keep an open mind; we learn; we share our ideas; we drive change.Practice safetyWe provide a safe and supportive environment for ourselves and others.ENVISIONED FUTURE2025By the year 2025, we at Leader Dogs for the Blind envision: A national reputation for high qualityGrowth in the number of clients served in all areasA diversified revenue baseThe ability to serve Central and South America through partnershipswith local providers A culture that attracts and retains high quality team members (bothpaid and volunteer) Continuing to pioneer advancements in technology throughcollaborations and client instructionFY 2019 20205

HIGHLIGHTS 2019–2020Client CelebrationCeremoniesTo mark the 80thanniversary of Leader Dogsfor the Blind, we beganholding client celebrationceremonies to honor ourclients who complete ourGuide Dog Training andO&M Training programs.The first ceremony tookplace on July 26, 2019.The ceremonies includeachievement recognition,testimonials and a specialluncheon.CliftonStrengths TrainingPuppy #20,000The leadership team beganCliftonStrengths Training inJanuary 2020 to advancea strengths-based cultureat Leader Dog. Our teamlearned how to apply theirstrengths when developingand executing action plans.In mid-March when theCOVID-19 pandemic hit, ourteam was able to skillfullyand efficiently negotiatethe daily disruptions byapplying their natural talents(strengths) to the constantchanging environment.On February 19, 2020 thedog that will wear puppytag #20,000 was born.To mark the occasion, weheld an online fundraiserto choose his name. Over340 people voted on fivepossible names for thismilestone puppy. Thewinning name was Legacy.This fundraiser brought inalmost 10,000.FOUR DOMAINS OF TEAM STRENGTHEXECUTINGSTRATEGIC THINKINGThose with dominantthemes in the InfluencingThose with dominantthemes in theThose with dominantStrategic Thinking themesWhen the team needssomeone to implementa solution, these are thebroader audience. Theseindividuals can sell theteam’s ideas inside andessential glue to hold ateam together. Withoutthese strengths on a team,what could be. They areconstantly absorbing andanalyzing informationpeople who will worktirelessly to get it done.Those with a strength toexecute have the ability to“catch” an idea and makeit a iveDisciplineFocusResponsibilityRestorativeFY 2019 2020RELATIONSHIPBUILDINGThose with dominantthemes in the Executingdomain know how tomake things happen.6INFLUENCINGdomain help theirteam reach a muchoutside the organization.When the team needssomeone to take charge,speak up, and make surethe group is heard, lookto someone with thestrength to MaximizerSelf-AssuranceSignificanceWooRelationship Buildingdomain can provide thein many cases, the groupis simply a composite ofindividuals. In contrast,team members withexceptional RelationshipBuilding strength havethe unique ability to helpare the ones who keepthe team focused onand helping the teammake better decisions.People with strength inthis domain continuallystretch the team’sthinking for the future.the group become muchgreater than the sum ofits arnerStrategic

Virtual Summer CampOur Summer ExperienceCamp moved to a virtualplatform this year due tothe COVID-19 pandemic.This allowed us to opencamp to more teenagersfrom a wider age range.The 38 campers loggedon and participated in ateen version of our Harnessthe Power of LeadershipTraining (HPL), learnedabout training with aguide dog and receivedimportant guidance onshowing their best self.They connected with eachother through fun activitiesincluding a scavenger hunt,trivia night and a Facebookgroup to further buildlasting friendships.Puppy TrainingGoes VirtualIn April, our puppydevelopment departmentstarted conducting onlinetraining classes for puppyraisers. All 440 raisershave the ability to jointhe meetings insteadof just 55% who couldparticipate in personbefore the pandemic. Thisformat allows for a deeperdive into areas includingtraining recommendations,veterinary practices andpuppy manual review.Maintaining RevenueWe reached ourreforecasted philanthropicrevenue goal despite theCOVID-19 pandemic. Weexceeded our originalrevenue goal in thecategories of foundationgiving, major gifts and directmail. A solid first half of thefiscal year including a strongDecember of year-end givingand a successful Dinner inthe Dark event allowed usto finish the year in a strongposition. Furthermore, FY19–20 was another solid yearfor estate giving with 8.3million in revenue received.FY 2019 20207

WHY I LOVE LEADER DOGREASON #241To be a part of Leader Dog, helping the dogs withobedience so they can futher their career as a guide dogis a blessing. To help someone who is blind gives me joy.— REGGIE WILLIAMS#WalkwithLeaderDog8FY 2019 2020

PROGRAMSCLIENTS SERVEDGUIDE DOG TRAININGGuide Dog Training is a three-weekresidential training program matchinghand-selected, highly trained dogswith people who are legally blind, orboth deaf and blind.ORIENTATION & MOBILITY TRAININGO&M Training is the only seven-dayresidential orientation and mobilityprogram in the U.S., providing clientswith cane skills to become safer,more independent travelers.SUMMER EXPERIENCE CAMPSummer Experience Camp is aunique summer camp for 16- and17-year-olds who are legally blind,combining fun outdoor activitiesand leadership training with anintroduction to guide dogs.141 10 Deaf-Blind 77 GPS* devices issued94 5 GPS* devices issued38 5 GPS* devices issued*GPS Technology empowers clients to identify their current location and plan their own travel routes.Leader Dog is the only guide dog organization that provides GPS devices to clients free of charge.Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were unable to hold three guide dog and 12 O&M classes.Our Summer Experience Camp went virtual, allowing for a larger age range and camp size.VOLUNTEERS85BreedingStock Hosts439PuppyRaisers508On-Campus** Includes 24 Board TrusteesFY 2019 20209

WHY I LOVE LEADER DOGREASON #151I have been blessed to have met so many people, from allover the world. I’ve heard their stories and am remindedhow fortunate I am to be part of this incredible organization!— SHARON DOUGHERTY#WalkwithLeaderDog10 FY 2019 2020

THE NUMBERSRevenueExpensesRevenue 889,8635% 2,814,42917% 4,133,21821% 2,262,89814% 8,289,56243% 4,096,92821% 11,270,80069% 1,880,36410% Estates and bequests Lions clubs donations Grants Other contributionsEstates and Bequests Lions ClubsGrants Investment and misc.Other ContributionsInvestments & Misc Programs and services General and administrative Philanthropy (fundraising)Program and ServicesOtherNet Assets - Five Year TrendRevenueContributionsInvestment & OtherTotal revenue30MILLIONSGeneral and Administrative2520 18,400,072889,86319,289,935ExpensesPrograms & ServicesGeneral & AdministrativeFundraisingTotal expenses15105201720182019 Unrestricted With Donor RestrictionsUnrestrictedWith Donor RestrictionsPhilanthropy (fundraising)LEADER DOGS FOR THE BLINDSummarized Statement of ActivitiesFor the year ended June 30, 348,1272020Change in net assets2,941,808Net assets, beginning of yearNet assets, end of year28,457,530 31,399,338FY 2019 202011

Make a dream come true.Become a volunteer puppy raiser.There’s no doubt what these tiny puppies want to be when they growup, but they need your help. As a volunteer puppy raiser, you’ll providethe foundation a puppy needs to become a Leader Dog. And together,you’ll help someone who is blind or visually impaired live a life offreedom, safety and happiness.Sign up at leaderdog.org/puppy-raise.1039 S. Rochester Rd. Rochester Hills, MI 48307248.651.901112 FY 2019 2020FOLLOW THE LEADER