Disgusting...

[AlohaStyle]

This just pisses me off. I hate being cynical about charities but this is why...

http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/18/us/veterans-charity-marketing/index.html?hpt=hp_t3

Part of the article:
Los Angeles-based National Veterans Foundation raised more than $22 million in donations over the past three years to help veterans, yet spent approximately $18.2 million paying its direct mail fund-raisers, according to IRS 990 forms.

 

[Fitze55]

so they spent $18.2MM to raise $3.8MM?

 

[AlohaStyle]

And that doesn't factor in salaries and other expenses!?!

 

[Gravity]

I'm with you on the feeling towards charities, the money is usually so poorly spent that it usually goes directly into pockets, or into over the top operating costs. Years ago, I ran the mailroom/copy center for a charity. I've never seen money spent so willy-nilly as that place did. The president was paid so well, he collected muscle cars. I'm sure there are some people that sent in money that would've liked to know it went towards paying his over inflated salary so he could buy his next Corvette. I just don't trust them anymore.

 

[Cigary43]

There are good charities out there that don't pull garbage like this. It does make you want to stop giving but that is counter productive to really helping those who need it. Direct contributions tend to work better as when we see a down and out veteran we pay for his lunch/dinner/shoes/whatever he needs. This way we don't pay the middleman to do what we can do right now. Trust me, it makes you feel much better knowing you made an impact immediately.

 

[NickThePyro]

I will NOT donate to ANY charity after seeing for years how badly run they are. I donate on average 20-30 hours of my time doing community service every year for the past 5 years now just because I know my efforts are actually benefiting people. There are good charities out there don't get me wrong, but you MUST make sure they have a good auditor and are spending THE DONATOR'S money wisely. Look at lead people in the charity and their financial situation, they should not be living the high life yet most of them are cashing in on the donations.

If you have a Facebook you have heard about Kony 2012 and Invisible Children. Here is a better look at what they don't tell you.
[video=youtube_share;c7jzwn45--Y]http://youtu.be/c7jzwn45--Y[/video]

 

[sofc]

most charities that are run properly show you percentage of moneys given that goes to administration and percentage that goes out to the people/countries in need. There are some that are only 7-20 percent administration costs and it would be okay to give to those in my opinion.

 

[Mickeymorris626]

I personally think the United Way is one of the most evil and corrupt companies in America. Well that is if the stories and articles I read are true.

I agree with donating your time to community service, you can at least see the fruits of your labor.

 

[ATL]

Charitycheck.com

 

[SSimp]

Yep. Lots a abuse and corruption out there. I donate to a local charity that had helped us when our youngest was diagnosed with leukemia. I know the guy that started the charity and ttust him as I've seen first hand what they do, not only when they helped us but as they've helped others as well. Moral of the story: find a good charity and donate.