View Full Version : Favorite Charity or Good Cause
retiredguy123
12-01-2020, 06:19 PM
I'm not a big fan of most charities, especially those that pay huge salaries to the principal officers. If they do, I rule them out, although, I don't know if I can trust the mandated Federal financial disclosures. My current significant heir is the Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital. Is that a good choice? What is your favorite cause?
Debfrommaine
12-01-2020, 06:37 PM
I'm not a big fan of most charities, especially those that pay huge salaries to the principal officers. If they do, I rule them out, although, I don't know if I can trust the mandated Federal financial disclosures. My current significant heir is the Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital. Is that a good choice? What is your favorite cause?
Locally, Your Humane Society, a no kill animal shelter in Lake Panasoffkee. I've found them to be reputable and they group works hard for the animals who are in need.
CWGUY
12-01-2020, 07:00 PM
:) Mine is the Salvation Army. 40 almost 50 years ago I remember fighting fires in some real cold / freezing temperatures. The only one there besides us firefighters and the cops were The Salvation Army giving out hot coffee. :ho: And they are far from being overpaid! I am happy to help them help others in need.
I wouldn't give a nickel to the Red Cross. Look up what the President and CEO makes in salary and benefits. And they tried to sell me a cup of coffee when I was in the military. :duck:
John41
12-01-2020, 07:02 PM
I'm not a big fan of most charities, especially those that pay huge salaries to the principal officers. If they do, I rule them out, although, I don't know if I can trust the mandated Federal financial disclosures. My current significant heir is the Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital. Is that a good choice? What is your favorite cause?
We have three on our Christmas list for money gifts
Humane Society Lake Panasoffkee
Humane Society Stuart Florida
Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary Ocala
Others we donate items to their thrift store
Haven Women’s Shelter
Humane Society Ocala
Salvation Army
Habitat for Humanity
Stu from NYC
12-01-2020, 07:59 PM
Several such as Make a Wish, American Cancer Society, St Jude and American Heart Assoc.
Used to give to March of Dimes until I found out how they spend their donations.
CFrance
12-01-2020, 08:31 PM
We support food pantries and soup kitchens monthly, one here and one in our former Michigan town. Aside from Best Friends Animal Society and Americares, I like to support small charities. My grand niece attends a Spanish immersion school in Oakland CA that has a fundraiser every year for needs of the children in the school who come from poverty. I always do the food donation things run by Winn-Dixie. That kind of thing. I like to save some money out for helping victims of or responders to natural disasters. Last year it was the wildfires in Australia (our son and DIL live there).
Schaumburger
12-01-2020, 08:32 PM
My favorites for nationally known charities are feedingamerica.org, The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity and St. Jude's Children's Hospital
Fredman
12-01-2020, 08:52 PM
St Jude for me
Two Bills
12-02-2020, 05:14 AM
:) Mine is the Salvation Army. 40 almost 50 years ago I remember fighting fires in some real cold / freezing temperatures. The only one there besides us firefighters and the cops were The Salvation Army giving out hot coffee. :ho: And they are far from being overpaid! I am happy to help them help others in need.
I wouldn't give a nickel to the Red Cross. Look up what the President and CEO makes in salary and benefits. And they tried to sell me a cup of coffee when I was in the military. :duck:
Absolutely.
The Salvation Army, or the "Sally Anne" as we used to call them, were always first at the scene of any major incident.
A true Christian organisation.
Have so much respect for them.
HarleyDoc
12-02-2020, 05:39 AM
The Seeing Eye in New Jersey.
HeleneGB
12-02-2020, 05:46 AM
Agree. Ours is Salvation Army.
l2ridehd
12-02-2020, 05:54 AM
St Jude’s, Fisher House, Salvation Army and local food pantries are my main go to charities. I have one or two others I support when they request help but those are because they helped some people I care about when they needed help. I always do my homework to make sure that almost all donations are used to support their users vs staff salaries and fund raising. I like to see 90% or higher used to help those they support.
Scott O
12-02-2020, 05:56 AM
I'm not a big fan of most charities, especially those that pay huge salaries to the principal officers. If they do, I rule them out, although, I don't know if I can trust the mandated Federal financial disclosures. My current significant heir is the Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital. Is that a good choice? What is your favorite cause?
Gary Sinise foundation is high on my list. I’ve done my research as well to make sure the money is well spent. Wonderful reputable organization...
ruralgoddess
12-02-2020, 06:15 AM
I'm not a big fan of most charities, especially those that pay huge salaries to the principal officers. If they do, I rule them out, although, I don't know if I can trust the mandated Federal financial disclosures. My current significant heir is the Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital. Is that a good choice? What is your favorite cause?
CorgiAid
epratt
12-02-2020, 06:24 AM
Dachshund Rescue of North America. All money goes to medical bills for the dogs.
airdale2
12-02-2020, 06:34 AM
Jerry Lewis got one million dollars for each telethon after he got control of the organization. All for the kids, YEAH RIGHT !!
Annie66
12-02-2020, 06:40 AM
Slightly off topic, but the Knights of Columbus Council 13300, in conjunction with David Suleiman, owner of Havana and Legacy Restaurants, are just finishing up a toy and monetary donation campaign to fund toys for critically and terminally ill children at the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando.
We wish to thank all who contributed to this effort. It was an overwhelming success and all the patients will be pleasantly surprised on Christmas morning as a result of your incredible generosity. Thank you and God Bless you and your families.
bilcon
12-02-2020, 06:45 AM
Our favorite is St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. We visited the facility several years ago while in Memphis. It is quite an operation, even though it was sad to see so many sick children.
All the rest of my donation money goes to my grandkid's college bills. I have one who just graduated UF and is going on to PA School, and another just started college. Both are motivated and well deserving of our help. A third will start in 3 more years. Their mothers salary doesn't even come near what the college bills are. As long as we are alive, we will help.
b0bd0herty
12-02-2020, 06:47 AM
You've chosen (IMHO) the best but, don't rely on others to validate your choices. Believe in your own research. :)
pvetrano1
12-02-2020, 06:48 AM
Ronald McDonald House
noslices1
12-02-2020, 06:48 AM
I'm not a big fan of most charities, especially those that pay huge salaries to the principal officers. If they do, I rule them out, although, I don't know if I can trust the mandated Federal financial disclosures. My current significant heir is the Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital. Is that a good choice? What is your favorite cause?
St.Jude is good and I also give to the Gary Sinise Foundation. They help Military and first responder families who have lost their provider or if their provider has been permanently disabled. 94% goes to help them.
BlkBlt6
12-02-2020, 07:05 AM
St Jude, Tunnel to Towers, Animal Welfare Leagues, Wounded Warrior
Wsherm1
12-02-2020, 07:11 AM
Please do not forget Shriners Hospitals for Children
solomon
12-02-2020, 07:22 AM
YES...ST. JUDES' IS A GREAT CHOICE AND SO IT SALVATION ARMY...charitynavigator is a good place to search how much a charity spends on operation expenses..
threefootputt
12-02-2020, 07:27 AM
I'm not a big fan of most charities, especially those that pay huge salaries to the principal officers. If they do, I rule them out, although, I don't know if I can trust the mandated Federal financial disclosures. My current significant heir is the Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital. Is that a good choice? What is your favorite cause?
There is an app called “Charity Navigator”. It gives the facts on expenditures, salaries and how much of the donation actually goes to helping the cause. You’ll be surprised how many of these large national charities spend on administrative, salary and advertising expenses.
remaxalr@aol.com
12-02-2020, 07:37 AM
I'm not a big fan of most charities, especially those that pay huge salaries to the principal officers. If they do, I rule them out, although, I don't know if I can trust the mandated Federal financial disclosures. My current significant heir is the Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital. Is that a good choice? What is your favorite cause?
St Theresa Soup Kitchen
11528 SE US Hwy 301
Belleview FL 34420
352-245-1359
Needs Help this year, when my husband went by to drop off a donation, he said the lines were pitiful, they feed the local desperate people, any donation would be appreciated, even $1.00, I am not associate with St Theresa in anyway, but we will try to help more this year.
vherman
12-02-2020, 07:37 AM
I like to donate to SoZo Kids - helps people locally.
MIskra
12-02-2020, 07:38 AM
One of the best charities that will make a huge impact on local youth is the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches. They reach out to children who are in unstable homes BEFORE they get in trouble and provide a structured environment and continuing support for them to become outstanding citizens. I believe that all the counties in Florida participate. I first heard about the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches when I attended my county's citizen's academy. Following is a message from Sheriff Farmer about the Youth Ranches: Sumter County Sheriff Bill Farmer Discusses the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9_596lMSIA)
Following is the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches website. Especially touching are the stories told by the children who were helped (under the section titled "Media" and then "Videos"): Home (https://www.youthranches.org/)
JoelJohnson
12-02-2020, 07:42 AM
There is an app called “Charity Navigator”. It gives the facts on expenditures, salaries and how much of the donation actually goes to helping the cause. You’ll be surprised how many of these large national charities spend on administrative, salary and advertising expenses.
All 501(c) charities have to fill out IRS form 990, that will show where the money goes.
https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/tax-exempt-organization-search
Sabella
12-02-2020, 07:43 AM
I'm not a big fan of most charities, especially those that pay huge salaries to the principal officers. If they do, I rule them out, although, I don't know if I can trust the mandated Federal financial disclosures. My current significant heir is the Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital. Is that a good choice? What is your favorite cause?
Since I moved here now I donate locally to help the communities where I live. The Wildwood Soup Kitchen and Cornerstone Hospice The Villages are my two main yearly donations.
Happytails057@gmail.com
12-02-2020, 07:47 AM
If you love animals as I do, check out Bestfriends.org. I have volunteered for this sanctuary 12 years in a row. They are located in Kanab, Utah just outside Zion national park. You may remember the football player Michael Vic and all those poor pitbulls, well the majority of them were sent to Best Friends and were rehabilitated . The original founders were a group of 30 people with the same vision and here it is 35+ years later and now their children are running the organization. Please check them out Bestfriends.org
Raton270
12-02-2020, 07:52 AM
Shriners hospital and Saint Jude children’s research Hospital
bp243
12-02-2020, 07:53 AM
YES...ST. JUDES' IS A GREAT CHOICE AND SO IT SALVATION ARMY...charitynavigator is a good place to search how much a charity spends on operation expenses..
Agree that Charity Navigator is a site that focuses on rating organizations that accept donations. If you’re wondering, it’s easy to see how Charity Navigator rates a company.
GaryKoca
12-02-2020, 07:57 AM
The charity that provides food and other things for the kids living in the Ocala National Forest. I forget the name. For a national one, I agree with the Salvation Army.
mlmarr1
12-02-2020, 08:00 AM
My favorite charity happens to be apart of my church First Baptist of Leesburg/Village Park Campus, The thrift store on 441 in Leesburg, all proceeds go the the many missions right and campus and aboard .. currently we have a medical center, men's shelter, woman's shelter, pregnancy center, Samaritan Inn for homeless families, plus a huge food pantry .. each area benefits from God's teaching along with education, plus finding a jobs to be able to provide for their self and families again..
next trip south of 27 check it out.. or check out this web site
First Baptist Church of Leesburg (http://fbcleesburg.org/)
God Bless America ..
Girlcopper
12-02-2020, 08:03 AM
I'm not a big fan of most charities, especially those that pay huge salaries to the principal officers. If they do, I rule them out, although, I don't know if I can trust the mandated Federal financial disclosures. My current significant heir is the Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital. Is that a good choice? What is your favorite cause?
St Jude!! Yes! That is my one and only charity which I donate to several times a year. Legit cause! No other charity comes close
retiredguy123
12-02-2020, 08:07 AM
All 501(c) charities have to fill out IRS form 990, that will show where the money goes.
Tax Exempt Organization Search | Internal Revenue Service (https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/tax-exempt-organization-search)
Thanks. I use Charity Navigator and Guidestar, and I have read many Form 990's. Sometimes, the Form 990 seems to be very vague and not as transparent as it should be. What amazes me is that there are hundreds of thousands of 501c charities. It is too easy for anyone to start a charity and get the IRS tax exemption status. I have read some Form 990's where a single family is taking more than 90 percent of the donations in salary, and spending a tiny amount on the people they claim to be helping. But, apparently, it is legal as long as they spend some money for the charity mission.
mydavid
12-02-2020, 08:07 AM
I give to the local Salvation Army (Leesburg) and this year I added Boys Town and St.Jude's , would love to give more but with my limited income I do what I can.
Guitarman1951
12-02-2020, 08:08 AM
Salvation Army (lowest admin cost of any charity) & St. Judes Children's Hospital.
wsachs
12-02-2020, 08:17 AM
Try checking out charitywatch.org or chairitynavigator.org.
19bonbon50
12-02-2020, 08:24 AM
I'm not a big fan of most charities, especially those that pay huge salaries to the principal officers. If they do, I rule them out, although, I don't know if I can trust the mandated Federal financial disclosures. My current significant heir is the Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital. Is that a good choice? What is your favorite cause?
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is an EXCELLENT choice...I trained there as a nursing student back in the day...all they care about is helping to save children with an excellent support group for the families!!!
giorgio1948
12-02-2020, 08:27 AM
I'm not a big fan of most charities, especially those that pay huge salaries to the principal officers. If they do, I rule them out, although, I don't know if I can trust the mandated Federal financial disclosures. My current significant heir is the Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital. Is that a good choice? What is your favorite cause?
St. Jude, DAV, Boys Town..to name a few......what's charity touches your heart?
fastboat
12-02-2020, 08:29 AM
I'm not a big fan of most charities, especially those that pay huge salaries to the principal officers. If they do, I rule them out, although, I don't know if I can trust the mandated Federal financial disclosures. My current significant heir is the Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital. Is that a good choice? What is your favorite cause?
St Judes, Shriners, DAV & Tunnels to Towers.
kendi
12-02-2020, 08:52 AM
Cross Catholic Outreach. Financial statement is front and center on their webpage. And they let you know how and where your money is being used. Cross Catholic Outreach | Catholic Outreach Ministries for the Poor | Delivering food, shelter, and hope to the poorest of the poor (https://crosscatholic.org/)
FredJacobs
12-02-2020, 09:07 AM
:) Mine is the Salvation Army. 40 almost 50 years ago I remember fighting fires in some real cold / freezing temperatures. The only one there besides us firefighters and the cops were The Salvation Army giving out hot coffee. :ho: And they are far from being overpaid! I am happy to help them help others in need.
I wouldn't give a nickel to the Red Cross. Look up what the President and CEO makes in salary and benefits. And they tried to sell me a cup of coffee when I was in the military. :duck:
Mine is the Salvation Army as well. They went to the top of my list when I was in the Army. The Red Cross doesn't do or give half of what the Salvation Army does.
I lived in Baton Rouge when Katrina hit. All the disaster groups came into town to help. We set-up a meeting of the groups to assign responsibilities and disburse money. The Red Cross demanded to chair the meeting, take charge of the situation and disburse the funds. They were disinvited.
At the same time, the Salvation Army came into town. They did not attend the meeting, they did not ask for any funds, they just went about their business. A colleague commented, "They're like the Quakers, they keep to themselves and just do their thing."
vitacr
12-02-2020, 09:08 AM
I prefer to help local charities. My favorite is Centsible Furnishings on 441, a concerted effort of over 30 local churches . The proceeds from sales in this resale shop are given to the needy in the trip county area. Great place to donate your items, big or small.
My favorite charity is all the fast food employees or anyone else in a very low wage job here in this area. They are working for minimum wage but they are working and doing the best they can. I go in and tip them and include a written inspirational message.
eschiavo
12-02-2020, 09:40 AM
100% Saint Jude. They take care of families visiting the many cancer stricken children. They are legit. Been donating to them over 50 years 👍
davem4616
12-02-2020, 09:42 AM
It's the Salvation Army for us....I ring the bell for them and donate heavily throughout the year. They take the least for themselves (11%) and only spend 7% on marketing
When I was in the service and needed help to get home for a funeral the Salvation Army helped me. I went to the Red Cross for help first, they wouldn't help me even though I had donating pints of blood to them for years and was one of their certified Red Cross First Aid Instructors and a Water Safety Instructor. I've never given a dime to the Red Cross again. Take a look at home much they pay themselves...and they determine how much of what you contribute to a cause will actually go to that cause vs. be held for some other cause
EviesGP
12-02-2020, 09:42 AM
When I was in the Navy in the 80s, I was asked to contribute to the Combined Federal Campaign(CFC), which distributes monies to various benevolent organizations. One of the biggest was the United Way. When I learned what they paid their CEO, I was quite disgusted. Not sure why a charitable organization needs to pay a CEO that much(which I believe was over $300k?)?! Regardless, I withdrew from CFC, and have been very conscious of where my donations go, ever since. I agree on Salvation Army, and many of the others(children's orgs), and I also agree on the Red Cross comments. But, nonetheless, I still believe in giving.
Ecuadog
12-02-2020, 09:48 AM
Shriners Hospitals for Children
Doctors Without Borders
Americares
moe1212
12-02-2020, 09:53 AM
World Vision
Wanda GV
12-02-2020, 09:54 AM
Voices for Children of NC FL supports children in dependency (aka foster care) who are represented by a Guardian ad Litem. Voices for Children of NC FL has no paid administrators, just a paid bookkeeper. We have been in business since 1992. Currently there are over 2,100 children from 5 local counties who are in dependency. The state does not provided enough financial support to take care of all of their needs. 100% of your donation goes to take care of the children's needs. I am the treasurer and I know where the money goes. The address is Voices for Children, PO Box 40662, Ocala, FL 34478. If you would like more information, let me know and I will be happy to talk to you.
jammendolia
12-02-2020, 10:04 AM
Go to charity navigator
KRM0614
12-02-2020, 10:26 AM
I'm not a big fan of most charities, especially those that pay huge salaries to the principal officers. If they do, I rule them out, although, I don't know if I can trust the mandated Federal financial disclosures. My current significant heir is the Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital. Is that a good choice? What is your favorite cause?
Same problem with st judes officers make multiple six figures
Do local church’s
KRM0614
12-02-2020, 10:28 AM
When I was in the Navy in the 80s, I was asked to contribute to the Combined Federal Campaign(CFC), which distributes monies to various benevolent organizations. One of the biggest was the United Way. When I learned what they paid their CEO, I was quite disgusted. Not sure why a charitable organization needs to pay a CEO that much(which I believe was over $300k?)?! Regardless, I withdrew from CFC, and have been very conscious of where my donations go, ever since. I agree on Salvation Army, and many of the others(children's orgs), and I also agree on the Red Cross comments. But, nonetheless, I still believe in giving.
United way pays local leaders 300,000-400,000 in small towns medical dental vision 401K better benefits than most jobs
OrangeBlossomBaby
12-02-2020, 10:29 AM
This is the only cause I donate money to, when I'm able to donate anything at all:
All Hands on Board Marketplace (http://tuckerstilley.com/marketplace/tax-deduct.cfm)
Tucker is a friend from college, he's been living with ALS for over a decade now. He's absolutely brilliant and helped design the intricate computer system he uses now to help him communicate and do his artwork. He lives at home with a small 24/7 professional nursing staff. There are dozens of other unpaid volunteer "caretakers" for Tucker, from his immediate and extended family, to lifelong friends he's made, to friends he's made through his former job in the film industry. It costs around $10,000 per month for Tucker to just - live. Disability and medicaid covers a good amount of it, but not all.
Edited to add: if you felt you needed to receive something in return for a donation, you could just buy some of his artwork instead of donating. I think he'd probably like that even more. Tucker Stilley (http://tuckerstilley.com/index.cfm)
He can't eat, breathe, eliminate waste, without machines. He has no ability to move any part of his body, other than his eyes, and I believe he can still twitch his lips to smile on one side of his face. He is non-vocal, but communicates by computer with a special device that tracks his eye movements (one of the few muscles he still has control over).
His art is unworldly, and he has a team who helps him with gallery exhibitions (he attends via live video streaming from home). Tucker and his wife Lindsay are two of the most remarkable people I've had the honor of knowing. Lindsay is a true warrior woman, a talented film editor, devoted caregiver and childhood love of Tucker's, and fierce mama-bear to their daughter Juno (who is exquisite in her own right). I met Lindsay first, she lived two floors directly beneath my dorm room when I was in my second year at Emerson College.
100% of all donations goes directly to Tucker's care. The family takes no "administrative fees" and pays the pay-pal fees themselves unless the donor chooses to do it for them. The Cohort for Disembodied Artists (the name of his non-prof) is a true non-profit charitable organization and donations are tax deductible.
KRM0614
12-02-2020, 10:31 AM
We have three on our Christmas list for money gifts
Humane Society Lake Panasoffkee
Humane Society Stuart Florida
Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary Ocala
Others we donate items to their thrift store
Haven Women’s Shelter
Humane Society Ocala
Salvation Army
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for humanity pays huge salaries medical dental vision retirement and college tuition - I’ll pass
raynan
12-02-2020, 10:33 AM
Patriot Service Dogs, puppies trained by women prison inmates and then donated to disabled vets and also Salvation Army.
Villageswimmer
12-02-2020, 10:51 AM
There is an app called “Charity Navigator”. It gives the facts on expenditures, salaries and how much of the donation actually goes to helping the cause. You’ll be surprised how many of these large national charities spend on administrative, salary and advertising expenses.
Yes. Always check Charity Navigator. Organizations must post their IRS990. In it, they are required to list salaries of “highly compensated employees.” Some salaries are truly exorbitant. And I mean you have see it to believe it.
We avoid national charities. Locally, we support SoZo Kids (poverty in Ocala National Forest), the Girl Scout Alumnae drive for local homeless children, and “Kids, Cops & Christmas” sponsored by the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office where a deputy takes a child to a store and lets the child choose his gifts at the same time establishing a positive relationship with a LEO.
There are many local charities run by volunteers with little or no overhead.
tvbound
12-02-2020, 10:55 AM
Habitat for humanity pays huge salaries medical dental vision retirement and college tuition - I’ll pass
Charity Navigator - Your Search Results (https://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?keyword_list=habitat+for+humanity&bay=search.results)
Out of these 1,000 separate Habitat for Humanity's listed, which one are you referencing?
LuvtheVillages
12-02-2020, 11:05 AM
I'm not a big fan of most charities, especially those that pay huge salaries to the principal officers. If they do, I rule them out, although, I don't know if I can trust the mandated Federal financial disclosures. My current significant heir is the Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital. Is that a good choice? What is your favorite cause?
Many responses have said that they do not give to charities that pay big salaries, especially the national (or international) charities.
So I ask you:
What is an appropriate salary and benefit package for the head of a large national (or international) organization with multiple departments, locations across the country (or globe), and multi-thousands of clients?
What is it worth to know that the money is accounted for accurately? That the conditions and restrictions of each gift have been followed?
How much should you pay a sales rep (fund raiser) who brings in most of your annual budget?
What about the grant writer who applies for money from foundations and United Way and the government? And write reports back to those grantors?
And the staff to support these people?
And don't forget the other overhead costs: insurance, rent, utilities...
Yes, some spend excessively on salaries. But I want to know that the people managing the charity are experienced, capable people who can give me confidence that best practices are being followed and my donation is being used well.
People like that are not inexpensive.
MegandSteve
12-02-2020, 11:12 AM
Thank you everyone for the great information. Are there any charity groups this year collecting coats for those in need? I would like to donate them to someone who needs them rather than the thrift stores.
Bill14564
12-02-2020, 11:28 AM
We give to the Elks National Foundation (ENF) (https://www.elks.org/enf/) which supports youth and veterans (Charity Navigator info (https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/263718342)) and some hospices in Maryland.
ValSetz
12-02-2020, 11:34 AM
Sheriff's Boys' (and girls) Ranch
sail33or
12-02-2020, 11:39 AM
St. Jude's CEO makes over a MILLION DOLLARS a year in Salary. Also St. Jude's has a Board of Directors with each making HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS a year. Also they have a very large "EXPENSE" of paying for COMMERCIALS. (Good cause though. Love Danny Thomas. Wish more CELEBRITIES did this type of thing.)
Generally Large Charities are Businesses. They just happen to deal in the areas of Charity.
My idea is to give to individuals in need identified by your church, local charities and local officials like police, etc. It makes more of an impact than going into a MEGA CHARITY and 100% goes to help.
sail33or
12-02-2020, 11:43 AM
Many responses have said that they do not give to charities that pay big salaries, especially the national (or international) charities.
So I ask you:
What is an appropriate salary and benefit package for the head of a large national (or international) organization with multiple departments, locations across the country (or globe), and multi-thousands of clients?
What is it worth to know that the money is accounted for accurately? That the conditions and restrictions of each gift have been followed?
How much should you pay a sales rep (fund raiser) who brings in most of your annual budget?
What about the grant writer who applies for money from foundations and United Way and the government? And write reports back to those grantors?
And the staff to support these people?
And don't forget the other overhead costs: insurance, rent, utilities...
Yes, some spend excessively on salaries. But I want to know that the people managing the charity are experienced, capable people who can give me confidence that best practices are being followed and my donation is being used well.
People like that are not inexpensive.
My answer is that organizations like St. Jude's should be headed up by a Committee of Caring Retired Professionals that "VOLUNTEER" their time. There are zillions of RETIRED MEGA WEALTHY DOCTORS AND CEO's.
tvbound
12-02-2020, 12:47 PM
Best and Worst Charities for Your Donations - Consumer Reports (https://www.consumerreports.org/charities/best-charities-for-your-donations/)
Here's another excellent source, to ensure donations are well spent.
GOLFER54
12-02-2020, 02:08 PM
For many years I have donated monthly to three charities, St Jude; for children with cancer. ASPCA; for Animals and Purple Heart Foundation; for Veterans.
Worldseries27
12-02-2020, 02:31 PM
i'm not a big fan of most charities, especially those that pay huge salaries to the principal officers. If they do, i rule them out, although, i don't know if i can trust the mandated federal financial disclosures. My current significant heir is the saint jude children's research hospital. Is that a good choice? What is your favorite cause?
my choices are st jude's and unicef to fight world hunger
what amazes me about this thread is
" where are all of the usual suspects" ?
Velvet
12-02-2020, 03:22 PM
I “adopt” children from very needy areas of the world. One recent adoption was 2 young sisters in Tamil Nadu. They stay there, I just pay for their shelter, food, and education to grade 12. Just trying to give them choices they might otherwise not have.
Stu from NYC
12-02-2020, 04:45 PM
Best and Worst Charities for Your Donations - Consumer Reports (https://www.consumerreports.org/charities/best-charities-for-your-donations/)
Here's another excellent source, to ensure donations are well spent.
Strange that the well known charities are not mentioned at all
Stu from NYC
12-02-2020, 04:46 PM
I look at charities where expenses and fun raising are less than 20% of amounts raised.
Some well known charities keep sending me "gifts" like calendars, pads and address labels that we do not need or want and they get ignored.
manaboutown
12-02-2020, 06:27 PM
I remember the discovery that Boys Town had accumulated a lot of wealth. Some wag came up a twist on the inscription on their iconic statue "He ain't heavy, he's my broker." Boys Town Has an Embarrassment of Riches - The New York Times (https://www.nytimes.com/1974/04/16/archives/boys-town-has-an-embarrassment-of-riches-new-commitments.html)
manaboutown
12-02-2020, 06:58 PM
As for me I like to donate items I no longer use to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul to sell in their thrift stores. One time when I was moving I was getting rid of almost all my furniture, beds, TV and more and found a local church which was helping a local family who had lost their home to fire. They took everything. My father donated to The Salvation Army. My mother preferred Goodwill which I later learned enough about to not donate. An aunt donated heavily to American Indian charities as she was a public health nurse and had seen their needs up close and personal. Most of my cash donations are to extended family members in need as well as my church. When smoking in restaurants, on planes, in public buildings and more was a huge problem back in the 1960s and 1970s I contributed as much as I could to ASH, Action on Smoking & Health founded by a GW Law professor by the name of John Branzhaf in 1967. I was in the DC area at that time and knew first hand about him and his efforts. His accomplishments running that charitable organization are remarkable! About ASH – ASH > Action on Smoking & Health (https://ash.org/about/)
My USPTO coworker and law school classmate, Clarence Dittlow, went on to become the executive director of The Center for Auto Safety, a nonprofit founded by Ralph Nader and Consumers Union that has saved countless lives. Clarence M. Ditlow III, Auto Safety Crusader, Dies at 72 - The New York Times (https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/12/business/clarence-ditlow-died.html)
Home - The Center for Auto Safety (https://www.autosafety.org)
Interestingly he drove a Corvette in the late 1960s when I knew him.
retiredguy123
12-02-2020, 07:08 PM
Thanks for all of the suggestions.
UpNorth
12-02-2020, 08:01 PM
Combat Veterans to Careers. Local, and well-deserving IMO.
Dan9871
12-02-2020, 09:53 PM
If you have a charity you contribute to and make purchases on Amazon.com sign up at smile.amazon.com. If you do Amazon will contribute 0.5% of the things you buy to the charity of your choice. It looks like any charity that files an IRS 990 form is on the list of charities to choose from.
The 0.5% comes from Amazon, it doesn't change the amount they charge you. Not all items on Amazon are eligible for Smile but many, maybe most, are. It seems like everything that Amazon sells or fulfills is eligible.
OrangeBlossomBaby
12-02-2020, 10:43 PM
My answer is that organizations like St. Jude's should be headed up by a Committee of Caring Retired Professionals that "VOLUNTEER" their time. There are zillions of RETIRED MEGA WEALTHY DOCTORS AND CEO's.
And most of them are RETIRED for a reason: they don't want to have to work anymore. Volunteers don't have to show up for work. There's nothing in it for them, if they don't feel like it, they can just drop out, it's nothing to them. They have no vested interest in the success of the place they're volunteering for, unless the charity benefits them or their family personally.
Getting paid - is another matter entirely. If the charity does well, then you do well? That's a damned good incentive to show up and work 50-70 hours a week.
Being a CEO of a charity is a JOB. It's not a volunteer gig. I want someone who is MARRIED to that job running a charity. Being a CEO involves lots of experience in lots of different subjects. Not just in "being a CEO." I don't care how much money they make. I care more about what percentage of their revenue goes into that salary.
If their salary is only .01% of their total revenue, and they're making $4 million, then I say - they've earned it. If their salary is 5% of their total revenue, then I would recommend looking into some other charity.
CWGUY
12-02-2020, 11:02 PM
Combat Veterans to Careers. Local, and well-deserving IMO.
:ho: This year I made "Combat Veterans To Careers" my charity at AMAZON SMILE. Everyone who is a member of AMAZON should use AMAZON SMILE. Cost you nothing, prices are the same, and your charity gets 0.5% of what you spend. Half a percent doesn't sound like much...... but it adds up.
From Amazon web site:
"Every little bit counts
When millions of supporters shop at AmazonSmile, charitable donations quickly add up.
You have generated $18.12
as of December 03, 2020
Your current charity
Combat Veterans To Careers
has received $1,152.06
as of November 2020
All US charities have received $216,932,702.17
as of November 2020"
Ecuadog
12-03-2020, 12:28 AM
If you have a charity you contribute to and make purchases on Amazon.com sign up at smile.amazon.com. If you do Amazon will contribute 0.5% of the things you buy to the charity of your choice. It looks like any charity that files an IRS 990 form is on the list of charities to choose from.
The 0.5% comes from Amazon, it doesn't change the amount they charge you. Not all items on Amazon are eligible for Smile but many, maybe most, are. It seems like everything that Amazon sells or fulfills is eligible.
The 0.5% from AmazonSmile adds up.
My orders have generated $47.92 for my current charity of choice.
talleyjm
12-03-2020, 06:20 AM
St Jude, Tunnel to Towers, Animal Welfare Leagues, Wounded Warrior
Donated to Wounded Warriors until I found out in 2016 they don’t spend the money you give wisely - splashy conferences, high salaries. They were only giving 60% to the wounded Warriors. Checked into Disabled American Veterans and liked the organization’s operation much better - they were giving 96% to the disabled veterans.
Rlmsrm3755
12-03-2020, 07:14 AM
I'm not a big fan of most charities, especially those that pay huge salaries to the principal officers. If they do, I rule them out, although, I don't know if I can trust the mandated Federal financial disclosures. My current significant heir is the Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital. Is that a good choice? What is your favorite cause?
Samaritan's Purse and The Salvation Army for me.
Stu from NYC
12-03-2020, 09:49 AM
Donated to Wounded Warriors until I found out in 2016 they don’t spend the money you give wisely - splashy conferences, high salaries. They were only giving 60% to the wounded Warriors. Checked into Disabled American Veterans and liked the organization’s operation much better - they were giving 96% to the disabled veterans.
Found that out and now give regularly to DAV.
Still get lots of address labels and pads from Wounded Warriors.
People have said Warriors is more efficient now but DAV gets donations from us
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