Tunnel to Towers vs Wounded Warrior Project

[retiredguy123]

From the IRS Form 990s, the Wounded Warrior Project charity receives more than twice the amount in donations than the Tunnel to Towers charity. Retired General Michael Linnington, the CEO of WWP, receives a salary of $365K per year in compensation, and there are 12 other managers who receive more than $200K each in annual compensation. So, Linnington makes more money than any military officer has ever made in the history of our country, in addition to his military pension. By contrast, Frank Siller, the CEO of Tunnel to Towers, receives zero compensation, and none of the other managers of T2T receive any compensation at all.

I would recommend that anyone who wants to donate money to a charity, please go to "Guidestar" or "Charity Navigator" and read the charity's Form 990 to find out how they are spending the money that you donate.

[margaretmattson]

From the IRS Form 990s, the Wounded Warrior Project charity receives more than twice the amount in donations than the Tunnel to Towers charity. Retired General Michael Linnington, the CEO of WWP, receives a salary of $365K per year in compensation, and there are 12 other managers who receive more than $200K each in annual compensation. So, Linnington makes more money than any military officer has ever made in the history of our country, in addition to his military pension. By contrast, Frank Siller, the CEO of Tunnel to Towers, receives zero compensation, and none of the other managers of T2T receive any compensation at all.

I would recommend that anyone who wants to donate money to a charity, please go to "Guidestar" or "Charity Navigator" and read the charity's Form 990 to find out how they are spending the money that you donate. Great advice! Charitable money should go to the cause not to stuff a greedy person's pocket. Some people have no shame and they only see $$$$. It's ridiculous that charities who need the money are victims of people like Gen Linnington. He should be arrested and the keys thrown away!

[Kenswing]

Great advice! Charitable money should go to the cause not to stuff a greedy person's pocket. Some people have no shame and they only see $$$$. It's ridiculous that charities who need the money are victims of people like Gen Linnington. He should be arrested and the keys thrown away!
:1rotfl: Other than getting paid a ridiculous amount for running a charity, what law is he breaking? Lock him up and throw away the keys? Hilarious.

[margaretmattson]

:1rotfl: Other than getting paid a ridiculous amount for running a charity, what law is he breaking? Lock him up and throw away the keys? Hilarious. I didnt insinuate that he was breaking any laws, I said that he SHOULD be locked up. If there were laws preventing it, I would be happy to see the man placed in jail and the keys thrown away. Thanks for trying to keep me in check, just not what I meant.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

I would recommend that anyone who wants to donate money to a charity, please go to "Guidestar" or "Charity Navigator" and read the charity's Form 990 to find out how they are spending the money that you donate.

I second that. . I stopped giving to GiveMN once i read the form 990. I did donate as my daughter's org was pushing it, but once she left, no more.. .

good luck!

make your donation worth it!

[Hape2Bhr]

From the IRS Form 990s, the Wounded Warrior Project charity receives more than twice the amount in donations than the Tunnel to Towers charity. Retired General Michael Linnington, the CEO of WWP, receives a salary of $365K per year in compensation, and there are 12 other managers who receive more than $200K each in annual compensation. So, Linnington makes more money than any military officer has ever made in the history of our country, in addition to his military pension. By contrast, Frank Siller, the CEO of Tunnel to Towers, receives zero compensation, and none of the other managers of T2T receive any compensation at all.

I would recommend that anyone who wants to donate money to a charity, please go to "Guidestar" or "Charity Navigator" and read the charity's Form 990 to find out how they are spending the money that you donate.

We took WWP off of our charity list several years ago because of what we considered excessive salary payouts.

[JMintzer]

I didnt insinuate that he was breaking any laws, I said that he SHOULD be locked up. If there were laws preventing it, I would be happy to see the man placed in jail and the keys thrown away. Thanks for trying to keep me in check, just not what I meant.

Should be locked up for what? (since he's not breaking any laws...)

[charlie1]

Michael Linnington came to Wounded Warrior Project around 2016 when a whistle blower told stories of total waste by the management at the time. At the time, if I remember right, they were bringing in over $300 million per year. Drop off immediately and it was questionable if WWP would survive. The board of directors investigated the allegation and fired most of the management and brought in Linnington to straighten out the charity. I believe when he took over, almost 60% of the contribution were used for huge salaries, extravagant parties, staff benefits, and other charges. I lived in Jacksonville at the time and it was a huge mess! Anyway, he did a great job of cleaning up the mess at the time. Probably saved WWP. Have not followed WWP since so not sure how things are run now.

[Keefelane66]

Michael Linnington came to Wounded Warrior Project around 2016 when a whistle blower told stories of total waste by the management at the time. At the time, if I remember right, they were bringing in over $300 million per year. Drop off immediately and it was questionable if WWP would survive. The board of directors investigated the allegation and fired most of the management and brought in Linnington to straighten out the charity. I believe when he took over, almost 60% of the contribution were used for huge salaries, extravagant parties, staff benefits, and other charges. I lived in Jacksonville at the time and it was a huge mess! Anyway, he did a great job of cleaning up the mess at the time. Probably saved WWP. Have not followed WWP since so not sure how things are run now.
Then they hired another Fox to raid the hen house.

[I'm Popeye!]

:1rotfl: Other than getting paid a ridiculous amount for running a charity, what law is he breaking? Lock him up and throw away the keys? Hilarious.

None, but that's not the point; charities are created to help those in need, not to help thy-self; paying yourself $1,000 per day in compensation is ridiculous!!!

[Biker Dog]

We dropped WWP years ago for the same reason. Check out Gary Sineci Foundation. Gary really care about veterans. :BigApplause:

[collegeref]

Thank you for the enlightening
sometimes those who seem
sincere are sincere. Thank you
Frank

[Stu from NYC]

Michael Linnington came to Wounded Warrior Project around 2016 when a whistle blower told stories of total waste by the management at the time. At the time, if I remember right, they were bringing in over $300 million per year. Drop off immediately and it was questionable if WWP would survive. The board of directors investigated the allegation and fired most of the management and brought in Linnington to straighten out the charity. I believe when he took over, almost 60% of the contribution were used for huge salaries, extravagant parties, staff benefits, and other charges. I lived in Jacksonville at the time and it was a huge mess! Anyway, he did a great job of cleaning up the mess at the time. Probably saved WWP. Have not followed WWP since so not sure how things are run now.

That is when we stopped giving.

[JoelJohnson]

I once worked for a non profit organization as treasurer and had to fill out 990s. Ever since I always check the 990 for any organization before giving my money. Recently I learned about an organization that helps disabled people (I forget the name), each officer gets $1/year. So there are some non profits that really do serve the people they are supposed to help.

[rpalumberi]

From the IRS Form 990s, the Wounded Warrior Project charity receives more than twice the amount in donations than the Tunnel to Towers charity. Retired General Michael Linnington, the CEO of WWP, receives a salary of $365K per year in compensation, and there are 12 other managers who receive more than $200K each in annual compensation. So, Linnington makes more money than any military officer has ever made in the history of our country, in addition to his military pension. By contrast, Frank Siller, the CEO of Tunnel to Towers, receives zero compensation, and none of the other managers of T2T receive any compensation at all.

I would recommend that anyone who wants to donate money to a charity, please go to "Guidestar" or "Charity Navigator" and read the charity's Form 990 to find out how they are spending the money that you donate.


We stopped investing after we heard about those extravagant parties. Very disappointed. Any money or time we give to charity is a sacrifice. I'm a veteran and although I was never injured, I feel very connected to those injured while serving. For us, this is another reason not to invest/donate here - thank you for the post. We don't want to feel like we've been taken if you know what I mean.

[KeithD]

Thanks for posting this. It is a real shame that WWP plays on our wish to support the troops and leaders simply line their pockets. T2T gets my support every month and they are deserving.

[JMintzer]

None, but that's not the point; charities are created to help those in need, not to help thy-self; paying yourself $1,000 per day in compensation is ridiculous!!!

Running a $300 Million dollar business takes someone with a certain skillset... Often times, that costs money.

His salary is about 1% of their donations...

[JMintzer]

Michael Linnington came to Wounded Warrior Project around 2016 when a whistle blower told stories of total waste by the management at the time. At the time, if I remember right, they were bringing in over $300 million per year. Drop off immediately and it was questionable if WWP would survive. The board of directors investigated the allegation and fired most of the management and brought in Linnington to straighten out the charity. I believe when he took over, almost 60% of the contribution were used for huge salaries, extravagant parties, staff benefits, and other charges. I lived in Jacksonville at the time and it was a huge mess! Anyway, he did a great job of cleaning up the mess at the time. Probably saved WWP. Have not followed WWP since so not sure how things are run now.

Apparently, 72% of the donations are now going to veterans. Not perfect, but MUCH better than before. Seems like money well spent...

[JMintzer]

We dropped WWP years ago for the same reason. Check out Gary Sineci Foundation. Gary really care about veterans. :BigApplause:

Gary Sinese (Lieutenant Dan in "Forrest Gump") is a saint! I give to his charity.

For my 60th birthday, I asked my Facebook friends to donate to his charity in honor of my birthday. IIRC, we raised over $2500.

You might want to try it when your birthday rolls around. FaceBook makes it easy to do and helps you set up a PayPal account that goes directly to the charity of your choice...

Watch this video of people thanking him for his tireless work...

https://youtu.be/K7nCYnFsBqs

[Cheapbas]

Great advice! Charitable money should go to the cause not to stuff a greedy person's pocket. Some people have no shame and they only see $$$$. It's ridiculous that charities who need the money are victims of people like Gen Linnington. He should be arrested and the keys thrown away!

Yeah, they lost me when they threw that $300k party for themselves. Not saying veterans aren’t a worthy cause, but it helped me decide “little kids with cancer” was a wiser use of my money.

[Gunny2403]

First speak to the people who the Wounded Warriors have helped. Don’t think they care about executive compensation. Not sure everyone working in the T2T work for free. Where does Frank get his money for personal use.

[birdawg]

T2T. Nothing better.

[Nordhagen]

I also stopped giving to WW when I heard about the waste and excessive salaries. T2T was and is my go to charity as well. Frank Siller really does care about military and first responder’s families and is not out to enrich himself.

[MandoMan]

From the IRS Form 990s, the Wounded Warrior Project charity receives more than twice the amount in donations than the Tunnel to Towers charity. Retired General Michael Linnington, the CEO of WWP, receives a salary of $365K per year in compensation, and there are 12 other managers who receive more than $200K each in annual compensation. So, Linnington makes more money than any military officer has ever made in the history of our country, in addition to his military pension. By contrast, Frank Siller, the CEO of Tunnel to Towers, receives zero compensation, and none of the other managers of T2T receive any compensation at all.

I would recommend that anyone who wants to donate money to a charity, please go to "Guidestar" or "Charity Navigator" and read the charity's Form 990 to find out how they are spending the money that you donate.

The Charity Navigator site gives both of those 100% ratings, but it gives no info on Tunnels to Towers. The Tunnels to Towers spends only half as much on administration and fundraising, but neither spends as much as some so-called charities.

[wawriwwawriw]

Years ago I learned about how much the CEO of WWP salary was. I founded to be WRONG! A few months back, I learned about Tunnel to Towers and add my first donation to it.

[MrsSnaps]

From the IRS Form 990s, the Wounded Warrior Project charity receives more than twice the amount in donations than the Tunnel to Towers charity. Retired General Michael Linnington, the CEO of WWP, receives a salary of $365K per year in compensation, and there are 12 other managers who receive more than $200K each in annual compensation. So, Linnington makes more money than any military officer has ever made in the history of our country, in addition to his military pension. By contrast, Frank Siller, the CEO of Tunnel to Towers, receives zero compensation, and none of the other managers of T2T receive any compensation at all.

I would recommend that anyone who wants to donate money to a charity, please go to "Guidestar" or "Charity Navigator" and read the charity's Form 990 to find out how they are spending the money that you donate.

Thank you. This information is so very helpful.

[SymphonyHill]

A symbol of the good-ole-boy network investing in their own future (over) compensation?? To quote Popeye "charities are created to help those in need, not to help thy-self"

As (volunteer) director of a non-profit healthcare center that serves those in true need in 3 Appalachian hill counties, we compete with such inflated compensation for dollars to serve those who live in heartbreaking poverty.

My question to you all: What is the s-o--l-u-t-i-o-n to addressing such extravagant benefits?

Always a seeker of solutions :)
Joy

[NoMo50]

Remember the scandals of United Way back in the early 90's. William Aramony, CEO at that time, went to prison for his misuse of United Way funds. His salary then was less than $500k, and the organization took in around $3 billion. But, he was using United Way as his personal piggy bank. There is often more than just executive salary involved. FWIW, not sure United Way really learned the lesson. There have been several other scandals since the Aramony fiasco.

[Haggar]

The Charity Navigator site gives both of those 100% ratings, but it gives no info on Tunnels to Towers. The Tunnels to Towers spends only half as much on administration and fundraising, but neither spends as much as some so-called charities.


The Wounded Warrior Project gets 89% rating on charity navigator. A separate organization from the the Wounded Warrior Family that gets a 100% rating shown in this post.

A four star general makes $203,688 per year.

The founder of Tunnels to Tower did it to honor his brother - a firefighter - who died in 9/11. Very impressive.

It's hard to judge the fairness of salaries of a President of a large charity. It is still a business. And the salary of $365,000 is in line with businesses with that revenue and reach.
Maybe low.

Whether all the high salaries are justified/necessary is questionable. But because it a charity does not mean that the executives should work for less than market.

The President of the American Heart Association gets over $3,000,000.

There are many examples of over $1,000,000 salaries.

And there are many generals employed by private industry, the media or the government that make far more than $365,000 paid to this former general.

[I'm Popeye!]

Running a $300 Million dollar business takes someone with a certain skillset... Often times, that costs money.

His salary is about 1% of their donations...

So you think, paying yourself $1,000.00 a day from kind-hearted people's donation money, is OK... The guy is a skimmer!
BTW, Do you work for "GoodWell"? :shocked:

[I'm Popeye!]

First speak to the people who the Wounded Warriors have helped. Don’t think they care about executive compensation. Not sure everyone working in the T2T work for free. Where does Frank get his money for personal use.

Not saying they shouldn't get paid, but $1,000.00 a DAY!, come on man...

[Lea N]

I once worked for a non profit organization as treasurer and had to fill out 990s. Ever since I always check the 990 for any organization before giving my money. Recently I learned about an organization that helps disabled people (I forget the name), each officer gets $1/year. So there are some non profits that really do serve the people they are supposed to help.

How can I check the 990 for a non-profit organization?

[shut the front door]

First speak to the people who the Wounded Warriors have helped. Don’t think they care about executive compensation. Not sure everyone working in the T2T work for free. Where does Frank get his money for personal use.

And while you're at it, speak to the veterans that WW snubbed. Veterans who simply asked for transportation to VA clinics but received a blanket.

[Eagle06]

I am retired military. Years ago we supported and donated to the WWP. My Golf Club in South Carolina, comprised of many veterans sponsored a fundraiser (Golf Tournament), raising over $150K for the WWP. When we found out what percentage actually went to Veterans Programs we balked but it was too late. After that we severed ties to the WWP and established our own 501c3 to support Veterans Causes. Personally we donate to T2T, Folds of Honor and the Gary Sinise Foundation.

[BlueStarAirlines]

Running a $300 Million dollar business takes someone with a certain skillset... Often times, that costs money.

His salary is about 1% of their donations...

I'm a current federal employee managing contracts way over $300 million. I make considerably less than $1,000 a day, but on the other hand only manage 80 people, not responsible for an entire organization, and when I'm off work I'm off work. I know nothing about his responsibilities, but I'm sure he is earning that salary.

[retiredguy123]

I'm a current federal employee managing contracts way over $300 million. I make considerably less than $1,000 a day, but on the other hand only manage 80 people, not responsible for an entire organization, and when I'm off work I'm off work. I know nothing about his responsibilities, but I'm sure he is earning that salary.

The thing to look for is how many others make salaries over $200k and what they are responsible for.
There are 12 other WWP managers making more than $200K each.

[JMintzer]

So you think, paying yourself $1,000.00 a day from kind-hearted people's donation money, is OK... The guy is a skimmer!
BTW, Do you work for "GoodWell"? :shocked:

Yes. It means he has the skillset to run that size organization...

Nothing about it says he's "skimming"...

And he's not "paying himself". I'm sure there is a board of directors who set his salary.

The people he replaced were "skimming". He was hired to come in and clean house. From what I've read, he did a very good job. Basically saving the foundation from extinction...

[JMintzer]

I'm a current federal employee managing contracts way over $300 million. I make considerably less than $1,000 a day, but on the other hand only manage 80 people, not responsible for an entire organization, and when I'm off work I'm off work. I know nothing about his responsibilities, but I'm sure he is earning that salary.

Apples and Kumquats...

[JMintzer]

First speak to the people who the Wounded Warriors have helped. Don’t think they care about executive compensation. Not sure everyone working in the T2T work for free. Where does Frank get his money for personal use.

Maybe he has a great pension...

Maybe he has a defined expense account from T2T...

I'm sure he doesn't travel on his own dime... And I have zero issues with that...

Regardless, he does great work, and I commend him...

[JMintzer]

From the IRS Form 990s, the Wounded Warrior Project charity receives more than twice the amount in donations than the Tunnel to Towers charity. Retired General Michael Linnington, the CEO of WWP, receives a salary of $365K per year in compensation, and there are 12 other managers who receive more than $200K each in annual compensation. So, Linnington makes more money than any military officer has ever made in the history of our country, in addition to his military pension. By contrast, Frank Siller, the CEO of Tunnel to Towers, receives zero compensation, and none of the other managers of T2T receive any compensation at all.

I would recommend that anyone who wants to donate money to a charity, please go to "Guidestar" or "Charity Navigator" and read the charity's Form 990 to find out how they are spending the money that you donate.

Not even close to being true...

At the time of his death, Ret General Colin Powell was worth $60 Million... His net worth was going up by about $5Million/year...

Much of than money came from sitting on the boards of various companies, speaking engagements and working for a Venture Capital Company...

Sec Def Lloyd Austin's pensions equal about $1.8 Million/year. Mostly from the boards he served on...

Here’s How Much Secretary Of Defense Lloyd Austin Is Worth (https://www.forbes.com/sites/danalexander/2021/06/18/heres-how-much-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-austin-is-worth/?sh=186e58a863e4)

Ret General David Petraeus makes 7 figures/year...

DOD Retirees: From 4-Star General to 7-Figure Income | The Fiscal Times (https://www.thefiscaltimes.com/Articles/2013/06/05/DOD-Retirees-From-4-star-General-to-7-Figure-Income)

:
These are just a few of the retired general making bank...

[JMintzer]

So you think, paying yourself $1,000.00 a day from kind-hearted people's donation money, is OK... The guy is a skimmer!
BTW, Do you work for "GoodWell"? :shocked:

I think his salary is commensurate to his skillset... Obviously, the board of directors agree...

And I don't even know what "GoodWell" is...

[JMintzer]

Not saying they shouldn't get paid, but $1,000.00 a DAY!, come on man...

It costs money to retain the services of good people with the talent to run such an operation...

Were you worth what you were paid?

[retiredguy123]

Not even close to being true...

At the time of his death, Ret General Colin Powell was worth $60 Million... His net worth was going up by about $5Million/year...

Much of than money came from sitting on the boards of various companies, speaking engagements and working for a Venture Capital Company...

Sec Def Lloyd Austin's pensions equal about $1.8 Million/year. Mostly from the boards he served on...

Here’s How Much Secretary Of Defense Lloyd Austin Is Worth (https://www.forbes.com/sites/danalexander/2021/06/18/heres-how-much-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-austin-is-worth/?sh=186e58a863e4)

Ret General David Petraeus makes 7 figures/year...

DOD Retirees: From 4-Star General to 7-Figure Income | The Fiscal Times (https://www.thefiscaltimes.com/Articles/2013/06/05/DOD-Retirees-From-4-star-General-to-7-Figure-Income)

:
These are just a few of the retired general making bank...
I was referring to their military salary. In my opinion, if you are managing a charity whose mission is to help military people, you should be willing to accept a compensation from that charity that is at least within the range of the income for the people you are helping. But, everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

[JMintzer]

I was referring to their military salary. In my opinion, if you are managing a charity whose mission is to help military people, you should be willing to accept a compensation from that charity that is at least within the range of the income for the people you are helping. But, everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

So, the executive secretary working for the charity must accept the same salary as an enlisted clerk/typist who works for a 4 star general?

And Linnington's salary before he was retired was the same as any other general...

What he makes after retirement is irrelevant to his military salary...

[retiredguy123]

So, the executive secretary working for the charity must accept the same salary as an enlisted clerk/typist who works for a 4 star general?

And Linnington's salary before he was retired was the same as any other general...

What he makes after retirement is irrelevant to his military salary...
Apples and oranges. The executive secretary is not managing the charity, or asking people to donate money.

[retiredguy123]

How can I check the 990 for a non-profit organization?
The easiest way is to go to "Guidestar.org" or "Charitynavigator.org" and search for a charity. You may also need to log in using an account that you can set up for free with a username and password.

Note that there are many copycat charities with very similar names. Be careful that you find the charity that you are seeking.

[JMintzer]

Apples and oranges. The executive secretary is not managing the charity, or asking people to donate money.

Not apples and oranges at all. They both have their own skillsets that have value...

[retiredguy123]

Not apples and oranges at all. They both have their own skillsets that have value...
I get it. Whatever a poster says, you say the opposite. But, so far, 14 posters have said they stopped donating to WWP because of the high salaries. By the way, military people are not paid for their skillset. They are paid based on their rank. But, when you work for a charity, you are supposed to be charitable. That is why Frank Siller and all of his managers receive no compensation.

[JMintzer]

I get it. Whatever a poster says, you say the opposite. But, so far, 14 posters have said they stopped donating to WWP because of the high salaries. By the way, military people are not paid for their skillset. They are paid based on their rank. But, when you work for a charity, you are supposed to be charitable. That is why Frank Siller and all of his managers receive no compensation.

Where is that written down?

Is that part of everyone's employment contract? Even the janitor who cleans the offices at night?

BTW, there are only a handful people in T2T who receive zero compensation. They still paid out 11-13%% in salary/wages from 2013-2019, dropping to 8.4% in 2020

As a contrast WWP paid out 5.4% in administrative costs (the most recent #s I can find...)

And why did those 14 posters say the will or have stopped donating to WWP? Most likely due to the previous CEO who was fleecing the organization, throwing lavish parties, etc. The new guy put an end to that... He's doing a damn good job righting the ship, if you ask me... And in my opinion, his salary is not a problem.

Those who stopped donating most likely didn't do their research and are relying on incorrect data, such as we've seen posted on this thread...

Personally, I've only given to the Gary Sinese Foundation. That is MY choice. I looked into the foundation and I'm happy with my decision.

If you're happy giving to T2T, great! Just don't post incorrect info trashing other foundations...

[Wiserbud47]

What I have learned:

1 Charitynavigator.org was the best site to use for searching organizations. I didn't have to register or "upgrade" to get what I looking for.

2 The rating scale seemed objective.

3 Each description gave you the organization's website and stated if you would find the IRS form 990 on the website. I found it under "financials"on each website that I looked at. That is where you find the top executive salaries.

4 Each website had a pie chart showing the percentage of donations that went directly to the cause.

5 It seemed that the non-for-profit organizations are taking the scrutiny of the educated donors very seriously. Everything is there to see. If we don't like what we see, we will give elsewhere.

Educate yourself rather that watching an ad or listening to someone's opinion.
There are some excellent organizations out there and they deserve our support.

Thank you to all of the posters.

[Lea N]

The easiest way is to go to "Guidestar.org" or "Charitynavigator.org" and search for a charity. You may also need to log in using an account that you can set up for free with a username and password.

Note that there are many copycat charities with very similar names. Be careful that you find the charity that you are seeking.

Thank you.

[BobnBev]

We dropped WWP years ago for the same reason. Check out Gary Sineci Foundation. Gary really care about veterans. :BigApplause:

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, Gary would be the best choice for POTUS, hands down.:bigbow: