Community Chat

[Sooner]

I am reading more about some well known charities and foundations misusing funds.  A practice that I had begun to suspect a few years ago because so many new foundation, charities, sponsored benefits, etc. were constantly croping up.  Every day I see more local foundations and groups--how many can there be?  

Looking at the amounts they receive in federal, private and corporate money and factoring that against the people actually served, it just doesn't add up.  Locally and nationally.  

Huge amounts go to salaries, travel, lodging and payments to speakers.  Seems sometimes it's a racket serving the top dogs with travel funds, perks, speaking funds and publicity, not the people supposedly being served. 

Yes, I understand it is nothing new, but seems it is being talked about openly more now, lawsuits are being brought, and even well-known ones are being examined.

I am trying to be more careful with what I donate and where it winds up.  

[Puzzle Piece]

Non profits are also being fraudulent.  

[Laura14]

You can use Charity Navigator to learn about most of the non-profits and exactly what goes where, if you want to make an informed donation.

[Tinkrbl44]

@Sooner 

There are many ways to benefit charities.

My local Ralphs (Kroger grocery chain) has a Community Donations option.  We can select which charity from about a dozen choices.   A teeny percentage of everything I spend on groceries goes to my choice.

I chose A Cat's Tale in Redondo Beach, CA, a no-kill shelter.

I spoke to one of the founders, and she said it really adds up.  

It costs me nothing but makes me feel great that I am helping kitties every time I buy groceries.  

[ThinkingOutLoud]

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@Laura14 wrote:

You can use Charity Navigator to learn about most of the non-profits and exactly what goes where, if you want to make an informed donation.

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That works for some charities but others aren't going to report their nefarious doings.

[Mz iMac]

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@Sooner wrote:

Yes, I understand it is nothing new, but seems it is being talked about openly more now, lawsuits are being brought, and even well-known ones are being examined.

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@Sooner  Must be regional.  In my neck of the woods everyone knew 99.9% of charities are what we call "The Rackets."  Some are even undercover Ponzi Schemes.  They were always part of the "you can always count on death, taxes, whores & rackets."

Most of the well known charities have all come under scrutiny at one time or another for decades.

They all have been around for centuries.  Same 💩 different day.  Now w/everyone using 1 device after another plus the WWW you think "new" charaties are croping up. 

[We rescue cats]

Unfortunately all too often the result of a search for info on validity is simply "not Rated". There was a charity that a young man created  (Cuddles for Kids). He gave stuffed animals to children facing surgeries or bad situations. Unfortunately his mother got involved and stole over a half million $$ though officially it was reduced to under $300,000, and she did the same to the Bar Association. . . very sad...with whom she was employed.

[MoonieBaby]

The steal is real

[cjm61]

I think your comment @Sooner "Yes, I understand it is nothing new" is correct. This is not new. I know many people believe in the Red Cross but they are not as upstanding as some believe. 

Years ago, around 40-50 years ago, my dad was a firefighter. He was on the fireline in the forest working hard and exhausted. The American Red Cross approached him asking if he needed anything. He asked only for chapstick. They handed it to him and asked him to pay the full retail amount. These were all donated. Hearing this from so long ago gives me a bad taste for charities. 

[kaydee50]

I do check Charity Navigator and only donate to those that are highly rated.  They are out there.