Question of the Day | 10/28/2009 4:00 am
Do you have evidence that the charities you support are really making a difference?
A friend of wOw’s, Millie McCoy, recently shared one of the most tangible tales of one person making a difference through a charity. Mary Wells, Whoopi Goldberg and Liz Smith tell us if they have evidence that the charities they support have done the same …
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I ask questions. I also volunteer my own time and try to make a difference first hand. I have worked for non-profits for many years and Liz is right on the mark when she says "I know my charities help actual people or I wouldn’t keep doing them."
There are a lot of organizations, good and bad, asking for our donations - choose wisely and do your research. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Make sure the organization you choose is fiscally responsible. Do they have a mission statement? Do you understand and concur with that statement? Does the charity actually have a plan of action that they can discuss with you?
I get calls from charities quite often and when I ask them what percentage of my donation will go to those in need and what percentage will be used for administrative and overhead costs, I’ve actually had people hang up on me - those that are reputable will either know the answer or they will be happy to find out for you - they won’t hang up.
In the many years I served on the board of the Chicago/Chicago area (suburbs) United Way (in the ’90s the top-ranking United Way in the country in terms of funds raised - $104 million a year during my terms of office), as Budget and Allocation Chair, there was no charity that was not heavily scrutinized personally by me or others during the year. I would be out touring the facilities, going over charitable budgets in depth, asking questions face-to-face with the agency directors. Often I would come away in tears after seeing the center. Working with babies at spina bifita was rewarding AND heartbreaking. Heartrending situations always and facilties where I could be hands-on - actually seeing the miracles accomplished. United Way of Chicago and those of us who gave their all - and then some - to see that money was carefully allocated — know that the high percentage of monies given were not for administrative expenses but instead were used for service to those in need. Never have I worked so hard. Never had I felt I covered every base needed before yearly allocations were carefully divided. It was a labor of love for a third of my life, leaving me with NO regrets and much happiness.
However, if one were giving to a few local charities only, I find that a visit to their distributing point, their working headquarters, their workshops, will often open your heart and pocketbook in a big way.
In my large city, my favorite tried-and-true larger charity is Salvation Army. They have a food pantry for the needy in Chicago that must be seen to be believed. Locally, I have been involved in short-term help with Salvation Army for those who cannot pay their electric bills and more. The cases coming in make you weep; the help given make you proud.
Is there anything more important in life than giving of yourself to help others? I don’t think so. I call it "a matter of the heart".
The problem with United Way and many of its member agencies is the "overcompensation" of the executive directors and administrative staff. I learned a long time ago to ask for copies of the 990s. And if the breakdown of the salaries isn’t there I ask for it. The "excuse" given by many of the directors is they could earn far more in the private sector. My response is they should go earn it in the private sector. I’ve given my time as well as my money, although my time is money they haven’t had to spend on a marketing/development or pr person, to both local and national organizations for 29 years. Charitable begins at the executive director’s desk. Some of the United Ways believe that as well. Some don’t. The same rule applies to all organizations. Not just United Way. If I see an executive director pulling up for a fundraiser in a nice big BMW or Mercedes that is the last fundraiser I attend. It’s like Michelle Obama and her Lanvin sneakers at the food bank. Doesn’t look good as they say.
Ideally 50% of what comes in goes back out to the community. You’d be surprised how many barely manage 25%.
On the subject of food pantries and food banks most people don’t realize that food pantries buy the food from the food banks despite the fact that much of the food at the food bank was donated. So the food cost more than what it was worth when it was donated. People buy a $10 sack of groceries and drop it in the bin. And it is donated to the food bank. Which sells it again. Find a food pantry and ask them what they need most. And then buy it and donate it directly to them.
Sounds horrible but the best way to be charitable is to become a little cynical about the charities themselves.
Baby Snooks . . making judgment calls from "the outside" without thinking enough about charitable work to do more than write a check makes me sad. You investigate, you pick-and-choose, but frankly, your perception and judgment will change once you are willing to be a volunteer on the front lines of any charity. Only then will you understand what is involved from beginning to end in the process and be equipped to make a true judgment. Making a judgment on my expensive car as I drive up - as a volunteer and giver of monies freely - well, one has nothing to do with the other. I didn’t get the money to pay for that car from money ripped off from a charity. Does a person running Salvation Army at the city level have to live in a hovel - though some almost do?
If only half the money goes where it should, that is appalling. United Way would not support such poor administrative skills. . at least 10 years ago. OR anything close to that. We were in their offices, combing their books, seeing the inner workings. . appearing before a committee on each agency (charity) to ask for a certain amount — and we had to be so sharp on our facts as nothing was rubber-stamped. There was always another charity that needed the money a bit more — and why.
Yes, you have a right to be cynical when we have these constant mail pleadings with a dime attached to each one or any of the other terrible ploys. But please do not judge me by my expensive car when I have worked daily for no compension at all for years and years, being responsible for allocations of $100 million. Get inside and work in your favorite local charity and find yourself enlightened — it doesn’t have to be often, it can be on a Saturday — only then will you be giving of YOURSELF. But you will learn so quickly what is involved in making the charity function well. And then tell us.
Excuse me very much but I have very much been on the front lines, the side lines, and the back lines with charities all around the country. And I take great offense at your implying that I do not know what I am talking about. I’ve raised millions and given tens of thousands of dollars worth of my time. And quite honestly, while I was being polite, I would never give time or money again to United Way having "been there, done that" once. You can drive whatever you want as a volunteer. What you drive as an executive director is another matter. And far too many drive a nice big BMW or a nice big Mercedes and it is my right to say I will not support that and in fact will not. United Way has a history in this country, despite all the public relations provided for it by the corporations that in many cases have coerced employees into donating, that calls into question its sense of both philanthropy and propriety. Being impolite about it.
Forgive me. Normally if a person has been personally involved in the direction of many charities, volunteering for years as you have, it will come out in the writing after a question like that. It just took a while. As you are, I am personally protective of an organization that I have given heart and soul to for as long as I did. It was what I considered "my baby" and I gave it my all. No one likes to have their baby — one that worked so wonderfully in my city — trammelled.
I think the question was what charity do you give to that you KNOW does make a difference. YOu have more knowledge than the rest of us put together … and yet you did not mention a single one. Why? We - in writing - have a great deal of influence on others who are not sure where to put their money. So what are the ones you would suggest - as I am curious??
For the others out there, I find that for gifts (instead of presents) that my giving to Heifer under their names has been personally satisfying to them.
There was a major scandal involving the head of United Way back in the early 1990s which came as no surprise to many who had been involved with United Way in the 1970s and 1980s and for many of us nothing has changed. There is a code of ethics. Board members such as yourself are perhaps more committed to ensuring some level of accountabliity to the people who donate. But behind the closed doors of the executive directors is another matter. There is still this question of overcompensation. And this excuse of "they would earn more in the private sector" which I doubt few if any would. The reality is William Aramony is a ghost I don’t think many United Ways, if any, will ever be free of.
I tend to not support "regrant" organizations in general because of the administrative costs involved which diverts funding that would be better utilized by the organizations being funded. You give a dollar to a regrant organization, the organization it funds might get fifty cents. Why not just give the dollar directly?
Which organizations would I suggest? It depends on community need. I don’t know what your community need is. And I really am "community first" with regard to non-profit charitable organizations. The priorities in my own community at this point are direct assistance/food pantries. Homeless shelters. Shelters for victims of domestic abuse/violence. And literacy. Open a book, open a door. I cannot stress the importance of literacy. Many victims of domestic abuse/violence don’t know where to turn because they cannot read the posters. And they are too afraid to ask someone. Many who held jobs that didn’t require them to read have been laid off and cannot find new jobs because they cannot read and cannot even fill out an application. Reading is indeed fundamental. To so much. The arts is at the bottom of the list. Renoir will still be hanging on the wall at the museum five years from now. The museum can do without a new painting this year. Tennessee Williams still still be riveting five years from now. The theatre can put on one less production this year. This year is for people. Because in five years many of our own homeless and jobless and hopeless will still be homeless and jobless and hopeless five years from now if we don’t help them now. If you’re unsure of what to give to in your community, give to Liz Smith’s list. She pretty much covered the bases. Although those same types of organizations are in everyone’s communities.
Most of these direct assistance organizations operate as part of a network of churches and community organizations. Most serve specific areas in our cities. Whatever church or synagogue or temple or mosque you attend most likely is part of the network. Most really don’t think about it. They just assume part of what they give goes to help. In normal times it does. These are not normal times. Most food pantries in most cities are beginning to ration. They have too little food too serve too many who need it. It doesn’t take a village. It takes a community. It takes more than just a check. It takes taking the time to find out where the check will do the most good. The food pantries love the check. They can buy more food. Most would love to have a case or two of tuna. Or a case or two of canned ravioli. Or packages of egg noodles. That they don’t have to buy. When you’re in the grocery store and you see the specials take advantage of them. Once when I had some extra cash theyh had marked down boxes of Celestial Seasons teas. 50 cents. I bought them all. Fifty people took home a box and had 20 wonderful cups of tea they would never have bought for themselves because it was a luxury. It cost me $25. But the smiles they brought were worth far more. The poor need treats as well. Checks are nice. Spreading smiles is nicer.
Once. When I had some extra cash. At the moment and for some time now I have had to depend on the food pantries to supplement my own. Not ashamed of it at all. So grateful they are there. So grateful we live in a country where they are there. Every once in awhile I keep hoping someone stuck a box of Celestial Seasonings in the sack. And tell myself that when I have some extra cash, I will see to it someone does. And just keep a box for myself.
And one other thing I’m grateful for is that despite it all I can still give of my time even though I really can’t afford to. There are so many who can and don’t. Too easy to just write a check. Charity really is not that simple.
Thanks for your line about the poor needing treats as well. Most people treat me like I am the worst of criminals for wanting to just go go watch a move or, an amusement park or carnival or God forbid a vacation. Some give me the worst of looks when they see the large bag of organic popcorn I buy each month. they haveno idea that it’s not a treat for me. It is usually my food for the day. I try not to mention how bad I want a vacation in here because people get so mad.
Thank you.
Where you are the United Way may be a great agency, I do not know. What I do know is that where I am the United Way as so many other charities "does NOT help individuals". I have no problem finding charities, programs, agencies, etc. accepting millions in donations. I have a problem finding ones "giving" help. None of those people volunteer or paid are spending every moment of their survivals in excruciating pain and fatigue. Nor are they eating food off the ground, wearing clothes from the dumpster, or flip flops in freezing cold. They are not telling their children for the thousandth time "maybe next time" we will go to the zoo, out to eat, to some event, a vacation, a holiday, something, anything. Nor are they right this minute trying to find some other arrangement for the child they love more than anything so they can give themselves the gift of painless, fatigueless, nothingness, death for Christmas.
Hi Christine … I understand your frustration … and have always found that too many in that position do not have the primary resources to ever start the search. I have not dealt one-on-one in helping for 10 years. Things could have changed. At that time and in that position, I would first contact your local Catholic Charities. . and no, your religion has nothing to do with the help they give. IF they are unable to help your particular situation, before you get off the phone, be sure to ask then what phone number should you be calling then. Don’t let them hang up before giving you your next lead. But they may be the lead you need. Where I live, United Way funds them as a blanket organization. But where I live, they also fund local charities within my community who provide food and clothes and pay utility bills. How do you find them? I would go to your local library first - to reference - and have the librarian help and direct you further. I have seen the local police provide the places that may help.
Again, as each state is different, I am not sure what your local political entities are called. In my state, we have local "township offices" that give help and direction. If you are a senior, there are special sections for help within the township offices. At each stop or call, you must ask what the next step that you should take — don’t leave without it, Christine. In my village and all the surrounding villages, we have homeless shelters that provide not only overnight facilities and food, but also have day shelters and counseling. Again, the township offices should know what to do.
The problems are overwhelming. Without direction, the frustrations are also. This should provide a beginning for you. Hopefully, along this path there will be counselors who will help to handle the long term situations.
When you are down and out, every step seems too much and rejection is defeating. But I will be surprised mightily if a combination of these suggestions will not get you started. I hope so much that this will help. Joan
Thanks Joan. Did exactly what you said years ago. I made so many calls that I found myself being referred to a different agency and number and I would have to tell them that I just recently got off the phone with that recommended agency. In the end I spent a lot of time getting nowhere. I have repeated that process many times over the years. Here is what it all boils down to: I get SSI for me (I am not a senior citizen. I am only 46) and Welfare for Shea. Because of our intolerance to processed foods I can not use the local pantries; however, there is one that tries to help me get some organic foods. I qualify for winter heating help. Unfortunately it is the electric bill that is killer. The gas is extremely cheap. I get medicaid which boils down to some pain killers and I have to buy my own fatique medicine so I do not get the effective one. The medical care I really need is not available to me. There is nowhere I can go to get clothes, shoes, furniture or household items free. Some of my furniture came from my apartment complex’s dumpster. The same is true of my jeans so none of them fit well. As for help getting a career going doing what God blessed me with the talents for, art, photography and poetry absolutely nothing. It seems that I am way too poor for the "American Dream". There are lots of numbers in my phonebook listed under social services. In the end it is just a whole lot of nothing. And I will not even bother telling you about the Salvation Army here who takes donations but does not give handouts. You can not even imagine what it is like to be inadequated and nothing to death because with all the social service agencies, churches (who either give to only their own or are currently out of funds or just do not do those things) and charities noone is willing to beleive that it means absolutely nothing to someone like me. And even though anyone understands that if they were expected to live on the minimum wage of two decades ago it would be impossible they can not get it that I can not make it on a Welfare that has not give a raise in over two decades. And though SSI does give a very small cost of living increase annually I immediately lose it and more to cut food stamps and increased rent. Infact I lose between ten to fifty annually to lost food stamps and increased rent. I am sorry that I have already tried those ideas dozens of times over the years. I wish I could help you by being able to try something new at your suggestion; but alas, I can not. The aweful truth is that through my research I have found that people really are trying to help (I use to be so angry because I thought that only a few really cared and tried to help.). I found thousands upon thousands of agencies on the Internet accepting donations; but, NOT EVEN ONE that helps individuals. You can not even begin to imagine the irony of dying of malnutrition, inadequate medical care and having no choice but to push my battered body far beyond its limits just to survive while knowing that millions upon millions are being donated annually to help people just like me. That is why I am writing in here asking people to help others one on one when ever possible. I can not do much but when I send Shea’s outgrown clothes upstairs to the neighbor girls I know that 100% of my donation got where it need to go and that it is being enjoyed by someone who truely needs it. When I hold a door open for someone or take an elderly person’s garbage to the dumpster every bit of my kindness directly benefitted that person. Even when I quietly dispose of the garbage that was temporarily sitting outside a neighbor’s door I know the deed was done. An individual real live person got helped. Maybe if more more peole were willing to do that there would be less people like me out there getting their affairs inorder before they die of nothing.
I don’t think you have any idea how bad things are for people. Problems are not solved any more by a phone call to 211 and a referral to a United Way agency. I’ve been lucky because solme of the people at the agencies know of my years of donating my time to the community including to them in one case so they pull a string here and there when I need one. Most people are not so lucky. Which is why the number of homeless people is growing in this country. Too little having to be stretched too far. Life is not good for a growing number of Americans. The problems are not solved with a phone call.
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