WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB) –Just over half 51% of the money from all charitable donations in 2011 actually went to the charity.
The statistic comes from Attorney General Martha Coakley’s new Report on Professional Solicitations for Charity.
It states that professional solicitors, who are people, even outside agencies. paid to attract donors take the other 49%. Greater Springfield’s Habitat for Humanity is listed in the report and maintains that’s not the case. “I do know there are organizations that use paid solicitors, most local nonprofits use internal paid solicitors, so, part of the staffing. so in this organization, I’m actually am the Executive Director, but I wear many hats, so I’m also the Paid Development Officer which means I manage the relationships for raising funds,” said Jennifer Schimmel, Habitat’s Executive Director.
She explains that organizations like hers are under a much larger umbrella, Habitat for Humanity International. While nationally they may use another type of solicitor at the local level they spend only 3% of donations to make the $1 million needed to sustain their programming.
Schimmel is afraid that if people get the wrong idea, it could hurt their local donations, especially during this time of year. “Most people don’t get the whole story and they hear that Habitat is not a good product to buy into that makes me nervous. In order for us to support the local families that have a great need for housing, we really need people’s support. And now’s the time of year when people are really giving, it causes me a little bit of panic,” Schimmel admitted.
There’s no minimum requirement that a solicitor must pass on to a charity.
If you’re contacted by one, you can ask how much of the dollar amount you’re donating will actually go to the organization. You can also ask for a list of services it offers the public.
That solicitor is required by law to give up that information.
In 2011, Professional Solicitors collected over $388 million. Of that, only $190 million made it to the actual charity.
Well, that is why I don’t donate! This info has been around for years!
That’s ashame!
And the other half……………..Goes to??
Let’s say you want to donate $100 to some African village. It might cost you more than that to ensure it gets delivered to the right place and the right hands. If half your donation is spent on ensuring the other half goes to help the right people, is it a waste after all?
This is exactly why my family contacts local organizations and asks if any families need some support and then purchase items that will go to the family.
I dont always agree with you neal, but you are exactly right.
better than nothing.
As someone who has worked in the non-profit industry for the past 10 years articles like this anger me. 100% of the money does go to charity related expenses. For example the article talks about outside contractors being hired to get donations. That money is going to the charity, it’s going to help them get more money.
How else is a non-profit supposed to operate if they don’t use some of the donations to cover things like rent and payroll?
BS. Let the recipients raise their own money. Get a credible job and don’t sponge off stupid people.
Well julian, it may be better than nothing for them but wouldnt you like to know that the whole amount that you chose to give is going to the cause you intend it to and not go to some middle man?
I love all the rhetoric from those that don’t deliver all or most of the donations to the charitable target. No reason that 90% plus doesn’t get to the needy. Check the salaries of the executives. Tell me there are not enough retired managers to work for free to manage these charities. No way do I donate to a charity where anyone is getting paid 6 digits or more. There are many folks I can identify that I can help directly. I love those phone calls. I have a field day with them. Nothing but rip-off artists.