Is there no end?

[Dave Grubb]

One of the local fire companies where I have a property has this notice posted on their web site regarding the annual fund drive:



It turns out this is a "real" organization that has a zero rating on Charity Navigation:

Rating Information
0 rating
Very poor

So--why are they allowed to continue?

[UTAH]

Ehhh... depends on the state. Mine requires a charter be filed, regular audits, and key personnel are checked out (e.g., President, V. President, Treasurer).

I was a volunteer working on collecting money from state employee's paychecks and funneling it to verified/audited charitable organizations. We'd bring in approximately $400G a year (1980s). After I obtained my Certified Internal Auditor cert, the Board elected me as their President. I served in that org for the next 10 years, until I retired.

Our organization was self-supporting. We'd collect money throughout the year and forward it to designated/approved orgs twice a year. While we held money during that process, we earned enough interest to pay for our expenses (printing, ads, office supplies, etc.). The icing on the cake: None of us serving on the Board were paid. All of us were volunteers. As part of our yearly campaign, we explained all that to state employees - who then felt comfortable dealing with us.

Hunter

[Honda]

We have City fire protection but there are volunteer stations nearby. I'll usually drop them a $5 bill if they're out with a bucket at an intersection.

[TriGuy]

Yeah anyone calling or sending an letter asking for funds not directly payable to the local dept address is a scam. They usually keep 90% of the funds for their " overhead" same for police depts.

[Honda]

Yeah we had a working cop that was the head of the police benevolence society. Boy his lifestyle changed after he started that gig. New motorcycle, new car and new house.

[UTAH]

They usually keep 90% of the funds for their " overhead"...

Exactamundo.


Hunter