This just popped up and on my Facebook think it describes what I mean!

Charities are like any other organization, run by people and open to corruption even in small amounts such as a CEO raising their salary bit by bit over time making far more than a charity should be paying them. Most of them have to show how much money they use to promote their specified cause and it's often pretty low. Better than nothing but how much do you think should be given on top of running and growing an organization?

Akon was devoted to the cause more than most current charities who have had personnel turnover over time. It's not really comparable but very impressive that he stepped up like that.

Personally when I donate anything, it is something physical. Have donated things to Habitat for Humanity store and canned food to the food pantry.

I read a great book about this years ago and the man who wrote it felt it was still better to support than not. But if in doubt support Rotary, it's run by volunteers, has National and International groups and no administration fees are paid. It also promotes friendship and fairness in dealings. But I was searching for said book and found this: [devpolicy.org] which seems to be saying Aid is causing as many issues as it's solving

As a rule Americans give more to Charity than Brits. I understand why but for fear of insulting either Nation, I will refrain from saying. I give where I can to things that are important to me. I had a long conversation with a rough sleeper. I gave him a couple of quid 'for a room miss, god bless ya miss', only to see him the day after still begging for a room. So I sat with him n said, 'Come on lad you know this is all going on ale...just be honest'. He agreed but told me folk look down him for being a drinker, how he'd been a painter and decorator, low mood and alcoholism had got in the way. This is the thing for me. Give if you want, as a socialist I am basically opposed to charity, but if you do give stop expecting people to be virtuous in their need. Street ppl f**ked up their life, thats why they are there. Charities exist to help the poor a bit and help the rich a lot. Alternatively fight for a just and equal society that makes charity obsolete.

When I donate I try to find local places where I know they do good things for the community. There’s a thrift store in town that is not church related and they do a lot for people with disabilities, job placement, etc. Also the local women’s shelter.

"Giving" to charity is a Tax Dodge."And There To Be People Worse Off ' To try and make us "Content" with what we have.

I think it would depend on the intent of the donator, if they are not aware of where his money ends up. That said, I remember working at Raytheon in the late 90s, when the time of the year came when our United Way cards were delivered; the options were:

• I wish to contribute My Fair Share (which was defined as something like 7 or 8%)
• I wish to contribute LESS than My Fair Share: ____%
• (blank option): ____
  We had to turn these cards in with an option selected. Don't mean to pick on the United Way so much as to indicate the nefariousness of Raytheon.

There’s info about how many cents per dollar go to actual people in need, and how much charity directors get(rake in!).

One size doesn't fit all. I have been a volunteer worker, director and leader for charities and non-profits for most of my life. Granted this is in Canada, but i know many of my American colleagues are like me and not one cent has ended up in my pocket, or in the pockets of the many committed volunteers i worked with. And those who were paid, were generally underpaid in comparison with similar jobs in the private sector. Assumptive judgements are rarely helpful or fair.

I have no doubt that some charity CEOs make look to be overpaid, but those dollars must be weighed against their work loads and responsibilities. Do you work 20/7? Many of them do.

In Canada, and according to the limited info i have on US non-profits, workers for charities and non-profits are generally grossly underpaid.

So i say respectfully, let's not demonise a whole sector of caring, committed workers. Generalisations as usual, are as inaccurate as most assumptions.

Individual help makes a difference. Everything else is a business like religion.

It's why you have to do your due diligence prior to donating, to verify they are putting your contributions into your cause and not their pockets.

Compared to most of the world, everyone in The West is rich. So are you being insulting when you give money to a charity?

Donating to charities is one of the biggest scams the rich engage in.
That, and dodging taxes.

I agree that it is a problem. You can get a list of charitable organizations that give you the salary of the CEO and also breaks down the percentage amount in administrative expenses. It is a very sad eye opener.

I don't give money to charities anymore because of this. The big charities have the biggest fat cats.

Charity is not the answer. Socialism is the answer.