Charitable giving is built on trust. Donors believe their contributions will support meaningful causes, from feeding the hungry to funding medical research. Yet not all charities live up to these expectations. Some organizations mismanage funds, spend excessively on overhead, or fail to deliver promised results. When charities let donors down, the damage extends beyond wasted money-it erodes public confidence in philanthropy itself. The Problem of Transparency Transparency is the cornerstone of nonprofit accountability, but many charities fall short. Donors often struggle to find clear information about how funds are used. Annual reports may be vague, and websites sometimes highlight emotional stories without financial details. Without transparency, donors cannot evaluate whether their money truly supports programs. Charities that hide or obscure financial data raise red flags for responsible givers. Examples of Charities That Disappointed Donors Over the years, watchdog groups have identified charities that failed to meet basic standards. Some organizations spend less than half of their donations on actual programs, funneling the rest into salaries, marketing, or administrative costs. Others exaggerate their impact, claiming to serve more people than they actually reach. In extreme cases, charities have been caught misusing funds entirely, directing donations toward personal expenses or fraudulent schemes. These examples remind donors that not every nonprofit deserves blind trust. The Role of Watchdog Groups Organizations like Charity Navigator, GuideStar, and the BBB Wise Giving Alliance provide independent evaluations of nonprofits. They rate charities based on financial health, accountability, and transparency. Donors who consult these resources gain valuable insights before giving. Watchdog ratings reveal which charities spend responsibly and which ones fail to meet standards. Using these tools empowers donors to make informed decisions and avoid disappointment. Red Flags to Watch For Several warning signs indicate a charity may not use donations wisely. Excessive executive compensation is one red flag, especially when leaders earn six‑figure salaries while programs remain underfunded. Another warning sign is vague mission statements that lack measurable goals. Charities that spend more on fundraising than on programs also raise concerns. Donors should be wary of organizations that resist independent audits or fail to publish clear financial reports. Recognizing these red flags helps prevent wasted contributions. The Emotional Appeal Trap Many charities rely on emotional appeals to attract donations. Heartfelt stories and urgent pleas can inspire generosity, but they sometimes mask inefficiency. Donors moved by emotion may give without researching the organization. Unfortunately, emotional appeals can be exploited by charities that prioritize marketing over impact. Responsible giving requires balancing compassion with scrutiny. Donors should feel moved but also informed. Why Some Charities Struggle Not all disappointing charities are fraudulent-some simply struggle with management. Rapid growth can overwhelm small nonprofits, leading to poor financial oversight. Others lack experienced leadership or fail to adapt to changing needs. While these organizations may have good intentions, their inefficiency still lets donors down. Donors must distinguish between struggling charities and those that deliberately mislead. Both require caution, but the solutions differ. How Donors Can Protect Themselves Donors can protect themselves by researching charities before giving. Reviewing financial statements, consulting watchdog ratings, and asking direct questions are essential steps. Donors should also consider giving to organizations with proven track records. Supporting local charities where impact is visible can reduce risk. Ultimately, informed giving ensures that donations truly support meaningful causes. The Importance of Accountability Accountability is not just about protecting donors-it strengthens charities themselves. Organizations that embrace transparency build trust and attract more support. Accountability also improves efficiency, ensuring funds reach those in need. Charities that resist accountability risk losing credibility and donations. Donors who demand accountability help raise standards across the nonprofit sector. Remaining Vigilant Charities that let donors down remind us that generosity must be paired with vigilance. Transparency, accountability, and watchdog ratings are essential tools for responsible giving. Donors should recognize red flags, resist emotional traps, and research organizations carefully. By giving wisely, donors protect both their money and the integrity of philanthropy. Moving forward, informed generosity ensures that charities fulfill their missions and truly serve the communities they claim to help. Have you ever felt disappointed after donating to a charity? Sharing your experience could help others give more wisely. You May Also Like.
https://www.savingadvice.com/articles/2025/11/22/10307474_the-charities-that-let-donors-down-and-what-you-should-know-before-giving-again.html
Tag Archives: administrative
Christus Health partners with local churches for 5th year to give East Texas families 900 turkeys for Thanksgiving
The sound of ‘Happy Thanksgiving!’ came from a person inside an inflatable turkey costume made completely out of balloons and laughter drifted across the lawn between the Oak Grove Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and Fairview Baptist Church in Tyler as volunteers gave hundreds of smoked turkeys to a long line of vehicles on Friday morning. Volunteers gave out 900 fully cooked Greenberg Smoked Turkey birds to families in need in a drive through from 8: 30 to 10: 30 a. m. at Oak Grove CME Church as part of the fifth annual Christus Health Turkey Giveaway, partnering with local churches to fulfill Thanksgiving needs in the rural areas of Tyler. Christus Health, a Catholic nonprofit health care system, operates hospitals and clinics across the country and hosts community events. Cedric Granberry Sr., former president of the NAACP Tyler chapter and organizer, said the service event aims to connect the healthcare system, the community and the church. “This is what ministry looks like outside the four walls,” Granberry said. “It lets people know that we want to do all that we can to let them know that we care, and that’s essential.” Five years ago, the idea sparked from a trip to Austin taken by Jason Proctor, ministry president of Christus Mother Frances Health System, who had an initiative directed by Earvin “Magic” Johnson, retired American professional basketball player, to do more in the community. Granberry said the idea of partnering with churches and handing out 500 Greenberg Thanksgiving turkeys came to Proctor’s mind, which evolved into 400 more turkeys as the event grew each year. The Oak Grove CME Church is the event’s second location. Organizers changed the event from the first location at the north Tyler and Houston Temple Church of God to accommodate an area of the city that did not have as many Thanksgiving food drives. “The hospital has had an initiative of getting into the rural areas,” Granberry said. “So Oak Grove was basically at the right place at the right time and we are seeing a need and addressing it.” Elizabeth “Liz” Shelton, administrative director of hospital operations at Christus Mother Frances Health System and organizer, said the hospital focuses on locations where food insecurity remains at higher levels. “We target food insecurities,” Shelton said. “We also help with the food bank and food pantries as a part of our other initiatives, but this event really brings people together that usually aren’t together.” The planning for the turkey giveaway started in September to begin collaboration on logistics with the city, county, law enforcement, churches and volunteers, which included months of meetings to put the event together. With the turkeys being large enough to feed around four to six people, some individuals this year got in line as early as 5 p. m. Thursday and slept in their car overnight to be one of the first people to receive a turkey Friday morning. Coleman Swierc, public relations for Christus Health, said he understands why people get in line so early. “I probably would too if that guaranteed you got a turkey, if you’ve got the time and availability and you don’t mind sleeping in your car,” Swierc said. Volunteers were mainly members of the Oak Grove CME Church, Fairview Baptist Church or connected with Christus Health and wore matching bright vests and purple shirts to greet each car with smiles and enthusiasm and hand or place the turkeys in the backseats of vehicles. Christus Health incorporates their statement of dignity and community impact by hosting initiatives and events, like the turkey giveaway, year-round in Tyler. Crissy Chanslor, program manager for community benefits at Christus Health, said the system just wrapped up its food drive, but focuses on providing solutions for problems families face across East Texas. “Sometimes it’s housing, transportation or social issues, but food insecurity is one that just doesn’t go away with everything becoming more expensive,” Chanslor said. “As a whole, we really want to make sure our community needs are met.” Chanslor said the turkey giveaway allows the community to come together and help each other out. “This is one of our favorite events to do because it’s really touching those lives, and it’s not just one person but a whole family,” Chanslor said. “I’m just thankful and blessed getting to walk down the road and talk with them and have those conversations.” Elizabeth Hill, second-year volunteer, said coming back again she felt more prepared for the amount of people the event served and loves getting to greet individuals that come through. “I think it’s a really great thing that we’re doing, passing out food to families that might need it,” Hill said. “I just love getting to see the joy and smiles on people’s faces every year.” The event wrapped up with all 900 turkeys given to families in and around Tyler. “It all works together and heals physically, spiritually and mentally,” Granberry said. “One of the things that we want to make sure is we convey these values and have good energy, positive vibes and give these families a real Thanksgiving season.”.
https://tylerpaper.com/2025/11/22/christus-health-partners-with-local-churches-for-5th-year-to-give-east-texas-families-900-turkeys-for-thanksgiving/
Cook County District 130 custodial workers call for superintendent’s removal
Custodians and maintenance workers for Elementary District 130, serving Alsip, Blue Island, Crestwood, and Robbins, are calling for the removal of the district’s superintendent and assistant superintendent of human resources amid ongoing union contract negotiations.
SEIU Local 73 stated that the district has canceled two contract bargaining sessions since negotiations began this summer. However, union conflicts with Superintendent Colleen McKay and Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Carrie Tisch date back to 2022.
“The administration has repeatedly retaliated against union stewards and workers, and employees have been punished for alleged violations and then terminated for those same supposed violations,” the union said in a news release Tuesday.
Field organizer Doug Taylor highlighted one of the union’s main concerns: a hostile work environment for custodians and maintenance workers that includes racial discrimination. He noted that administrative officials have prohibited workers from speaking any language other than English during disciplinary hearings and have disallowed the use of interpreters.
“Advocates are not allowed to speak Spanish in a sidebar with the people they’re representing,” Taylor said.
SEIU Local 73 represents 50 custodians and maintenance workers within District 130, with 95% of those workers being people of color, the union added. Taylor also accused district officials of demonstrating a pattern of harassing and targeting union stewards.
Requests for comment from McKay, Tisch, and district board members were not immediately returned.
Union members have publicly spoken out against what they describe as racist and retaliatory practices at recent board meetings. However, as of Tuesday, they have reportedly lost faith in McKay and Tisch, Taylor said. The union’s petition calling for the removal of the superintendent and assistant superintendent has garnered over 900 signatures.
“When we were looking at options to make progress for our members, this was the step that we chose to involve the community,” Taylor explained.
Other issues raised by the union include the administrators’ rejection of proposals to provide custodians and maintenance workers with clear guidance during lockdowns or law enforcement incidents.
“Currently, they don’t know what their role would be in the school,” Taylor said. “So they just want training, that’s all.”
The union has also gained support from elected officials. State Rep. Bob Rita called for an investigation into “allegations of racism, retaliation and anti-union practices” in a union news release dated October 6.
State Sen. Willie Preston, who began his career as a union janitor, stated, “I know what it feels like to go to work, work hard, and have no respect at the end of the day.”
“Let me be clear to District 130: These workers do their jobs, but you need to clean up your act today,” Preston said.
In addition, union members voiced their concerns at a recent Blue Island City Council meeting. Mayor Fred Bilotto said in the union news release that the issues raised about District 130 leadership “deserve immediate attention.”
“As a union member, educator, and school administrator, I urge the District 130 administration and board to address these allegations and enter into serious negotiations with the union,” Bilotto said.
Meanwhile, Taylor emphasized that the union will continue to raise these concerns publicly until the school board is compelled to take action.
“We’ll continue to raise the issues until we are satisfied that we’re making good progress,” he said.
For further information, contact ostevens@chicagotribune.com.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/23/district-130-custodial-union-superintendents-removal/
Gas station employee killed by Parker police after brandishing gun, agency says
A gas station employee was shot and killed by Parker police on Monday night after brandishing a gun at officers who were responding to calls about shots fired, officials said.
Officers responded to the area of Jordan Road and Mainstreet at around 10:20 p.m. after residents called 911 reporting gunfire, the Parker Police Department said in a news release Tuesday. Upon arrival, officers found shell casings and live ammunition in the parking lot of the T Square gas station located at 17050 E. Mainstreet.
The officers spoke with a gas station employee, who initially claimed to have witnessed the shooting. Police attempted to convince the man to surrender peacefully. However, the 32-year-old employee grabbed a gun from his waistband and pointed it at the officers, prompting them to open fire.
Officers immediately started medical aid, but the man later died at the hospital. No officers were injured during the incident. Six officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave.
The 23rd Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team is currently investigating the shooting.
https://www.denverpost.com/2025/10/21/parker-police-shooting-t-square/