Most Americans believe non-profit organizations and charities are not financially efficient enough in their work, a new study shows.
In a survey conducted by Ellison Research on over 1,000 American adults, 62 percent said they believe the typical non-profit spends more than what is reasonable on overhead expenses such as fundraising and administration. The average American believes 36.3 cents of every dollar they give to a typical non-profit group goes toward overhead expenses.
The reasonable amount that should go to such expenses should be 22.4 cents for every dollar, the average American believes, according to the study released Wednesday. But 43 percent of all Americans say a figure below 20 cents on the dollar should be a reasonable proportion for overhead expenses and 74 percent say a figure below 30 cents on the dollar should be spent on overhead.
Among evangelical Christians, 57 percent believe overhead expenses are higher than a reasonable standard and 62 percent of non-evangelical Christians say non-profits spend more than what is reasonable. Those who attend Catholic services (68 percent) were more likely to think overhead expenses are higher compared to those who attend Protestant services (58 percent).
Also, older Americans were more likely to believe overhead expenses are higher than a reasonable standard compared to younger ones.
“We’ve spoken with tens of thousands of donors over the years, and one thing that is consistent is that most people really don’t know much about how non-profits operate,” Ron Sellers, president of Ellison Research, stated. “But even when people are misinformed, their perceptions still influence how they make giving decisions. That’s why it’s so important to understand how people perceive charities in general, as well as why individual non-profits really need to learn how their own donors or potential donors see them.”
Sellers further noted that when people do not know much about a particular organization they might consider supporting, their perception of the charity will be based on how they see charities in general.
“The people who believe non-profits are spending too much on overhead will tend to make that assumption about any non-profit they come across,” he said. “It’s almost as if organizations are automatically under suspicion until they prove themselves innocent.”
Only 28 percent of Americans believe the typical charitable organization is spending a reasonable proportion on overhead and only 10 percent believe non-profits typically spend less on overhead than what they would consider to be a reasonable standard, according to the study.
Sellers cautioned that the study is not an indictment of the actual practices of the non-profit industry, but still drew attention to the public’s negative perception of the industry.
“[E]ven if it’s not the truth, the old adage still applies – for donors, perception is reality,” he said. “The public sets a very high perceptual standard for the financial efficiency of charities, and it’s up to charities either to meet that standard or to re-educate people on why that standard is not reasonable. Of course, the third choice is simply to face the consequences when potential donors don’t see them as suitably efficient.”
The study comes as six high-profile ministries are being investigated by Sen. Charles Grassley, the top Republican of the Senate Finance Committee, for alleged abuse of their non-profit status and opulent spending. Grassley sent letters in November requesting for financial documents and responses to questions regarding personal and organizational finances to Paula and Randy White, Creflo Dollar, Eddie Long, Benny Hinn, Joyce Meyer and Kenneth and Gloria Copeland.
Only Joyce Meyer Ministries has pledged full cooperation with the investigation and has turned over financial documents. Grassley said last month he is sending out a second round of letters asking the ministries that have not responded to comply.
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to hallelujah - these pastors / tele evangelist should practice what they preach! they are the messengers of god who tell us to obey, submit & 'deny' ourselves. they have exploited & perverted the money part in the bible. And what they are defending is not the gospel anymore but them'selves'! and tithe does not always have to be money. but they insist that tithe is always money bec. they are lovers of $$$. they have luxury cars & big houses & they lie that it is to help the poor & for the ministry of god but they do not have any accounting of the 'tithe' they receive every sunday.
I can truly understand why many would not want to tithe or give money to charity organizations, when they feel the money is not being spent like it should. Somebody once told me they didn't tithe, because they felt the money wasn't being spent like it should be. Okay, I thought, but how are you tithing the Lord's money? We are equally as wrong, if we choose to spend the Lord's tenth, in the wrong way. If we, when we feel like others are not spending it correctly, were to take that money ourselves and spend it on others in need, I believe the Lord would be pleased. But to use others not doing right to justify our ownselves not doing right is just plain wrong. We don't have to depend on others to help the needy, we need to be proactive and do it ourselves. What a great way to witness, tithe, and feel good helping others!
to takeover - oh, why did christ REBUKED the pharisees, experts in the laws & called them hypocrites & lovers of money. what you are saying is BLIND OBEDIENCE. and by the way this is the reason why pastors & teleevangelist get rich is bec. they EXPLOIT & PERVERT the gospel in the name of obedience. I wonder if you practice what you preach, submitting to the perverted demands of the pastors & tele evangelist.
Victims have the right to ask!
Exactly who does have a right to question Copeland about where the money goes? Copeland put on a exhalent performance at his latest ministers conference, visible at http://www.wittenburgdoor.com/copelandclips , in which has now gotten the attention of people all across the USA, and abroad. If I didn’t personally know better, one would actually think he cares about the protection of all his followers (partners),that pour money into his ministry. Requesting a summery of my mothers (Bonnie Parker) contributions, a long time partner of KCM, we like Grassley got little or no response. (Request viewable at http://sis359.blogspot.com/ ). If their partners aren’t entitled to this privileged information, even though they are funding this lavish lifestyle KCM has grown very accustom to, nor is the Senate entitled either, then who is? The IRS perhaps? Are the teachings of the Prosperity Gospel message being misconstrued? Do we, any of us, have a valid argument, or the right to ask for these records ? I believe with all my heart, we should let the ones affected most by this money making scam have a say in determining the answer to those questions..
“ I had a home“, “I had a life“, “I had faith“, “I had a family“, “I lost a loved one“, “I have no clue what the truth is anymore!” “I will never trust any form of religion.” these are merely a handful of endless testimonies coming to light nationwide. Ranging from all walks of life, their heartbreaking testimonies can be found throughout the web, yet inconceivably, victims are being labeled as fools, ignorant, and basically downright blind for not seeing the truth behind the Prosperity Gospels falsehoods. ” Being only human, our quest for health and wealth, regrettably does lead some in the wrong direction. Promises and guaranties, made by the Prosperity Gospel ministers, give people that have not obtained these blessings on their own, a second chance at achieving their goals in life. An important discovery I made while reviewing testimonies, revealed the fact numerous victims had very little knowledge of the Prosperity Gospels dark side. These unfortunate victims, appear to be equipped with only a small portion of the web of deceit these ministers weave. Knowledge, is the only discovery I found to be effective in this seemingly endless battle. Sadly for some our efforts will go unheard. God be with them.
The family of Bonnie Parker
sis359@gmail.com
Photo, before and after KCM,
http://picasaweb.google.com/sis359/BonnieParkerDiaryPhoto
Documentary Suffer The Children, exposes televangelists lavish lifestyles ,
http://www.wittenburgdoor.com/suffer-children
Book recently published by Sara Posner, also looks into these subjects,
http://www.amazon.com/Gods-Profits-Republican-Crusade-Values/dp/0979482216
The almost total lack of regard for the *crucial* ministry of church administration is a deep-seated frustration of mine. Pastors almost without exception (in my circle) fundamentally misunderstand the power and the witness of a well-run church organization, financially and operationally. If we don't get our acts together, and police ourselves, I believe our tax-exempt privileges will soon be in grave danger, and we'll have no one to blame but ourselves.
Romans 13:1-3(NLT)-
Everyone must submit to governing authorities.
For all authority comes from God,
and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.
2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted,
and they will be punished.
3 For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right,
but in those who are doing wrong.
Would you like to live without fear of the authorities?
Do what is right, and they will honor you.