Note From the President

The recent CBS 60 Minutes report regarding controversy over Three Cups of Tea author Greg Mortenson and his charity has some donors asking questions about the charities they support.  Unfortunately, knowing how your donated dollars are being used is not always easy to determine and understand.  I offer several suggestions.

First, don’t get carried away with celebrity driven fundraising.  Having a big name associated with a cause does not mean that the charity is well-run.  In addition, those celebrity driven campaigns often spend a lot of money on advertising and fundraising and then take our donations far away from local needs.

Second, take the time to do your research and get to know the charities you are supporting.  If it is a local group and you have the time, volunteer with the group to get a first-hand understanding of their mission and how they are organized.  You can also check out charities by using internet based organizations, such as GuideStar or Charity Navigator.  Donors who have donor-advised funds through the Community Foundation benefit from our extensive experience with a large number of local charities and can access our capacity to assist them with research.

Third, when in doubt, keep your charitable giving local.  Our area has a wide range of well-run charitable organizations that are responding to critical needs in an efficient and effective way.  They provide local jobs, support the local economy, and address the needs of our neighbors.  They have developed an extensive network of volunteers who address a wide range of community needs.

Never has there been a time when we have more neighbors in need.  In times like this, our area has always risen to the challenge.  Let’s not let a controversy far from home distract us from the true mission of our charitable giving.

Sincerely,

Spicer Bell