Comments:

Lucy Look - 2007-11-08 13:11:03
Looks like cigarette-smoking Christian Boy Scouts without cars in Grand Rapids are out of luck this year.
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Chuck - 2007-11-09 14:54:00
There's more to evaluating a charity than looking at these percentages. You can have a very low expense ration and absolutely crappy service.
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Who dat - 2007-11-12 09:25:59
Yes. I know for a fact that these ratings have problems. I work for a nonprofit that showed a big profit on our yearly balance sheet due to a capital campaign. We got 4 stars. The fact that the money was restricted and the organization had an operating loss for the year wasn't noticed or was discounted. Take these ratings with a grain of salt.
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Ypsidixit - 2007-11-13 09:00:51
Chuck: That's true. The ratings are just one part of the picture.

Who Dat: You make the same point; it's good to keep in mind that there's more than meets the eye.

I have found Charity Navigator's ratings and info to be useful in revealing things like executive salaries. And as a guide in general, mindful of the issues you mention.
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Chuck - 2007-11-13 09:48:04
For a more exhaustive look at the issue, check out: "Charity Navigator�s Vital Mission Hides Flawed Rankings" at:http://raremedium.org/?p=21
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Ypsidixit - 2007-11-13 09:57:50
Chuck: That's quite informative and interesting; thank you! This part seemed especially salient:

Charity Navigator�s Suggestions On Evaluating Nonprofit Success Can your charity clearly communicate who they are and what they do?
Can your charity define their short-term and long-term goals?
Can your charity tell you the progress it has made (or is making) toward its goal?
Do your charity�s programs make sense to you? Can you trust your charity?
Are you willing to make a long-term commitment to your organization?
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