American National Red Cross
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April 23, 2012
American Red Cross does not subscribe good board governance for an organization of this size. The CEO should not be a member of the board.
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Was your donation impactful?
Unlikely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
No
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
No
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
March 5, 2012
I used to give monthly to the American Red Cross until I found out that their CEO, Gail J. McGovern, makes $995,718 a year. She may do a good job, but nobody should be able to profit excessively from a charitable organization. It's a shame than one person spoils it for the rest, especially those that are in REAL need. Gail, why don't you lower your pay to $300,000. Although, I still think that's too much, it would convince me to start giving again especially if reports show that the Red Cross is doing a good job.
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Was your donation impactful?
Likely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
No
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Unlikely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
January 23, 2012
We are planning to donate money to a charity. Won't be to the American Red Cross. We cannot give a donation to any organization that pays $995,718 to Gail J. McGovern President, CEO. Seems excessive to the average Joe.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
No
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
A little
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2001
January 3, 2012
I gave blood. The Red Cross then gave my private information to a teleservices company. I receive multitudes of phone calls soliciting donations and blood. It is so many that it feels like harassment. My requests to be removed from the call list have gone ignored. It angers me that donated money is wasted on phone banks. It angers me as a donor that my private information is being used inappropriately.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I donate blood twice. Now--I get harassing phone calls.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Stop phone solicitation all together. It wastes funds. It angers donors.
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Was your donation impactful?
No
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
No
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
No
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
What specific problem, purpose, priority, or project prompted your gift?
Blood shortages happen. Blood needs to be given to save lives.
What would you tell others about this organization?
Do not become a donor unless you want to become a target for telemarketing.
December 30, 2011
It is sad that the Red Cross has the blemish of highly paid officers because its Mission and Assistance serves so many
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Unsure
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Some
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
December 16, 2011
I will be giving to my local chapter only; the CEO's nearly million dollar salary is just outrageous. I don't buy the idea that "the sky's the limit" on salary to get the "right people." There are certainly talented people out there who would be willing to work for far, far less than that.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Unlikely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
A lot
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
December 12, 2011
Charity Navigator has lost any semblance of credibility for rating the American Red Cross with 4 stars! I have had 3 first-hand experiences in disaster areas and in each occasion the Red Cross was abysmal in their performance of duties. In one case they stood by while the Salvation Army was working hard in providing for the needs of survivors. In another case, they were noticeably late in responding and then tried to "take over" from an already efficient volunteer network. We try to give annually to several charities but will NEVER donate again to the American Red Cross!!
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
No
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
None
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Badly
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
No
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
1997
December 5, 2011
I make $50,000 a year.....let the million dollar CEO donate for me.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
No
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
A lot
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
November 27, 2011
There are many lies and untruths in the reviews here. I beg you to think for yourself - and be smart enough to search the truths.
Charity Navigator gives it 4 out of 4 starts. The highest rating possible. Judge for yourself: http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3277
The Red Cross has a budget of $3B and only spends $124 million on administration. As for the CEO's pay - if a non-profit didn't pay a high salary it would not be able to get and keep quality. This is true for any non-profit.
I have spend many hours volunteering over the years. I have helped in many areas doing different jobs - but no other organization can come close to the work the Red Cross does. It may not be perfect, but there isn't an organization that does better. It truly is run by volunteers.
There is absolutely no truth that the American Red Cross would/could ever charge for a cot nor water. When the Red Cross helps someone in the military, they do so with the Department of Defense. If they provide money it must be approved by the DoD and they set the terms... and it must be paid paid.
All disaster assistance is free.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
helping people effected by disasters and needing blood.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Listen to the voice of the volunteers more often.
1 person found this review helpful
November 15, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
I have worked for the ARC for over 11 years now as both a volunteer and a paid staff member. The organization is very top heavy with mostly overpaid executives at the National Headquarters in Washington DC. Generally the volunteers and staff "in the field" are the ones who go to great lengths to serve clients. Many positions in the field have been eliminated in recent years as the executives in the "ivory tower" protect their own salaries and positions. Our Service Members and their families are now served mostly by call centers empoyees who are inexperienced instead of caring employees working alongside our military throughout the world.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
As a client, I have been treated very unprofessionally and had to call several times to find a worker that was knowledgeable, professional and helpful.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Hire, train and pay appropriate salaries to experienced staff in the field. Reduce executive salaries and staff. Decentralize to understand and service individual communities better.