Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere, Inc. (CARE)
February 2, 2012
Look at the bottom line: CARE gives 90% of its revenues to the needy! Wow! That's far better than a lot of the other popular charities, regardless of what they pay their leaders. Why so much focus on where 0.06% goes (top leader) but not the other 99.94%? CARE seems to focus on people that are truly needy and on projects that have long-term impact. I've been donating to CARE for many years and plan to continue.
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Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
September 27, 2011
I was about to write a check. After seeing the CEO is making $400K I decide to give the money to our local food cupboard.
the CEO deserves to be paid but $400K is excessive.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
None
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Put the money in to relief rather than high administration salary.
1 person found this review helpful
September 22, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
I am disappointed that the CEO makes $400,000+ a year. While the charity does do well regarding overhead costs vs program expenditures, I am more closely reviewing finances before my charitable giving. I will have to think long and hard before I donate to Care again, given reduced ratings and what I consider an unnecessarily high pay for the top administrator.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
have not personally experienced results, other than pride in giving.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Reduce high pay of administrator(s).
More feedback...
Was your donation impactful?
Unsure
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Unsure
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Unsure
What specific problem, purpose, priority, or project prompted your gift?
previously, microloans. Not sure if they still do this now.
Why did you make your donation at this time?
I have not for this year. Am evaluating charity.
What would you tell others about this organization?
Check Charity Navigator before gifting.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
August 30, 2011
Last week we contacted CARE about the actions they are taking to improve their recent Charity Navigator ratings. CARE's response was quick and reassuring - and appears below. We plan to continue our long-term support of CARE since their efficiency is consistently 4 star and actions they have taken should help CARE regain a higher overall rating.
Response from CARE:
"Thank you for contacting CARE. Our current rating is impacted by having reduced revenue and program expenses due to two strategic decisions: to phase out monetization of food aid and to sell a microfinance institution. Our 2010 rating was affected by the fact that in the previous period we had higher revenue and expenses due to some extraordinary gifts and program expenses related to the Asian tsunami.
Aligning our programming with strategic development priorities can result in revenue and expense changes. And, like all international organizations, CARE experiences fluctuations in revenue and expense growth in response to global market forces.
It is important to remember that Charity Navigator's rating of CARE's operational efficiency consistently receives the highest possible rating, 4 stars. And CARE's excellence is recognized by accreditation from the Better Business Bureau and an A+ rating from the American Institute of Philanthropy.
Charity Navigator recognizes the limitations of its current system and is working with organizations, including CARE, to revise its system and determine new measures that will look not just at financial information but at a group's performance in relation to its objectives."
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
A prompt, factual response to our request for how CARE's operations were being improved.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Nothing to suggest at this time.
August 18, 2011
The “helping hands” logo for CARE may have served well for many years, but I believe the logo does not adequately acknowledge the commitment of the people of America to the origins and ongoing mission of CARE. This seems unfortunate in view of the widespread anti-American sentiment that has arisen in recent years, and CARE should consider redesigning the logo to better identify the principal source of its aid and perhaps appeal more directly to patriotic as well as altruistic donors. Fundraising seems uninspired. In addition, I disapprove of this non-profit paying an administrator an annual salary in excess of $400,000. CARE perhaps no longer really cares!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I am a donor
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Review executive salaries and redesign CARE's logo.
More feedback...
Was your donation impactful?
Unsure
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Unsure
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Unsure
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
1 person found this review helpful
June 23, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
CARE has been included in the latest investigative report on International Aid organizations -- the Crisis Caravan. In addition, in a separate report called "Road to H-x-l-l".
While it is not the worst offenders and abusers, it certainly has comparable features. In the last three years, their Charity Navigator rating has gone from 4 stars to just 2 stars. Revenue down over 100 million, admin expense % up.
I object to CARE's advertising ... they feature the worst kind of stereotype of Africans and developing countries ... always Starving Moms and Babies, and how CARE saved the day. Some call this "development/poverty p-o-r-n".
Lastly, according to CARE's own promotional numbers, the CEO's over $400K salary alone could have provided "emergency food, which fully meets energy, vitamin, and mineral requirements" of over 160,000 children. Wow. (CARE's CEO salary is not excessive compare to other large NGOs ... which, I think, point to a systematic problem. I can bet that 95% or more the CARE donors are not living anywhere near $400K per year.)
I was a CARE donor. No longer.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
none.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Stop using starving children stereotypes to raise money! That's exploitative!
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