MERCY CORPS
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January 23, 2012
My elderly mother received 2 letters from Mercy Corps stating that they "spoke with her by phone" and that she agreed to make a $100 gift.
Not only is this a complete fabrication, it greatly disturbed me since my mother had a stroke and has been in a nursing home, unable to speak, for over 18 months.
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
No
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Some
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
January 9, 2012
I very much admire the fact that this charity, in addition to its other merciful work, offers microloans to US fledgling businesses, such as the one described in this article: http://www.newsregister.com/article?articleTitle=acupuncturist+gets+start+with+mercy+corps%27+help--1324229737--2268-- America would be so much the better if these small loans were expanded to include small businesses in all the 50 states and NOT just those local to the corporate office in Oregon. Right now so many small businesses in America are foundering. SO MANY right here in OUR country are losing the battle for survival. Without question,the plight of so many worldwide is tragic, I DO believe, however, given the current economic status of small business owners here in the US, in the case of MICRO-BUSINESS LOANS, that charity should also be given at home - all across America. I think of my niece and her husband and their two small children, the younger of which is autistic and the elder still struggling with physical disabilities resultant from a premature birth They have worked so long and hard for 6 years to establish themselves and now struggle desperately to stay afloat ,feed clothe and provide medical care for their family, as they eke out a living and use every ounce of creativity to seek new alternative sources of revenue as they wait for the core industry for their business - the stagnant construction industry-- to rebound. These young people did so much to help the community in ay way they could in donations, community contributions and so forth during their busiest years. Now they struggle day to day with no help for the weary. I hope this agency will think on these things.
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Likely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
September 23, 2011
I appreciate all that this charity does -- especially in times of need. I hope you will support them too.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The news, I often see what they've done.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Ensure they had enough resources to make a lasting difference.
July 22, 2011
Thankfully, there is Charity Navigator!
Based on the Charity Navigator reviews, I am designating Mercy Corps as my charity through SurveyMonkey's reviewer board.
I am sorry to say that I have never heard of Mercy Corps but have been a supporter of Samaratin's Purse which has a lower score. I will be contacting them to learn more.
I only wish that their ceo didn't need such a high salary.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have no personal experience yet.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would ask the Board of Directors to consider reducing the chief officer's compensation in light of the global economic downturn.
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Likely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
How did you learn about this organization?
SurveyMonkey suggested it.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
June 27, 2011
I have been a Mercy Corps donor for about 10 years. I know several of the staff and am frankly blown away by their work, their professionalism and their realistic approaches to development work. Mercy Corps is frankly state of the art. Most of the staff are nationals in the many countries where MC works. There is a continuous evaluation of effectiveness and a strong desire to use resources carefully. Women's health programs, education programs, community development -- each program is tailored to the needs of the community involved. There is no hierarchical sense that all communities need X or Y; instead there is a process to help communities set their own direction. In that process, communities also learn civil society techniques and objectives.
When there is a natural disaster, Mercy Corps is already on the ground and ensures that its work does not duplicate what other agencies are doing, instead focusing on neglected areas of need. One of these is helping children deal with trauma.
Mercy Corps deserves your donation, whatever you decide to give. There are other wonderful organizations out there but there are also charlatans that are more concerned with fund-raising than with services. Do careful research. When you do, Mercy Corps will be at the top of your list.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I visited Mercy Corps programs in Tajikistan and Pakistan. There is a warmth and respect that goes two ways: from MC staff to communities and very obviously back the other way as well. I was also highly impressed with the thorough security processes in place to keep staff -- ex-pats and nationals -- safe.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Make sure that the US Military does not stray into NGO territory. One of the greatest risks to MC's and other NGOs' workers is the blurring of the line between military and civilian projects.
1 person found this review helpful
June 26, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
I enjoy raising money for Mercy Corps through producing compelling fund-raising events that seek to increase awareness and create exceptional value for people who are compelled to donate due to the compelling nature of the cause and the successful execution of the event itself.
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Mercy Corps provides educational opportunities where volunteers and donors can get informed and from my interaction I have been inspired to donate my time, talent and money. In my four years of fund-raising I have met a cadre of exceptionally gifted humanitarians who are committed to improving the lives of others.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I think Mercy Corps is run exceedingly well as exemplified by their ratings from Charity Navigator and from the personal testimony of individual employees and the stories of those who have received aid.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?
In my opinion Mercy Corps should be a benchmark for other relief organizations to model.
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
I made so many new friends and still feel rewarded by the experience. I can not point to a single unrewarding experience with any individual people or events I have attended.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
I feel connected, empowered, responsible and that my time and talent is making a difference,
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
1 person found this review helpful
June 14, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
I wish I could give this charity 5 stars because they do a lot of good things. What I look for in a charity is the mission to create sustainability and independence in the people it helps instead of creating dependency while also helping with disaster relief. The fact that the higher ups make so much money is disheartening. I understand that the CEOs and presidents need to be paid but think of the good that could be done with the extra money if they weren't paid so much. I want to know that my donations are truly helping the people I intend to help and not going toward the CEO's summer villa. Perhaps the CEO would do well to read the story of the man whose words are being used with this charity. Gandhi gave up the life of affluence and chose one of poverty. I'm not saying that the CEO needs to become impoverished but nearly $300,000 is ridiculous.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have not had personal experience outside of sending donations.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Make sure more of the money was going to the people who truly need it and not the CEO's bank account.
June 4, 2011
update 06/06/2011
Well, they got back sooner than I imagined (first workday).
I guess the customer service is good, though not up to date (cause it's not a click of a button thing).
anyhow, I would recommend this charity after they have the online account for monthly donors.
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Can't unsubscribe my auto monthly donation online.
I've signed up for the auto monthly donation for a while now, times are tough and I want to cancel it.
It's unpleasant to find out that I can't find a way to unsubscribe my auto donation.
I don't even have an account.
I checked my email box, they didn't even send me a confirmation for the subscription, nor an account.
I did get a confirmation for my one time donation the other time, but again, no account.
Isn't it standard to give your customer an account when they paid for something? Especially when you are automatically taking money from them each month.
It seems like they are trying to make it hard for people to unsubscribe.
I sent them an message about unsubscribing, hopefully they get back soon.
I do not recommend this charity.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
make it easy to change auto donation subscription. Give an online account to everyone who donated so they can unsubscribe and make changes.
April 16, 2011
Mercy Corps is the first charity my husband and I donate to in the event of any global crisis or disaster. They are usually on the ground before any other agencies, probably because they are already "in country". We became aware of Mercy Corps because they are based in Portland, Oregon and have a well-deserved reputation for excellent management paired with amazing empathy. Their staff is very helpful in supplying materials to aid in Alternative Gift Fairs, promptly and at no charge. Their gift cards for 2010 were distinctive, conveying their messages of hope with colorful pictures & catchy wording.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Fortunately, I have been blessed with the security of a home, food, clothing and education. I have not needed the aid provided by Mercy Corps. Rather, I seek to spread their message and compassion to those who do need their help.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
No changes necessary!
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Dear Mary, We are very sorry that your mother is still receiving mailings from us. If you contact us directly with her name and address we will promptly remove her from all of our mailing lists. You can contact us at donorservices@mercycorps.org or 1-888-842-0842. Kind regards, Andi, Mercy Corps