3 people found this review helpful
Review from CharityNavigator Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., National Office
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October 2, 2011
3 people found this review helpful
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/07/komen-foundation-charities-cure_n_793176.html
I am refusing to walk in their Race for the Cure in Denver today because of this. I cannot support this "charity" if they are going to bully others in such a way. My friends and family who have either died from or are surviving breast cancer deserve better.
September 28, 2011
10 people found this review helpful
Shocked!! Organization took in $135 Million in 2010, provided grants for research, education & screening of $74 Million and a paltry $10,000 (yes, only ten thousand dollars) in grants to individuals in the USA. The remaining millions were used to pay contractors (other expenses line items) and employees (many in the high 6 figure income bracket). Shameful, absolutely shameful.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Komen's refusal to help women in need by limiting grants to individuals to a paltry 0.0074% of fundraising revenues taken in.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
bulk research dollars to 3-5 research centers (reduce amt by half & fund 3-5 research centers only/ongoing) increase grants to individuals w/ the $ saved in research grants cont education/screening line items limit salaries to more reasonable levels
September 18, 2011
6 people found this review helpful
I am glad to read the comments below. For myself the red flag was raised when a friend wanted me to walk with her. It would cost ME to walk and then raise money for THEM. HUH ???? I found a charity rating on line that said over 90% of the money raised did NOT go to research , but administrative and the like. It's just another business. Much like MADD. I sent them an email asking the person who was reading mine, how could you work for such an organization that rips people off in the name of the sick and dieing? Of course I got NO response. No defence either. Proved my point :( Further more, I would bet that CEO sister gets most of her lifestyle paid for through the org.. Even though she is taking NO salery. Deb Hendel
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Being asked to walk, and finding out the chinanigans with the money.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Make sure MOST of the money went for research. If Salvation Army can do it , any org. can!
10 people found this review helpful
September 16, 2011
10 people found this review helpful
My criticism of this organization is that it relies more on marketing and less on science. In answer to the person who was unhappy with contributions to Planned Parenthood, I'm afraid your convoluted argument that there is a high incidence of breast cancer among women who have had abortions (or miscarriages) is untrue. The claim has been disproven over many years. See the National Cancer most recent report on scientific findings below:
The relationship between induced and spontaneous abortion and breast cancer risk has been the subject of extensive research beginning in the late 1950s. Until the mid-1990s, the evidence was inconsistent. Findings from some studies suggested there was no increase in risk of breast cancer among women who had had an abortion, while findings from other studies suggested there was an increased risk. Most of these studies, however, were flawed in a number of ways that can lead to unreliable results. Only a small number of women were included in many of these studies, and for most, the data were collected only after breast cancer had been diagnosed, and women’s histories of miscarriage and abortion were based on their “self-report” rather than on their medical records. Since then, better-designed studies have been conducted. These newer studies examined large numbers of women, collected data before breast cancer was found, and gathered medical history information from medical records rather than simply from self-reports, thereby generating more reliable findings. The newer studies consistently showed no association between induced and spontaneous abortions and breast cancer risk."
However, as far as SBK's larger goal of fighting breast cancer, I personally feel there are other organizations doing a much better job, where my dollars will directly and more positively impact the lives of people with cancer.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I prefer to give directly to cancer research than to marketing campaigns for products of dubious use to solving the cancer problem.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I'm personally tired and unhappy with all this pink ribbon marketing. If consumers put their money directly into cancer research and support services for those who have breast cancer, their dollars would go a lot farther.
September 13, 2011
5 people found this review helpful
This year I have decided to not support Susan G. Komen. I am not supporting this "charity" because not enough donar dollars go towards cancer research and helping those in need and instead go to line the pockets of administrators, and lawyers to sue other smaller mom and pop charities who are also trying to do good in this world.
Please consider this information before you support this "business" If we do not take a stand, then this terrible behavior will become the norm and we will never find a cure. I know many people find the race to be a fun and great way to support breast cancer research and interact with their community, but please know that all it takes is one year of making another charity choice for Komen to get the message and change their behavior. I would gladly support them again if they stop this insanity. It breaks my heart to have this information readily avialable to the public but no one takes action. Will you start with you?
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have not personally seen anyones life touched by the organization, i only see the community support the race.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Make the organization more accountable and transparent. The donors need to know who their money is going to and for what cause.
More feedback...
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?
2010
3 people found this review helpful
August 26, 2011
3 people found this review helpful
In 2009 SBK gave over $700,000 to Planned Parenthood.
In 2010 SBK gave over $500,000 to Planned Parenthood.
This has been done under the guise that PP does mammograms.
This rarely if ever takes place.
Individuals who choose to have an abortion are shown to have a higher incidence for breast cancer.
SBK started out great but bigger has not made them better.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have been a contributor to SBK.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Put the money to work for finding the cure.
6 people found this review helpful
August 16, 2011
6 people found this review helpful
Ive done the race for years and am just sick of hearing about my money going to sue some poor charity because they are using the words "the cure" - I mean REALLY? what a fricken waste of money.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
As mentioned, done the race many times. Now seeing tons of bad press about the lawsuits. NO ONE should own the words "The Cure" - What a joke!!
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Stop suing people trying to support the same cause. You are wasting my money and crushing the purpose SGK was originally established for.... raising money to find a cure.... not simply OWN the words "the cure"
1 person found this review helpful
July 29, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
SGK is not the only organization whose fundraising contracts require a minimum amount for "pledge" driven campaign events. I understand Theresa feels that Komen made her less than worthy because she did not know about the minimum requirement to raise. However, before signing up as a pledge fundraiser for any organization, one should ALWAYS inquire into minimum funds raised requirements. Furthermore, always read any contract before signing it. Once signed, most legal contracts are deemed VALID and BINDING, unless a rescission period (usually of first three days) exists, after which time the contract then becomes binding. The simple fact is numerous organizations have found pledge fundraising as a useful technique and many either require, or encourage a minimum amount of funds raised to participate as "fundraiser" rather than a participant.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
participating in local walks.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
ignore me. I am a male and an accountant, therefore I find the fru-fru jazzercize and other such stuff as "Gag me" things I must tolerate for Atlanta Komen events.
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Likely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
A lot
How did you learn about this organization?
Wife due to mother-in-law
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
June 28, 2011
This is a great organization that has done more for breast cancer research and women with breast cancer than just about any other group. I work for Komen and see the effort and dedication that each employee and volunteer puts in to making sure that we are tending to the needs of women and men facing breast cancer and their families.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Scientists that are developing treatments. Women who have been helped by Komen's patient navigation or screening funding.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Help raise more funds to do more.
June 23, 2011
Because Susan G. Komen for the Cure is one of the oldest non-governmental organizations raising awareness for breast cancer research all over the world, I guess it’s easy for skeptics to take shots. However, having seen and heard first-hand at the Race for the Cure from women and families who have been helped by their community programs and the treatments that have resulted from their research projects over the decades, I believe that Susan G. Komen is putting its funds where it does the most good. Perhaps those who have been given a second chance are not writing reviews – but they’re living vibrant lives, thanks to the compassion and dedication of those on the front lines and behind the scenes at Susan G. Komen.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Race for the Cure -- heard about Susan G. Komen's global research projects + physician education programs; saw the benefits of everything they're doing on the faces of survivors, caregivers and families. I have regular mammograms and have been empowered to take personal responsibility for my breast health, thanks to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I don't think I'd change a thing. Their compassionate approach and global-yet-grassroots activism is just what's needed to help eradicate breast cancer in our lifetime.
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