6 people found this review helpful
Review from CharityNavigator Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., National Office
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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.
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 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.
10 people found this review helpful
June 13, 2011
10 people found this review helpful
SGK started with a great cause and a great goal. The money now goes to office expenses, inflated salaries and luxury travel - oh yeah, and legal fees for frivolous law suits, initiated by SGK . 20% of the funds are used for "the cure". That is false advertising!
SGK is suing, amongst others, a little girls foundation who is trying to help, for the use of the "for the cure" phrase. Give me a break! The use of this phrase doesn't create confusion as Susan G. Komen is the group where the money goes to.
I am disgusted!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
80% of the results go to extremely high salaries and plush offices. There is little to experience.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Cut the staff; Make sure that 80% of the income GOES FOR WHAT YOU ARE ADVERTISING: "FOR A CURE". If you can't do that, close down.
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
No
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
A lot
How did you learn about this organization?
Through false advertisement, law suits. Other than that, its all over the internet and news.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
April 11, 2011
I am confused by the reporting here. Perhaps one of you can enlighten me when you say that only 20% is going to "a cure". The definition of the terms i read on this site are as follows:
Glossary
Program Expenses: This measure reflects what percent of its total budget a charity spends on the programs and services it exists to deliver. Dividing a charity's program expenses by its total functional expenses yields this percentage.
Score = Raw Score x 10
Rationale behind score adjustments:
Program Expenses < 33.3%:
Our data shows that 7 out of 10 charities we've evaluated spend at least 75% of their budget on the programs and services they exist to provide. And 9 out of 10 spend at least 65%. We believe that those spending less than a third of their budget on program expenses are simply not living up to their missions. Charities demonstrating such gross inefficiency receive zero points for their overall organizational efficiency score.
As I read this, it means that over 80% of the funds raised by SGK are going to the "programs and services it exists to deliver". Not all of that is for research, as some is for providing mammograms for those unable to pay for them, etc.
Please help me understand your position.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
10 years ago my wife and I used SGK support services for referrals when she was diagnosed
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Stay focused on the cause and less on the legal battles and branding issues. SGK is a well known organization and is not in danger of being confused with other "for a cure" organizations -- it is the Komen name, not the "for a cure".
March 30, 2011
9 people found this review helpful
Unfortunately a lot of people are buying into the press being generated by SGK in regards to their trademarking. As someone who is a part of an organization that has been affected by their "cease and desist" letters for having the words "a cure" in their slogan, I can attest that SGK is in fact man handling smaller organizations and costing them quite a bit of money. While they may not have gone to court over this - because the smaller organizations cannot afford the legal fees and would rather put their money to use in finding a cure - they have threatened these other organizations.
I know many breast cancer survivors who are also against SGK and their actions.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the fact that another group had to completely rebrand their organization to avoid potential lawsuits by SGK for trying to find a cure for their own disease!
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Make them smaller and remind them of what the mission of this foundation initially was set up for.
January 31, 2011
10 people found this review helpful
Dylan -
I will say it again. There are several breast cancer research foundations who put over 70% of your donations towards research.
If you can tell me of a way that is not research that will allow us all to find a cure, please enlighten us all.
Komen foundation puts only 20.22% of revenue into "Research For A Cure"
A foundation that has re-aligned every aspect of their business to portrait that they are "For the cure" should put a LOT more than 20.22% of your donation into the only way we will ever find a cure, don't you think?
They spend more money on "other expenses" like office supplies and new leather chairs for fancy offices than they do on Research - that in itself is sickening for a foundation who claims their mission is so unique and so critical that they have to sue other foundations for using the phrase "for the cure".
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Only 20.22% of your donation is spent on Research.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Reduce the $15,000,000++ payroll, eliminate the $5,000,000++ travel expense.
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