WORLD VISION INTERNATIONAL
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May 15, 2013
Back in 1989, World Vision commissioned an internal study to see how much of each donor dollar was getting to the poor. The internal report showed less than 10% was received by the poor. How could this be?
World Vision is a large multi level organization. Each level takes a cut (1 - Fundraising office, 2 - International office, 3 - Regional office, 4 - Country office, 5 - Project office). After all of the salaries and administrative cuts at each level, there was not much of the dollar left for the poor.
This report caused terror in the organization and the findings were quickly suppressed. Senior staff realized there was a big problem and there was a multitude of meetings to try to cut expenses, but sadly it never happened.
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If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
This organization used to be a lot leaner, with less overhead. The staff at that time really cared about the poor and were very concerned about stewardship. It is my hope that World Vision returns to its roots.
More feedback...
How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Somewhat badly
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Some
Will you recommend this organization to others?
No
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
March 18, 2013
1 person found this review helpful
After seeing how WV operates on a grassroots level, it makes one want to vomit. If you look at the upper level vision, it may be really. But after seeing how WV works on a grassroots level for 7 years in Africa, I have little reason to believe that much of your money is doing anything but padding the pockets of corrupt grassroots level workers of WV. And in terms of Christian witness, the on-the-ground WV workers smear the name of Christ in the mud by the way they live. PS - Do not think that when you visit your sponsor child, you are seeing the real WV. WV knows how to put on a show that has little to do with reality.
More feedback...
How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Okay
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Some
Will you recommend this organization to others?
No
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
December 8, 2011
6 people found this review helpful
Worked for World Vision for many years and have seen first hand how much the cost is for the organization. High cost for staff and a system of reporting take well over 20% of the budget, and in some cases 75%. Corruption has taken place on a grand scale in a number of countries DRC, Chad, Zambia, Malawi. The marketing is more important than the actual impact of the wiork in the field. Yes there are many good honest Christian people working in World Vision. As an organization it is not so Christian. The International CEO makes over $400.000 and so does mr Stearns. How many children do you need to sponsor before such salaries are paid? The four stars are heavily overvalued.
More feedback...
How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Badly
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Some
Will you recommend this organization to others?
No
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
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Tim, we have no record of such a report, and the statistics you cite are nothing like the economics of our current program. World Vision U.S. spends nearly 86 percent of donations on programs benefiting children and their families (http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=4768). As we're sure you're aware, providing cash directly to families has been proven ineffective. World Vision works with communities to ensure children and families have access to essential services such as water, education, healthcare and income potential. Included in program expenses are salaries for staff such as doctors and water experts who serve in their countries or regions to ensure programs are designed to improve the lives of children, project staff who regularly monitor sponsored children to see that they are benefiting, and accountants and auditors to monitor how our funds are spent. Rather than being "overhead," these staff fill an important role in running effective programs. Larry Probus, CFO of World Vision U.S., provides an explanation of how donor funds are used and leveraged to benefit the communities we serve: http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/about/why-donate?open We hope you will view his presentation, which provides a current look at World Vision's finances.