Christian Appalachian Project, Inc.

Such a disappointing experience. After being a long time donor my 84-year old mom fell in the trap of being billed by the CAP son monthly basis. I called to let them know that my mom never agreed to these monthly charges. They promised a refund; however, not only that they have not processed a refund, they also continued to charge my mom. How is this possible? Is this organization for real or is just ta bunch of thieves taking advantage of people that want to help those in need?

From a first time DONOR not an administrator/associate/employee/volunteer: some thoughts on the comments I have read on this website. Many times, It is easy to complain but difficult to commend. Let's give thanks that you do not need this organization's services.

I have been in their clients' shoes. Military family 50 yrs ago; husband overseas many months; no on base housing; not much income; hungry a lot but made sure my kids were fed even if I did not have much to eat and I was pregnant. My mother sent me $5 a week which I used to feed my 1st infant daughter. Brought my 2nd infant daughter home to a chest of drawers 'bed' until a church thankfully gave us a crib from a family where the baby had died. Good thing we finally returned home to helpful families. We all survived! So I know how much any amount of money, food or other aid helps and given with a smile.

Now many decades later for I am in my 70's and still working, I feel I should give back. God has been good to me. I own a small struggling business, own rentals and support our employees' families. It is not easy but I am my own boss and realize freedoms others don't have. Many less fortunate should have the opportunity to do the same. With help, they can make successes of their lives and their families' lives also. They just need some compassion from donors like you.

Do you really think $171,000 is extravagant for a CEO? I do NOT! Especially since this organization has a high monetary percentage designated for aid to the unfortunate. Do you realize how much work, sweat and tears go into running a vast organization? Unless you own a business (small or otherwise), you cannot possibly understand the responsibility that it entails. Or, the work needed to make it last.

I did some due diligence before donating as I had never heard of this organization before. This was a first time solicitation. I receive many solicitations from other nonprofits on a daily basis and it is not a hardship to pick and choose which I feel is worthy enough to donate. It is no bother to receive mailings - if I don't want them, I throw them away. The real hardship is needing food, clothing, education (in a faith based institution), a roof over one's head and help in becoming self sufficient and successful when has little or nothing. The hand OUT should be the hand UP! It does not have to be permanent, just temporary.

I will rate this organization as a 5-star until something changes or I discover something differently to rate it lower. God bless your CEO, staff, volunteers, donors and especially those you help every day. Please continue your good works.

Great organization that helps an area of Kentucky in great need!

I don't know if I would qualify under emerson1966's criteria as an expert, but I have been a consistent donor since 1985 and serve on the Board of Trustees for a regional non-fo-profit dedicated to welfare of senior citizens, am Secretary and member of the Executive, Finance and Co-Chair of the Employee/Volunteer Complaints Committee. I also own two private businesses.

If you dig into the data Charity Navigator, Christian Appalachian Project scores very well for a small to medium sized charity. Their percentages of revenues spent on administration and promotions (for donations) are relatively low - a very good sign. They also score highly on transparency, another key variable prospective donors should review. They should be commended, not criticized for substituting volunteers for paid employees - it gives you a much larger "bang for the buck."

I just cannot say enough positive things about CAP. Very impressed with how funds are used to help the poor. This is a grass roots, on the front lines type organization. Take a trip and see their operation in eastern Kentucky and you'll feel good about your donation, just like I did.

I was born in KY and know the problems there. As a Christian I felt it was a wonderful cause. Like others I have been concerned with the excessive solicitation letters I received. They appear to be declining under the new director. I hope so. The practice of sending excessive solicitations is not just a waste of funds but has caused me (and others) to stop donating. They must become more responsive and respectful toward their donors.

I chose to donate to this organization because back in April of 2011 they had a reasonable overall score of 58.37 with administrative expenses of 3.6. I asked at that time, that they not solicit me further and I would give on my own schedule. Since then, I have been receiving solicitations at least twice a month. This is a worthwhile charity and many, many poor in Appalachia need their help. However, it bothers me that the past president continues to draw a salary of $71,532. I realize it takes qualified people to run an organization like this, but the salaries of the exec.VP ($93,687) and controller/ treasurer ($82,532) seem like a lot considering the needs of those they claim to serve.

After requesting that I receive fewer fund raising requests in the mail, I continue to receive two or three requests a WEEK from CAP. I will continue to donate on my own schedule. It's a shame they didn't honor my request. That being said, I believe in their mission, and think they are doing good.