My Nonprofit Reviews
Rudi Tewsbai
Review for Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, New York, NY, USA
This charity has funded the construction of TWO rehabilitation and research centers for wounded veterans, one in San Antonio and one in Bethesda, which are turned over to the US Army on completion. The construction costs do not show up as program expenses and therefore, CN's "robo" rating, based solely on a cursory overview of financial reports, presumes that these costs are administrative overhead. (That would be the case if they had spent these funds on e.g. construction a shiny new HQ building for themselves.) Charity Watch gives this charity its rightful due as a highly ranked, efficient charity.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Likely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
A lot
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
Review for FINCA International, Inc., Washington, DC, USA
I suggest that a bit closer assessment of their historical record reveals that it is not so much an “inordinate increase in administrative costs”, but that, after a surge in revenues – from the mid-$30Ms in ’02 –’03 to more than double in ’05 – ’07 (+$77M in 2007), revenues dropped abruptly in 2008 and ’09 (last year shown.) It would not be that much of a surprise if they had in the interim accordingly ramped up operations. It is presumptuous to assume that “administrative expenses” are all ‘office paper- pushing”. Note that they do not have any “payments to affiliates”; I.e. They develop and expand their own in-country core of on-the-ground program managers in the countries they serve, and would understandably be reluctant to strip down their organization too far-- too fast. In fact, their program outlays shows a smoother curve then their revenues; i.e. they did not immediately spend everything as received. With the result that the admin. expenses, as a percentage of program expenses has stayed relatively stable: 13% in 2003, 18% in 2002 vs. 19% in 2009 and 13% in 2008. Given the whipsawing this charitiy (and others) have received on the revenue side of things, it is amazing that they are maintaining business as well as they are.
I would ask you not to abandon these folks now. Keep an eye on the trends but don’t assume that they have abandoned their principles and fiscal discipline when they are having to navigate through this difficult stretch.
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Was your donation impactful?
Likely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
