My Nonprofit Reviews

The idea that Common Cause is a 4-star charity is a joke. This organization that claims to be working for more openness, honesty and transparency is hiding $4 million+ in direct mail, telemarketing and other fundraising expenses in their 501c4 arm (Common Cause) in order to boost the reputation of their 501c3 arm (Common Cause Education Fund). Not only that, but this organization has failed to achieve a single one of its national goals since the passage of the 2002 Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act. So if you have given any money to Common Cause in the last 10 years, please rest assured that it's gone either to fundraising or to the bloated 6-figure salaries of president Bob Edgar ($209k annually), Bette Marchant ($170k annually), Sarah Dufendach ($164k annually, not to mention whatever her jewelry making business brings in -- oh yes, that's done on the organization's time), Karen Hobert Flynn ($141k annually), Mary Anderson Boyle ($117k annually), Arn Pearson ($117k annually) or one of the other vice presidents -- the organization has had 2 others (Eileen Toback, Kathryn Wittneben) who left before their compensation was disclosed on the 990s. Over a million dollars a year just to pay the leadership of an unsuccessful organization. Disgraceful.

More Feedback