Unethical charity - Disabled Firefighters Fund

[anniemcu]

Disabled Firefighters Fund
If you get a call from this group, just tell them “no.”

I’ve been called by these folks the last few years, and have often wondered if they were legit, and now know that they are not.

Take your donation to your local firehouse instead.

http://www.ufoa.org/Prez/2005/GMM0405.htm#nine

@Uniformed Fire Officers Association

We have been informed by one of our members that he was solicited by a charity called, “Disabled Firefighters Fund”. We did some investigating and retrieved a copy of their 2003 tax return. In 2003, the Disabled Firefighters Fund raised $407,000 and of that spent $406,000 on fundraising activities, with no money being distributed to disabled firefighters. We believe this fund is fraudulent and encourage our members not to donate. We will notify the New York State Attorney General. Please contact the UFOA immediately if you are solicited by any Fund that refers to “firefighters”.

http://charityreports.bbb.org/public/Report.aspx?CharityID=3111&bureauID=9999

@BBB Wise Giving Alliance Comment

(Nondisclosure)

Despite written BBB Wise Giving Alliance requests in the past year, the organization either has not responded to Alliance requests for information or has declined to be evaluated in relation to the Alliance’s Standards for Charity Accountability. While participation in the Alliance’s charity review efforts is voluntary, the Alliance believes that failure to participate may demonstrate a lack of commitment to transparency. Without the requested information, the Alliance cannot determine if this charity adheres to the Standards for Charity Accountability. A charity’s willing disclosure of information beyond that typically included in its financial statements and government filings is, in the Alliance’s view, an expression of openness that strengthens public trust in the charitable sector.

The BBB Wise Giving Alliance reports on national charities and determines if they meet 20 voluntary standards on matters such as charity finances, appeals and governance. The Alliance does not evaluate the worthiness of the charitable program.

http://www.nbc5i.com/news/16502089/detail.html

@Investigation: Firefighter Charity Pockets Most Of Donations

Less Than $6 Of Every $100 Raised Goes To Disabled Firefighters

[oregonden]

Disabled Firefighters Fund
If you get a call from this group, just tell them “no.”

I’ve been called by these folks the last few years, and have often wondered if they were legit, and now know that they are not.

Take your donation to your local firehouse instead.

Thank you for posting this anniemcu. My youngest son is a firefighter/paramedic here in Oregon. Yep; the local firestation, should you decide to donate, is the place to give .

Dennis

[I.D.10-t]

This place may be of interest.

Charity Navigator

It doesn’t have Disabled Firefighters Fund, but Disabled Police Officers of America doesn’t look to be much better. Any way, it is a fun place to look around.

[emmline]

Thanks for the Charity Nav. link. I’ve bookmarked it.
In general, all solicitations from organizations with which I’m not familiar are suspect, afaik, but I try to treat them with a firm civility.

Pick things you know about and believe in for contributions, and decline the others without guilt.

Contributing in a meaningful, effective way is too important to risk lining the pockets of unscrupulous folk.