Non-Profit profit

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Sometimes, I just have to question businesses that operate as non-profits. The laws regulating these businesses must be extremely liberal and vague. And who enforces them anyway?

We all know that churches, youth clubs, credit unions, researchers, food share programs, and many more, both foreign and domestic operate as non-profit organizations. But are they? And, if not, what are you doing about it?

Where churches were once financed, built, and maintained by their members, they now sometimes amass huge assets and re-invest their funds to support huge tax reduced salaries to their pastors, handsome salaries to many of their top level employees, and build even more money generating things like private schools that cater not only to their own, but to anyone who can afford to play. And it all began because the church members were unable, or unwilling, to do their share. So the churches hired gardeners, repairmen, secretaries, and musicians to do what the members wouldn't.

I question whether it is appropriate for any non-profit leader to maintain a salary and expenses sometimes several thousands times the amount the average member has, like TV evangelists. I question whether it is right for the top executives of Good Will, American Cancer Society, Habitat for Humanity, and the Red Cross should be so handsomely paid.

We brought this all on ourselves, because we were lazy. We refused to help in the church, but would rather give more money to pay someone to do our responsibility. We would not look into our community to see where we could help or give, but would rather give to a central entity to disperse our donations as they saw fit. We refused to give anything unless there was something in return for us. And, whalaa, the Girl Scout Cookie was created. Now we could feel good about donating and fill our stomach at the same time!

Now, it is all about professional fundraising. Almost gone now are car washes, bake sales, and collecting tin cans. It's all been replaced by candy, gift wrap, and novelty sales. And, with that, someone is making a huge amount of money in the name of charity.

So, think about this: Rather than buying that World's Finest Chocolate bar, the greeting card sold by your child's school, or the tin of gourmet pop corn offered by the Cub Scout, why not donate a like amount in cash directly to that organization. Continue to tithe at your church, but hold back a bit to give directly to that person in need that you encounter through out the week. Why not make a plate from the extras in your pantry for the old lady in your neighborhood rather than send a check to Meals on Wheels? Why not find a person with kidney disease and give them a ride to their dialysis center? In doing these things, you will find that all of what you give is spent wisely rather than a majority of it going to pay salaries and other administration expenses.

Most importantly. look closely at what organization you are considering donating to. Have you ever wondered why many organizations during a disaster will not accept durable goods, but insist on giving only money to further their cause? Should you continue to fuel the wealth trains of Notre Dame, Brigham Young, Princeton, and Grambling? How about those world wide gigs where you seem to adopt a hungry child for his lifetime? Or that hoity toity credit union that you might belong to?

It surely must also be said that I don't do all of these things. Some I do, but others,,,,,, Not yet, but I intend to take a closer look at how I give.

A a final note from the Thought Dock, a friend recently asked, "Wouldn't it be nice if you could be awarded the Heisman Trophy simply by watching a football game?" Was he referring to MacDaddy Obama and the Nobel Peace Prize?
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