Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

That is the price to help children at two different hospital groups. Many veterans’ organizations also ask for this amount to help their clients. I will not list these. You might think I am telling you not to support these groups. I am sure many of the ads asking you for these monthly contributions are doing a great deal of good.

The problem is that not all television ads and very few internet requests are investigated by anyone to determine where these funds are going. The amounts are not always under twenty dollars. You are targeted online for organizations like the ones you may currently be supporting.

I want to show you how to confirm that you are helping not-for-profit groups that are good stewards of your money. When I say good stewardship, I mean doing everything to use the money donated effectively for the purpose for which they state they collect money.

Many charities have been investigated over the years and have been found to have outrageous benefits for staff. Some have used funds for types of services that do not match what they advertise.

I remember years ago hearing of a major organization that paid their CEO millions of dollars a year and continued to advertise for volunteers and donors telling the public that they needed money to help others. When this information came out the group lost workers, funding, and respect.

If they had been upfront and honest with those who supported them, they would not have had the problems they did. Other nonprofits were formed around the country to provide the same services they had. Locals believed they could not trust national businesses that were disconnected from them.

Many of these grassroots groups are still thriving. The original company is distrusted by many of us. I am one of many who still remember this and other scandals.

There have also been para-church ministries that were involved in bad publicity of a similar nature. Whenever I see an advertisement for assisting any group of people or other types of good deeds, I am suspicious. Before I send money to anyone, I need to know who they are and where my money is going.

I have recently heard on the news about a person who created a GoFundMe page to collect money for people who had been through a tragedy. They were given a small portion of the money contributed. She is now being forced to pay them the money she wasted.

Once again, I must remind you that I would send no money to anyone I do not know personally. I contribute directly to those who need assistance. I will not allow money to be taken from my debit or credit card for a retailer that has a foundation that does something. If they want to fund a foundation, take the money out of their profits.

Be watching for a column that is related to this. I am entitling it “The Man with the Twisted Lip.” It also deals with how you might want to use your money. The title is based on a Sherlock Holmes story. I hope you will watch out for it.

©Copyright 2025 by Charles Kensinger