Ever since I watched the  TED presentation done by Dan Pallotta on non-profit charities, my viewpoint has been altered towards what a foundation’s CEO earns.  I still think it is important to check and see if the salary is within a reasonable ratio to the overall money being raised by said CEO.

Then the following article came to my attention:  “Why did Komen for the Cure…”  published by Salon.com.  I did not pass judgement on the salary being discussed, but my shock came as I read, “Turns out that in 2011, it spent just 15 percent of its donations on research — nearly half of what it did just a few years prior.”  I’m am thoroughly and completely stunned by this statement.  And I don’t have breast cancer.

This foundation has done a tremendous amount of good for the breast cancer community, which has fortunately spilled over to the entire cancer world at large.  Their efforts have brought breast cancer awareness (think pink) to astronomical levels.  To be fair, research is not their specialty, but rather on support, resources, education, information, community involvement, etc.; all of which are vitally critical to breast cancers survivors and families.  Their model is powerful and effective.

The American Cancer Society is similar in having moved mountains for the cancer cause.  I personally LOVED participating in the local Relay for Life event with Nick.  The tender moments of acknowledging our loved ones with cancer during the relay is an experience I will forever cherish.

So my intent to share this article is not to demean any foundation or their cause, but to ask if you are in alignment with where your donations are going – based upon your own principles and values, not mine.  I was truly disappointed when Nick chose not to participate in the Relay for Life going forward with Wacky Warriors.  He made his decision because he wanted our focus to be on research rather than awareness.  Simply for him, he was already quite aware of his own cancer and wanted to raise money for research to help save someone’s life, if not his own.

It gets a little tricky; we need awareness, information, support and research simultaneously.  Whether it is time or money, your donations have a voice.  Use it wisely.