Matthew Steeples urges readers to consider what good your donation will actually do before rushing to take the ‘Ice Bucket Challenge’
I am not going to prove popular with many in saying this but the cult of the ‘Ice Bucket Challenge’ isn’t quite what it seems. Many of you will tell me that “it’s raised tens of millions of dollars” and that awareness of ALS has reached an all time peak but how many of you know what percentage of the funds you’re raising will actually go to research into finding a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?
It is impossible to dispute that those partaking in this challenge – aside from fulfilling their own vain desire for their 15 minutes of fame – have, in the main, helped raise vast amounts of cash for the ALS Association but how many have looked at the charity’s accounts?
If you did, you’d find something you might not like: Over 50% of what the ALS Association received in 2013 was used to support the salaries, fundraising and administration costs of the charity and only $7 in every $100 donated actually went to research. If you don’t believe me, watch this video by Brad Robbins on Facebook and you’ll learn much more.
Yesterday, I asked our readers: “How much of every pound or dollar donated should charities be able to allocate to administration?” You were resounding in your responses and suggested that only between 15% and 40% of funds raised should be allocated to administrative costs. On this basis, perhaps, instead of rushing to throw iced water over yourself, maybe now’s the time to reconsider your giving choices.
Subscribe to our free once daily email newsletter here: