Focus on what is important
Posted by Supporting4  |  November 4, 2009 6:14:52 AM

Don't let the CEO salary or canvesing deter you from considering this organization. I have sponsored 4 children, and have always been pleased with the work they do.

When you see your child grow from 4 years old to a young adult, it is amazing. You always know what you money is going for.

I am suprised at CI using canvassing to get new supporters. Maybe its an approach to expanding membership that should be dropped. But don't let such a small part of this organization over shadow the huge, huge things it does in the field where it counts.

New at this w/CI sponsoring.
Posted by EKMac  |  October 8, 2009 6:06:41 AM

I will try to keep this short. My reading of this tells me that a lot of people don't like to see people in charge of things to get paid for what they do. Example of the CEO's salary: lets assume CI takes in $100.00 dollars a year. So 1% is equal to $1.00, that means that this CEO gets $0.27 for each $100.00 that he brings in. So he is being paid 27 cents for every 10,000 cents that his management efforts brings into CI and he is in charge of it all.

I started sponsoring in March of this year. A member of my extended family was born and raised in the close area of the world that the child I sponsor lives in. They know several people who still live there and have direct knowledge of CI either through having children in the "plan" or because of their own business contacts. The opinions of these people run the gamut just as these comments do. I, myself, am happy with the way things are going. If I find bad news or whatever, I will dig in and try to fix them. I have no idea about the canvassers, I responded to a letter and after doing some digging in the Inet decided to help a child out who needs it.

PS, my family member did not learn about my involement until just recently. If there any problems I say Hi to all of you fine folks again.

I avoid
Posted by Wariat  |  September 25, 2009 7:33:45 AM

When canvassers for CI get in my way, I make sure to point out how much the CEO pays himself.

One time I witnessed an aggressive canvasser shout at a woman, "What, don't you like children!?!?"

I don't consider it legit.

Canvessing in Santa Monica
Posted by mbl  |  September 24, 2009 10:02:18 AM

I was approached by some canvasser in Santa Monica, and I couldn't be more pleased. The initial contact has only been on the job 3 weeks, but I never would have known it if I didn't ask. He was knowledgeable, and when he didn't know, he asked one of the other canvassers.

I was very impressed with their treatment of me and the other people they were interacting with. And I know that if I didn't decide to sign up (which I did), they would have left me alone, no problem.

I discovered that they get an average of 2-5 people to sign up per day. I'm glad that I was one of them.

Most of these canvassers are there because they are dedicated to the cause ... and we need these people to raise the awareness for the rest of us. It takes so little time and (relatively) little money to make such a huge impact.

Side note - I am so glad that this organization is not religiously motivated - as a non-Christian, I don't want a cent of my money promoting an agenda I don't agree with. Trying to convert these helpless kids when they don't have food or clean water is a criminal, and I can't say enough how pleased I am that Children International does not participate in these activities.

Management
Posted by mc0002009  |  September 1, 2009 9:39:06 AM

Here is an interesting story about CI. Regional Director for Asia was recently accused of harassment by one of his staff. Lady accusing the Regional Director was forced to resign from her job subsequently. Lady also made several submissions to the head quarters but to no avail. I hope the management takes appropriate action.

CEO Salaries
Posted by mc0002009  |  September 1, 2009 7:44:51 AM

I read with interest on CEO Salaries. I found some interesting data on CEO Salaries of reputed Charitable Organizations. It might interest all the readers. Charitable Organizations are required to submit a Form 990 to the IRS and usually this form is on the charity's website. From the Form 990 you can find the CEO's salary. However, these forms are often 1-2 years old. Since CEOs usually receive hefty pay raises, this means some of the salaries you see below are probably considerably higher today.

World Vision www.worldvision.org Richard Stearns, President: $407,799

Children International www.Children.org Jim Cook CEO: $365,700

Save The Children www.savethechildren.org Charles MacCormack, President: $336,335

Christian's Children's Fund www.ChristianChildrensFund.org John Shultz President: $290,799

Compassion International www.compassion.com Wess Stafford, CEO: $205,939

Pearl S Buck www.pearlsbuck.org Janet L. Mintzer, President: $135,200

Christian Foundation for Children and Aging www.cfcausa.org Robert Hentzen, President: $105,378

Children, Incorporated www.children-inc.org Marian G. Cummins, President: $90,904

Canvassers
Posted by S.Ashley  |  August 25, 2009 6:28:21 AM

I am a canvasser and would like to address the issues that people seem to be having.

You should never contribute to a canvasser who is rude or overly aggressive. Canvassers who routinely act this way will be fired when it becomes obvious that they are not representing their organization in a positive way. In our business we try to emphasize professionalism and positive attitudes, but because of the unsupervised nature of the work there are bound to be occasional problems.

It is also important to consider that canvassers are rarely, if ever, greedy or malicious people. More often they are young people who are dedicated to the causes they serve, dedicated enough to put up with a surprising level of abuse on a daily basis. The canvasser who is rude to you might have just been yelled at or even physically attacked by someone else. That doesn't make it okay for them to be unprofessional, but please recognize that even the best of us have bad days, and in a job as difficult as canvassing bad days are common.

It is true that commissioned pay can promote aggressiveness in some canvassers. Unfortunately, this type of pay is necessary as a quality-control measure. The company I work for pays all employees minimum wage, plus a small commission if they consistently perform above average. This system allows us to reward good canvassers and eliminate canvassers that are not prepared for the job (for instance, those that are too aggressive!)

Canvassers have the incredibly difficult job of getting people to get involved in urgent causes. If everyone took the time to investigate current issues and contribute independently, canvassing would not be necessary. Unfortunately that is not the case. Look at canvassers as an opportunity to have an in-depth, one on one conversation about a great cause. You'll probably be glad you stopped and got involved. It's not very often that great opportunities come to your door or say hello to you on the sidewalk.

Surprised this is a legitimate charity
Posted by powerrose  |  August 18, 2009 6:12:00 AM

I checked over here in response to NYTimes article about aggressive canvassers. I expected CI to have a really low rating.

Personally, I will never, ever, ever give money to CI and if I could contribute in some way to it being dissolved as an organization, I would. I was HUNTED up to 6 times a day when I worked on 23rd street and Broadway in NYC, and again when I went to school at St. John's on Murray Street. Canvassers would regularly physically use their bodies to impede me from walking and even try to grab me when I walked around. Everyday I would think, 'what kind of charity would support this completely unprofessional activity?'

I guarantee you that there are thousands, maybe millions of New Yorkers who similarly now think that Children International is the equivalent of the Nigerian banking email scam, and it sounds like other cities are similarly affected. CI should spend half the money it spends on canvassers one year to do a survey of how many potential donors they've lost FOREVER by using these human cockroaches to raise money.

new donor
Posted by alessandro  |  August 4, 2009 5:51:19 AM

i'm new to children international but have heard about them for years on the hugh hewitt show. thought i'd do at least some due diligence before sponsoring a few kids. not bothered at all by the CEO's salary it's not out of line, considering their revenues. They're bringing in $125M a year and my guess is that at least $60M ( probably more) does not come from these sponsorship, but from donationals over $25K. I bet Cook is on the road 50% of his time and raises $20M a year himself ( with appropriate staffing).

it's a major enterprise that has fundraising efficiencies in line with the market ( well UNDER market at 11 cents to raise a buck). I want to support an organization that is trending up, that recruits and retains talented executives that can raise $$$. good for them.

thanks to those on this forum who have commented on good stewardship from CI. As new donors, we will revisit our commitment after year one, but we are looking forward to a lasting relationship with this worthy group.

Canvassers
Posted by CJamesPope  |  July 27, 2009 6:30:21 AM

I have directed canvasses for almost ten years. However, I have never directed a canvass for Dialogue Direct or for Children's International. Just so you know.

I would like to share a few things about canvassers and why non-profits hire "canvass companies" who are often not non-profits themselves. Non-profits hire canvass companies because it saves them money so they can spend precious resources on delivering services to their target demographic, those in need. Canvass companies sign contracts with charities that stipulate the company will only be paid a fee if the canvass company meets certain targets. This insulates the charity from undue risk. Giving to canvassers means you are saving the charity money and improving its efficiency.

Secondly, canvasses are the primary vehicle for finding new donors and educating the public on issues. 80% of non-profit members come from canvasses. If you don't like canvassers, fine, but realize that your charity will not be able to do its work without them.

Next, canvass companies need to clean up their act. Most canvass companies pay their employees based on commission which creates the need for canvassers to be aggressive and get people to sign up or they won't be able to pay their rent. If canvass companies paid a fair living wage and stopped the hire and fire orgy through better management, the public would enjoy a better experience with canvassers. They will hire anyone which means bad apples will be on the streets ruining your charities image. Ironically, some folks don't like the idea of charity canvassers being paid. These folks are wrong. Paying a living wage will help companies find good, honest canvassers who represent the charity well, and treat the public with respect.

Companies such as Dialogue Direct, The Fund, and Grassroots pay their employees based on commission. The sooner they change this practice, the sooner we will all enjoy a more enjoyable canvass experience while doing some good in the world.

Concerned
Posted by New_Sponsor  |  July 19, 2009 6:15:10 PM

I signed up as a sponsor today and I have to say the comments in this forum have raised several concerns.

I'm totally in sympathy with the feeling that the CEO's salary is inappropriate for a charity purporting to "save children's lives," based in Kansas City, MO. I understand that running a large organization is difficult; so is making a multi-year commitment to sponsor a child in the present economy. The least the CEO of a children's charity could do is lead by example and let more revenue go to the kids or at the very least administrative needs. I remain unmoved by the claims that Cook donates some portion of salary back; he doesn't need to "collect" that much in the first place. Is he "donating" it back for tax purposes? If only for PR purposes he should know better than this.

Having said that, I am willing to give this group a shot insofar as all the research I have done has not turned up any obvious fraud. CI is probably as good as its staff in any given location; and it doesn't surprise me that the organization has a heavy hand in moderating the interaction between sponsor and child. I don't like that but am willing to accept it as a reality of this kind of sponsor work.

As with most of the charitable donations I make, I hope the money will help someone who needs it. At this point, I'm open to taking that chance and seeing how it goes. We shouldn't lose sight of the fact that there IS enormous need in the world, and there may never be a 100% way to know where your money is going in a charitable organization of this kind, or whether we will totally approve of the final outcome. The best we can do is try.

How many CI & DD Canvassers, Staff Posting here?
Posted by Boba_Fett  |  July 10, 2009 6:15:50 AM

I would suggest quite a few Children's International and DD staff are posting positive comments here supporting their CEO's pay, as part of a wider concerted effort to legitimize their Charity. DONORS BEWARE!

Salary
Posted by Salcedo  |  July 2, 2009 6:21:55 AM

I like to know how much does the field rep. gets paid for servicing the children at the CI Centers ?

CEO Salary
Posted by evergreen3  |  June 4, 2009 7:01:46 AM

I would hazard a guess that the people who feel Jim Cook is overpaid have never run a large organization or maybe any organization. Try it sometime, before you feel he is overpaid. I sponsor 15 children thru CI and receive regular updates, get very good feedback from staff when I request information and have nothing but praise for the organization. If you check the CEO pay of United Way's you may be surprised at how much they make by comparison with how much they bring in to the organization.

salary of CEO
Posted by MnM  |  May 20, 2009 6:07:22 AM

what on EARTH is the deal with the complaints of the ceo's salary? here is my question for those complaintents- have you ever been to a movie? have you ever watched a professional ball game? have you watched the news in the last several months, about the ceo's of major company, who are getting paid millions even AFTER being fired? sure it's a lot of money to me, probably a lot of money to a lot of others- but in the world of ceo's, ceo's of major, international companies, it's pocket change. get over it. i have sponsored a child for several years now and i love it. i get updates, letters, pictures. sure they ask for money. for starving children. for sick, uneducated children. children international is a wonderful organization that gives 80% of their donations to the children. kudos to them!

"men in suits always say no"
Posted by prickelygoo  |  April 30, 2009 1:07:41 PM

As a former employee of Dialogue Direct I fell there are alot of misconceptions about Children International that need to be cleared up. First and formost Children International IS a non profit charity, where as Dialogue Direct is not. D.D. was founded by Andres Lightner (sp?) an extremely nice man who came out to Chicago to meet the fundraisers personally. He was also acompanied by his second in command Matt Bergen. Bergen who used to be a fundraiser in england told me personally not to "Pre Package people" and this is a direct quote "Just because someone is wearing a suit or a fur coat doesn't mean they wont stop. If you look at it like that then the next thing you know you won't try and stop asians, or women with strollers. Everyone is a potential sponsor so be sure to try and talk to every person you can because you really never know." This is directed at commenter who said that we were taught to say things such as "People In suits don't stop" We are taught the exact opposite in fact: Its a numbers games so try to stop everyone. That said, having stood on Michigan ave. in the winter I was litteraly laughed at by more men in suits and women in fur coats than any one else. Often geting remarks from buisness men such as "Get a real job" well if helping make sure children get an education and health care isn't a real job and filling tps reports in a cubicle is. I'll stand on the street and take non stop shit from people any day.

keep in mind where these kids are coming from. They stand on the street for seven hours a day being constantly put down and harrassed by strangers. All for saying "Hi my names ____ how are you today?" It's all about context. I would love to see how much all of these naysayers tune's would change after a half hour on the street. Lets see you stop a complete stranger, give them a rundown of your charitible organization, and get them to give you there credit, debit, or checking information. All for the sake of a child they dont even know.

oh and isisrose
Posted by prickelygoo  |  April 30, 2009 1:06:26 PM

80% goes to the kid, 2% goes to the fundraisers. Those kids you talked to where misinformed which is sad, hopefully they where new and have had there facts put in order. The ceo of Children International donates a massive portion of his salary back into the charity each year. How much does the CEO of your company make? and what percentage of whatever he makes goes to people who realy need it? I am sorry you ran into some bad apples, but dont let them spoil the whole bunch. How many times have you been to a macdonalds or Jimmy Johns and had a completely intolerable person working the counter who insulted you in some way? I'll bet you would still go back. So the next time you see C.I. fundraisers on the street, ask one of them who the supervisor is and talk to them. I bet you will find your conversation to be very enjoyable. Thank you.

canvassers in Santa Monica
Posted by fishogynist  |  April 14, 2009 5:59:09 AM

I first encountered Children International canvassers in Santa Monica the day after being laid off. I met all four on patrol that day, told them I had no income and assured them I'd remember children.org, and they each wished me luck in my job hunt and left me alone.

Two months later I'm still unemployed, and I ran into them again. This time I was harassed and guilt-tripped by a canvasser who didn't even know his organization's url. At one point, three of them approached me with their guilt-ridden rhetoric. When I told the canvasser that I didn't appreciate the way he was talking to me, he became more aggressive, eventually becoming angry with me for taking up his time.

They may be a fantastic organization, and I may be a bad person, but I've sworn them off because of their canvassers.

to kaperal
Posted by isisrose  |  March 20, 2009 1:34:03 PM

If Dialogue Direct really cared so much about those starving children in India then why doesn't more of the money actually go to them.

Of course according to the lying Dialogue Direct canvassers I have encountered many, MANY times they do.

Lies I have been told by DD canvassers:

#1 That Dialogue Direct is a non-profit. This is what I have been told numerous times when I have asked that. Thing is I have been working for Non-Profits for a long time and am aware that the IRS keeps a listing and anyone can check it. Dialogue Direct not listed as a non-profit which means DD is NOT a non-profit- the IRS would know if you were.

#2 When I have inquired about how much of the money raised actually goes to the charity the range (as I ask more than 1 canvasser this) is always somewhere around 95 - 99%. This is unbelievable. I then ask what the canvasser gets paid,as so much goes to the charity and have had responses such as $16 a day, $25 a day etc... Again unbelievable! When I ask how much your CEO makes, as so much is actually given to the charity I have been told (again ranging) 15,000 - 25,000. Again not believable.

Upon checking facts, I find these numbers are not only insane (and I would have to be to believe them) but untrue.

Perhaps it is just aggressive kids trying to earn a bigger commission and willing to lie, perhaps but then.....

#1 Why would I want to give money to someone so willing to lie to me?

#3 Why would I want to donate to a good charity through a company (business who is NOT a non-profit) when so little actually gets to the good charity? I would just rather donatate to the charity itself. If they don't do it that way, well chances are very high that another one doing the same work will!

canvassers in seattle
Posted by kaperal  |  March 19, 2009 6:06:36 AM

I work with Dialogue Direct in another city (not Seattle) and find myself kind of shocked by the tactics you describe those canvassers using. For starters, we are banned from following people down the street. We are also banned from using any sort of "guilt tactics" and must always begin and end the dialogue with a "thank you for stopping."

However, as polite as we have to be, it remains that these children would not get sponsors if we were not aggressive. Sponsors rarely, if ever, sign up online. If you take a look at the article on malnutrition in India, you will see why we're pushy. It's not because we want more $$$ or more sign ups, but that these are real children dying.

CEO salary totally ok
Posted by dday76  |  March 1, 2009 10:49:13 PM

First, the CEO salary is $350k for a $128M org. I think it's totally fine. It's a large, international organization. Charity Navigator doesn't have robust search, but you'll find that among 76 3-star organizations, only 5 have revenue over $120M and CEO salaries of $350k or less. The other 71 organizations either have higher salary and/or much smaller organizations to run. This doesn't even include all of the other smaller organizations or ones that operate only in the US.

$350k is very reasonable both because it's not really that much for a CEO, especially of a large organization, and also because it seems to be lower than others of comparable organizations on charity navigator.

good canvasser experience
Posted by dday76  |  March 1, 2009 10:44:59 PM

I had a canvasser meet me on the street (in NYC). He was somewhat aggressive, but not in a bad way. I actually asked him to follow me and make the pitch while I was walking and he said he wasn't allowed to follow people.

Salary
Posted by marka  |  March 1, 2009 10:44:25 PM

It is always interesting to me in America how those in fields of service have to justify their salaries. We don't seem to mind the fact that college coaches make over a million a year, professional athletes millions of dollars a year, bank CEO's millions (not including bonuses), actors (we all support not minding paying to see their movies) millions, musicians- millions. We joyfully and jubilantly celebrate our celebrities. Yet, someone devoted to service (be it presidents of charitable organizations, doctors, nurses, school teachers, ministers) are expected to do things for free for us. If they are paid, we have bitter comments. Maybe our priorities need to change.

Extremely aggressive canvassing & "happy sponsor"
Posted by SIlverspork  |  February 24, 2009 6:55:56 AM

In the city where I live the CI canvassers are aggressive to the point of harassment. "Happy sponsor's" comments above would have merit if we were talking about people making a standard "ask", but where I live (and clearly also in Seattle based on the above comment) many organizations approach people on the street, including Greenpeace, Mercy Corps and others, not to mention homeless panhandlers. A homeless panhandler would be taken away in handcuffs if they were as rudely aggressive as the CI people are. I give money to various causes every year, but will never support CI unless they learn to curb their fundraising company, Dialogue Direct, from training CI volunteers to harass the general public. A polite "no" is not enough for these folks. Tactics include:

-Following the "target" after they turn down the CI rep, continuing their pitch for several blocks. Some of these guys are large and intimidating, and have scared my female co-workers.

-Insulting the target after being politely rejected.

-Making comments such as "pay me and I won't hassle you anymore" or "men in suits always say no". I have heard both of these multiple times over the years from different people, so these are phrases that are taught to the fundraisers. Not the way to my heart.

Meanwhile, the canvassers claim to receive no compensation, while CI/Dialogue Direct runs ads on craigslist claiming you can make $40k a year raising money for them. Well, which is it? I don't mind that they are paid, but keep it transparent!

I suppose their tactics must work or they wouldn't continue, but I refuse to support those methods. I also wonder if their use of Dialogue Direct obscures the true amount they spend on overhead. But as long as they are aggressive to the point of frightening my female co-workers, they can forget any contribution from me, and I will continue to tell everyone I know about their bizarre and aggressive tactics.

I've enjoyed my sponsorship with CI
Posted by Brycat  |  January 28, 2009 4:20:56 AM

Mr. Cook's salary seems in line with that of other CEO's with high operating budgets, especially if he contributes a high percentage of it back into the organization. Keep in mind, you don't want a novice running one of these companies. I'm sure that some very competant CEO's of charities do their work for less, but why do we feel that someone doing good work is somehow ineligable to be compensated accordingly?

I began sponsoring with CI several months ago and I have already received a letter from my child's family. My daughter loved the picture that Michael, my sponsored child, drew for her. I found the letter to be charming, very appreciative and personal. Because of the timing of my initial sponsorship, I missed the deadline to send my child a personal Christmas gift from our family. This was clearly explained to me. So I donated to a general fund that would supply generic gifts to the children, and was informed several weeks later that a mattress, blanket and pillow were purchased for my child from this fund through my donation. That warmed my heart. I do plan to purchase more personal gifts in the future. I contacted CI to find out how I can send my own care package to my child and his family, and CI is sending me instructions. I receive monthly updates on how other children are blessed through this organization. Newsletters tell of the heart-warming meetings that take place between some sponsors and children, as sponsors are encouraged to visit the children that they sponsor.

I would like to see a higher percentage of their budget go toward children. 80% is acceptable, but they could possibly trim some fat. However, the type of advertising and P.R. required for the larger organizations is not cheap. After all, that is how I found them. So I cannot complain. Overall, I am very pleased with the contact and notifications of how my dollars are being spent. I look forward to building a relationship with my sponsored child and his family.

CEO Salary
Posted by nox  |  January 12, 2009 7:21:46 AM

To all those concerned about Mr. Cook's salary:

There are a few things that you should all know. First off Cook donates 60,000 every year back into children international. That is quite a chunk of his salary and more of a percentage than most would be willing to donate.

Also bear in mind what his job entails. Not only is the man responsible for the lives of over 300,000 children, but he also is responsible for gaining the larger donations. This means throwing fundraisers, making friends with the "right people" and convincing them to donate thousands of dollars at one time. Considering the amount of stress, and responsibilty he has to undergo I don't see his salary as excessive.

I wouldn't want the person running a sponsorship program to be doing so only on the weekends. This is a full time, 7 days a week, 365 days a year kind of job; would any of you want that kind of stress and not be compensated for it?

Finally, this man is responsible for every CI campagn worldwide, a logistical nightmare and a daunting task for any executive.

Given the amount of work, stress, responsibility and money he puts back into the company, I find it hard to categorize his salary as disproportionate.

I highly suggest that all those concerned with his income do more research into the charity and Mr. Cook's responsibilities before giving in to an accusatory knee jerk reaction upon seeing the salary he recieves for his efforts.

Also, take into consideration the salaries of other CEO's whose companies do little to nothing to better the world as a whole or to improve the lives of the less fortunate. If there is someone more deserving of a high salary, I have not found him.

Personal Experience
Posted by snake charmer  |  January 9, 2009 11:53:41 AM

We have sponsored a little girl from Columbia ~ through Children International ~ for many years. We have regularly received pictures & personal notes from Karen including pictures of shoes purchased for her entire family with an extra gift we were able to provide. Her case manager always lets us know what our 'special gifts' were able to provide to Karin & her family. We have always been encouraged to visit our child and we had actually planned to pay a personal visit last month, but due to conflicts had to cancel.

If you check the CI rating, they are among the top 10 charities in the US (4-star rating). We are pleased with what they do and we are happy to make a difference in one child's life.

Karin hopes to become a doctor someday then return to her own community to help others. We are pleased that we have played a role in her chance to overcome poverty and help others in the process.

Because we have traveled in several 3rd world countries, we have seen poverty first hand as well as the lack of any kind of opportunity for the children. We've watched Karen thrive & grow over the past several years with the extra support she has been given thru sponsorship.

Our experience with CI has been positive and we feel the $$'s have been spent wisely. (We still plan a personal visit to Karen someday.)

CEO Salary:
Posted by Salcedo  |  January 9, 2009 6:41:19 AM

It is a little to much for him to earn so much from people who are really trying to earn enough to put on the table and still they contribute. I am one of those people, and far from my mind I don't want to let my Child go. Reality check Mr; Cook needs to give up part of his salary now. Arrogance will not prevail, it all catches up ?

CEO makes $0!
Posted by Gabriel  |  January 8, 2009 7:01:28 AM

I was reviewing salaries and noticed that the St. Vincent De Paul Center's CEO, (who is a Catholic nun) in Chicago makes $0 salary. Yet they do so much good. Wow, It seems to me that some of the better run charities are religious organizations?

CEO Salary Not Unreasonable
Posted by DCHeretic  |  December 18, 2008 7:31:09 AM

I am surprised and disappointed by the number of posters complaining about the CEO's salary. Mr. Cook's salary is less than 1% of the total budget and yet people seem to think that it is excessive. I have the sense that many of the people complaining seem to think that nonprofit management is easy. It most certainly is not easy and managing an international charity is especially difficult.

Charities are subject to the same employment laws and many of the same regulatory laws as corporations. Nonprofit management requires well-educated, experienced leaders to manage the multiple facets of the organization. This includes program operations, development/fundraising, finance/accounting, human resources, public relations, and strategic planning.

There was a time when charities paid poorly and as a consequence "nonprofit" became synonymous with "incompetent." Nonprofit charities compete with government and the private sector for talent and good salaries attract good employees and leaders. I guarantee all of you that Mr. Cook is making a fraction of what he could be making in the private sector.

Children International
Posted by uriel81  |  December 12, 2008 7:05:31 AM

I have sponsored half a dozen children with this group. I get regular written letter updates which make it a personal experience, and the yearly photos provided of the children show their maturation. They are over 80% efficient which is very good overall. The letters cannot contain financial particulars because of their other programs. I was told exactly what was provided to the child with my gifts. The children are supervised in their homes by case workers who provide progress reports about thier communities. I'm quite satisfied with all aspects of Children.org (Children International)

CEO pay - out of line for a charitable organizatio
Posted by Diddelmaus  |  December 8, 2008 6:44:22 AM

We just started to sponsor a boy about one year ago. Unfortunately, I did not bother to get all the facts and figures about the organization. Well, when I saw the CEO salary of $314,000 for 2006 (he probably makes more now in 2008/2009) my mouth dropped open! Does a charitable organization, a "non-profit" really have to pay CEO James Cook $314.000 a year???? HOw does that fit in the picture??? I compared the salary with many other charitable organizations, most of those pay the CEO about $150.000. James Cook must be pretty greedy - I agree with other sponsors - this salary is excessive!!! In addition, I found out from CI that they have a total of 223 employees incl. CEO. You do the math - subtract the CEO salary and divide the rest by 222 employees. That comes to an average salary of about $32.119 per employee per year. I believe Kansas City, MO, is not considered a "high cost of living State" - I live in a high cost city, Denver, I have an ABA Paralegal Certificate and a Bachelors Degree and don't make that much! I feel sorry for or sponsored child, but we will no longer support the CEO's lifestyle "of the rich and famous". There is no "real" contact with the child either, as one sponsor mentions that the letters never address any questions the sponsor asked of the child and CI only gives vague answers what our donations for the sponsored child were actually used for. We do not have any faith, trust and confidence in a "charitable organization" that pays double or more of the salary that most other non-profit's pay their CEOs. In this case with CI, I think "non-profit" is really misleading. We will be looking for a charitable organization where our hard earned money goes to support a worthy cause and does not go in the CEO's private pockets. This may sound harsh - however, all that is said are facts.

Children International
Posted by Salmeixi  |  November 25, 2008 10:03:37 AM

I have been a sponsor for about 3 years. I don't feel I'm communicating with a real child. Her messages have been in cursive since she was seven years old (the penmanship has stayed the same rather than evolving over time), and the messages seem canned,never acknowledging the content of messages I've sent her. The extra donation for a birthday gift was not used for her but put in a pot for all kids, and I never got any acknowledgment of her having received the "gift", so I haven't sent extra money for gifts since then (although they send reminders of holidays, appealing for more money). Also, without giving me a choice, the monthly amount was increased from $18 to $22. I just feel like I'm being bilked, and I'd like to quit, but it's set up in a way that makes you feel like you'll be abandoning your child or letting her down if you get out. There are so many worthwhile organizations that could use the money I give to CI.

CEO salary
Posted by Mark1  |  November 11, 2008 6:40:15 AM

Sorry, but this still rags me. For $314,023 per year, I could sponsor almost 1190 kids. Now think about that....

CI
Posted by Mark1  |  November 10, 2008 7:21:13 AM

Clay,

Yeah, I agree with most of what you say. But a salary of over 314K for a charity is still rather steep in my opinion. Heck, I'd do it for 20K!

CEO Compensation
Posted by Clay  |  September 26, 2008 5:43:34 AM

I don't understand the fixation on the CEO’s salary. This is just a snippet of the financials of this charity. The picture that needs to be looked at is the percentage of the donation and how much goes to the programs. Children International is over 80%, right in line, if not better than most charities. That means over 80% of any donation goes to support the programs, only 20% goes to pay ALL salaries and other administrative costs.

If they can pay this salary and keep that percentage that high, then there is no problem. It is that simple.

Response to Robert
Posted by Mark1  |  August 4, 2008 5:30:09 AM

Robert,

Thats great. So far as "sharing" your Christian faith, remember that not everyone out there is a Christian. Is the purpose of sponsorship to help these kids obtain a better life or to convert them to our own pet doctrines? In the long run, it could leave them rather confused as they try to weigh that within their respective cultures and beliefs.

Jim is not exactly the CEO of Citigroup or ExxonMobil. I still think his salary is excessive, but thats just my opinion. For what its worth and probably nothing. Mark

Personal Experience with Children International
Posted by Robert39  |  July 31, 2008 9:02:24 AM

I have sponsored several children over the past 16 years. It has been a rewarding experience. I believe that this organization has great integrity and can be trusted. It does not bother me, in the slightest, that Jim Cook earns his compensation. It is small compared to most C.E.Os. It has been a blessing for me to be part of the posititve process of young ladies growing into productive adults. As an aside - I have been able to share my Christian faith with 'my' youngsters. It is encouraging that two have affirmed their faith and envolvment with the Christ. To me, that is a big plus, but I would be satisfied to see these young people grow into healthy adults. Oh, I must add that Children International does a great job with just a minimal investment on my part. I could not be more pleased!

Response to Anja
Posted by Mark1  |  July 29, 2008 7:21:17 AM

Anja,

I share your concerns abouts Jim Cook's salary of $314,023 per year. He is making slightly less than Charles MacCormak, the director of Save the Children, which is truly international. His is $327,075 per year. STC does reports for NGOs and other entities. They place ads in The Economist now and then.

I sponsored a girl thru CI for many, many years, starting when she was just in grade school. But when she became pregnant at age 17 they booted her out of the program. Why? It would seem like that was when she needed them the most. They promised to let me contact her one more time, but they didnt fulfill on that promise. All I wanted to tell her was that I was glad to be her sponsor for all those years, and that I was in no way disappointed in her, and to wish her the best. But they wouldnt let me do it. Why? She probably thought I just blew her off or something, and that was not the case.

Whoever moderates this place may not allow the full response to be posted, and heck, thats ok. Whatever. Mark

Personal Experience and CEO Salary
Posted by Anja  |  July 21, 2008 8:41:40 AM

I have recently started sponsoring a child through CI and so far my experience has been good. However, seeing the CEO's salary made me sick. Especially after comparing it to salaries of CEO's of similar charities. It's a complete insult to the sponsors and I wonder how many children don't get sponsored because potential sponsors are turned off by the fact.

CI
Posted by Mark1  |  July 14, 2008 12:15:45 PM

Have been a sponsor with CI for many years, and overall, I think they do alot of good. I do think the CEO is slightly overpaid, though.

cavassing
Posted by happy sponsor  |  July 14, 2008 12:15:23 PM

to the truly frightened lady in Seattle. Do you know that 1 child dies every 3 seconds in the world from poverty related causes? Do you know that in Zambia 1 in 10 children die before they are 1 year old and 86% of the country live below the poverty line? Do you not think that given the scale of this tragedy within our human race that the occassional street canvasser greeting you is ok? Do you even sponsor or care about children or are you more bothered about people interrupting your day?? How dare they!!! I feel sorry for you. I truly do.

CI
Posted by Mark1  |  July 14, 2008 12:01:50 PM

I've sponsored kids thru CI for several years now. Overall, I think they do a pretty good job, though I do believe Jim is overpaid somewhat.

salary
Posted by WeepingWidow  |  July 10, 2008 5:39:26 AM

I will not donate through this organization. Nobody needs, or truly earns, a salary that high, regardless of what industry standards are.

tremendous charity
Posted by science  |  July 8, 2008 5:47:34 AM

Children International is a real solution to a problem that is mostly unnoticed in the world. I couldn't be more pleased with the opportunities that the little girl I sponsored in India now has. Supriti has a chance for a real life on her own terms now because of 70 cents a day. Incredible.

Posted by TrulyFrightened  |  July 7, 2008 5:45:31 AM

This organization has been canvassing my neighborhood in Seattle for several weeks. They work in groups, and are more aggressive than the worst of the illegal panhandlers around here. If you try to walk 10 feet around them with earbuds in to try avoiding them, they will shout you down. I asked a local merchant if he knew who they really were. His reply: "I don't know, but they're chasing away business, and making people scared to walk down the street. I wish they would leave."

So do I!

soliciting
Posted by waltemyer  |  June 19, 2008 6:21:00 AM

I recently had an encounter with one of your solicitors. I try to listen and understand what a charity organization is all about, but I have a hard time when if I say no and get a hard sell afterwards, I don't quite understand that. I trust in the Lord to tell me if and who to contribute funds to, and when I say no it isn't because I wouldn't like to contribute.

Great Charity
Posted by DCHeretic  |  May 15, 2008 8:19:35 AM

I am very pleased to donate to Children International. Like other posters, it was important for me to find a non-sectarian organization that respects native cultures and religions. I appreciate the fact that Children International does not allow donors to proselytize to the children. The organization encourages donors to write to the children and even visit them, which enhances the transparency of the organization.

As for the executive director's salary, I do not find it unreasonable. Leadership is essential to an organization's ability to thrive and skilled leaders do not come cheap. An annual salary of $300,000 - $400,000 is very resonable for the executive director of an international NGO the size of Children International. People who work for nonprofits and government should still be able to make a comfortable living. Their salaries, including the salary of Mr. Cook, are usually far below what they could be making in the corporate sector.

Christian Orgs...
Posted by RebelPrince  |  May 13, 2008 8:15:54 AM

I asked the canvasser when I signed up whether CI was at all affiliated with any religious group and he assured me they are not. This is also a deal-breaker for me, and having poked around their site quite a bit, it does seem like he was telling the truth.

Hope this helps...

Anyone know?
Posted by HeartCarlin  |  May 12, 2008 5:37:42 AM

I would like to know if this is a Christian organization. The foundation is appealing to me because they took they made sure to celebrate the cultures of each countries in which one can sponsor a child. I appreciate that they find it important to honor different cultures. While I respect Christian children's organizations, I do not wish to convert the children. I'd rather just feed them. No disrespect, though...

Thanks...

Awesome
Posted by Ofte  |  April 17, 2008 5:44:10 AM

CI rules!

CEO has a very high salary
Posted by prairiechyld  |  April 16, 2008 5:40:04 AM

This site says the CEO has a salary of $314,023. I'm no longer going to support this charity as I want my money to go to kids in need, not the CEO. My sponsored child is almost 19, when he graduates the program, I will find another charity to support.

Personal Experience with CI
Posted by Vieja47  |  March 31, 2008 5:51:43 AM

I have been a sponsor with CI for nearly 5 years, and cannot say enough good about this organization. Last summer I travelled to Manila to meet the families of the two girls I sponsor, and the staff was completely dedicated to making the visits memorable. Packages I have sent have always arrived and been distributed as requested; letters and photos are regular (several times a year). Quite simply, this organization does what it says it will do, and always keeps in mind that the sponsors have an emotional need to have regular contact with "their" children. You can't go wrong with this organization.