Letter of thanks
Posted by Trish  |  June 29, 2009 12:20:30 PM

I gave nowhere near the $1500.00 that DJlcenhower did but for what I did give I received a Thank You. Not a letter but a card and granted it also had a place on it to give another contribution but I find that with most charities. The fact is, that they did thank me for my donation. There are some others on this site that don't receive very high marks but when I check them out elsewhere I find they do get high marks so I have decided that this site is not the only place to look and also I have tried to get them to check out a charity and they finally told me that it did not fit their criteria but when I checked the criteria I see that it does. Well, I give to that charity anyway. I think everyone has to do some investigating on their own in some cases and if they are personally involved and know it is a good one they should let that be known.

Another Endorsement for MDA
Posted by A Believer  |  February 23, 2009 1:25:33 PM

I must admit I was shocked, as a long term MDA Volunteer and Donor, to read some of this thread.

Endorsing "Wile's" comments below, I urge a second look at MDA's use of money (particularly in Administration--where money is often wasted by other charities.)

Although I wish I made as much as the CEO, I'd demand a raise after seeing what others running comparable organizations earn. (Note that Parent Project's CEO-- a terrific organization-- earns a third of what MDA's CEO does but Parent Project is roughly only 3% the size.)

I don't mean to compare terrific organizations-- just note that we are fighting a common foe of illness. I have a family member dealing with neuromuscular disease and am dismayed when I see negative comments about groups doing good work that is highly impactful on a major scale.

Whomever you identify as worthy of your dollars-- just please give generously and pull on the same oar. I use the American Institute of Philanthropy and BBB to assess outfits to whom I donate.

I, for one, plan to increase whatever amount I can spare during tough times for MDA this year.

Earned Rating
Posted by Paul Wyo  |  February 5, 2009 7:08:17 AM

MDA has EARNED it's declining rating by it's historical actions. It is spending more money (as a percentage) on fund-raising that similar NFPs like Parent Project MD, with 4 stars, along with what it is paying it's CEO. After I started investigating what organizations spend for anything OTHER than the stated purpose (children with muscular diseases, for instance) I could no longer donate to MDA with a clear concious. Before I donate to any organization, I first investigate how they spend the funds they recieve. And specifically as a percentage of the amount they raise. There is no reason that these organizations cannot spend wisely, just as I have to. Specifically as a disabled person, living on a fixed income.

Executive Pay
Posted by albee  |  February 4, 2009 11:48:55 AM

I find it interesting that executive pay is greater than 50% higher than the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and the VP of the United States.

Responsive organization
Posted by DJIcenhower  |  January 12, 2009 6:55:33 AM

Wile,

They must deserve the two star rating. Less than 78% of what you raise goes to your local charity as you can see by the statistics given. If they were a responsive organization, they would respond appropriately to their contributors. Not even the CEO of the organization cared enough to contact us.

Respond to Caution on Donating to MDA
Posted by wile  |  January 8, 2009 7:04:03 AM

After reading the previous post about their bad experience with MDA, I felt obligated to register on this site and respond. I have, for over 15 years, organized fund raisers each year for the MDA kids. They have sent representatives to my school to talk about Muscular Dystrophy, and supported us with materials for our students. I have always received "thank you" cards and plaques, but never paid them any attention because that isn't the reason we chose this organization. We chose this organization because the money we donate goes directly to helping local kids in our area attend a summer camp where they are able to participate in activities they otherwise would not be able to do. I've been to the camp and volunteered my time teaching classes there and performing for the kids. It is amazing! So in addition to money going to research, it goes to help these kids enjoy the lives they are living in the present. I understand the previous poster's frustration with not getting a form for their tax records, but to denounce an entire organization due to one person's experience is unfair to the kids the MDA helps. This site has this organization underrated at only 2 stars. And I encourage people to continue to support the MDA.

Cautionj on donating to MDA
Posted by DJIcenhower  |  January 2, 2009 6:46:11 AM

01/01/09 - In May of 2008, we donated $ 1,500 to MDA. After that contribution, we never heard anything back from them. No thank you, nothing. Several months ago, we wrote their CEO, Gerald Weinburg about our concern. We asked for a letter of acknowledement of our donation for our tax records. Again, nothing.

We know that Jerry gives us all a warm and fuzzy feeling about his "kids" but people really need to investiagate this organization prior to giving away their hard earned money. There are many worthwhile causes which carry a higher Charity Navigator rating than does MDA.