bbb accredition revoked
Posted by Leonce  |  November 18, 2009 8:03:33 AM

On January 16, 2009, this charity's BBB Accredition was revoked by the BBB's Board of Directors due to failing to meet BBB Standards of Charitable Accountability.

CEO greed is disgraceful!
Posted by Unsympathetic  |  November 11, 2009 12:06:00 PM

The key to the CEO salary objection is this. He's paid 500 grand for a part-time job. He is also the CEO of his father's evangelical organization. Additionally, World Vision is 4 times as large both in staff and endowment.. yet their CEO's annual compensation is under 1/3 of Everette's.

This organization does not deserve your monetary support until the CEO pay is drastically reduced. If you're giving your hard-earned cash to this organization, you are throwing it away. During calendar 2008 Everette received $535,000 from Samaritan's Purse and $669,000 from his father's evangelical organization. The information on this website is not correct.

I have and will continue to fill the shoeboxes, but under protest.

Compensation
Posted by PBCA  |  November 2, 2009 5:49:54 AM

We will continue to participate in the shoeboxes, I think it's a good cause. That will be the extent of our participation, the CEO salary is WAY too high.

Excessive Pay
Posted by hunter1211  |  October 30, 2009 2:56:11 PM

I agree that Franklin's pay is way too much. I have cut my giving to this charity because of that one thing. We only do the shoeboxes now, and we will probably not do that next year. There are many other Christian charities that now have similiar projects, and they don't pay their CEOs nearly as much as Franklin Graham gets paid.

Public School?
Posted by Erin15  |  October 27, 2009 6:11:23 AM

D. Marie, are you talking about a social studies class at a public school? If so, is this really an appropriate charity for a public school to be giving to? Its main purpose is to convert people to Christianity. It believes that non-Christians are sinners. I hope all the students and parents are aware of that. Please see this website: http://www.pursestrings.ca/

Oops...
Posted by Erin15  |  October 27, 2009 6:03:41 AM

Please disregard my comment D. Marie. I just realized that SS probably means Sunday School which definitely makes more sense.

Excessive pay
Posted by D. Marie  |  October 26, 2009 11:40:27 AM

Our SS class is doing the shoeboxes, so I thought I'd check out the SP rating. If you look at B. Graham site as well, Franklin gets over $600,000 from the 2 ministries. In my book, that's excessive even if he's giving back a lot. (Hopefully). This money is from donations, for goodness sakes!! I know they do good work, but what more could be done with at least half that salary. Too many big-time preachers are living the high life & these are the things that give Christianity a bad name!!

Opinions of People Who Disapprove
Posted by Erin15  |  October 23, 2009 11:17:46 AM

http://sites.google.com/site/occalert/Home http://www.pursestrings.ca/christmaschild.htm

Former Field Employee
Posted by nathanqw  |  October 23, 2009 5:49:12 AM

I worked in multiple countries for Samaritan's Purse managing a variety of programs and can personally say they are one of the hardest working, ethically sound organizations out there. Reading through some of these posts makes me chuckle- why are people suprised when a Christian org tells others about Christ? I distributed a number of Operation Christmas Child boxes and the gospel was always shared, but the children were never "duped" or bribed with gifts to become Christians. We would tell them "a gift from the American people who love you and want you to know that God loves you." Regarding CEO pay, when an SP hospital kept getting bombed in S. Sudan, Franklin met with Sudan's president and asked them to stop-and they did. Watch the N. Korea video on SP's website right now- because of who FG is, Samaritan's Purse gets into areas and helps people who couldn't be reached otherwise. CEO's are paid on their value to the organization, and Franklin is worth every penny.

Christian responsiblity
Posted by Manny  |  October 12, 2009 5:53:20 AM

For those of you unfamiliar with how large charities work, look at the rating, look at the percentage of program expense versus Admin and Fundraising. This charity far exceeds most in the area. As for the charge that the "Christian" thing to do is to just give presents to the kids and make them happy, and leave Christ out of it, go read your bible. You will find that that it Christians are absolutely commanded to go and spread the good news of good news of the gospel. So yes, these children will be hearing about Jesus Christ--that is the main purpose of the charity. A toy gives temporary satisfaction, God's salvation is for eternity. I'd rather have the gift of Jesus than all the money in the world.

The Christian thing to do
Posted by Manny  |  October 12, 2009 5:52:59 AM

Erin, you so completely miss the mark of what Christians are called to do, it is sad. Why would Christians only preach to other Christians? That is completely counter to what Christians are called to do in the bible. God wants EVERY human being to know his gift of his son as the once and for all sacrifice for all sin, for ALL of us to gain eternal salvation. And by the way, unless one's specific purpose is to spread the gospel and glorify God, it is not the Christian thing to do. Therefore, simply giving presents to needy children does not equate to Christianity.

read the mission statement
Posted by Manny  |  October 12, 2009 5:52:40 AM

The purpose of this organization is to meet the "spriritual" needs of needy children. It is a CHRISTIAN organization, so yes, these children will receive information on the Christianity. There's probably more Christian charities giving to needs children around the world, than any secular organization. Good job Samaritan's Purse!

Salaries
Posted by Jim M  |  September 30, 2009 6:08:28 AM

I am very amazed at the judgmentalism that I see in Christian circles. How do you know what Graham does with the money he receives? How do you know what amount he turns around and gives back to the organization? Scripture talks about not judging the servants of another, but let the Lord judge.

Our pastor earns a very nice salary. For years he refused to accept a pay increase until our staff of elders insisted on the increase. He said he did not need the increase and that they paid him enough. The elder staff said they understood he believed this but they wanted to see what he would do with the money they gave him to show his faithfulness.

I think the more important question then is how much he returns back and that we need to leave up to the Lord. Because the Samaritan Purse organization has chosen to reward Graham's labors with a salary twice what many receive does not impact me as much as the character of the man and what he gives back in service. Samaritan's Purse is a very good charity in many respects.

Jim M

Dishonorable
Posted by Erin15  |  August 25, 2009 6:32:15 AM

Using toys to bribe impoverished, non-Christian children into converting is dishonorable. If Operation Christmas Child was just about helping and bringing happiness to a child in need, I would definitely support it. That alone is a Christian act. Evangelists should not be targeting non-Christian children. They should only target adults who know the consequences of converting to Christianity and fully understand why they are converting in the first place.

how much is too much ?
Posted by d low  |  August 25, 2009 6:31:37 AM

As the scripture says, a workman is worthy of pay, but how much ? I believe i read that the menian salary of a non-profit ceo is around 150 k per yr. This is a very respectful salary. 345,000 is too much. The president only makes 400 k So do you help the cause , which is a good one, and forget about the true beneficiary's. For the love of god, this just isn't right - no matter how you slice it. This is a christian charity I don't care what the secular charities make. What does the average citizen make ? I think 150 k is more than enough. What does he need all that money for ? A new boat, remodeling the house, a car lot,a fancy vacation resort.No, this charity may be rated 4 stars , but it gets an F in my book

Just a couple of part-time jobs
Posted by berean77  |  August 14, 2009 8:12:59 AM

The fact that Franklin Graham draws such a high salary is a little troubling, but I am even more concerned that he can draw a six-figure salary from the BGEA also. The 2007 numbers show him making $356K from Samaritan's Purse, and $89K from "affiliates", whatever they are. But if you look up the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, he is listed as CEO there with a salary of $104K and over $500K from "affiliates"! How much does this guy really make? Apparently, he has a couple of part-time jobs that pay really well.

Samaritan's Purse does some wonderful work, but this is a HUGE red flag to me.

Salaries
Posted by steved  |  August 13, 2009 8:18:17 AM

I have been on mission trips to Belarus and Tanzania, worked with orphans and poor pastors. By accepting huge salaries to do the work of caring for the poor, needy and unevangelized, Franklin Graham is saying, "I value having more money than most "servant" of the Lord, than providing money to further the work of clothing, feeding and preaching to the most needy in the world. Why does one person need that much money to support his family? Don't most ministers do it on a whole lot less money? Just because he is doing good work, doesn't justify such a salary. Ask him, "Would you continue to do this work if you were only offered $120,000 a year in salary from your board of directors?" Is his board hand picked to give him whatever he wants? This was the way it was with Herbert W. Armstrong, a cult leader who in the 1970's was earning 400K a year while living in church housing on campus and had a limo and driver. Disgusting . . .

great commission
Posted by rjizzel  |  August 11, 2009 6:12:26 AM

Ulterior motive means "a second and underlying motive, usually a selfish or dishonorable one." This is the complete opposite of Samaraitan's Purse. Their mission is not underlying, not selfish, and certainly not dishonorable. Helping victims of war, poverty, natural disaster, famine, in order to save them BOTH physically and spiritually. Their mission statement is open, candid, and truthful about sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, so that leaves no room for an ulterior motive.

Correction
Posted by Erin15  |  April 21, 2009 9:06:30 AM

I think I used the wrong phrase when I said "hidden agenda." Perhaps I should have used ulterior motive.

Salary
Posted by TKM  |  April 3, 2009 6:15:38 AM

I do believe Mr. Graham's salary is a bit excessive for a charity. However, I highly respect him and his work.

over payed
Posted by Bottom line  |  March 20, 2009 5:52:57 AM

None of the Apostles were rich. The love of money is the root of all evil. (1Tim 6:10) If Frank and Billy didn't love money they wouldn't have so much.

great Christian charity
Posted by teamdirtdogs  |  December 26, 2008 4:07:25 AM

My family just returned from a medical mission trip to Kenya arranged through the World Medical Mission division of SP and they made all the arrangements and it was a really great experience. The hospital at Tenwek clearly states "We treat, Jesus heals" and the staff there openly share Christianity with the patients and pray with them, but I have never seen it forced on anyone, or any discrimination against non-Christians. Yes, this is an openly Christian organization, they believe in ministering to soul as well as body, but not exclusively to the soul. Those of us who are Christians like that, those who don't particularly care for that slant have many other options to choose.

Evangelical Organization - it's in the name...
Posted by Blf2008  |  December 9, 2008 6:38:20 AM

Just to address the "hidden agenda" comment... This is an openly Christian organization, that holds high it's Christian values and evangelical heritage. It's "agenda" for spreading the love of Christ through Word and Deed is not hidden. It is written all over its website, its promotional materials, its representatives, etc. The Operation Christmas Child literature is clear about the intent behind the gift, to not only provide a Christmas present but to open the opportunity to teach children the true meaning of Christmas. If you have not accepted the Christian belief system as part of your life, donate to a different organization.

Not okay
Posted by Erin15  |  December 8, 2008 8:15:44 AM

I've heard similar things about Samaritan's Purse and Operation Christmas Child. They use the shoe boxes as tools to evangelize non Christian children. Whatever happened to just helping people for the sake of helping them? Why does there need to be a hidden agenda?

This is a pernicious organization
Posted by sadgrove  |  December 8, 2008 6:46:23 AM

Samaritans Purse is an evangelical organisation that aims to separate children from the faith of their parents.

They secretly pop evangelical leaflets into the shoe boxes, and sometimes distribute the shoe boxes only after the Muslim children have attended a Christian ceremony.

Rev. Franklin Graham, the head of Samaritan's Purse, has called Islam ‘a wicked religion,’ and is best friends with George Bush, a man not known for his contribution to world peace.

You can easily verify this information and more on the internet.

Appearance of Greed
Posted by Lome  |  November 13, 2008 6:48:53 AM

The Bible tells Christians to refrain from "the appearance of evil". Mr. Graham's salary certainly has the appearance of greed. It doesn't matter what the percentage of SP's total revenue his salary is - what matters is that the secular world sees yet another Christian leader making big bucks off good-hearted tithers.

What does salary include?
Posted by rstan  |  November 10, 2008 10:24:38 AM

I have been impressed with SP and Graham. However, $300K - $400K seems very high to me. I don't care what "Executives" make. I think ministries should be careful to pay good salarys, yet not excessive ones. My question would be how is this salary calculated? Does it include travel expenses etc. etc., as I know those type of things could rack up quickly. But if this amount is just straight salary, and all of his expenses are paid on top of this, then I don't see how this much is justified. I realize that people don't care how much you have until you have more than they do, but how does a ministry justify $400+K for anybody? I make 150K in secular management, and live comfortably with a wife and 2 kids in Arkansas where standard of living is average. I wonder if I asked Mr. Graham about his salary of $400+K if he would flinch at all? If I was running a ministry, even a good one like SP, I wouldn't want to draw that much of a salary, regardless of a generous board.

Do the Math
Posted by mjq  |  November 3, 2008 7:04:16 AM

A couple comments have grossly overstated Franklin Graham's salary as a percentage of the charity's expenses. Graham's salary is 0.13% of expenses, not 13% of expenses. Do the math....that figure is 100 times to high! And even if you add in the $112,000 he received from affiliates, his salary is still less than 1/5 of 1% of expenses.

be careful what you write
Posted by garzetta  |  October 21, 2008 9:19:21 AM

Robert, please reread the numbers. World Vision's raised one-fifth of what Samaritan's Purse raised, yet there president received a salary over twice the size of Franklin Graham's, based on percentage of expenses. (Both numbers are very good, by the way, and should not hamper anyone to donate to either charity). Kevanov and jhorowitz, please reread your numbers. Mr. Graham;s salary is 0.13%, not 13% of the expenses.

RE: looks fishy
Posted by RTS  |  September 29, 2008 6:20:31 AM

If Graham's talents were being employed at some other secular organization, he could very easily be making many times his current salary. As for the reserve, that's just prudence IMO. I do think his salary is too high though. I'm just playing devil's advocate here : )

Compare to World vision
Posted by Robert  |  September 24, 2008 5:32:34 AM

I the past I have supported both world vision and Samaritan's purse. Mr. Grahams salary is not acceptable, however. Take a look at World Vision. They have nearly a billion dollars of revenue (5 times Samaritan's) and they pay their president less that Samaritan's purse.

Rating the Charities by One Standard
Posted by fatherof2gr8kid  |  September 15, 2008 10:32:42 AM

This charity is able to use 89.9% of its funding for the charitable goal of its mission. Yes, 10.1% therefore goes to either fundraising or administrative costs, including salaries. It is easy to rank Samaritan's Purse on this basis with other charities, many of which have a much lower end use efficiency with donors' money. Perhaps $345,000 sounds like a lot as one man's salary, when he does receive another (smaller) one also. He is accountable to God for what he does, and for how he does it. His organization has a board of directors who likely determines Mr. Graham's salary. Learn more about the ministry. Pray for this ministry and its leaders, that it would be effective for Christ. If you're not comfortable giving here, find another ministry to support with your money. If you give as unto the Lord, and trust that God will use your money in whatever amount you can give it, then you need not fear just where the money goes. It went to God, remember? He'll take care of the rest.

Grahams salary
Posted by kevonav  |  August 25, 2008 6:15:55 AM

Plus Graham gets another $120k from the B.G.E.A. In 1 Cor. Pauls writes that ministers have the right to make a LIVING from the Gospel. - 100's of thousands a year is more than a living. Graham is enriching himself off the flock. I like Purse as a ministry otherwise, but I'm not giving to a ministry that will take 13% of my sacrificial gift and make a fat cat fatter. No Way!

Efficient Charity
Posted by mjq  |  August 8, 2008 12:23:57 PM

I have supported many different charities over many years giving about 15-20% of my gross income each year. For several years now I have been donating to Samaritans Purse. I am impressed with how little this organization spends on fundraising and administration and although the CEO compensation is high, it amounts to only 1.3 cents of each $10.00 of revenue.

As for assets (buildings, planes, ships, water-drilling equipment, etc), owning them can make a lot more sense than renting space and buying services. I am most impressed by how much they accomplish each year with their resources.

Business or Charity?
Posted by granniej  |  July 25, 2008 6:08:31 AM

Red Cross - $500,000, Samaritan's Purse 345,000 - While others work for FREE. Why do they have assets over 166 million? That is a reserve of 63% of expnses and more than doubled in 2 years.

Western Colorado Disaster Relief - $0 (ZERO)Salary. smaller non profit - but help many in disaster all over the USA.

This is a true charity.

Business or Charity?
Posted by TH  |  June 9, 2008 5:49:01 AM

It seems there are two camps on these forums. People who think these salaries are in line, write about them in business terms. Like a percentage of the take or profit. The people that think these wages are on the high side, think they are looking at a charity. Which is it?

Wonderful Organization
Posted by KelliE  |  May 12, 2008 11:19:46 AM

In defense of Graham's salary, it would be unlikely that this charity could be as effective without Franklin Graham's name behind it. That alone, along with his unselfish vision & the efficient manner in which the program is run, makes his salary modest in comparison to what other executives make. I have contributed to this organization for a few years, I find it to be a very well-run, extraordinarily effective charity with the most gracious staff. I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking to contribute to a faith-based international relief organization!

Analysis of income and expenses
Posted by JeffNorton  |  April 21, 2008 5:40:41 AM

Income has been rising steadily as has expenditures on programs. I see expenditures last year roughly matched income from the previous year. That appears to be the pattern for the last several years. It appears that programs matching last year's income are budgeted for the next year. When actual income exceeds this a surplus is left that has been accumulating over the years. As for the president's salary it does seem rather high, but it is .13% of expenses not 13%. $345K for running an organization with a budget of over $200M isn't unusual I suppose in the world -- perhaps even modest by that standard.

looks fishy
Posted by jhorowitz  |  April 17, 2008 5:44:05 AM

Why is the president earning 345,000, 13% of the expenses? Why do they have assets over 166 million? that is a reserve of 63% of expnses and more tha doubled in 2 years. Who is using the assets since the ROI is less than 2%. Sounds like a posh house and big salary for the president.

A great charity.
Posted by TimD  |  March 5, 2008 6:40:10 AM

I've supported Samaritan's Purse for a few years now and have always been pleased with the programs and managment of the organization.

I personally met one of the children impacted by their Operation Christmas Child program and was amazed and how meaningful their simple shoeboxes can be.

They are one of my personal favorite charities.