amzed!!
Posted by jbdrummer  |  November 10, 2009 5:55:31 AM

I am continually amazed and frustrated by the shallow thinking and hypocritical idealogy of most self-professing "christians" All of you people on here suggesting that the workers for this amazing oranization should work for free b/c it is a christian org. are unbelievable! You supposedly are a "christian" so why don't you work for free? It's ridiculous. "a laborer is worth his hire" that is in this really great book...called "the bible". World Vision is THE LARGEST christian humanitarian org. IN THE WORLD. Do you think that hiring a bunch of mediocre staff members could handle that kind of pressure? They have one of the lowest over-heads of these org.(13%) which means 87 cents out of every dollar given goes directly to helping those in need. My wife and I sponsor 2 children as well as giving additionally when we can and will continue to do so. God has obviously blessed this org. or they wouldn't have lasted 60 yrs and have the respect of so many.

WV Volunteer Opportunities
Posted by E  |  August 6, 2009 7:14:43 AM

To WV employees - We sponsor three adorable little boys, one in Brazil and two in Africa. I think WV is an amazing organization and would love to contribute in some meaningful way, in addition to the financial contributions we make from time to time during the year (I love that extra cash gifts are received 100% by the sponsored child's family - our guys bought clothes, animals, food and a toy truck or two with our Christmas gifts - am looking at the wells now.) We just moved to Marin County in California. Is there anything I can do from here on a volunteer basis? I'm a lawyer but am not currently practicing. I thought I would send this note here as it seems like a direct way to reach a WV representative who might share thoughts with me.

I do love your organization and everyone I have dealt with there has been gracious and sharp! I also received very sweet thank you letters from the local WV reps when we sent our modest extra cash donations to the sponsored boys - they seem very engaged and organized.

Thanks!!

CEO Salary
Posted by BSBUSTER  |  July 23, 2009 11:16:44 AM

[ ''Salary too low Posted by ChildSponsor | July 15, 2009 7:06:52 AM]

WHAT-A-JOKE !!!!!!!!!

Hey, it is C-H-A-R-I-T-Y and NOT FREE-LOADING !!!!!!!!!!

Explaining Charity Nav's Rating System
Posted by amyp  |  July 22, 2009 7:26:59 AM

Some of the comments below have mentioned World Vision’s current 3-star rating. I’m a WV employee and thought it might help to clarify why WV has that rating. To give some background, Charity Navigator rates organizations in two major categories: “efficiency” and “capacity.” “Efficiency” rates orgs’ day-to-day financial operations – whether they maintain reasonable administrative costs and ensure that most spending is on programs. In this category, WV is given an exceptional 4-star rating. “Capacity” evaluates how well orgs sustain their programs over time and rates their ability to continue funding programs. For this, WV is given a 3-star good rating. CN calculates the “capacity rating” on three items: “working capital” (the amount of money WV keeps in reserve); "primary revenue growth"(how much WV is able to increase the amount it raises each year compared to prior years); and “program expense growth” (the percentage by which WV grows its funding for programs compared to prior years.) WV has slightly different view than CN on working capital. We think it’s important to send the funds we receive to the field as soon as possible, rather than keeping them in reserve. As a result, we keep fewer reserves than CN recommends, which affects this rating. WV also is a huge organization. While we continue to grow more money for programs, CN expects charities to grow by an average of 10 percent a year over 3 years. WV’s size makes it difficult to do that. It’s much more difficult for a large organization to grow by 10 percent than it is for a small one. On average over each of the past 3 years, WV has raised an additional 5.9 percent more funding, and has grown its program-specific expenses by 5.7 percent. We think this is a good indicator that we can continue to grow, even in the current economy. People use different criteria when they decide to give. I just wanted to give some explanation for those who use rating systems to inform their decisions. Hope that helps.

Salary too low
Posted by ChildSponsor  |  July 15, 2009 7:06:52 AM

WV may be a charitable organization but charity does just not happen. Effort and organisation are required, and in WV's case, it happens splendidly. At 9 cents for every dollar, what other ogranizations with a global reach are doing as well as WV?

Compare:

Consider, Kids Alive CEO makes 128K pa for a $5M organisation. Children's HopeChest CEO : 98K pa for a $5M organisation. Plan USA CEO: 219K pa for a $40M organisation. Children of the Nations CEO: 77K pa for a $4M organisation. Safe Passage CEO: 7K pa for $4M organisation.

If its fair to pay 7K pa for a CEO to run a $4M organisation (and its NOT! who can live on that?), it would be fair to pay $1.7M a year for a CEO to run a $1B organisation. As a matter of fact, thats in the ball park of what Mr Stearns used to make, so on top of the 12 kids he sponsors, he's really contributing $1M a year to charity.

I sponsor two kids and God Bless Mr Stearns and the wonderful people at World Vision for helping me to do so.

His salary is too low. Give him a raise. He deserves it.

CEO Salary
Posted by BSBUSTER  |  July 8, 2009 12:34:18 PM

Over 300k in CEO salary ??? E-x-c-u-s-e me !!!

THAT puts him in the TOP 1% OF THE POPULATION, doing C-H-A-R-I-T-Y WORK !!!!!!!

I am pulling out from WV and switching to one that is 4-star in actual service !!

A Note
Posted by DaveW  |  June 3, 2009 6:06:06 AM

My salary is less than one-fourth that of Mr. Stearns which puts my income in the top 1% of the world. I am treated far better than I deserve. World Vision is a large organization and in many ways must behave as a business that size in order to be reputable as an organization that is accountable and trustworthy. There are a few facts (publicly available), I recall which describe a little of Mr. Stearns character --my apologies to Mr. Stearns for listing them here. 1) A dozen children are sponsored by the Stearns family through World Vision. 2) All royalties from his recent and only book, “The Hole in Our Gospel” goes to World Vision’s work 3) On a recent speaking invitation to Willow Creek Church in Illinois, Mr. Stearns paid his own way. I hope to use these examples as an encouragement to be a better steward of the funds made available to me. Parable of the Talents: “To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability.” Matthew 25:14-30

CEO Salary
Posted by Debby  |  June 2, 2009 6:16:38 AM

While I am sort of irritated about the WV CEO salary, I will not discontinue my sponsorship. I have sponsored a child in India for 5 years and so enjoy getting letters and pictures from him and watching his progress. I am trying to keep the salary in perspective and look at the big picture with WV. What I think, in general, is that many US CEOs are overpaid and when you make a comparison to what they make on average, WV's CEO salary it isn't so bad. But do I think they should be compared to what people make in general, YES. While average US salaries have not kept up with the cost of living, CEO salaries have skyrocketed. If the CEO of WV needs this salary to take on and grow an organization like WV than it is what it is.

World Vision Response to CEO Salary
Posted by Joanna Mockler  |  May 29, 2009 7:36:30 AM

As the chair of World Vision’s board of directors in the U.S., I feel the need to comment on Rich’s Stearns’ salary.

Rich runs a huge, complex organization with nothing short of children’s lives on the line. It’s a stressful, demanding job that only someone with a unique combination of skills, knowledge and calling could do.

We understand that, to most Americans, Rich's salary must seem high. But given his experience, skills and responsibilities, he could be making much more. Rich has served as CEO of several nationally-known corporations and voluntarily took a 75% pay cut to work at World Vision. He gave up millions of dollars in compensation in order to help others – not something many of us would do.

Since coming to World Vision in 1998, Rich has more than tripled World Vision’s size and the number of children we can assist. He has reduced overhead so that 86 percent of our donations can be used to help the poor.

You should also know that Rich has no say in determining his own salary. On multiple occasions, he has humbly asked the board NOT to raise his salary. He even insisted on donating all royalties from his recent book to World Vision. The board gives him salary increases because we think he deserves to be compensated fairly in relation to World Vision’s size and to his effectiveness as a leader.

As a Christian organization, we try to follow the Bible’s teaching to pay workers fairly (1 Tim. 5:18). The board consults detailed salary surveys and experts to set compensation levels. Even so, these external benchmarks indicate that Rich is underpaid – by almost half.

In the end, World Vision is one of world’s largest and most effective charities because we are able to attract quality leaders. We take stewardship seriously and that includes making sure donors' gifts are placed in competent, trustworthy hands. World Vision should be judged not by its CEO’s salary, but rather, by the quality of our work.

Joanna Mockler

CEO salary and WV in general
Posted by SusanD  |  May 8, 2009 11:53:06 AM

If somebody ran and was capable of running a billion dollar company their compensation out side the charity world would be far higher. WV is a HUGE charity-one of the largest and it is very organized. I have been a donor for five years and they are extremely efficient. Look at your television set during major world crisis and you will see World Vision bags in the background days after the reporters from CNN arrive. They are a force out there saving lives. The man deserves every dime. I get letters not just from the mother of the child I help but the head of the WV program in the town where she lives. You can target you donation -down to giving a goat to your child's family. They are very good at what they do!

Rich Stearnes salary
Posted by David P  |  May 7, 2009 8:35:41 AM

1,037. That's how many donors it takes, scraping up $30 a month, or $360 a year, just to pay Rich Stearnes. I know because I'm one of them. Something else to consider - payroll taxes. World Vision must pay payroll taxes of $6,621 on Stearnes salary, which requires another 18 donors. I haven't seen WV making any public committment to reducing expenses. Compare Samaritan's Purse.

KIVA NO PANACEA
Posted by David P  |  May 7, 2009 8:30:52 AM

Those of you who think KIVA is free think again. The actual overseas lenders do charge a fee of 10% or more to the people they are lending your money to. That's how they feed their families. But WV takes a 14% cut of your money, so it's still lower.

Do You Understand Volunteer?
Posted by Geek  |  May 6, 2009 12:27:05 PM

I think you are all confused. Few of you seem to understand the difference between "volunteering" and "working". People volunteer when they can afford to. People work to make a living. If you get someone to volunteer for CEO, a laughable idea, how are they supposed to pay their mortgage or feed their children? You get what you pay for. Being a CEO of an organization like World Vision would be an extremely difficult job - one that would require expertise in multiple fields, and a true devotion to the children served. To claim that anybody should do their job for free is ridiculous. Why don't any of you do your jobs for free, 100%? I mean, why don't you donate 100% of your paycheck to charity? How would that be different than asking someone to work for free. It's stupid. I think some people on here need to grow up.

high salaries?
Posted by blueyedlady  |  April 6, 2009 6:11:09 AM

Matthew 7:1-5 1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.

2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?

5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

kiva
Posted by TopDawgTerry  |  April 2, 2009 3:54:27 AM

I just went to the kiva website that health4 all recommended and I loved it! nothing goes to kiva unless you click the option of donating extra money. some of them are sooo close to achieving their goal.

Ceo pay
Posted by Bottom line  |  March 9, 2009 6:28:31 AM

I have read the pros and cons about Mr stearns salary. I have come to the con- clution that WV should have hired a retired christian Ceo that would have loved to work for WV just for his reward in heaven. What do you think?

CEO Pay
Posted by DebraB  |  March 4, 2009 8:03:12 AM

Please read Rich Stearns' new book, "The Hole in Our Gospel." Hear his heart, then make your judgement about his pay.

criticizing salaries are fair game
Posted by JRC  |  March 1, 2009 10:54:38 PM

The key concept of the word charity is to be willing to giv to benefit others without accepting or expecting anything in return. The CEO could easily say no to taking any salary. It is very misguided to suggest that talent requires high salaries. Just look at the so-called talent that has run the US into financial ruin. They command $300 million severance packages for what? Robbing their employees pensions funds? Cooking the books? Lying about their real profits? There are plenty of talented people who are COMMITTED and willing to work for very little if nothing. It seems like the biggest crooks have always been the elite, and the most honest people are often the poorest. Sometimes the only thing people possess is their character and I have found poor people to be routinely more honest and generous than the very wealthy people I know. The love of money is the root of all evil.....or something like that. Suggesting that the size of a company dictates someone's salary is ludicrous. What would the president of the United States earn in that case? Everyone is replaceable. No one is so special that they can't be replaced in a heart beat.

Appearance of Evil
Posted by Lome  |  February 25, 2009 6:46:53 AM

To those who say commenters shouldn't criticize the CEO's salary: Christians are told to avoid the appearance of evil. Mr. Stearns salary has the appearance of greed. This matters in a world where so many are "turned off" by Christianity because we don't practice what Jesus preached.

Think Carefully
Posted by Health4All  |  February 20, 2009 1:05:52 PM

It is wonderful that people in the US want to assist disadvantaged people in developing countries, and I would never want to discourage such giving. However, the problem with NGO salaries is a real one. If you doubt that, read "The Lords of Poverty: The Power, Prestige, and Corruption of the International Aid Business" by Graham Hancock. I've worked extensively overseas, including as a Peace Corps Volunteer, as a World Vision employee, and for two other NGOs. If you are giving just to feel good about it, than there is no need to do any research. If you actually want your money to have as much impact as possible on those in need, you have to do research and read the fine print. For instance, while those of you "sponsoring" children through WV may or may not know it, your money is NOT going to the children or their families but rather to projects that benefit the village/community where they live AND to the CEOs salary and all the other overhead costs at WV. As a result, the CEO salary matters because you're paying for it. It is great to give to help others, and if the choice is between giving to WV and nothing by all means keep giving to them (some of the money does benefit Third World people in need, along with the staff and CEO). Personally I give to Kiva.org - their model of direct lending to villagers is more cost-effective and effective in my estimation.

WORLD VISION
Posted by MARYINUTOPIA  |  February 20, 2009 12:05:11 PM

With 85% of your charitable giving being spent on the actual needs, I think it is still an excellent opportunity to help those who are in need in other countries. Why don't they have kids in the U.S.? Of course, we can contribute to them personally but who watches and manages what they receive. Is it spent on the child's welfare? I would like to see a program in the U.S. like that.

Thanks for all that you do
Posted by KC  |  February 17, 2009 6:41:45 AM

Thank you to World Vision for all that you do in order to help fight poverty in various countries around this world. May God richly bless all of the efforts of this organization for what they are doing. They are slowly transforming the face of poverty...one child at a time! I'm so blessed to be a child sponsor through this organization!!!

wages
Posted by triplem  |  February 17, 2009 6:39:30 AM

I don't think it matters what position you hold in an organization.The key words are charity and volunteers.In the Bible Christ sent out his twelve apostles to preach the word and help the world.They were told to bring nothing except the clothes on their bodies and not to accept payment for the works.People that help the poor are not suppose to profit from it or collect high salaries.Catholic priests don't make large salaries nor do they live in big mansions or drive fancy cars. Something like world Vision should have low paying staff,and luxuries should not be apart of their lifestyle.

Living Water International
Posted by brianrobak  |  February 4, 2009 1:03:46 PM

Those that are displeased with World Vision should check out Living Water International. Solid organization with salaries in check!!

Giving Locally
Posted by brianrobak  |  February 4, 2009 11:03:03 AM

I guess I may be the fellow that instigated this discussion. Look, all I was saying was that my wife and I found it foolish to send our $35/month to an organization that paid it's leaders so much money. I have been out of work and looking for work for almost 2 years, we live on my wife's salary of $40k/year, and are putting our son through college. With that we felt our decision was the correct one. Our meager $35/month now gets put to use through our local church taking care of people's needs on the streets of Portland.

I Love World Vision!
Posted by Anna Lee  |  February 4, 2009 10:41:55 AM

I sponsor 2 children in Ethiopia and thank God every day for World Vision and the work that they do. They are committed to improving the entire community and not only the sponsored children. My children and their families have had major life changes due to our sponsorship and the extra gifts we are allowed to send. They are no longe starving and are now able to feed their families and be a blessing to the community at large. World Vision staff are loyal and dedicated and carry the message of Jesus Christ in both word and deed. The training and guidance both my families have received is far above any 'hand out' that mere money could have accomplished. Mr. Sterns salary should not be the reason for anyone's lack of faith in World Vision. As others have said on this thread - who knows how much of what he makes is given right back to the projects of World Vision. With a heart such as his, I would imagine that a large proportion is. If you could only read the letters I've received from my children and their families, you would believe me and have the same faith and gratitude that I have in World Vision. World Vision acts as a hand to reach out and assist us as we seek to help the poor and starving of the world. This is God's work and to Him I am grateful!

Why I support World Vision
Posted by BouvGirl  |  February 4, 2009 10:04:06 AM

If anyone is interested in the real work that WV does, here is why I sponsor two children and regularly give to other projects. WV is in the field and has relationships with several governments, so that when tragedies happen, they can respond. For example, they were first in the field after the Tsunami in Indonesia, in the field for the China earthquake, had supplies to aid after Hurricane Katrina, and the list goes on. They don't just "give a man a fish", they TEACH an entire community so they can become self sustaining. They help dig wells for clean water, build schools, provide tools and training, give children safe places to play, and do it all on a worldwide front. So if you have a yearning in your heart to help the less fortunate in Africa or Guatemala or Asia, you can choose to sponsor a child in any of those areas. Or, if you prefer to donate funds to provide famine relief or give emergency supplies for displaced victims of natural disasters, you can do that as well. WV is a Christian relief organization that has a network in place to get your gifts to the needy in the world. My two sponsored children are already impacted by my sponsorship, as they are going to school now, and their parents have access to training in nutrition and farming and animal husbandry. I fully support the mission of World Vision, and am more than pleased with where my donations are going and how the funds are spent.

rating
Posted by ChicosMom  |  February 4, 2009 9:34:41 AM

I won't stop my sponsorships because I don't want the children/families to suffer BUT Im not happy about your drop from 4 stars to 3. My husband is with Compassion Intl and I've also sponsored thru Mercy Corp. Both 4 stars. Maybe you need to review your 4 star years and those two non-profit organizations.

Consider this
Posted by Zin  |  January 26, 2009 8:06:18 AM

For a charity as big as world vision, it will need a good leader. Granted that the compensation appears high but considering what Luxi18 said, he actually took a big pay cut to come work for World Vision which manages close to a billion dollars in funds. If a substandard person comes into this position, I would not imagine that it will be too difficult to become corrupt and pinch donor's money. We do need good quality people to run large charitable operations.

CEO Compensation is Modest and Reasonable
Posted by mmlj  |  January 26, 2009 8:06:03 AM

This thread is scary. The pastor in my church lives free in a nice home, tax free. It would cost WAY over a million dollars to buy just because of the local prices here in CA (going down, but still very expensive), but he would never be able to afford it on his salary...unless we increased at least to say $500,000/year. And that is just one church, not a global operation. Of course someone else would work for less money, someone always will. But it is awful to see the character assassination here impugning the integrity of a man and an organization that deserve far better. Throwing stones and invoking what "Christian" means is silly. How much Does Rick Warren receive for his work? Billy Graham or his son Franklin? Do they receive houses and cars and travel? You bet. Believe me, far more money is spent on things "Christian" (think churches, cars, meetings, lawyers, tv studios) and is never disclosed than is paid to the WV CEO's salary. For Goodness sake, first year lawyers make as much as a Supreme Court Justice.

We love World Vision!
Posted by uthworker  |  January 23, 2009 9:10:59 AM

I am a Church Youth Director and our teens have participated in World Vision's "30 Hour Famine" annually for 9 years, raising over $80,000 during that time to support the wonderful ministry of this very efficient and well-run organization. (When you consider that $360 will feed & care for a child for one year, that's a lot of lives saved!) The Famine is an international youth movement to raise awareness of (and funds to combat) hunger & poverty around the world. Our teens fast for 30 hours (sponsors pledge financial support) during which time they participate in lots of active and fun but eye-opening hunger awareness activities and perform community service around our city. It is, hands down, their favorite event of the year. It's also a HUGE undertaking and one I would not attempt if it were not for what I know of the work of World Vision. They are active in over 100 countries, providing not only food to those starving, but also education and medical care and resources that lead to self-sufficiency. Their commitment is not just to individuals, but to whole communities. (A missionary friend in Malawi saw a World Vision project there first-hand and verified the good they do.) Through the 30HF we've seen lives changed by World Vision's programs, but we've also seen the lives of our students changed as they've had their eyes opened to the realities of hunger and poverty and they understand that they can do something about it. One of the reasons World Vision is a 4-star charity is because most of the money they take in goes directly to programs in the field where lives are impacted and changed. It is for this reason that we can unreservedly throw our energies into supporting them. They help us make a difference.

Just a thought
Posted by cbell  |  January 15, 2009 7:13:27 AM

While I agree World Vision does amazing things in this world, I too struggle to understand paying an employee of an organization (yes, the CEO, but still an employee none the less) that is doing humanitarian work such a large sum of money. Granted, we do have no concept what he does with it AND need to realize that he does not assign himself that amount, the "board" does.

I terminated my support of the organization in order to support more grassroots organizations in my city that are doing similar work. I highly recommend ServLife (www.servlife.org) if you are interested in sponsoring children. The founder, Joel Vestal, is highly involved with the homes that keep the children nourished, safe, and educated and actually knows many of the children personally. I also know the lifestyle that Joel lives and can attest to his vow of voluntary poverty and solidarity with the poor.

In addition, Loving South Africa is another organization doing amazing work and pays it's entire staff (Founder and President included) a combined total of $42,000 a year. That is 4 people with a combined salary of 42k annually.

peace.

Salary
Posted by Glavine16  |  January 12, 2009 11:11:40 AM

It's disappointing to see so many comments based on the executive compensation. As others have pointed out, it's a billion dollar organization. As a % of revenue, it's very small, especially comparable to other organizations.

Keep in mind - it's all relative. My wife and I have given some to Heifer.org, and their CEO makes .22% of their revenue. That same % would give the WV CEO a salary of $2.1M dollars. (wow, just calculated that). Keep it in perspective.

As others have also pointed out, how he spends his money is between him and God. For all we know, he gives 50% of his salary away. Well, after he gives 35% of it to the federal government.

You can always argue that the guy should only make $100k, but that's just not rational. Managing a billion dollar charity, business, or whatever you want to call it, takes talent, leadership, and that requires a fair compensation plan. Sure, 350k sounds like alot if you only make 60k a year, but, you have to keep it relative.

Tone of Debate
Posted by hippiepooter  |  January 12, 2009 7:22:29 AM

It may well be that a case can be made for the salary of WV CEO, but the caustic, intemperate tone of the vast majority of people defending it does nothing to convince me its acceptable. Its perfectly reasonable that donors to a *Christian charity should be concerned by such a salary. The wisest comment I've read is by 'TH':

"I think the problem is the people who think salary is high, think there looking at a charity. The people who think salary is low or fair, think they are looking at a business."

It so happens that in the top 10 'supersize' section, the salary of the CEO is comparable to the rest.

However, as far as I can see, WV is the only one that states 'Motivated by our faith in Jesus Christ'.

If someone can present a case in a Christian manner as to why a CEO of a Christian charity should be paid $350,000 I'd be very intested to read it. Thanks.

Enough!
Posted by lstebs  |  January 12, 2009 7:18:20 AM

I just read through many of the comments posted and am embarrassed at the "Christian" responses I see. World Vision is a great humanitarian organization and everyone seems fixated on the CEO salary. It is not unrealistic given the annual operating expense. Spend your energies and comments letting others who come to this website know what is good or bad about the organization. The salary is visible. Let others decide if it is acceptable. I have supported 3 children, 2 currently and am very pleased with how they are being treated and how they are being helped by WV. I fully endorse this organization and find it a great way to show my grandchildren how to care for those less fortunate.

world vision sponser
Posted by lorretta  |  January 8, 2009 7:02:59 AM

if you would like to help by being a sponsor for a a child they have information at family christian stores. it is a wonderful program that helps many different countries.

Winter WV News
Posted by ekpeirazo  |  January 7, 2009 8:32:19 AM

The Winter WV News suggests that I go to www.globalrichlist.com to find out how rich I am. I find that interesting in light of the current on-going dialog.

the much discussed salary
Posted by good job.  |  December 29, 2008 6:33:47 AM

if a CEO makes that much and still only uses 0.03% of the profits, then he is doing a good job. he does exactly what he needs to do and gets most of that money out to the people who need it. we want someone who is educated and capable, but then we dont want them to be paid well? there are many people making much more money that are much less worthy in my humble opinion.

another charity? Try UMCOR
Posted by birdie  |  December 26, 2008 4:05:35 AM

To codebaloo and others looking for a good place to share money, look up United Methodist Committee for Overseas Relief (UMCOR). I think you'll be pleasantly surprised to know that ALL your money goes for various projects all over the world...for children, women, whatever you want to share. They even have a huge book detailing projects. ALL your money is used for the project. The Methodist Church has other funds used for salaries, etc. It's a source I regularly use. Please check it out! ....

For what reason?
Posted by mtnester  |  December 23, 2008 3:54:53 AM

Just exactly why do persons give to any charity? To help those who cannot currently help themselves... true? I wanted to see the ranking of WV vs. other similar charities and seeing that most 'posters' are whining about the CEO's salary is absurd and very non-Christian. One poster Pligram7 stated that $120,000 could provide a comfortable life for anyone, anywhere. Well, my response - do you know what that CEO does with his money? Our anual household income is just about $100,000 - we have a child in college and two others that we support 90% - now after paying our tithes, taxes, house payment, utility bills, auto insurance, one car payment, daily living expenses, gas for the cars, etc.... we have a decent home in a VERY rural area, that needs some remodeling (hasn't been done since the 70s & early 80s)and we have a decent nest-egg - BUT if my husband or I were to loose a job, that would be gone in a flash. So, all those who whine - - do you want the responsibility Mr. Stearn has, or just his pay? Think about it again & maybe get more irate about the salaries of the Bankers that were just bailed out and can't tell us where their billions just went!!

class envy once again
Posted by pjstar  |  December 22, 2008 6:47:56 AM

I have read all comments pertaining to World Vision. I believe the "outraged comments" pertaining to salary contain just a bit of envy, that old "have-have not" refrain. A charity should be judged by results obtained and all indicators are that WV delivers.

For Those Who've Left WV...
Posted by CodeBaloo  |  December 22, 2008 6:45:21 AM

For the several commentors who say that, because of executive compensation, they have ceased contributions to WV and are donating to other organizations instead, I have two questions I'd LOVE to have answered.

First: Who do you believe suffers (or "is punished") by the withdrawal of your funds? Mr Stearns? World Vision, as an charitable organization? Or, is it those whom your donation might have helped who are harmed?

Second: Most of you have stated that you now give your money to other charitable organizations. Which ones, exactly? I'd love to learn which similar-goal organizations making as significant an impact as WV are as efficient AND have executive compensation in the range you've deemed acceptable -- the $50-100K range.

compare
Posted by sbmanatee  |  December 1, 2008 9:30:53 AM

I found it interesting to compare the World Vision stats for the well-known "Feed the Children" charity. Their revenues are very similar, but proportion going to program costs is remarkably dissimilar. FtC has not only a CEO salary, but salaries for two other (apparently) family members (same last name), bringing total compensation MUCH higher.

Current year program expenses for FtC dropped ALARMINGLY, though revenue did not.

I'll stick with my sponsorship of my World Vision child, Clement, and his community in Zambia. Wish I could do more.

regarding criticism of CEO salary
Posted by Luxi18  |  December 1, 2008 9:05:17 AM

Richard stearns took a 75% pay cut when he went to work for world vision. The man was making a 7 figure salary. How many of us would take a 75% pay cut and take on so much responsibility? Google "Richard Stearns World Vision" and actually learn about him before you pass judgment based soley on his salary.

My husband and I have been sponsors for 2 years now and couldn't be happier with World Vision !!

CEO compensation
Posted by wigginsrl  |  November 18, 2008 10:10:51 AM

I think we need to keep salary vs responsibility in perspective. For example, the CEO of CARE receives about 30% more for directing an organization with only two-thirds the revenue of World Vision. Perhaps $300K is a little plush, but $100K would leave a CEO to take the bus to work in Washington, where the cost of living is above the National Average.

Judgement much
Posted by Meneme  |  November 17, 2008 6:40:04 AM

Okayyyy.... well, to all the debaters of "CEO pay", didn't God say NOT to judge people? So while you're roaring about this and that concerning his pay, shouldn't you actually try to know the guy and the company before going, "Oh, he's paid too much! Bye bye!" Just a suggestion, that's all.....

And I've worked with World Vision for the 30 Hour Famine four times, and I love it dearly. @ my2kids: I'm sorry they felt guilted by not doing it, and I'm sure it wasn't intentional. It's just a great thing to help kids who are starving, and tell them from me that it's quite all right that they didn't raise money. My first famine I didn't even raise 30$! It's more about the fact that they care.

I'm personally a World Vision supporter, and I enjoy working with them. Ya'll can have your opinions, just don't hound me out if I disagree with them. :)

self denial message from former supporter
Posted by NoNameSupporter  |  November 14, 2008 6:56:48 AM

For 10 years I faithfully supported the work of World Vision, trusting donations were used efficiently & wisely. After losing my job nearly 5 years ago (& earning considerably less money since), in late 2003 I decided to reevaluate my giving. I believe(d) that I was giving "unto the the least of these my bretheren" and doing it unto Jesus in supporting WV. After finding out that Rich Stearn's annual pay was $292K & increased to $331K the next year, I was disappointed and have since decided to give elsewhere.

I feel that pay should be proportional to performance, understand the desire to reward good work(ers), & realize that WV President Stearn's salary is much lower than CEOs making >=10x this much. For example: General Motors' CEO pay in 2005 was .004% of its revenue while WV's President for FYE 9/2006 was .037% of its revenue, with GM's CEO earning 24x WV President's pay to manage >500x WV's revenue.

After discovering Charity Navigator's site, I have investigated & learned more about other humanitarian and Christian charities. I look for self-denial (not extreme) in executive pay, program expenses vs. administrative & fundraising costs, and what the organization does. If a charity's executives want to give back most of their pay to that organization, I think it might be more admirable for executives not to accept high salaries(relative to the incomes of the people they are serving & those who are donating to them) in the first place.

I do not want to judge anyone as this is Jesus Christ's job & lest I be harshly judged ... but feel better now after writing my thoughts years later. I have scarcely (if at all) heard from World Vision after discontinuing my support years ago due to income/job loss.

In recent years I have gradually learned to be content with less [Wanting less can make one just as wealthy as having more.] and to be more thankful for what I have rather than coveting what I don't but now should relearn > self denial.

More Relevant Comments?
Posted by TKG  |  October 20, 2008 5:43:18 AM

I'm evaluating World Vision versus other charities I've donated to in the past. I looked into the comments and was disappointed to find almost all of the comments around the CEO pay debate. CEO pay + other executives are less than .1% of the nearly $1B in WV.

I would be interested in comments around how World Vision uses the >$800M in funds compared to other charities beyond the CN financial comparisons. How is WV's work different, better, or more effective versus the alternatives? Thanks for any insight into this.

Compensation
Posted by jmw  |  October 7, 2008 6:37:29 AM

I'm not a big WV fan, but let me say... if you people knew how much other Christian organizations pay their CEO's, you would be praising WV. I know of one organization--a TV network-- that pays it's president over $1.2 million. As a percentage, WV pays its CEO MUCH LESS than anyone else. Check out how much other CEO's really make before criticizing WV. And many pastors, if you look into the various forms of compensation, make nearly this much with revenue less than one percent of WV's annual revenues. So before you get high and mighty about Mr. Stearns, you should really do some research on the organizations you think are better.

Support giving to God's kingdom
Posted by cc  |  September 29, 2008 6:17:32 AM

For those who would rather donate directly to the people/charitable organisations in need, by all means go ahead. Let not compensation or any other issue/reason deter you from contributing to the building of His kingdom. I choose to contribute to WV because they are the experts in this field and they provide great insight, without which I will not know, to each and every fund raising effort that is impactful allowing me to pray for and heed any calling to help in any particular needy cause. And thanks for sharing the wonderful gift idea, saves me the stress I face every Christmas.

Re Leadership Salaries
Posted by lisah  |  September 8, 2008 9:08:09 AM

We have no right to judge Rich Stearns and the salary he earns. Why? Because for all we know, he's giving most of it back to WV. Christ told us that when we give, we're not to let one hand know what the other is doing...much less, anyone around us. What Stearns does with his money is between him and God, and let the rest of us look to our own pocketbooks.

Re: Leadership Salaries Way Too Great
Posted by Rebeca99  |  August 8, 2008 5:59:18 AM

Agreed. Why a non-profit charity org need CEO or MBA? Will they go to NASDAQ someday? Please, save the money, stop pay the leaders, just directly donate to the people in needs. I think the primary task of the leaders is to prevent fraud and distribute the donation fairly

Using the right yardstick
Posted by cp  |  August 5, 2008 10:08:22 AM

While I respect the arguments on both sides about CEO compensation, I think it's a strange way to determine the merit of an organization. Doesn't it make sense to judge an organization like World Vision on the basis of its work in the field? Go nearly anywhere in the developing world and ask for opinions of WV's work and you will hear comments of resounding support and gratitude (and incidentally no questions about CEO compensation). Effective and sustainable developement is a highly complicated endeavor. If you're trying to figure out if World Vision is the right place to give, take the time to understand what they do and how they do it. If after that you can find an organization who does it better, I suggest you give to them.

It's Not Our Money
Posted by JB  |  July 9, 2008 5:40:49 AM

I currently sponsor 3 children through WV and have visited the community my funds are going to. I am a skeptical person by nature/profession and I am happy to say I trust progress is being made in the community I donate to.

One thing we all should keep in mind is that we are stewards of God's money. Whether someone makes $10 million, $350K or $30K a year shouldn't be the issue - it's what they do with that money that "counts."

HIgh salaries
Posted by Yvette  |  June 17, 2008 12:14:17 PM

The fact that the CEO "could be making more in the private sector" is irrelevant. They are NOT in the private sector; they are working for a charity. They are not producing or selling any commodity to the public. They are funded by the VOLUNTARY donations of people who want to see that money directed at a worthwhile cause, not inflating some CEO's bank account. And in the private sector they have to produce something that people want or the business goes under, so they must continually perform. In charitable work they are not held accountable except by declining donations and an overpaid CEO is a great way to encourage folks to donate elsewhere.

CEO Compensation
Posted by suetoodlesue  |  June 16, 2008 7:50:38 AM

I am appalled at the compensations of the CEOs. I have worked for two Hospice Directors and thir conpensations were in the $100,000 range. The same skills were needed...national organizations have quite a few more skills needed, but I think a cap of $00,000 would bring in far more heart driven CEO's. Charity Navigator should rate the charities by % paid to CEOs as part of their information. It would be nice to have a comparison button to click on to compare all charities of a specific kind so we can see what OTHER CEO's are making and bringing in.

CEO Pay
Posted by jenkoosh  |  June 9, 2008 10:15:05 AM

I am a World Vision supporter and will remain so. I do agree that under the norms of our society, Mr. Stearns would be making more money at a private business.

But I also would find it a much more powerful Christian testimony if he would voluntarily give up at least one third of his pay and re-direct it into charity. When Jesus said "Sell all you have, distribute it to the poor and follow me," he didn't say "But that doesn't apply to CEOs."

I think every one of us, when we face our Creator, will have a question put to us: "Could you have done more for the suffering and the needy?" I try to keep this question in mind when considering my spending choices.

Support World Vision!
Posted by JMac  |  June 6, 2008 6:00:03 AM

World Vision changes lives all over the world. The organization is responsible with the funds it raises and the organization is extremely professional. I am confident that the support I give is well used.

I am infuriated by the comments from those who claim the CEO is overcompensated. There is nothing shameful or "un-Christian" about being compensated for a job WELL DONE. The staff members of this organization deserve their salaries and much, much more, (which they will receive in Heaven). If you choose to live the life of sacrificial poverty, then that is YOUR CHOICE, and others do not have to make the same choice. We are lucky enough to live in the United States of America where we can do extraordinary good and also earn a good living.

Pilgram7 rocks
Posted by jtai  |  June 3, 2008 7:20:44 AM

Exactly what Pilgram7 said: and even $120,000/year allows one to OWN property in Manhattan, NY about 500 sq/feet, and a very comfortable lifestyle. The point of Charity especially a Christian one is sacrifice.

CEO Pay
Posted by Pilgram7  |  May 26, 2008 5:09:44 PM

The question is how much money does the CEo of any Charity need to survive? You cannot compare the pay of a business CEO with that of a charity organization. Charity organizations are based on sacrifice. To live comfortably in the most expensive state in the USA is $120,000 annually. Therefore, anything over $180,000 is way too much for any Charity CEO. The difference between $300,000 and $180,000 can be used to increase the salaries of the other workers. The amount of responsibility to run a charity should not matter that much for pay. All workers should be able to live comfortably first. It is about improving the lives of other people and not how much responsibility one has.

salaries, Christianity, the value added to donors
Posted by jtai  |  May 22, 2008 8:30:24 AM

28,000 children die a day in Africa. I have been with my church to Rwanda Africa, where we support over 650 children in Nyaratovu. Does the CEO of WV get paid way too much - YES. This is shaming for a Christian NGO to be so pacified by cash. However, it is better than nothing; and provides many americans at least a facade of "helping". I think what America doesn't understand is that, we aren't giving anything back to anyone that we didn't steal from them in the first place. The blood diamond trade of Sierra Leone, the Rwandan Genocide, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Uganda. Bono from U2 said it best "social justice is the right and duty of humanity unto itself." I think what's implied there is "social justice shouldn't be an extra credit assignment that makes you feel good." When we give to world vision, or more directly, we should feel ashamed, not good. If we didn't steal from the world and gave them extra however, that's a different story. World Vision just like the American Red Cross is corrupt fiscally, Actions always speak louder than words/advertisements - to anyone who feels similar, may I humbly suggest Partners in Health - I have worked with Paul Farmer in the province of Rwinkwavu. Beware of American Christian culture because all it does is market Christ and aim for high conversion rates, the same as any other business, either that or sing songs and ignore the poor.

CEO Compensation
Posted by donored  |  May 21, 2008 6:18:48 AM

I think its foolish to withdraw funding because of pay to a CEO managing a billion-dollar organization. Most of the CEOs that manage these could make 10s of millions at a for-profit organization. 300,000 seems more than fair for top-quality talent.

Salary
Posted by TH  |  May 19, 2008 6:01:02 AM

I've seen this salary argument many times. One side says pay is too high. The other side says pay is not much compared to what is brought in. I think the problem is the people who think salary is high, think there looking at a charity. The people who think salary is low or fair, think they are looking at a business.

WV is a great organisation
Posted by JohnCottrell  |  May 13, 2008 5:36:34 AM

I have been living and working in South-East Asia for 13 years. Having helped empower a local partner to have its' own local development organsiation, I know how hard this work is. We have such great results, that World Vision regularly hires our staff to go work with them! So, I could be a bit upset about that! But I am not, because I know that WORLD VISION is a truly GREAT organisation. I know what it is not to be able to pay your staff, including leadership, enough money. I am happy World Vision can give decent salaries to its staff. Anyone concerned about the poor should not be trying to help them while crushing those who are working so hard. As for Stearn's salary, how do you know if he doesn't give most of it back in donations anyway? I wouldn't be surprised if he did and doesn't tell anybody.

Wonderful Experience
Posted by konadona  |  May 9, 2008 11:25:05 AM

My son does extra chores to earn money for his sponsored friend. As a parent, and an admited cynic, this is a charity I am proud of and I don't feel like I'm being ripped off. Most of the money goes to communities to help build communities and lives-water wells, teaching agriculture and animal husbandry, schools, disaster relief.... I can email my sponsor child whenever I want. And when didaster strike, WV staff is on the ground and ready to help. When the U.S. gives aid, it's often WV who is the one actually handing the supplies out. Trustworthy and doing good-and not over the top with religion.Two big thumbs up.

Entertaining
Posted by dave  |  May 8, 2008 5:47:41 AM

Some of the comments on here about salaries are senseless. I worked at a non-profit where the Director earned $110K with earnings around $6M which I thought was ok given the amount of hrs she put in weekly which was well over 40. As one of the users wrote...this guy would earn $20M in a for-profit. Actually he should be earning over a $500K for his position given the size of the org.

WV Support
Posted by gduncanson  |  April 30, 2008 5:58:06 AM

My wife and I love WV. We've been sponsoring one or two children at any given time since we got married 19 years ago.

Providing the necessities of life for one struggling person on this planet for a monthly cost of what we spend to eat out just once is a powerful message to us and our kids.

We have three children of our own that review the catalog each christmas because they have to spend some of their money on WV gifts. It's a simple, graspable concept. I wish they could visit some of these regions and see for themselves how fortunate (or unfortunate not to appreciate what they have) they are to be middle class and living in America.

CEO COMPENSATION
Posted by Lex  |  April 28, 2008 5:51:25 AM

In response to the comments of "newdonor" and "brianrobak" about World Vision's CEO salary package being too high, I must strongly disagree. Yes "brianrobak", it's more than you make because you don't have the skills and experience of a Robert Stearns! I suppose you would pay all the hourly employees at WV minimum wage so we can help more, "starving children"? People who make comments like this really don't understand the complexity of managing an organization like this. Mr. Stearns could draw 10 times (yes, really) his current salary in a corporation of comparable size and scope in secular business. Great organizations are created from great leadership and great leadership costs money - Christian organizations notwithstanding. I think Mr. Stearns is due an apology - and maybe even a raise.

CEO's salary extremely low by comparison
Posted by KBurchfiel  |  April 28, 2008 5:48:10 AM

I registered with this site just so that I could counter those who point to Worldvision CEO Richard Stearns' $350,000 dollar compensation as a grossly large amount. If you look at that salary as a percentage of the total money this charity brings in, Stearns actually receives one of the lowest compensations out there.

What's 350,000 divided by 946,000,000, the total expenses on Worldvision's 2006 budget statement? 0.03 percent, or--I think the decimal is more effective--0.0003. In other words, if someone makes a hundred-dollar donation, Mr. Stearns receives three pennies. And people are abandoning Worldvision over executive compensation?

Let's compare that .03% number to some other big-name charities. Charles MacCormack of Save the Children's salary accounts for 0.09% of StC's total expenses, three times as much. Nicholas De Torrente of Doctors Without Borders? 0.11%. The same percentage goes for the president of the United States fund for UNICEF.

Even .11%, almost four times the proportional compensation that David Stearns receives, is EXTREMELY SMALL when compared to all charities at large. Here's one quote from Charity Navigator's page on executive compensation (http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=studies.ceo ):

"CEO compensation accounts for just 3.37% of the average organization's spending." "Just" 3.37 percent? That's over 100 times more than the 0.03 percent compensation that Worldvision's David Stearns makes. (Granted, the 3.37 number comes from 2007 statistics, but since we're dealing with a ratio, it shouldn't make a noticeable difference.)

Why the fuss about 3 pennies per hundred dollars? Perhaps those who make Worldvision's CEO out to be a crook need to reconsider their position. After all, if Stearns was compensated as much per dollar as the average charity CEO, he'd make 35 MILLION a year.

I see no reason to stop donating to this exceptionally well-run 4-star charity. Do you?

Concerned about my kids.
Posted by my2kids  |  April 25, 2008 5:27:11 AM

My children recently became involved with the church. This, obviously, is not the problem. My concern is for the guilt they were made to feel because they would not be able to participate in the 30 hour fast. They felt as though they were letting down the church. I have a problem with an organization that uses guilt to get children under the age of 12 to raise money for them. We tried to explain to our children that they could do their own famine if they wanted to in order to feel closer to God. They still don't understand. It is hard enough to get children to feel good about themselves without charity groups making them feel like they have to have money to do any good. Neither child could remember anything being said about it being okay if you didn't raise at least $90. I looked through the information and saw nothing other than restricted famines for disabled children. I wonder if the people who developed this program participate and walk around neighborhoods asking for $30 donations from people they barely know and are made to feel guilty if they don't raise quite enough.

WV Fortunate to find CEO talent for only $350K!
Posted by ADonor  |  April 17, 2008 11:34:01 AM

For those who think $350K is an obscene amount of money for the CEO of a nearly 1 billion per year company: consider that MANY of your local physicians earn considerably more! $350K is a very average income for an anesthesiologist. Many "average" orthopedists and cardiac specialists earn in excess of $350K. In order to attract qualified, competent, and ethical CEO's to manage an organization of this complexity, a charity such as WV must recruit from the business industry. I'm confident that Richard Stearns income was considerably higher when he left the business world to lead this very complex charity. There is simply no way that he is "in this" for the money! He has the experience and credentials to command a multimillion dollar salary in the business world. Those with the abilities to lead and manage these types of organizations are not likely do it for free. I think interested donors would be better educated and served by comparing the financial utilization of several comparable charities, rather than focusing only on CEO compensation. Or calculate CEO compensation as a percentage of the entire organization (which I think Charity Navigator has already done). I sponsor 3 children with WV, and have also used their catalog. I have nothing but praise for the organization. I'm very comfortable with their financial disclosure, and highly recommend them as a charity that does what they claim to do, as cost-effectively as possible.

Seemingly high salaries, not really
Posted by BouvGirl  |  April 15, 2008 10:23:22 AM

Just a note on the salary postings: WV is an $800 MILLION company. It's huge, and worldwide. Companies of that size require talented leadership. If this weren't a charity, the CEO would be making millions in compensation. $350 grand is a drop in the bucket, for a man who has to be in charge of a global company that has thousands of employees and that deals with hundreds of different international funds.

Experience with World Vision
Posted by BouvGirl  |  April 15, 2008 10:22:58 AM

I currently sponsor 2 children, and have also used their gift catalog. WV has a concept of not only helping children, but also the community, to make life better for everyone. They are teaching self sustainable agriculture, animal care, and drilling for clean water. One of the few groups allowed access to Indonesia after the Tsunami, they are rebuilding villages and schools, and helping to replace fishing gear so people can be self sufficient. A great charity, I am very pleased with where my funds go to help my sponsored children and the communities they live in.

Salaries Far Too High
Posted by newdonor  |  April 11, 2008 5:37:19 AM

I completely agree with brianrobak's comment above. I am looking for a charity to donate a considerable (at least to me) amount of money. After seeing that World Vision pays its CEO over $350,000 a year, however, I know I will not be donating to World Vision. For a "Christian" organization that supposedly aims to help starving children, paying a CEO that much money is absolutely appalling. In fact, it is downright obscene. That's a lot more money than I make, and I don't claim to work for a "charitable organization." World Vision is lining the pockets of its staff with the hard earned money of people who only want to help those truly in need. They should be horribly ashamed of themselves and should never call themselves "Christian."

Leadership Salaries Way Too Great
Posted by brianrobak  |  April 7, 2008 5:42:00 AM

After learning of the very large salaries that are being paid to World Vision's top leadership, my wife and I have decided to end our support of World Vision. We decided it would be foolish of us to keep supporting a Christian charity with our sacrificial giving where the president takes in $350,000+/year and others on the leadership team taking in large compensation packages as well.

Compare
Posted by grmybetty  |  March 6, 2008 6:45:52 AM

I decided to sponser a child from World Vision for each of my 3 grandchildren for Christmas instead of another game, toy or clothes.This gave them a chance to have a "pen-pal" from interesting places as well as finding out how blessed they are. I decided on WV because of the rating on CN.My grands are thrilled and correspond with their new friends often.I highly recommend WV.