International : Development and Relief Services
Church World Service
Working to eradicate hunger and poverty and to promote peace and justice around the world
Efficiency Rating Should be Key to Giving
Posted by Cold Mama | November 3, 2009 10:13:08 AM
In this period of economic hardship, I direct my donations based on efficiency ratings and knowledge of the work they achieve rather than the 4 star ratings issued by CN. Church World Service has a higher efficiency rating than some 4 star humanitarian agencies but they aren't sitting on large sums of cash so their star rating has suffered. I have concerns about this lopsided rating system. Shouldn't an agency that has more cash coming in be expected to be spending a higher percentage on program?
2 Star Rating vs. 4 star rating
Posted by scott.w.gardner | May 18, 2009 6:31:17 AM
Look at the numbers. Last year their expenses were $1.6 mil more than their revenue. also, their % of expenses spent on fundraising jumped to over 10% which drops their rating. This is still a good organization. They just had a bad year in raising funds and probably had more disasters to spend the funds on. I wouldn't get concerned until they have had several bad years in a row.
rating
Posted by johnwalker | March 9, 2009 6:30:44 AM
Check out the financials...they actually LOST money in the most recent fiscal year insead of having a surplus. Not good...they need to reduce personnel overhead if they have to spend more on programs (Like Charity Walks) to get the same amount of revenue, and at the same time expenses are going up for things like insurance, office rent, etc.
why the change?
Posted by nancy | January 14, 2009 6:45:37 AM
I've happily supported CWS in the past and was pleased with its 4-star rating. But, like the person above, I'm puzzled--what changed?
rating drop
Posted by Kim E. | December 18, 2008 7:20:31 AM
From 4 to 2 stars in one year. What happened?
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ratings
Posted by mfoster5 | November 5, 2009 5:51:48 AM
As a UMC pastor, I am urging my congregation to give to CWS generously, but I am concerned about the increased amounts going toward administration. Please make needed adjustments or I cnanot continue this emphasis. mf