Local Donations with Low Overhead

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I'm looking to donate cash to a local organization that's helping during the pandemic, but want to choose one that has a relatively low overhead where the majority of money would go to those in need and not for the organization's expenses. Does anyone have recommendations?

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a-1587064869
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Apr 16, 2020 12:21 PM
Local Donations with Low Overhead

I use CharityNavigator to determine where I donate my money. It shows what percentage goes to their programs and what goes to admin/salaries, etc. FoodBank SBC has 90% of funds going to their programs. United Way SBC has a bigger chunk towards cost with 75% going to programs.

a-1587065383
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Apr 16, 2020 12:29 PM
Local Donations with Low Overhead

Us, too. Based upon Charity Navigator, we redirected our United Way donations a few years ago.

a-1587069575
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Apr 16, 2020 01:39 PM
Local Donations with Low Overhead

Direct Relief is fantastic! 99.4% of funds goes to their programs. However, their Exec Dir still makes a huge amount for running a nonprofit, over 400k/year

Ahchooo
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Apr 16, 2020 01:34 PM
Local Donations with Low Overhead

Direct Relief International helps locally as well as around the world. They are very efficient with the money they receive.

a-1587069407
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Apr 16, 2020 01:36 PM
Local Donations with Low Overhead

NEVER donate to Goodwill. Their CEO makes almost $1mil a year whereas the CEO of Salvation Army takes a $13,000 annual paycheck. American Heart Assoc CEO gets over $2mil/year.

a-1587071022
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Apr 16, 2020 02:03 PM
Local Donations with Low Overhead

I would never, ever donate a dime to Salvation Army, either. They support a number of terrible causes including anti-LGBT and pro-life. Donate to local charities!

condorhiker
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Apr 17, 2020 12:41 PM
Local Donations with Low Overhead

A little off topic, but I checked REI recently. Their CEO makes $3.4 million a year. Their top five executives all make over $800K. No wonder their prices are so high!

Minibeast
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Apr 16, 2020 01:54 PM
Local Donations with Low Overhead

I just sent Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network a $100 check. Let's not forget about our fellow Earthlings during this crisis. OP: My tip for you (and others donating) is not to use any form of payments system (PayPal, Venmo, etc) that charges a fee ------- especially if you don't want fees deducted.

Pugluvr1912
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Apr 16, 2020 02:09 PM
Local Donations with Low Overhead

My theatre group is putting on Oliver at the lobero in October. You can donate here to help underprivileged youth https://www.theadderleyschool.org/donate

Judith Smith-Meyer
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Apr 16, 2020 02:30 PM
Local Donations with Low Overhead

At the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County 91% of donations go directly to programs that provide healthy food to local families, seniors and individuals. We're proud of that. Your donation are used wisely, especially now!

tinker1
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Apr 16, 2020 02:37 PM
Local Donations with Low Overhead

The Unity Shoppe for sure. Very low overhead and no corporate master that diverts local funds. All stays here.

simplyhuyen
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Apr 16, 2020 04:48 PM
Local Donations with Low Overhead

Food from the Heart is amazing. They provide healthy, nutritious weekly meals for chronically ill residents of SB. I believe they only have a handful of paid staff, if that -- Executive Director, awesome chef, and kitchen help. Their operations are well organized, safe, and necessary. Due to the nature of their recipients, they have always been on top of sanitation and safety, now even more so. I'm an active volunteer there and just made a donation myself. Thank you for considering them!