Report: Some Police Charities Spending More Donation Money On Fundraising Than Causes
TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Three of the most inquired about charities in New Jersey that spend the least percentage of money on their charitable programs are law enforcement groups, according to a report released Wednesday by the Consumer Affairs Division.
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The Lyndhurst-based New Jersey Police Officers Foundation, also known as the Italian American Police Society of New Jersey, spends just 11 cents of each dollar on its mission to help other charities and advance the Italian community.
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The New Jersey Narcotics Officers Foundation of Nutley spends 33 cents of each dollar raised on charitable programs.
The U.S. Deputy Sheriff's Association spends 85 percent of donations on fundraising and management expenses.
Consumers Affairs Director Thomas Calcagni says spending that much money on fundraising isn't illegal, but donors should be aware of it.
"We're not saying that any of these charities are good or bad, consumers can make up their own mind about that, but consumers cannot make an informed decision if they are kept in the dark when it comes to this information," Calcagni told 1010 WINS. "By shedding light on how charities are spending the consumer's money, we're empowering consumers to make better informed donation decisions."
Calcagni said if people want to know how to help their police officers they should walk into a local precinct and ask.
NJ's most inquired about law enforcement charities:
New Jersey Police Officers Association, of Lyndhurst:
Total expenses for 2010: $931,000
Charitable program expenses: 11 percent
Fundraising expenses: 87 percent
Management and general expenses: 2 percent
U.S. Deputy Sheriffs Association, of Houston, Texas:
Total expenses for 2010: $6.7 million.
Charitable program expenses: 15 percent
Fundraising expenses: 79 percent
Management and general expenses: 6 percent
New Jersey Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association, of Nutley:
Total expenses for 2010: $279,000
Charitable program expenses: 33 percent
Fundraising expenses: 63 percent
Management and general expenses: 4 percent
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