Is the do good charity real? The Women’s Cancer Fund Scam
Do you ever stop to think where your charitable dollars are really going? The recent legal action against the Women's Cancer Fund, also known as Cancer Recovery Foundation International, and its president, Gregory B. Anderson, should give us pause.
The lawsuit, filed in on March 11, 2024, by the Federal Trade Commission alongside ten states, alleges that between 2017 and 2022, the Women’s Cancer Fund ( then, an IRS registered non-profit) raised over 18.25 million dollars, with promises to aid cancer patients with essential living expenses like rent and utilities. Yet, a mere 1% of this sum, roughly $194,809 , went to those in need. Instead, according to the lawsuit, Gregory Anderson took home over $775,139 in salary, while 85% of the donations, amounting to $15.55 million, were funneled to for-profit fundraisers (who were sued in separate litigation). This case reveals a stark misuse of donor funds, deceiving well-meaning contributors with false claims of support.
Here are some steps to consider before donating to charities, regardless of what you may “know” about them through reputation or word of mouth:
Research Before You Donate: Use platforms like Charity Navigator or GuideStar to evaluate a charity's financial transparency and effectiveness.
Demand Transparency: Legitimate charities will be open about how your contributions are used, including executive and fundraising costs.
Question the Impact: Ensure the charity's actions align with its mission statement. The vast difference between what was promised and what was delivered in the Women’s Cancer Fund sham is alarming - less than 1% of donations went to help women with cancer!
Beware of High-Pressure Tactics: Be cautious if a charity uses aggressive fundraising methods without clear evidence of their impact.
This case underscores the need for all of us to be vigilant about our charitable giving. Would knowing the potential for such deceit make you more cautious, or would it encourage you to investigate further before donating? Let's ensure our acts of kindness make a real difference.
