Where Most Needed

Acorn: Where's the Oak?

Pulled down by an embezzlement scandal and a lightning rod for right-wing attacks, the deeper tragedy at Acorn is how Wade Rathke turned community organizing into a personality cult that prevented the emergence of a new generation of leadership. 

WSJ Slams CVS Charity Golf Classic

An investigative report suggests that the high-profile charity event, a favorite of its golf-addicted CEO Thomas Ryan, provides a way for suppliers to skirt ethics rules against expensive favors to company employees.  Meanwhile, the charity itself spends most of its income putting on the event rather than giving.

College Accrediting Bodies Want to Cut the Corporate Claptrap

At least one group of watchdog organizations are looking past the arbitrary divisions between for-profit, nonprofit, faith-based, and governmental  organizations. 

Head of Ex-Gay Group Exodus International Enjoys Tax-Free Lifestyle

The organization takes advantage of a little-known provision in the tax code to exempt over half of its executive director's salary from Federal income taxes.   

Scientology Filibuster Provokes BBC Reporter

Reporter loses his temper when spokesman for the group just won't stop speaking.  But these days, Scientology is hardly the worst offender among religions (or would-be religions).  They all need to be more transparent and financially accountable. 

Imus Ranch Violates Charity Oversight Standards

The board consists of Don Imus, his wife, and principals in a company that the ranch pays for management services.  The ranch currently sits on $6 million cash—with not a single independent director. 

Michigan Court Redefines Charity

High court rejected the idea of defining charity by the numbers, so health care facilities are charities even when they provide very little charity care.  What's important is access to all.