Where Most Needed

Roger Clemens Foundation Could Use Some Juice

The pitcher's charity foundation stages a golf event and sells memorabilia, and a significant amount of grants go to places that aren't mentioned in the organization's web site.

Boring Bus Ride Nets over $20,000 for Video Game Charity

A marathon online event using a mind-numbing simulation of a bus driving across the desert gets enough buzz to fuel four days of fundraising.  But your results may vary. 

AA Group Accused of Cult-like Practices

Washington, DC group with a focus on young people is said to limit members' contacts outside the group and to encourage sex with older members.  Churches that host the group have discontinued meetings pending an investigation, but the local association of AA groups has taken no action.

Jock Philanthropy Sports Few Superstars

The Wall Street Journal surveys charities started by professional athletes and finds a mixed bag of programs and effectiveness.

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. 

PTAs Go Corporate

Professional, goal-oriented parents have taken parent-teacher associations to new levels of organization. 

Mercy Corps Puts NetAid Out of Its Misery

By absorbing the floundering organization left over from the 1999 concert, Mercy Corps gains a presence in online youth advocacy. 

Minnesota Youth Sports Sees Pattern of Charity Bingo Frauds

Realization dawns that for small charities embezzlement is an ever present risk, not just an isolated incident. 

Ellen Degeneres Pigs Out on Girl Scout Cookies

Talk show host buys 1,000 boxes from an Ashtabula, Ohio troop.  Cookie season runs through April, supporting the only major charity that supports itself primarily through sale of a non-donated product.

Also: see the related article "Girl Scouts Fib about Trans Fats (Legally)."

AAU Basketball Programs Use Charities to Funnel Payments for Recruits

Coaches for basketball clubs openly seek donations in return for access to young players by college recruiters.  Whether it's street smart fund raising or an unethical practice is the loose ball on the court.