Watchdog Watch

Following are summaries of recent reports by the National Charities Information Bureau.

That private organization reports on whether charities meet standards for fund raising, governance, financial management, and public information. The organization does not approve or disapprove of charities, and urges potential donors to evaluate the importance of variations from the standards. It also notes that charities’ practices may change at any time.

For organizations that do not meet the standards, information is given only on those standards that are not met. Those organizations meet all the other standards.

Copies of the full reports are available from the National Charities Information Bureau, 19 Union Square West, New York 10003; World-Wide Web http://www.give.org.

Cancer Fund of America, 2901 Breezewood Lane, Knoxville, Tenn. 37921-1099. As of December 5, C.F.A. had not responded with sufficient information for the bureau to prepare a regular report on the organization’s recent activities. Based on C.F.A.’s 1996 annual report to the Pennsylvania Bureau of Charitable Organizations, including its I.R.S. Form 990 and audited financial statements, and on information forwarded by contributors or previously in the bureau’s files, C.F.A. appears not to meet the following standards: (1) that the organization spend at least 60 per cent of annual expenses for program activities; (2) that the organization insure that fund-raising expenses, in relation to fund-raising results, are reasonable over time; and (3) that the organization not have a persistent deficit in net current assets.

Children’s Wish Foundation International, 8615 Roswell Road, Atlanta 30350-4867. As of November 25, C.W.F.I. had not responded with sufficient information for the bureau to prepare a regular report on the organization’s recent activities. Based on C.W.F.I.’s fiscal 1996 annual report to the Pennsylvania Bureau of Charitable Organizations, including its I.R.S. Form 990 and audited financial statements, and on information forwarded by contributors or previously in the bureau’s files, C.W.F.I. appears not to meet the following standards: (1) that the organization’s governing board have no more than one paid staff member, usually the chief staff officer, who shall not chair the board or serve as treasurer; (2) that the governing board have no material conflicts of interest involving board or staff members; and (3) that the organization insure that fund-raising expenses, in relation to fund-raising results, are reasonable over time. The bureau notes that there is insufficient financial reporting to determine if C.W.F.I. meets the standard calling for an organization to spend at least 60 per cent of annual expenses for program activities.

Institute of International Education, 809 United Nations Plaza, New York 10017. Meets all standards.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving, 511 East John Carpenter Freeway, Suite 700, Irving, Tex. 75062. As of October 31, MADD had not responded with sufficient information for the bureau to prepare a regular report on the organization’s recent activities.