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 it 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 stand ards.

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.

American Institute for Cancer Research, 1759 R Street, N.W., Washington 20009. Does not meet the following standards: (1) that the organization’s governing board have an independent, volunteer membership; (2) that the board pay no fees to members for board service, but payments may be made for costs incurred as a result of board participation; (3) that the organization spend at least 60 per cent of annual expenses for program activities; and (4) that the organization insure that fund-raising expenses, in relation to fund-raising results, are reasonable over time.

Gifts In Kind International, 333 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Va. 22314. Meets all standards.

The International Center, 731 Eighth Street, S.E., Washington 20003. Meets all standards.

National Children’s Cancer Society, 1015 Locust, Suite 1040, St. Louis 63101. As of December 2, N.C.C.S. had not responded with sufficient information for the bureau to prepare a regular report on the organization’s recent activities. Based on N.C.C.S.’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, N.C.C.S. appears not to meet the standard calling for an organization to insure that fund-raising expenses, in relation to fund-raising results, are reasonable over time.

National Down Syndrome Society, 666 Broadway, New York 10012. Meets all standards.

Young Women’s Christian Association of the U.S.A. (National Service Center only), 726 Broadway, New York 10003-9595. Meets all standards.