In Florida, just three years ago there were over one hundred faith-based and community food banks that were distributing
U.S.D.A. commodities and other foods to the smaller hunger relief organizations. Now, more then half have had to closed their
doors. What happened and why did they close?
This is not an isolated situation in the 501-c-3 charity community. Today it is all about MONEY, not the mission statement of helping people. The mission statement is now the secondary goal of larger
charities. The more money they can bring in accomplishes two things, POWER with the government
and business community and higher salaries for the management staff.
Webster’s Dictionary definition of the word charity and business
- Charity - “benevolent goodwill towards or love of humanity, aid given to those in need, an institution
engaged in relief of the poor, a gift for public benevolent purpose.”
Does this sound like
many of our charities today?
- Business - “commercial or mercantile activity engaged in as a means of livelihood, purposeful activity,
economic dealings”
Does this sound like many of our charities today?
Unfortunately many charities of today look, sound and act like businesses looking to make a profit instead of acting
like a non-profit. I wonder if the IRS has any of the original paper that was discussed in congress when they made 501-c-3
charities. I think we would be very surprised what the original intent was and how far off the track we have come.
For many this ended up to be a legal loop hole.
Comment from Minister Doreatha Pretlow-Tucker - November 1, 2006
You are exactly right. I am starting a new ministry in NW Florida for women and children who have substance
abuse, physical, and/or emotional abuse problems. I am glad to see that there is someone, like your organization, who wants
to help people like me to feed the hungry. It always seems to go back to the same thing...money. I pray that there is someone
who desires to help those who are helping others, like you all, and like myself.
God Bless.
