PD organizations

[Linda J Herman <ljherman1@xxxxxxxx>]

Which organization to contribute to? Good question - there are sure
plenty of options.
 i'd suggest checking out the organizations' web sites, read their
publications, call them and chat a few minutes to see how responsive they
are about answering questions. There are MANY parkinson's organizations,
and most have a special focus, and unique strengths,  but there is also a
lot of overlap of some services and programs. An important question i
would ask is what are they doing to further cooperation with other PD
organizations? Also what type of input and involvement do PWP have in the
organization ?

Two good web sites for objective financial info. on U.S. non-profit
organizations

Guidestar: National Database of non profits:
Gives fiinancial data reported to IRS. search under "parkinson" - many PD
organizations are listed
  

Give.org  (from Better Business Bureau)


--- gives more detailed and  evaluative info. including percentage of
income used for administration and fund raising, but covers fewer orgs. .
According to their criteria:
"Reasonable use of funds requires that a) at least 50% of total income
from all sources be spent on programs and activities directly related to
the organization's purposes; b) at least 50% of public contributions be
spent on the programs and activities described in solicitations, in
accordance with donor expectations; c) fund raising costs not exceed 35%
of related contributions; and d) total fund raising and administrative
costs not exceed 50% of total income."

APDA and  PDF -  both fall well within these guidelines. MJFox Foundation
fell within guidelines for new organizations (somewhat different
criteria)  NPF's report was being worked on, and not yet available
online.

Linda

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