We’d like to think that charities work tirelessly to make the world a better place and that’s mostly true. Sadly, even the most well-respected organizations can stumble. Here are twelve popular charities & their dark sides. You’ll start thinking a little differently after you’ve read these.
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Wounded Warrior Project’s Spending
Let’s get one thing straight—the Wounded Warrior Project does some great work for veterans. But in 2015, reports emerged that the company sold private information about its donors and that they spent large amounts on unecessary company retreats. Eventually, the controversy got so heated that the Wounded Warrior Project fired its CEO & changed its approach to expenses.
Locks of Love and Unused Donations
You’d think that Locks of Love, known for making wigs for kids who need them, would be a sweet company. And it is—except for the fact that not all the hair donated actually ends up in wigs. Around 80% of it is unusable & approximately $6 million worth of these donations have gone missing. As you might expect, some people wonder if everything’s as clear as it should be.
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Salvation Army’s Stance on LGBTQ+ Issues
The Salvation Army has faced backlash over its views on LGBTQ+ rights. Some centers allegedly refused to accept transgender individuals & the organization also lobbied for anti-LGBTQ+ laws. While not all of these reports have been verified, it was enough to cause a serious backlash against the group.
Amnesty International and Internal Culture
Amnesty International is another group that has had some trouble of its own at home. A 2019 internal report revealed a “toxic” workplace environment, with issues like bullying & discrimination apparently being widespread. This came after two members of the charity committed suicide.
Greenpeace’s Environmental Damage
In 2014, Greenpeace activists protested in a prohibited area of the Nazca lines in Peru and damaged the sacred site. The organization later apologized for this. Still, it was a major slip-up for a group that’s supposed to look after nature. You can’t damage a UNESCO World Heritage site & think it’s acceptable!
PETA’s Euthanasia Practices
Many people have called out PETA for the number of animals that are euthanized at their shelters. One study found the figure was as high as 97.4%. The animal rights group claims it’s part of managing their shelters but it seems rather contradictory to a group that’s supposed to save animals.
World Wildlife Fund and Indigenous Rights
Critics of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) claim that some of their conservation efforts affect indigenous people. In creating new protected areas, many local people have been pushed out of their homes or faced violence from anti-poaching groups. Really, protecting nature shouldn’t come at the expense of people’s homes—or their ways of life.
UNICEF’s Worker Controversy
UNICEF does a lot of good because it works with famous faces to draw attention to big issues like child poverty. However, numerous allegations have been made against the organization. Some of these include claims that UNICEF workers sexually abused women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Oxfam’s Scandal in Haiti
Although Oxfam usually helps out in disaster zones, they had their own disaster to deal with after the 2010 Haiti earthquake. Apparently, the organization deliberately covered up an investigation into sexual exploitation by its workers. The scandal massively damaged Oxfam’s reputation & made people think twice about where they put their donations.
March of Dimes and Funding Distribution
Some people have criticized March of Dimes, an organization focused on improving the health of mothers & babies, for how they distribute their funds. After all, the CEO earns around $607,033 annually. Critics argue that this money should be used to directly support their core programs instead.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Staff Misconduct
The Boys & Girls Clubs of America is a great place for kids to learn and grow after school. Unfortunately, they’ve had some serious issues with staff misconduct over the years. Reports & lawsuits filed against the organization allege that staff members took advantage of their positions and were inappropriate with children.
Habitat for Humanity’s Challenges
Habitat for Humanity has faced several controversies over the years, including claims that its construction work has killed or injured several workers. Additionally, since people who get a Habitat for Humanity home need to show they can pay for it, most low-income families aren’t able to get one. It’s quite ironic, really.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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