Provide names of other journalists involved.
Kim Franke-Folstad, editor
List date(s) this work was published or aired.
Oct. 23, 2011
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
Charity races are promoted as a way to “make a difference” in a healthful way. In reality, they’re the bread and butter of non-profit group fundraising, where non-profits enlist individuals to tap on friends and family for money. Rarely are these groups scrutinized, in particular the multi-million dollar races that require participants to put thousands of their own money down at registration. These groups say requiring a massive, minimum donation for these heart-warming events is smart business. But tax experts, watchdog groups and smaller charities question how some of the money raised to fight a “cause” actually covers logistics, such as coaching fees, T-shirts, even hotel stays. This story serves as a warning flag to the community to think twice, and ask a lot of questions about charities before committing your mind, body, and wallet to a race.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
IRS 990 forms were the main legal document available, and showed how little accountability is required of the charities to break down expenses related to money raised. Charity websites and marketing were critical to understand how much information was clearly explained about the fundraising requirements of participants.
Explain types of human sources used.
Leaders from the national charities, including Susan G. Komen Foundation and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, were essential. More so, it was important to include smaller, local people directly tied to the events. That includes a Leukemia survivor who supports the minimum donation model.
Results:
Reader feedback was strong, including a lot of surprise that some races are having participants invest their own money up front, and frustration that more money wasn’t going into research. At least one major local road race shared the story with its board of directors, warning them of the implications of requiring participants to donate more.
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
No corrections or clarifications have been requested or were necessary.
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
It’s difficult anytime you write a story critical of a “feel-good” cause. I urge reporters to be painfully blunt with sources about your thesis. I was surprised by how candid the national groups were about running their organization “as a business.” I don’t think they would have responded so directly had I been more abstract in my interview request.