I would rather have the country talking about current world events and conditions than relaying gossip over the recent rants of some pop tart celebutante. So I see some goodness to the viral video and the sudden awakening.
With that said, just in case you were even thinking about throwing your money at Invisible Children...let’s compare similar sized 501(c)(3) annual audited financials:
SOWF: $15.2M in total annual revenue. $5.5M in total expenses of which $4.8M went directly to the supported programs. $.68M for general management, staff compensation, and development costs.
Invisible Children: $13.7M in total annual revenue. $8.9M in total expenses of which $7.1M went directly to the supported programs. $1.73M for general management, staff compensation, and development costs.
Let’s compare the composition of those directly supported program expenses:
SOWF: $4.8M went to expenses and services for scholarships, counseling, financial aid, benefactor services, and wounded warrior programs.
Invisible Children: $7.1M went to expenses and services for program compensation costs, direct services, entertainment, film costs, postage, production costs, professional services, communications, travel and transportation amongst other direct expenses. I do read that ~$1M of net assets were restricted for rebuilding schools and scholarships in Central Africa. I read that they also spent that much in video equipment and transportation alone.
They are similar sized right now, but I have little doubt that Invisible Children will more than likely see a tremendous spike in their financial strength after their video went viral.
Both are registered and have a Combined Federal Campaign number. Your money and your choices. It’s pretty clear to me where my charitable contributions will continue to go.
