What percentage of donation to Red Cross goes for relief, and how much

[Digit]

for administrative fees? I realize that many people actually volunteer their time, but I know they have salaried people as well.
Just concerned what kind of salaries I might be supporting when I want any donation to go directly where needed.

[wellstone_democrat]

1. alot

I won't donate to them because I once worked as a temp for them. I saw enough

My money goes to low admin costs relief like the Salvation Army

[iamjoy]

3. Salvation Army Discriminates

against gays. I won't give to them.

[I_Make_Mistakes]

4. I think I remember 15 %

I donate to Lutheran disaster response because my pastor told me only 2% go to administrative costs.

[iamjoy]

2. 91% For Programs

According to Charity Navigator

Of course, that doesn't specify which programs, some of which are more important than others.

http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm/bay/search.summary/orgid/3277.htm

[Cleita]

5. Personally, I don't think spokes persons like Libby Dole come

cheap. Just my opinion. I have also heard that the Red Cross was a bit top heavy. They do the work they are supposed to do though.

[William769]

6. Well now that that bitch Dole doesn't run it anymore

I would think more of it would go to relief efforts.

[liveoaktx]

7. My question is, can you specify the hurricane victims? I remember

that there was a scandal involving the Red Cross's 9/11 relief, when it turned out that they weren't spending all the donations on 9/11 but on other Red Cross programs. Remember that public outcry when people found out that their donations, sent specifically for 9/11 victims, were going to be spent other ways?

So, can we be sure if we donate to the Red Cross that it won't be generally applied?

[crispini]

Yes you can specify

there's a link when you donate.

[walldude]

9. Also if you send them a check you can

put in the memo line "Hurricane Katrina" and the money will be earmarked for that..

[chalky]

8. Got a list of organizations at work today and "America's Second Harvest"

caught my eye. I checked it out with some DUers and got good reviews:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=4529877&mesg_id=4529877

Check out their website.