At Charity Navigator, our work to guide intelligent giving means not only highlighting effective organizations but also informing donors about organizations which are performing poorly. Shiloh International Ministries was one such organization. Over the 13 years in which we evaluated the organization, only once did it receive anything above a 0-star rating, and then, in 2005, it only earned 1 star.
Shiloh International Ministries, highlighted by the Tampa Bay Times as one of America’s Worst Charities, has now closed down. The organization, which according to the article has also operated under the names Handicapped Children's Services of America, American Veterans Network, Adolescent AIDS Foundation, and Help Hospitalized Children Fund, is no longer listed on the IRS Business Master File, which lists all exempt organizations registered with the IRS.
While there are many reasons for this organization’s chronically low rating, one factor was the high amount spent by the organization on fundraising. In the organization’s most recent rating, Shiloh International Ministries spent 81.9% of its total expenses on fundraising, 13.2% on administrative expenses and just 4.7% on program activities - which go toward fulfilling an organization’s mission. Only 2 of the over 8,000 charities that we rate spends that little on programming and only 5 spend that much on fundraising.
The organization also failed to follow many industry best practices, including not having a CEO compensation process, not reporting CEO compensation on its annual Form 990, filed with the IRS, and having no independent voting board members.
We hope that during this holiday season, you find Charity Navigator a helpful resource in making your giving choices and are able to avoid organizations which won’t use your donation wisely!
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As of September, there are approximately 1.3 million American troops deployed worldwide.. The holiday season makes being away from home particularly difficult, whether you’re on the other side of the United States or across the globe. Numerous charities work to let our soldiers know that America is conscious of and grateful for their sacrifices.
Operation Gratitude has sent over 1.7 million care packages to American troops since its inception. Through Operation Gratitude, donors can send personal letters to troops, veterans, new recruits, and wounded warriors. Donors can also send clothing, hygiene items, food, and games, among other items. During the holiday season and beyond, these 4 star charities help translate your thoughts of gratitude into heartfelt gifts to our troops.
Last week, we focused on fundraising expenses. Today’s Metric Monday will address conflict of interest. 
When available, we include an organization’s donation mailing address alongside their physical address in the Charity Contact Info box, located in the upper left corner of a rated organization’s listing. However, not having a listed mailing address does not necessarily mean that the organization does not utilize one.