Community Shares/Utah is experiencing some difficulties conducting fund-raising campaigns due to adverse publicity that resulted recently from a misunderstanding. Community Shares is a nonprofit organization that helps other community-based nonprofit groups raise the financial support they need to serve disadvantaged Utahns and to protect and care for animals and the environment.
Last month, the Salt Lake County Commission questioned Community Shares' percentage of administrative expenses vs. direct-services expenditures. It is fair and appropriate for the county to assure that funds raised from county employees are well-spent for the purposes for which they were donated.Unfortunately, the way that the county determined administrative costs made those costs appear too high, and the commission decided not to allow Community Shares to request donations from county employees.
The county reversed that decision and agreed to study the issue further upon learning that Community Shares' administrative costs were within reasonable standards and, in fact, were nearly identical to those of the United Way.
I work with two organizations new to Community Shares this year, one that helps communities develop affordable housing and one that provides services to homeless teenagers.
I know that Community Shares/Utah helps support many programs and services that contribute greatly to the quality of life in our state. Community Shares is a responsible, accountable and professionally run organization that has enjoyed the support of business and government leaders and their employees, and these relationships have been mutually beneficial.
Steve Erickson
Salt Lake City