Charity - Environment New Jersey (reviews, business)

[bradykp]

Has anyone heard of them? They were canvassing my neighborhood, and the charity seems nice enough, but I don't want to donate to something that isn't efficiently using their dollars if I can donate to something better.

[lifelongMOgal]

Originally Posted by bradykp

Has anyone heard of them? They were canvassing my neighborhood, and the charity seems nice enough, but I don't want to donate to something that isn't efficiently using their dollars if I can donate to something better.

Always, always beware of "charities" that canvas door to door.

The "charity" you mention isn't listed with the New Jersey BBB. <<< RED FLAG

Check Out a Business or Charity - New Jersey BBB

Never give any charity money at the door, instead ask for an addressed envelope for their mailing address and check their legitimacy out with your Secretary of State.
New Jersey Charitable Registration Directory Results

Here is what is on the NJ-SOS website about Environment NJ:

ENVIRONMENT NJ143 EAST STATE ST, STE 7, TRENTON NJ, 08608Phone: 609-392-5151
Income Expenses
Direct Public Contributions:$313,647.00 Program Expenses:$335,298.00
Indirect Public Contributions:0.00 Management Expenses:$24,741.00
Government Grants:0.00 Fund Raising:$111,217.00
Program Service Revenue:0.00 Payments to Affiliates:0.00
Other Support:$71.00
Total Revenue:$313,718.00 Total Expenses:$471,256.00

Registration Number: CH2872700 Report in File: 07/31/08

another charity evaluation tool:

Charity Navigator - America's Largest Charity Evaluator | Home


At a quick glance the Environment NJ appears to be in debt with expenses outweighing income. Management expense is in double digits as a percentage of income....never a good indication of a well run charity, IMO.

[bradykp]

it seems as though they are newer, and charity navigator doesn't have them evaluated yet. program expenses is pretty good, in relation to management expenses. they are running debt right now, i looked up their 2009 and 2008 returns.

eh. i donated a small amount, but am really wondering what their deal is. i knew i was jumping the gun.

so does anyone actually know anything about them?

[lifelongMOgal]

Efficiently run charities are able to use less than 5% of their expenses on management/payroll. I usually look for ones that operate at the 2% or less level. YMMV.