The Everyday Philanthropist

CHAPTER 26Case Study: The New York Times and Wounded Warrior Project

In January 2016, The New York Times and CBS News released high‐profile, sensational investigative reports on Wounded Warrior Project—the large veteran's charity. They called the organization's big fundraising expenditures into question. CBS News stated, “What caught our attention is how Wounded Warrior Project spends donations compared to other long‐respected charities.” They compared Wounded Warrior unfavorably to others, showing how low a percentage of donations others spent on fundraising, and how high a percentage Wounded Warrior spends. They accused them of “lavish” spending in non‐program areas—alcohol purchased with donor money at big employee parties, first‐class air travel by executives, and the like. The New York Times reported that they found “many current and former employees questioning whether [Wounded Warrior Project] has drifted from its mission.”

By combining and sensationalizing two spending areas, a picture of systemic over‐spending and donor betrayal was painted, damning the fundraising spending in particular.

Donors were outraged.

But how would you feel about Wounded Warrior Project if you knew these things:

• Fifteen years ago Wounded Warrior Project didn't exist. By 2014 they were raising, $400 million a year with over $242 million a year available for veterans’ services. They represented ...