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I read in the paper (Daily Bee, May 28, 2016) that the Idaho Community Foundation had awarded numerous grants to groups here in north Idaho. Most of the groups listed are well deserving but I have questions about one group that received $2,000 from the ICF.

That group is The Guardians Foundation out of Post Falls. This group has been on my radar for a few years now. They seem to have routinely a reported an annual income that falls just below the threshold needed for scrutiny by Charity Navigator.

Below is the report — or lack thereof — from the BBB.

“This charitable organization either has not responded to written BBB requests for information or has declined to be evaluated in relation to BBB Standards for Charity Accountability. Charity participation in BBB review is voluntary.

However, without the requested information, it is not possible to determine whether this charity adheres to all of the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.

The BBB encourages charities to disclose accountability information beyond that typically included in financial statements and government filings, in order to demonstrate transparency and strengthen public trust in the charitable sector.

The BBB reports on charities and determines if they meet 20 voluntary standards on matters such as charity finances, appeals, and governance.

The BBB does not evaluate the worthiness of the charitable program.”

I think that any charitable organization that spends more than 25 percent of the donations on administrative costs, salaries/, and expenses is suspect — at least when it comes to efficiency and getting the most benefit to their client base.

It is especially troubling when an organization that presents itself as solely designed to help our veterans is less than transparent and forthcoming.

I feel that this grant may have been awarded inappropriately and that the money could have been sent to a more deserving entity.

GIL BEYER

Sandpoint