Where your money goes

WHEN you donate money to Second Chance to help homeless women in Brisbane, that’s exactly where the money goes.

Second Chance does not bankroll buildings or duplicate services or rent fancy office space. It pays no salaries, nor administration costs. Apart from compulsory insurance, every cent goes to the cause.

“It’s something we decided was important when we started,’’ says Second Chance co-founder Dale Spender. “Transparency and accountability remain just as important today.’’

This is in stark contrast to some charities working in Australia today, where more than 60% of total fundraising revenue is spent on administration costs. A recent media report reveals a Federal Government move to make Australia’s 60,000 charities more accountable, which could prompt big-spending not-for-profits to rein in their administration.

“Second Chance is a group of professional Queensland women working pro bono to raise money to assist women sleeping rough on Brisbane’s streets,’’ says Dale Spender. The committee’s collective expertise spans business, management, marketing, manufacturing, education, media and law. “Everyone donates their time and we personally absorb the administration costs.’’

“We wanted Second Chance donors – whether they give $10 or write a cheque for $50,000 – to know their money goes directly to assisting homeless women.’’

Founded by Dale Spender and Marjorie Morton a decade ago, Second Chance was started when the cause of homeless women in Brisbane was virtually unheard of. There were more than 400 beds for homeless men and about a dozen for women at a time when homeless women numbers were soaring yet hidden.

“We work hard to identify the most successful models working and fund them. That means emergency beds for women off the street; temporary safe havens in shelters for abused women and children; permanent low-cost accommodation solutions; and furniture packages for women moving off the street with nothing.’’

http://www.everydayhero.com.au/margo_mclay