Executive Compensation at the American Legion
The American Legion is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501 (c) (19) – a veteran’s organization permitted to conduct social and welfare activities for its members. Established more than 100 years ago, at the end of WWI, the American Legion (Legion) has about 1.8 million members. The organization is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana and is organized into 55 departments, one for each of the 50 states along with DC, Puerto Rico, France, Mexico, and the Phillipines.
There are two types of membership: regular active and paid up for life. Regular Active membership dues vary (but are about $40 annually) because each post determines their own dues rate. However, if a veteran joins through the Legion headquarters, a special introductory rate is provided and the new member is assigned to the post in which state he/she resides. Paid up for Life membership is about $1,400. Read more 
Executive Compensation and Perks and Liberty University (2018)
With the most recent headlines reporting the resignation of Jerry Falwell, Jr. following several scandals including his wife’s affair with another man that lasted from 2012-2018, Falwell’s alleged penchant for watching his wife have sex with the young man, and that Liberty University is said to owe $10.5 million (2 years of salary at $1.25 million a year plus $8 million because his responsibilities were curtailed) to Falwell, we all have to wonder what’s been going on at Liberty University?
When questioned about the $10.5 million in exit compensation, Mr. Falwell said “I didn’t break any rules – I get my compensation.” But the more important question is why the trustees of Liberty University ever entered into a contract with Falwell that would commit the university to paying Falwell $10.5 million if he left the university? Was he that much of an asset to Liberty? Could he have gotten that sweet deal from anywhere else? The answer is probably no and no. So, why did the trustees give Falwell such a generous contract? And, if he didn’t break any rules, why did he tender his resignation to the Board of Trustees and why did they so readily accept it? Read more
Executive Compensation at Specialty Food Association, Inc.
The Specialty Food Association (SFA) is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501 (c) (6) – a trade association – that represents about 3,500 specialty food companies. The organization owns and produces the Fancy Food Shows – a winter (California) and summer (New York) specialty food convention that showcases new and established products and services in the food industry.
The SFA generally raises about $30 million annually, most of which comes from trade shows (Fancy Food Shows). Expenses (primarily compensation and convention fees) have historically been a few million dollars less than revenue which has allowed the SFA to accumulate $55 million by year-end 2017 (according to the Form 990 submitted to the IRS).
65 employees received $8.8 million in compensation, which equates to an average compensation of $135,300. However, only 20 employees received more than $100,000 with the 11 most highly compensated employees reported to be: Read more
Executive Compensation at Hippocrates Health Institute (2017)
The Hippocrates Health Institute (HHI) – a non-profit tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) that operates out of a 50-acre tropical setting in West Palm Beach, Florida – provides educational and instructional services to teach individuals how to live and eat healthier for a fee (referred to as “program service revenue”). HHI is not a charitable organization that relies on donations; instead HHI relies on program service revenue paid by those who choose to enroll and/or attend the Institute.
In 2017, HHI raised $17.5 million (which is about the same as the previous year) – primarily through program service revenue (most attendees come for 1-3 weeks and spend about $2,500-$3,000 per week) – and spent $15.7 million (not including $1 million in depreciation): Read more
Executive Compensation at Mercy Health (Chesterfield, MO)
Mercy Health is one of the largest US health systems with more than 40 hospitals, 900 physician practices and outpatient facilities serviced by 45,000 employees in Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Arkansas. In addition, Mercy Health has clinics, outpatient service and outreach ministry in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.
Executive Compensation at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (2017)
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is a tax-exempt 501 (c) (6) – a “business organization” – whose purpose is to increase demand and profits for cattle and beef producers. To do this, members (many of whom are cattle owners) pay dues (based on the number of heads of cattle) starting at $150 to over $2,000 annually (although each cattle owning member has only 1 vote no matter how many head of cattle he/she owns). In addition, the NCBA also has non-voting members who pay $50-$200 annually to belong to the association. Read more
Where Does $100 to United Way Go (2018)?
United Way is one of the most recognizable charitable organizations in the United States and throughout the world. In the United States, “United Way” generally refers to United Way Worldwide (formerly United Way of America) and/or one of the 1,800 local offices in 40 countries and territories that operate as separate 501 (c) (3)’s. United Way Worldwide is the leadership and support organization for the whole United Way network. Each organization collects funds and makes grants to local organizations, and also contributes a portion of the revenue collected to United Way Worldwide to support operations. Read more
Executive Compensation at Young Life
Young Life is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) based in Colorado Springs, CO that is engaged in “introducing adolescents to Jesus Christ and helping them grow in their faith” through weekly club meetings, small group bible studies, nationwide camping programs, short-term missions, and student exchange programs. Consequently, Young Life is a staff intensive organization with nearly 5,882 employees in 2019. Read more
Where Does $100 to Young Life Go?
Young Life is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) based in Colorado Springs, CO that is engaged in “introducing adolescents to Jesus Christ and helping them grow in their faith” through weekly club meetings, small group bible studies, nationwide camping programs, short-term missions, and student exchange programs. Consequently, Young Life is a staff intensive organization (with nearly 6,000 employees).
In trying to understand how Young Life spent every $100 in revenue received in 2019, it is important to review the Form 990 (2018 for the year ending September 30, 2019) that reports key information about the organization: Read more
Executive Compensation at NPR
NPR (National Public Radio) is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) organization that serves as a national syndicator to about 800 public radio stations through its member stations. Headquartered in Washington, DC, NPR strives to keep the public informed of events, ideas, and cultures through its programming.
In 2018, NPR raised about $250 million, primarily from program services and contributions, gifts, and grants. Expenses totaled $235 million (not including $10 million in depreciation) with the largest expense being compensation. 1,283 employees were compensated $144 million, which equates to an average compensation of $112,000. However, only 492 employees (38% of total employees) received more than $100,000.
The 30 most highly compensated employees were reported to be: Read more
Paddock Post 