Go to content Go to navigation Go to search

November 18, 2008

Conservative Charity Expects to Lay Off 200 Workers

Focus on the Family, the conservative Christian ministry and media group in Colorado Springs, announced on Monday that it plans to lay off more than 200 of its employees, which account for about 20 percent of the group’s work force, reports The Colorado Independent, an online newspaper run by the Center for Independent Media.

The religious group recently spent more than $500,000 to support the passage of Proposition 8, which overturned a California Supreme Court ruling that allowed gays and lesbians to marry in that state, the newspaper noted.

Focus on the Family is one of the most successful fund-raising groups in the United States. It ranked No. 158 on The Chronicle’s most-recent Philanthropy 400, the ranking of the charities that collect the most from private sources.

(A paid subscription or short-term pass is required to view the Chronicle’s Philanthropy 400.)

Tuesday November 18, 2008 | Permalink

Comments

1. It’s not my intention to be an apologist for Focus however living in Colorado Springs allows me some insight into the issue. As has been reported frequently in the past the ‘501c3 Focus’ that is laying people is funded separately from the political action group that Focus ‘runs.’ That $500,000 was spent by the political action group theoretically has no effect on the Focus that is laying people off. The Colorado Independent is noted for having strong editorial opinions in its reporting of ‘news’ and being against most things right of the far left politically. It’s instructive that the Independent is handed out at no charge meaning you pay for what it’s worth. It’s also disappointing that the Chronicle would publish what amounts to be a misleading innuendo, now I wonder about the integrity of the other reporting in the Chronicle.

   — indolawson    Nov 18, 02:33 PM    #

2. I think the key word in your comment, indolawson, is “theoretically.” So it’s to be assumed the money-dump on Prop. 8 and the layoffs are completely unrelated? I don’t know for sure, but I don’t think it’s too far-fetched to mention both in the same article.

   Also, the Colorado Independent is ran by a 501c3 non-profit which relies on grants and private donations.

   Many of 501c3 non-profits ran by the folks reading the Chronicle offer their services for free, so I’m not sure how instructive it is to assume the lack of worth of certain services simply because they don’t require payment.

   — SW in CT    Nov 18, 03:47 PM    #

3. SW in CT: With as much kindness as you can ever imagine, I want you to know that the word is “run” not “ran”. BTW: I agree with your comment. Focus on the Family is a tight-knit family (no pun intended) and has quite possibly placed their ministry endeavors in jeopardy by their political investments. I have a hunch head guru James Dobson would consider that to be okay. Perhaps the US Constitution has something to say about all of this. Anyone out there game to respond?

   — Tom    Nov 18, 04:36 PM    #

4. When it comes to opposing or supporting ballot measures, such as Prop. 8, we’re talking about lobbying, not election activities.

   501c3s are certainly able to engage in lobbying activities, up to a certain cap that varies depending on whether or not the organization is a 501(h) elector.

   In my personal opinion, it would be foolish to think at least some of the financial support for Prop. 8 didn’t come out of their 501c3.

   — JP    Nov 19, 11:43 AM    #

5. COP, why not just link to a more relevant source? http://www.gazette.com/news/focus_43586___article.html/lays_eliminationg.html

   It’s easier and maintains your function as an aggregator of news in the philanthropic realm without the “innuendo.”

   Food for thought…

   — AJ    Nov 19, 03:20 PM    #

6. The Chronicle has posted its own story on this matter; please see it at http://philanthropy.com/news/updates/index.php?id=6345

   — The Editors of The Chronicle of Philanthropy    Nov 21, 08:56 AM    #

Commenting is closed for this article.

Previous: Smithsonian's Board Holds First Public Meeting
Next: Prospecting: Americans Plan Increase in Charity 'Gifts' This Season, Poll Finds

---

Copyright © 2009 The Chronicle of Philanthropy