Funeral Consumers Alliance

This fails to take into account that FCA is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization, not a trade group. I'm sorry, but when you take ads, especially from industry for products, your image and credibility *are* compromised. We can't wish that way by saying "we don't endorse these products."

All nonprofits need money, but compromising our independence from the industry is a terrible idea. There are proven ways for nonprofits to raise funds - including direct mail - that are ethical and won't compromise a group's reputation. I've noticed that FCA affiliates who are thinking about taking ads are not pursuing these legitimate techniques. Yep, fundraising is hard work, and it takes a sustained commitment. But taking the easy way out with ads, especially from industry, is not OK. It goes right to the core of who we are and what we do. How would you feel about Consumer Reports if they began accepting paid ads?

Josh Slocum
Exec. Director