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	Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence Concerned By Telephone Solicitations September 1, 2010 Carol Gundlach, Executive Director of the Alabama Colaition Against Domestic Violence has issued a statement regarding recent unauthorized solicitations using the organizations name. The Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ACADV), a network of the eighteen domestic violence programs serving the state of Alabama, has recently learned that an out-of-state charity is soliciting money for Alabama domestic violence shelters over the telephone. Neither ACADV nor domestic violence programs in the targeted communities have authorized this solicitation and, to date, Alabama shelters have received little support from this charity. ACADV is unaware of the IRS tax status of the soliciting agency, the total dollar amount raised, or how raised funds will be allocated. For all these reasons, the specter of an unauthorized, unknown and out-of-state telephone solicitor using the good reputation of ACADV member programs to raise funds worries us greatly. Financial support from the local community is the life-blood for domestic violence shelters. Because of this support, shelters in our state were able to respond to over 16,000 crisis calls and provide shelter and other services to over 13,000 victims in 2009 alone. Alabama domestic violence shelters are important members of the local community, are governed by community leaders, and are responsive to the needs of victims in their service areas. During these hard economic times, the support that local charities receive matters more than ever and we appreciate every dollar that is contributed to Alabama domestic violence shelters. And, because we value our supporters so much, we want to make sure that every penny donated is used as wisely and responsibly as possible. ACADV encourages everyone to be a smart donor and to be very cautious when solicited over the telephone for a charitable contribution. We would encourage our supporters to make their donations directly to the shelter serving their local community. All ACADV member shelters are 501 (c )(3) tax exempt organizations, are subject to an independent annual audit meeting rigorous standards set by the federal government, are governed by a local Board of Directors, and will ensure than any money raised in the local community is also spent in that community.

Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence Concerned By Telephone Solicitations

September 1, 2010
Carol Gundlach, Executive Director of the Alabama Colaition Against Domestic Violence has issued a statement regarding recent unauthorized solicitations using the organizations name.

The Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ACADV), a network of the eighteen domestic violence programs serving the state of Alabama, has recently learned that an out-of-state charity is soliciting money for Alabama domestic violence shelters over the telephone.

Neither ACADV nor domestic violence programs in the targeted communities have authorized this solicitation and, to date, Alabama shelters have received little support from this charity. ACADV is unaware of the IRS tax status of the soliciting agency, the total dollar amount raised, or how raised funds will be allocated. For all these reasons, the specter of an unauthorized, unknown and out-of-state telephone solicitor using the good reputation of ACADV member programs to raise funds worries us greatly.

Financial support from the local community is the life-blood for domestic violence shelters. Because of this support, shelters in our state were able to respond to over 16,000 crisis calls and provide shelter and other services to over 13,000 victims in 2009 alone.

Alabama domestic violence shelters are important members of the local community, are governed by community leaders, and are responsive to the needs of victims in their service areas. During these hard economic times, the support that local charities receive matters more than ever and we appreciate every dollar that is contributed to Alabama domestic violence shelters. And, because we value our supporters so much, we want to make sure that every penny donated is used as wisely and responsibly as possible.

ACADV encourages everyone to be a smart donor and to be very cautious when solicited over the telephone for a charitable contribution. We would encourage our supporters to make their donations directly to the shelter serving their local community. All ACADV member shelters are 501 (c )(3) tax exempt organizations, are subject to an independent annual audit meeting rigorous standards set by the federal government, are governed by a local Board of Directors, and will ensure than any money raised in the local community is also spent in that community.