That 27% is only the portion that goes toward Research according to their 2014 Financial Statements.
Additional breakdown of expenses:
- 32% goes towards Public and Professional Education
- 19% goes towards Patient and Community Services
- 14% is spent on fundraising (takes money to make money)
- 7% goes towards Administration
I do not see anything out of the ordinary given their Mission.
Mission Priorities
- Raise the level of awareness of The ALS Association as the leading voice and most trusted source of information about Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
- Lead, direct and/or collaborate on global research to understand the disease, develop treatments and ultimately find a cure.
- Provide every person with ALS and their families access to high quality, consistent and compassionate support services.
- Advance a nationwide advocacy program that increases funding for ALS research, improves patient services and empowers the entire ALS community.
- Function as one organization with unity of purpose.
- Operate within a business model designed to ensure stability and promote financial strength.
21% spending on Fundraising and Administration is quite good actually.
Any NFP that is able to spend 75%+ on its stated Mission/Programs/Charitable Purpose (read: not administration and fundraising) is actually highly efficient.
This challenge was designed specifically to raise awareness...which is one of their Mission Priorities.
Before being a sheeple yourself and just being a mouthpiece for those ignorant of how NFPs operate, please do your own research first.