Marine Toys For Tots
Is This Your Business?3.7
3.7
Author: Jenna Vasquez
LAST UPDATED: January 25th, 2022
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The Good
- Financial information is accessible
- Inexpensive administrative expenses
- 97 percent revenue is spent on program delivery
Total Income
Whenever possible, the Review Team uses information which was reported to the Internal Revenue Service on Form 990. Many organizations do not publish past years of their IRS Form 990. Marine Toy for Tots Foundation has published several past years of this form online. As with most organizations, annual revenue and donations for Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is affected by economic fluctuations. Donations to the organization have varied year-by-year, but the general amount collected over the last four years, according to reported income on IRS Form 990 are reported as follows:- 2015: $268,663,846
- 2014: $276,619,072
- 2013: $238,112,361
- 2012: $249,036,694
Administrative Expenses
According to Marine Toys for Tots Foundation's 2015 Form 990, their CEO, H.P. Osman, has a reported annual salary of $270,500. The organization has a surprisingly low number of paid employees, with less that 20 reported on its 2015 IRS Form 990. Those working to implement the program are members of the United States Marine Corps Reserve and other volunteers. The total administrative expenses reported in 2015 is $4,288,004.Fundraising Expenses
Marine Toys for Tots Foundation reported fundraising expenses of $6,177,547 on its 2015 IRS Form 990. The fundraising budget was .02 percent of their total income for the year. Marine Toys for Tots benefits from the widespread familiarity of their organization by not having to dedicate significant resources toward public relations and fundraising. This percentage places the organization among the top tier of charities as far as the company's income-to-fundraising ratio.Program Percentage
The percentage of revenue which goes back into the program for Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is outstanding in comparison with many other organizations. For every dollar raised, 97 cents is used for program costs. As a reference point, watchdog Charity Watch considers an organization a Top Rated Charity if an organization uses 80 percent of its income to provide its service. Marine Toys for Tots is very effective in program delivery and fiscal responsibility.Accessible Financial Information
Marine Toys for Tots published their annual reports for the last two years, which at the writing of this review is 2014 and 2015. The organization also published their IRS Form 990 for 2012-2015. While not considerably significant, the organization's publication of annual reports for the same timeframe would improve their transparency.Awards
Marine Toys for Tots Foundation has been recognized for its outstanding fiscal responsibility and the above-average ratio of total annual revenue to program delivery. Many of these have been annual recognitions. Among Marine Toys for Tots' achievements which have been recognized are: 2002- Charity Navigator, an independent charity watchdog organization which rates charitable organizations on their financial transparency, program percentage, etc. awarded Marine Toys for Tots with four stars (out of four).
- Chronicle of Philanthropy ranked Marine Toys for Tots as Foundation #267 on their Philanthropy 400 list
- DMA Nonprofit Federation named Marine Toys for Tots "Outstanding Nonprofit Organization of the Year."
- Chronicle of Philanthropy ranked Marine Toys for Tots as Foundation #341 on their Philanthropy 400 list.
- Starburst ranked Marine Toys for Tots' website as #9 in its "Top 100 Toy Website."
- Readers Digest (November, 2003) named the organization as "America's Best Children's Charity."
- Forbes Magazine included Marine Toys for Tots on its "Gold Star List" of charitable organizations.
The Bad
- Negative press
- Donor communication issues
Negative Press
There is little/no reliable negative press stories about Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. Two exceptions are a satirical piece as well as an op-ed written about the organization. The satire was published stating that Michelle Obama's support for Toys for Tots included the executive (i.e. Presidential) requirement that all gift packages delivered by Marine Toys for Tots include a copy of the Koran, which resulted in the resignation of the CEO of Toys for Tots. This story is false in that while Mrs. Obama did support the organization, there was no such Executive Order by President Obama, nor did the CEO resign. This story has taken many forms, one of which included the allegation that the organization did not accept donations of Jesus dolls from a Christian church (unnamed), stating that religious items could not be distributed. An op-ed piece about Marine Toys for Tots Foundation was published on December 22, 2010, by Open Media Boston, wherein the organization was criticized for their apparent hypocrisy in that members of the military routinely kill children during operations overseas, yet act as Santa at home. This piece was strictly opinion, and offensive to many members of the military and their families.Donor Communication
Online donors receive a receipt for their tax-deductible organization as well as newsletter announcements. Some report that the communications coming from Marine Toys for Tots in further years are excessive and irritating. This cannot be substantiated, but as the organization's fundraising budget is such a low percentage annually, this anecdotal evidence is questionable. Those who support Marine Toys for Tots by donating toys do not receive a tax-deductible receipt, but can claim the gift on their taxes. The Review Team does not give tax advice, and anyone with questions should consult their tax professional.The Bottom Line
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B M Vienna, VA
I love this Charity. Our local Toys for Tots drive in Virginia is highly organized. The quality of donated gifts is high, but I imagine that varies across the country in different economic sectors. No matter the location, every single volunteer works selflessly over the holidays, giving their time to ensure that of the donations, appropriate gifts are distributed to kids in need. The local volunteers are what make Toys for Tots and the distribution centers so great. Of course, these are community based volunteers and distribution centers, so you will have variations across the country. But all in all these are selfless, hardworking volunteers giving their time to do nice things for kids in need.
4 years ago
Jessika Cantrell Fairfield, AL
THEY DID NOT DISAPPOINT! I have nothing but good things to say about TFT! Me and my children have fallen on hard times, and TFT blessed us abundantly! We've never had to use anything like this until, this year! My husband threw me and our children out a couple months ago, and I honestly was clueless how I'd pull Christmas off this year! TFT is a true blessing! I hope by this time next year, I'm able to donate! It's only up from here! Thanks for everything! My children ages (5&7) will be so excited Christmas morning! I'm beyond thankful! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
4 years ago
Eddie Rios Ogden, UT
Having been a former Marine myself, I have always helped donate to Marine Toys for Tots. But I continue to donate, not because of my previous military service, but because of the charity's commitment to help in the community. They are driven, kind, and ensure that donations get to those it would most help. I trust their staff, their efforts, and their charitable commitment.
6 years ago
Michelle Rios Ogden, UT
One of my very favorite charities. Who doesn't love giving toys to this organization? These tough Marines bringing smiles to children who may not otherwise have a Christmas. My family donates every year... It is a tradition that we have taught our children since they were born.
6 years ago
DOUG MACHUTTA Nevada, TX
I've collected and seen them distribute through a huge volunteer network for many of my 64 years, been a recipient as a giver,.. well as a Harley rider in many events over my lifetime.
God Blessed the USA,.. and this Marine charity.
8 years ago
Mikayla Ralston Gaithersburg, MD
I participated in the organization drive for toys for tots. This was a great experience. It made me happy thinking I could have the possibility of bringing happiness to other families.
6 years ago
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Jesse Rice Biloxi, MS
As a military wife I love Toys for Tots its a way of being able to give to the kids. For a family that doesn't have much it is a big help to not have to worry about weather your child will have a gift with people like the USMC to be there to be Santa's biggest Helper.
6 years ago
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Jacob American Fork, UT
Toys for Tots is another great way to give back to the community whether purchasing toys and wrapping them to help families in need, or giving away toys and wrapping to give to families in need.
6 years ago
Madison Kneiss Gulfport, MS
I typically buy batteries in help for this charity. That way when toys are donated, they have the batteries to give with them.
6 years ago
Linda Hill
The Marines have been at Toys for Tots since before I was born! Their dedication to country and to helping children is most valued.
8 years ago
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Mrs.LadyTee Chicago, IL
A wonderful cause with great rewards on both the giving and receiving end. Thankful for those who give and those who receive.
6 years ago
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ChanceyParker Petal, MS
The dollar general I live by always does this charity and I always try to donate by buying batteries for the toys they receive.
6 years ago
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Kathy Trout New Orleans, LA
My husband collected toys for this charity when he was in the Marine's I love that they consistently make children's Christmas dreams a reality.
6 years ago
Michelle W Coraopolis, PA
I play in a golf outing every year that donates all of the proceeds to Toys for Tots. I think what they do is for a great cause.
6 years ago
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terryjamison Jackson, MS
This is a great program to help withChristmas time for those who can’t !! The volunteers do a great job
6 years ago
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Matthew Hall Gulfport, MS
As a former child of this organization, people that donate money and toys definitely impact the kid that recieves them.
6 years ago
Grossarth Family Herriman, UT
They support the community needs and we appreciate helping them.
4 years ago
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SkylarPickens Gulfport, MS
One of the best charitable organizations i’ve ever seen! They truly care for the need!
6 years ago
Amanda Warrendale, PA
I always love to support Toys for Tots whenever I can because they make helping others so easy!
6 years ago
