Salvation Army

Name: Salvation Army
Rating: 3.8

Is This Your Business?

3.8

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105 User Reviews

3.8

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105 User Reviews

The Good

The Bad

Bottom Line

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Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: July 4th, 2024

The Salvation Army was founded in London in 1865 by a former Methodist preacher and his wife. International headquarters for The Salvation Army are in London, but the organization has a presence in 127 countries worldwide. The Salvation Army’s United States headquarters are in Alexandria, Virginia.

Because the organization has status as a Christian church in addition to being a charitable organization, full financial disclosure and filing of an IRS Form 990 is not required. There have been several allegations of The Salvation Army mismanaging funds and even making a profit on donated physical items.

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The Good

Program percentage
Donor communication
Awards

Program Percentage

On average, The Salvation Army spends 82 percent of its income on program delivery. Some of the programs that the organization maintains include: Support for Adults

Adult rehabilitation
Veteran affairs
Prison ministries
Elder services
Combating human trafficking
Missing Persons

Support for Children and Families

Hunger relief
Housing and homeless services
Youth camps and recreations
Christmas assistance
Kroc centers

International Aid and Disaster Relief

Sponsorship
World service

Donor Communication

The Salvation Army has a robust presence on social media and provides regular updates of its programs. The organization maintains social media accounts on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.

Awards

In May 2016, The Salvation Army was recognized with the STEM Education Leadership Award for its support of STEM programs. This award was presented by Nasdaq and EverFi.

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The Bad

Total income
Administrative expenses
Fundraising expenses
Accessible financial information
Negative press

Total Income

Because The Salvation Army is registered as a religious organization, there is no federal requirement for the organization to file Form 990s, which is one way that charitable organizations illustrate their transparency. However, The Salvation Army did report income of $4,111,013 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014. The organization does not offer much financial information about other years on its website.

Administrative Expenses

The Salvation Army has not disclosed the salaries of its top executives. On its breakdown of expenses for the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2014, $407,934 or 12 percent of The Salvation Army's expenses were paid under the "Management and General" category. There is no explanation from The Salvation Army about the specifics of this category.

Fundraising Expenses

In 2014, The Salvation Army reported that it spent $217,887 or 6 percent of its expense budget on fundraising.

Accessible Financial Information

Finding financial information on The Salvation Army's website is straightforward; however, there is an overall lack of financial information available. This lack of transparency may raise questions for some.

Negative Press

The Salvation Army was named as one of the "Top Greediest Charities" by Business Pundit in May 2011. The publication accused The Salvation Army of owning high-end real estate (worth at least $900,000) for its executives. Additional accusations include selling properties gifted to the organization for profit and suing Greenpeace over a confusing clause in a will in an effort to rob Greenpeace of an inherited gift. The Salvation Army has also been criticized through the years for its supposed mistreatment of the LGBTQ community.

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The Bottom Line

The Salvation Army is a nonprofit organization with history dating back to 1865. The organization frequently communicates with its donors and has a respectable program delivery percentage. However, The Salvation Army is not very transparent about its financial information and has received some negative press in the past.

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User Reviews

Star Rating

3.8

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105 Reviews

Review Breakdown

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55%

4 grade

17%

3 grade

2 grade

1 grade

23%

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Deborah Dyer Hendersonville, TN

We have donated to the Salvation Army for over 60 years. This organization daily is helping people that are in desperate need of shelter, jobs, clothing and food. We have 3 Salvation stores in our city and have made contributions to the one closest to us several times. We give to this charity because it first is a Christian organization that does witness to those in need of the love of Christ and to preach his gospel. This organization thru funding by the community and businesses has helped thousands of people in need just in our city alone. We are so blessed to have it a s believe in its strong message and outlook for so many destitute individuals🙏

2 years ago

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Prayer Partner Jacksonville, FL

Thank you, Salvation Army, for continuing the half price day on Wednesday. You've been doing that a long time. And thank you for not allowing people to come in the day before and tear off tags on the furniture items and bring them back to you in order to purchase the item for 30% off on sale day. Your prices are fair and far more reasonable than Goodwill. Just reminder the customers that when they put their purchases on the counter, don't walk away to look at something else. By the time you get back, your items have been picked thru and sometimes they're completely gone. The same is true is you turn your back on your buggy. People will know you got the best price on something and take it right out of the buggy. I know you can't constantly watch everybody so each customer needs to keep track of their own purchases. I don't know how you know the people come in on Tuesday and tear off furniture tags but I'm sure glad you do.

4 years ago

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Kaylee Gay Chicago, IL

I love how much Salvation Army employees genuinely care about helping others, they want to help people in any way that they can. ANd often go above and beyond in my experience. However, since it is a nonprofit the salary isn't as amazing as other jobs. I love that Salvation Army isn't limited to the US but is international in spreading the word of Jesus. I also love that they don't discriminate against anyone and that they have so many different ways to reach out to people. For example, there is teh veterans outreach, which is very important to me because my grandpa served in the military and I believe that veterans deserve all of our care.

4 years ago

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Maggie Panagakis Chicago, IL

I wanted to donate dining room furniture. Online I set up a pickup date and listed what I had. The pickup window was set for the date I wanted and the pick up was set for between 9am-5pm. I got two confirmation emails and a phone call to confirm the arrangement. The two gentlemen who were going to pick up the furniture called to let me know they were on their way. The two men were wonderful! They were so professional. One item I donated was refused - too big to handle. I was not surprised. I would recommend working with The Salvation Army. They are excellent at communicating the pickup details and the two men were great!

6 years ago

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Charlotte Gledhill Mansfield, NTT

I'd never used them before today but heard about them through a friend who had said they'd helped him loads, I needed help with food to put me and my daughter on until my next payday as it was going to be late and they emailed me the same day and offered to come drop it off at a time I thought would be too late but instead they did! I'm extremely grateful for this as I have been so worried! Thank you Salvation Army! And especially the lady I was in contact with!👏❤️ No prejudice or judgement just offered help straight away.

5 years ago

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TC B Florissant, CO

I remember as a child how the Salvation Army helped veterans with job training and helped those with housing insecurities find shelter. As a social worker, I have had great experiences reaching out to the Salvation Army for assistance with my clients. The people that work and volunteer for this organization really care!

1 year ago

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Darleen

The Salvation Army does so many charitable things. Their head doesnt even take a livable income. I prefer to call them to take items I no longer need so they can make a little money to help others. Their thrift stores are always filled and i often can buy something I need or want.

2 years ago

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Teresa Bills

I've always been a fan of this organization and it's works. I've had help from when I was in need. Before the pandemic this was my place to go their shop was great for throw pillows, and different decorative items. Friendly people even help with finding what I'm looking for. I've also given back to such a wonderful place.

2 years ago

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Heather H Sanford, FL

The Salvation Army provides assistance on many levels to members of our community through outreach and collaborating. I have donated to The Salvation Army because they help so many. Salvation Army is effective, resourceful and provides aid to those in need.

2 years ago Edited May 1, 2023

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Michelle Rios Ogden, UT

Every Christmas I look for those "bell ringers" and I always have money set aside to give to the volunteers who brave the cold, wet, wind to be able to get a few dollars together to help those who are down on their luck and need a helping hand. Bravo Salvation Army, I salute you!

5 years ago

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Sam Sherlock Wentzville, MO

I can't believe some of these people fussing about the salvation army not picking their crap up. The Salvation Army is helping people in real need. Give them a break. If you don't like the job they are doing maybe you should get up off your couch and help them.

5 years ago

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jeanette rabius Tucson, AZ

they are beyond ANY other group for the employees work and the way they take care of funds and helping people. BUT+ your review of them said the "volunteers" that work the red kettles at christmas time ARE paid workers. please do not misinform those who read and "trust" your posting.

7 years ago

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Donna St Louis, MO

one of the best charities and helpful organizations for poor and middle class families. I grew up with a salvation army facility in my neighborhood that provided free sports, recreation and home making skills.

2 years ago Edited November 14, 2023

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Tony's Babygirl Staton MO

Wonderful charity and other services. Doesn't hesitate to help anyone out no matter the situation. Keep up the good work...have helped my family out and have volunteered as well.

2 years ago Edited February 7, 2023

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Vanessa Butler Columbia, MO

Great resources. They have helped me with food, utilities and rent over the course of some years. They have the Angel Tree for needy families during Xmas. I have attended a church service once and enjoyed it.

3 years ago

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Eddie Rios Ogden, UT

Excellent charity for good deeds though donation. The Salvation Army is committed, respected, and caring. They have my trust and support. They continue to help those in need and do it selflessly.

5 years ago

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Mickey Mangum Long Beach, MS

I have donated to the Salvation Army many times and I always feel like I know my donation will be used properly. Very trustworthy organization. I always donate to them when I can

5 years ago

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Edeline Miami, FL

This place has honestly been one of the best sites my community has encountered. I was able to give back at such a young age to certain children who may not have had certain necessities. It is honestly a feeling like no other when you are able to lend a helping hand.

5 years ago

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Roman Christiansen Pleasant Grove, UT

One of the major organizations out there trying to alleviate poverty and suffering. From what I can tell they try to keep overhead low so you can do the most good with the money you donate. It always makes me smile to see them and hear their bells during the holidays.

6 years ago

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Jowara Morgande

Salvation Army has great people working for them. They provide so much more than just goods and services for great prices. They truly help people every day.

2 years ago

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Madia San Jose, CA

This location is truly AMAZING!! Great customer service..employees actually care about helping. Greeted at door. Friendly and always smiling. Hard working employees.

4 years ago

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Cade Boudreaux , FL

The Salvation Army is great. They give back to the less fortunate and help people who don’t have a lot. They are very amazing people and would recommend them to anyone.

5 years ago

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Matthew Hall Jackson, MS

The salvation army has been in my life growing up, with so much of my family in the military, the salvation army definitly helped from clothes to care for those in need.

5 years ago

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Carol D McintyreSeboek Detroit, MI

I just love going shopping at The Salvation Army, they keep up with the holiday's I am buying some social gifts for my family and my pets . Carol Mcintyre

6 years ago

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Mrs.LadyTee Gulfport, MS

Shopping in this store relaxes me. I find some wonderful things here and all the while helping myself and others at great prices. I will keep coming back as long as they keep their friendly staff.

5 years ago

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Joi Lewis Tallahassee, FL

The Salvation Army is truly amazing. The staff is so friendly and helpful. You can tell the genuinely love what they're doing and really want to help others that may not be able to help themselves.

5 years ago

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Brittany Wilkinson Herriman, UT

I appreciate the Salvation Army and their efforts in raising money to help others. I like to give my kids my change from store we are visiting so they can drop it in the bucket so they can feel the joy of giving.

6 years ago

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Eric Smith Riverton, UT

The Salvation Army is always out and about in public during the Holiday season and we also get mailers from them from time to time. There cause is great and we always donate when we can.

6 years ago

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Satoria MoonGoddess

I love thay they are non profit. I fimd many of my books there and make donations often. Great prices and customer service

1 year ago

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Joseph Tempe, AZ

The Salvation Army has been a charity I have donated to for over a decade, I feel they are a great charity to donate to with great customer support

2 years ago Edited June 13, 2023

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OwenE. Norcross, GA

When I was younger, they helped my family out with our financial situation. Great people work here who will do anything to help you.

5 years ago

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Amanda Montebello, CA

I often donate old clothing and supplies to the Salvation Army. They come to my house to pickup the items and it is extremely convenient.

5 years ago

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Laurie Massie Lakeland, FL

Salvation Army thrift stores are some of the best in the area! My son & I love to bargain hunt! We also enjoy the Kroc Center! So much fun!

5 years ago

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Tom Pleasant Grove, UT

The Salvation Army are angels to us here on earth. I love the Christmas time giving and hearing the bells. I also love to give all year round.

7 years ago

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Rebecca Harvey Long Beach, MS

I have donated clothing and household items to this organization as well as received items from this company. I think they are really out to help communities.

5 years ago

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Chrissy Lang Bellevue, WA

The Salvation Army helped me get into a hotel for 3 days after my house burned down I was so very grateful for them

2 years ago

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JD Dunklee Norcross, GA

Great service. I love when they come and pick up bigger pieces of furniture. I would recommend them to everyone

5 years ago

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Thomas Hullinger Pleasant Grove, UT

I admire the people of the Salvation Army for their service and dedication to helping people in need.

7 years ago

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Danielle Powell Long Beach, MS

Love how active this charity is in our community. The Kroc center offers a low price gym with plenry of kid friendly activities

5 years ago

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savannah cleary Havelock, NC

Makes it super easy to be able to donate clothes quickly and even when they are not open.

2 years ago

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Elizabeth LaFlamme Anderson, SC

I appreciate the mail correspondence that they send me when new campaigns start.

2 years ago

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Grossarth Family Herriman, UT

Appreciate the kindness of the workers and know the donations are used appropriately.

3 years ago Edited January 25, 2022

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Jay Clemmons Cottontown, TN

They help anyone in need without judgement, equivocation or expectation of donations.

5 years ago

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Tori smith Mesa, AZ

The Salvation Army takes all of your old used belongings and takes them to a better home

5 years ago

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DKB Detroit, MI

Always excellent service and items! I recommend them to everyone looking for a great value.

6 years ago

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Kimberly Ritchie Westland, MI

I love it but its getting expensive as long as proceeds go to a good place I'm happy to pay

6 years ago

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Ethan Mitchell Cantonment, FL

Very good organization I’ve donated many times and every time they make it worth my time keep it up!!

5 years ago

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Michelle W Coraopolis, PA

All Salvation Army volunteers/employees around the holidays are always so nice and willing to spread cheer to others.

6 years ago

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Sara Lageman Lageman

They are an amazing company that does amazing things for the community they are in. I donate to them when I can!

6 years ago

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Tony Riverton, UT

Only donated to their physical facility, but it's a nice, convenient way to donate to those in need.

6 years ago