Olympic Runner's Foundation Closure Holds Lessons for Other Charities

Olympic hero Mo Farah has closed his charity after it spent more on "marketing and a glitzy ball than on helping kids in Africa," according to The Sun. It’s a story that has raised many issues, including how much should be spent on fundraising and whether or not charities should continue operating if they aren’t spending enough on frontline services.

A glance over the Mo Farah Foundation’s accounts shows it’s true to say that the charity spent "more on marketing and a glitzy ball than on helping kids in Africa" in 2014-15—the costs of a fundraising ball ran to about $118,500, compared to charitable expenditure of about $69,000.