Oregon's attorney general’s office has published a list of what it calls "the 20 worst charities" operating in the state.
The state named 20 non-profits that spent more than 70% of the donations they collect, on administrative costs and fundraising.
11th on the list was Oregon-based Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation of America. It spends 88 cents of every dollar on fundraising and administration -- leaving 12 cents for its cause.
Interim director, Karlene McCabe, says the board hired her 15 months ago to improve that number. She says they re-sell wedding dresses to raise money.
"Our cost of fundraising is pretty high because we have to transport these gowns around the country and host gown sales all over the U.S. We did about 30 shows last year. So it's a fairly expensive way to raise money, as opposed to sending out letters for donations," McCabe says.
McCabe claims the numbers the attorney general considered are at least two years old and that the charity now gives about 20 cents per dollar to its cause.
The Better Business Bureau suggests charities should spend at least 65% of their funds on their charitable programs.
Oregon Attorney General's annual list of Oregon’s 20 Worst Charities
