Tipsheet

The Salvation Army and Chick-fil-A Have Released New Statements About Company's Decision to Cut Donations

Leah Barkoukis
Leah Barkoukis  |  November 19, 2019 7:30 AM

Conservatives are livid with Chick-fil-A after the company announced it will stop donating to Christian charities, including The Salvation Army.

On Monday, The Salvation Army issued a response, noting that the decision to cut ties is misguided because the group serves the LGBTQ+ population.

“We’re saddened to learn that a corporate partner has felt it necessary to divert funding to other hunger, education and homelessness organizations — areas in which The Salvation Army, as the largest social services provider in the world, is already fully committed,” the charity said in a statement. “We serve more than 23 million individuals a year, including those in the LGBTQ+ community. In fact, we believe we are the largest provider of poverty relief to the LGBTQ+ population.”

It continued: “When misinformation is perpetuated without fact, our ability to serve those in need, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or any other factor, is at risk. We urge the public to seek the truth before rushing to ill-informed judgment and greatly appreciate those partners and donors who ensure that anyone who needs our help feels safe and comfortable to come through our doors.”

That statement came after an interview Chick-fil-A President and Chief Operating Officer Tim Tassopoulos had with Bisnow, in which the article noted the decision came in the context of Chick-fil-A expanding into new, more liberal markets. 

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The company, it reported, will focus on three initiatives: homelessness, education, and hunger.

Along with The Salvation Army, Chick-fil-A will also be cutting ties with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Paul Anderson Youth Home. 

In a statement after the backlash, Chick-fil-A denied it was caving to the cancel culture and said that in the future, all groups—faith-based or not, would be considered for donations. 

“Beginning in 2020 the Chick-fil-A Foundation will introduce a more focused giving approach, donating to a smaller number of organizations working exclusively in the areas of hunger, homelessness and education. We have also proactively disclosed our 2018 tax filing and a preview of 2019 gifts to date on chick-fil-afoundation.org. The intent of charitable giving from the Chick-fil-A Foundation is to nourish the potential in every child,” the company said. “Our goal is to donate to the most effective organizations in the areas of education, homelessness and hunger. No organization will be excluded from future consideration – faith-based or non-faith based. I also wanted to add that Chick-fil-A will not be opening on Sundays."

No matter which route the company takes in the future, the damage has been done and its most loyal customers won't soon forget it.