Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

niyad

(119,677 posts)
Thu Sep 1, 2016, 11:32 AM Sep 2016

Veterans charity that gave less than 2% of revenue to veterans closes its doors for good

(organization run by a Veteran's affairs attorney)

the videos can both be seen by clicking on the link at bottom

Veterans charity that gave less than 2% of revenue to veterans closes its doors for good

By Drew Griffin and David Fitzpatrick, CNN


Charity gave only 2% of yearly donations to vets 05:26


New York (CNN)The National Vietnam Veterans Foundation, a zero-rated charity that was the object of a CNN report in mid-May, has closed its doors for good, according to one of the charity's executives. In an email to CNN, David Kaufman, the charity's vice president, says the Veterans Foundation "has severed all ties" to the organization's president, Thomas Burch, who along with serving as president of the charity also has a full time job as a government lawyer with the Veterans Affairs agency in Washington.

"Tom Burch has resigned from the Foundation and NVVF is shutting down completely, " Kaufman wrote in an email to CNN. "All fundraising has ceased and the only thing being done is the distribution of blankets, personal care kits and related items in the warehouse."

In CNN's original report, the watchdog group Charity Navigator gave the Foundation zero out of four stars. According to its public tax returns, called 990s, the Foundation took in $29 million over a four-year period but nearly all of it went to telemarketers and fundraisers. In one year, the charity also paid a parking garage bill of nearly $8,000. Michael Thatcher, the CEO of Charity Navigator, said the foundation deserved is zero rating. "If one really cared about Vietnam veterans, is this an effective way of making a difference? I don't think so. I can't justify it. I can't explain it."

When CNN's Drew Griffin approached the charity president outside his home in suburban Washington and tried to ask questions, Burch sped away in his vintage Rolls Royce rather than stopping to answer. (video available at link below)

. . . . .

http://www.cnn.com/2016/08/31/politics/national-vietnam-veterans-foundation-charity-out-of-business/

6 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Veterans charity that gave less than 2% of revenue to veterans closes its doors for good (Original Post) niyad Sep 2016 OP
It's sad to think that this was a charity and that more like it may still exist... think Sep 2016 #1
apparently there are more than a few out there. niyad Sep 2016 #2
All of its executives should be charged with fraud Warpy Sep 2016 #3
it was indeed. the VA is still "investigating" the guy in charge, who happens to be one niyad Sep 2016 #4
Foundation for American Veterans douglas9 Sep 2016 #5
. . . niyad Sep 2016 #6

Warpy

(113,130 posts)
3. All of its executives should be charged with fraud
Thu Sep 1, 2016, 12:05 PM
Sep 2016

All executives of any charitable foundation that doesn't give at least 25% of its proceeds to real charity instead of to other foundations should be charged with fraud.

Too many have been cash cows for the heirs of rich men and dodges to avoid inheritance taxes.

This one was just an overt scam.

niyad

(119,677 posts)
4. it was indeed. the VA is still "investigating" the guy in charge, who happens to be one
Thu Sep 1, 2016, 12:09 PM
Sep 2016

of their own attorneys. they didn't know about his extracurricular gig.

Latest Discussions»Issue Forums»Veterans»Veterans charity that gav...