As we’ve previously noted, there are more than 16,000 nonprofits in the United States with the word “veteran” in its title. One would think with so many, there wouldn’t be so many needy veterans, especially in states where politicians have repeatedly assured the public there aren’t any homeless vets on the street.
Again, there is a constant when it comes to any nonprofit, but especially those that claim to be helping veterans: keep the mission vague and goal literally unattainable. That way there is no gauge for real success that ever has to be achieved and the potential for fraud is the more attainable mission. It WILL keep those running the nonprofit, literally, fat and happy….
Danielle Goodwin was arrested at 2:15 p.m. in the driveway of her home at 4 Kingsford Road in Hanover, Police Chief Charles Dennis said. Police said Goodwin exercised “unauthorized control” of $24,641.11 in Project VetCare funds while serving as the charity’s executive director.
— Union Leader, 8/30/17
That is, if they can stay out of jail.
According to the preliminary report, the AG’s Charitable Trusts Unit received a report in March 2016 of possible diversion of Project VetCare’s assets. An investigation revealed a diversion of large sums of money by Goodwin, the charity’s executive director, for the benefit of her family, an employee and some members of the board of directors.
“However, due to the charity’s deficient financial record-keeping, the full extent of the possible misuse of funds cannot be determined,” the report states.
For any of us, it would be “stealing” or “grand larceny”. For what we guess is a hefty, liberal woman, it was “unauthorized taking”. See how that works?
Danielle Goodwin is obligated to pay back $90,000 upon the sale of her Hanover home, which is listed for sale for $899,000. A sale is now “under contract,” according to the report.
— Valley News, 8/24/17
Our personal experiences with almost every veteran nonprofit we’ve examined has not been a good one and we look at them all with a heavy dose of skepticism as you should before you donate to any, because there are a lot of scams in the name of veterans out there.
The ugly business of stealing money meant for vets
Veterans Charities Don’t All Make The Grade
IRS forms show charity’s money isn’t going to disabled vets
Veterans Charity Fraud: Despite Widespread Outrage, Groups Continue To Abuse Public Trust
Veterans Charity Raises Millions to Help Those Who’ve Served. But Telemarketers Are Pocketing Most of It.
State and federal officials accuse veterans nonprofit of misleading donors
Dozens of fake charities scammed donations for veterans then pocketed the cash: FTC
“Thank you for your service.”