AMVETS RESPONSE TO AIP RATING

AMVETS and the AMVETS National Service Foundation take exception to recent reports in the national media citing the American Institute of Philanthropy’s A-F grading scale. The AIP’s characterization of AMVETS NSF, as well as a number of other outstanding national veterans’ service organizations, is misleading and does a shameful disservice to our nation’s veterans. 

According to AMVETS National Service Foundation's Federal Form 990 on file with the IRS, more than 77 percent of AMVETS NSF’s charitable donations are returned directly to programs for veterans, not less than 35 percent as reported by the American Institute of Philanthropy. The IRS Form 990 is used by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Better Business Bureau, and a number of charity watchdog groups to evaluate charities. AMVETS NSF is a recognized member in good standing of one such group, Independent Charities of America.

After addressing its concerns directly with the AIP, AMVETS NSF learned that the main point of contention leading to its failing AIP grade is the AMVETS Thrift Store operation. AMVETS NSF's chief financial officer clearly explained to AIP representatives how the thrift store operation directly benefits our veterans' community. It is our hope that this information will give the AIP cause to reconsider its criticism of the NSF and view us favorably as do other charity watchdog groups. We have also submitted our current IRS tax form 990 and our internal audit for the AIP's further consideration.

It is important to note that the AIP's rating system is unique and reflects its distinct interpretation and definition of the term "bonifide program." AIP founder, Dan Borochoff, acknowledges that the AIP does not consider the quality of an organization's programs. The actual benefits our service officers provide to veterans as well as other AMVETS programs do not weigh in the AIP's grading scale.

From Sept. 1, 2006, through Aug. 31, 2007, AMVETS National Service
Officers completed 65,835 Veterans Administration claims on behalf of veterans, resulting in $323,964,340 in claims benefits, some retroactive, being paid to those veterans. During the same period, nearly 2,000 AMVETS volunteers participated in the Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) program, serving 186,122 hours. The total dollar value of this service was $3,493,509. There are also other tangible ways, too numerous to mention here, that AMVETS and the AMVETS NSF continue to serve our veterans community that are not considered in the AIP's rating scale.

AMVETS has contacted Chairman Henry Waxman's office to secure an opportunity to testify before the next House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform hearing on veterans charities scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 17.

AMVETS remains committed to our mission of serving veterans through responsible advocacy, representation and legislative reform.

For more information, please contact:

Jay Agg
AMVETS National Communications Director
301.683.4035
jagg@amvets.org

Media Contact:
National
Communications Director
Jay Agg
(301) 683-4035
jagg@amvets.org

National
Publications Editor
Isaac Pacheco
(301)-683-4038
ipacheco@amvets.org

National
Media Specialist
Ryan Gallucci
(301)683-4073
rgallucci@amvets.org