WASHINGTON, DC – May 25, 2012 - The Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) has provided $16.1 million in cash and requested items such as clothing, food, health & hygiene products to tens of thousands of underserved & disabled veterans nationwide. In response to the recent US Senate inquiry, DVNF will welcome this opportunity to share its story and the accomplishments we have been able to achieve in four short years.
DVNF President Precilla Wilkewitz said the organization has always upheld a policy of financial transparency by providing on their website the IRS form 990, audited financial statements, and independent analysis of the fundraising program.
“Media reports about our activities have been plain wrong and we welcome the opportunity to set the record straight,” Wilkewitz said. “Countless veterans’ organizations that have benefited from DVNF’s help have acknowledged this assistance in warm letters and calls. We will happily answer the questions posed by the United States Senate Finance Committee, and provide it with information that others have sadly, chosen to ignore.”
Contrary to recent inaccurate reporting on CNN, Wilkewitz said, DVNF has given more than $1,450,000 in direct cash support to veterans through 2011. All of which is accounted for on the IRS form 990 and the auditor report. Specific programs have included preventing homelessness, essential resources and the necessary tools for veterans to secure employment, a money management program, and providing much needed funds to veterans support organizations and their critical missions.
DVNF charitable fundraising model has been validated by an independent audit conducted by one of the leading international fundraising experts and economists, Purdue University Economics Professor Richard Steinberg. He has publicly explained the agency’s fundraising position and defended its fundraising strategies. His report can be found at www.HelpingDisabledVets.com .
“Over the past four years DVNF has spent $27.8 million towards educating and informing the public on challenges faced by underserved and disabled veterans,” said Wilkewitz. “Our strategy to rapidly grow a supportive donor base is working, and veterans are receiving assistance.”
“We will continue to support and serve individual veterans and veterans groups across our great nation.”
About Disabled Veterans National Foundation: The Disabled Veterans National Foundation exists to change the lives of men and women who came home wounded or sick after defending our safety and our freedom. A nonprofit 501c3, DVNF was founded in the fall of 2007 by six women veterans to expand their scope of work within the veteran's community. The DVNF has provided $16.1 million in cash and requested items such as clothing, food, health & hygiene products to tens of thousands of under-served & disabled veterans nationwide.
Media Contact: Doug Walker, Communications Manager dwalker@dvnf.org, (202) 737-0522
