“You’re using our injuries, our darkest days, our hardships, to make money. So you can have these big parties.”
So says one former Wounded Warrior Project member who quit the organization after seeing lavish spending on conferences and events. What sort of spending? They went from spending (squandering?) $1.74 million in 2010 to $26+ million in 2014. How’s that for a great use of your donations?
At one time we were a fan of Wounded Warrior Project. No longer.
We’ve detailed previous reports of Wounded Warrior Project being described as a “legal scam”. (In fairness, after being sued by WWP, the author of that Wounded Warrior Project A Legal Scam story has retracted his statements about WWP).
“WWP does not co-brand, create cause marketing campaigns or receive a percentage or a portion of proceeds from companies in which the product or message is sexual, political or religious in nature, or from alcohol or firearms companies.”
Here’s their latest Form 990 for their fiscal year from October 2013 to September 2014.
$26,054,363 on conferences, meetings and conventions?!?
“…programs and services to our warriors and their families and the highest quality.”
“The reason we’re providing those ‘All Hands’ conferences…”
“…is to ensure that we’re aligned”
“…and able to build as a team…”
“and to be aligned with the best possible programs.”
Compen$ation. Generou$ compen$ation: An average of $83,613 per employee.
There’s $30.2 million spent on compensation. It takes big bucks to keep that Wounded Warrior Machine running smoothly.
Their head honcho, Steven Nardizzi, got himself a generous pay raise to $473,015 plus an additional $23,400 in other compensation. Imagine getting paid a half-million dollars a year to run a charity that’s supposed to help wounded warriors. I’m not sure how this guy sleeps at night.
They have 481 employees and their average employee is paid $83,613.
And 54 cents.
$43.4 million spent on Fundrai$ing
And then there’s the $43.4 million spent on fundraising – that’s 13.9% of their income – more than they spend on grants to help veterans!
But that fundraising number is tricky, and here’s why. Wounded Warrior Project, like many big charities, uses something called “Joint Cost Allocation”(JCO) to “re-allocate” expenses to other categories “legitimately”.
One common technique under JCO is to write off certain fundraising expenses as “public education” instead of fundraising. Here’s how it works. If 95% of the content of the fundraising mailer is spent describing WWP and its mission, then under Joint Cost Allocation, 95% of the cost of that entire fundraising mailing can be itemized under “Public Education” (teaching the public about WWP) instead of fundraising.
Good news. Grants are up to 13.5% of income!
The good news is that they’ve increased their spending on grants from 3.7% of income in 2011, to 13.5% in 2014. That’s quite an increase, but it still leaves 86.5% of their income being directed elsewhere.
Legal pit bulls
There’s the 1.4 million spent on legal fees. Yes, they have legal bills. Why? Read on…
‘Wounded Warrior’ Charity Unleashes Hell—On Other Veteran Groups
(Daily Beast) – What happens when a nonprofit that was started to help veterans becomes the neighborhood bully?
For a charity supposedly devoted to helping veterans, the Wounded Warrior Project spends an enormous amount of time suing or threatening to sue small nonprofits—spending resources on litigation that could otherwise be spent on the vets they profess to serve.
At issue is the Wounded Warrior Project’s brand: The charity has become particularly litigious over the use of the phrase “wounded warrior” or logos that involve silhouetted soldiers. At least seven such charities have discussed their legal problems with The Daily Beast.
Yes, indeed. I’m tangentially involved with a local group that helps disabled veterans. When a newspaper article mentioned that the local group helps “wounded warriors” guess who sent a nasty letter from their legal department?
The “wounded warriors” verbiage was a term the reporter came up with since the local people are careful not to use those words because frankly, among a whole lot of wounded warriors, the Wounded Warrior Project’s name is mud – to be kind. The local group wants nothing to do with the negative mojo associated with Mr. $473,015 Steve Nardizzi’s group.
Yes, if you guessed the letter came from WWP, you win a Snicker’s bar. They sent a letter to the group – as I understand it – threatening legal action if the group continued to describe the people they help as ‘wounded warriors’.
I no fan of Justin Bieber, but his new song, “LOVE YOURSELF” comes to mind.
Specifically the lyrics: “You should go and love yourself.” That’s a very kind way to express how we (and I include people at this local charity with myself in this) feel about the WWP, especially after receiving that letter.
Selling donor data
And they sell donors’ personal information too!
‘Wounded Warrior’ Charity Fights—To Get Rich
(Daily Beast) – …And in another twist, the charity is repackaging givers’ personal information and selling it off to third parties, making more than $1 million in the process.
The renting of private information is a betrayal of donors, argues Sandra Miniutti, the vice president of Charity Navigator, a group that rates nonprofits. “When a donor gives to you there’s a level of trust, that you’re going to repay that with respect, that together you’re working to make the world a better place, and that [the charity is] not going to flip and sell my personal information,” she said.
A top official for a another large veterans nonprofit was aghast when informed about the practice. “We have never rented out, sold, or shared our donor list,” said the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “Our donors would kill us if we did that…I can’t believe their big, midsize, and small donors would be too happy with that.”
Nardizzi’s group not only engages in the selling of donor information, but he’s apparently proud of it, brazenly arguing in its favor.
The practice reflects a broader, self-serving philosophy that is being employed at his organization: higher revenue at high cost, churning growth at high cost. Good for direct marketers, good for executives—but how good exactly for veterans?
Marc Owens, a former director of tax exempt organizations at the IRS, reviewed the Wounded Warrior Project’s tax documents at the request of CBS News. He was asked what was his biggest concern in the numbers.
“I couldn’t tell the number of people that were assisted. I thought that was truly unusual. If the organization is asking for money and purportedly spending money to assist veterans, and talking about it, I would like to know,” said Owens.
…The CEO has said that the fundraising should and can be included in the programs and services.
“I’d be curious to know how asking people for money equates to the assistance of wounded veterans,” responded Owens.
Here’s what I think of Wounded Warriors. This was my shirt that I wore as (then-) President of Guns Save Life at more than one public event. It had a little combustibility problem shortly after I heard Wounded Warrior Project bigshot Steve Nardizzi say that gun owner money wasn’t welcome at WWP.
Consider this photo public domain for use by anyone, anywhere.
Dear Wounded Warriors Project: You should go and love yourself.
24 thoughts on “SCANDALOUS: Wounded Warrior Project’s *extravagant* spending criticized by CBS News, others”
Jesus John: Not only did you piss me off and elevate my blood pressure with these bastards pissing away all that money.
MONEY GIVEN TO HELP WOUNDED SOLDIERS!
But you had me laughing so loud at those pictures that my wife kept asking me what in the hell was so damn funny. The guy pissing in the trash can “to provide the highest quality services” almost made me piss myself. The teambuilding one was good too.
Yes, Wounded Warrior Project should go f*ck themselves.
Sam
Shared this with my wife.
We’re canceling our $19 a month auto-billing tomorrow.
I think this family will go out of its way to avoid anything and everything WWP in the future.
Why didn’t you tell us about this jackwagons sooner?
God bless Guns Save Life. and in this case, CBS News.
Hank,
I recall that much of the details about the distribution of funds gathered by WWP was posted by GSL quite some time ago, thanks to the heads up of John Boch.
It has been all I could do to avoid vomiting every time I saw their regular TV solicitations.
A big THANK YOU goes out to the TV coverage with their expose!
Ah, I wondered if you saw that story.
Poor WWP…
I am waiting for Nardizzi to hold a press conference to say that he’s not a crook and that he doesn’t beat his dog any more.
Scumbags is too nice a descriptor.
Love your use of pothead Beebs’ new song. You can go and love yourself. Exactly, WWP.
Not too bright to piss off a bunch of trained killers that view each other as blood brothers.
It should have been on the mainstream news a long time ago… it’s only breaking now because they’re using it to bash Trump.
WWP is a bad organization, but the timing of the story in the news is entirely crafted to promote an agenda.
Wounded Warriors isn’t a scam. It’s a waste of money. It enriches about 481 people under the guise of helping vets.
Their “help” is often nothing more than dropping off a box of tshirts, jqckets, and or shorts. Or hosting any event to get pictures of wounded vets like they are circus animals… then they use those for fundraising.
They are right down there with priests who molest little boys.
This is not new news! Known this for years.
MSgt USAF Ret
The inconvenient truth spread the word!
Go to a County Veterans Service Office and ask what they could need. Especially with the State Budget fiasco many programs are not being funded. Try the DAV,VFW and American Legion as well. These are places where the veterans are really cared for.
Wwp is a farce who has recruited celebrity endorsements and treats us like freak show exhibuts to con money out of gullible people.
A couple of years ago I was Commander of my American Legion post and sent a couple of representatives to a WWP event in Carlinville. They cam bakc with a huge bag WWP pins. Most (virtually all) of the pins were left on the table because of the “Made in China” sticker on the back of each one. I have talked to a few people that were associated or employed with WWP and they had nothing good to say. Flying one vet and their family to Disney World for 3 days all expenses paid could have helped a half-dozen others with needed home modifications for wheelchair ramps, accessible kitchens, etc.
Another question: Why isn’t the top leadership a Veteran? All of the top personnel and a vast majority of the employees should be Veterans. That would be a great help to Vets in need. I have nothing but contempt for those who profit on the backs of our “WOUNDED WARRIORS”. Think I’ll get sued for using the term?
I apologize for spelling. Didn’t proof-read close enough.
There are plenty of good local Veteran organizations to support as stated above. I would also include the HOOAH Deer Hunt for Hereos! They are a favorite of mine!!!!
WWP can go love themself all day long.
There is a special place in Hell for these scumbags.
If they really cared about the heroes who were injured while defending our freedom, then they would be out there helping them, rather than filing law suits against critics.
Sort of sounds like the Clinton Foundation!
People using their influence to enrich themselves at others peoples expense.
I must say though John I am fully disgusted at the half naked women in the first picture, do you happen to know where those parties are given so I can check this out for myself?
Ah, Bill1:
If I were twenty (or forty) years younger and had a more understanding wife, I too might be interested in such an investigation.
I’m afraid I might get nauseous seeing that old jackass Heffner in a robe though.
Does anyone support these a-holes?
Bueller?
Bueller?
So, $3 million parties? Lavish resorts? $1500 bar tabs?
The only thing missing is hookers and blow.
Damn these assholes.
Just because the hookers and blow hasn’t come out, doesn’t mean we may get that story later.
Shocked! Really? I’m disappointed that so many people contribute their money to these organizations without any due diligence. It should be a big red flag when any organization runs commercials day and night with celebrity endorsements, particularly in prime time. Most BIG non-profits are administrative heavy rip-offs. Any organization worth its salt is one you’ll have to seek out, and as one poster stated above, keep your money local. Good people with big hearts are a hucksters mark. Don’t be a mark.
BUELLER!?
WHERE IN THE HELL ARE YOU BUELLER?!?
Seems nobody likes WWP!
Wounded Warrior fans must be playing hooky!
Still no Bueller.
I keep coming back hoping to see a reply from Wounded Warriors.
I guess everything is true. I’m sure they would be up John’s ass if it weren’t.
Yes, WWP can go and love itself.
I haven’t gotten any mail from the Wounded Warrior Project.
Nor have I received any emails from them.
Seems as though a cat has their tongue for the moment at least.
Jesus John: Not only did you piss me off and elevate my blood pressure with these bastards pissing away all that money.
MONEY GIVEN TO HELP WOUNDED SOLDIERS!
But you had me laughing so loud at those pictures that my wife kept asking me what in the hell was so damn funny. The guy pissing in the trash can “to provide the highest quality services” almost made me piss myself. The teambuilding one was good too.
Yes, Wounded Warrior Project should go f*ck themselves.
Sam
Shared this with my wife.
We’re canceling our $19 a month auto-billing tomorrow.
I think this family will go out of its way to avoid anything and everything WWP in the future.
Why didn’t you tell us about this jackwagons sooner?
God bless Guns Save Life. and in this case, CBS News.
Hank,
I recall that much of the details about the distribution of funds gathered by WWP was posted by GSL quite some time ago, thanks to the heads up of John Boch.
It has been all I could do to avoid vomiting every time I saw their regular TV solicitations.
A big THANK YOU goes out to the TV coverage with their expose!
Ah, I wondered if you saw that story.
Poor WWP…
I am waiting for Nardizzi to hold a press conference to say that he’s not a crook and that he doesn’t beat his dog any more.
Scumbags is too nice a descriptor.
Love your use of pothead Beebs’ new song. You can go and love yourself. Exactly, WWP.
Not too bright to piss off a bunch of trained killers that view each other as blood brothers.
It should have been on the mainstream news a long time ago… it’s only breaking now because they’re using it to bash Trump.
WWP is a bad organization, but the timing of the story in the news is entirely crafted to promote an agenda.
Wounded Warriors isn’t a scam. It’s a waste of money. It enriches about 481 people under the guise of helping vets.
Their “help” is often nothing more than dropping off a box of tshirts, jqckets, and or shorts. Or hosting any event to get pictures of wounded vets like they are circus animals… then they use those for fundraising.
They are right down there with priests who molest little boys.
This is not new news! Known this for years.
MSgt USAF Ret
The inconvenient truth spread the word!
Go to a County Veterans Service Office and ask what they could need. Especially with the State Budget fiasco many programs are not being funded. Try the DAV,VFW and American Legion as well. These are places where the veterans are really cared for.
Wwp is a farce who has recruited celebrity endorsements and treats us like freak show exhibuts to con money out of gullible people.
A couple of years ago I was Commander of my American Legion post and sent a couple of representatives to a WWP event in Carlinville. They cam bakc with a huge bag WWP pins. Most (virtually all) of the pins were left on the table because of the “Made in China” sticker on the back of each one. I have talked to a few people that were associated or employed with WWP and they had nothing good to say. Flying one vet and their family to Disney World for 3 days all expenses paid could have helped a half-dozen others with needed home modifications for wheelchair ramps, accessible kitchens, etc.
Another question: Why isn’t the top leadership a Veteran? All of the top personnel and a vast majority of the employees should be Veterans. That would be a great help to Vets in need. I have nothing but contempt for those who profit on the backs of our “WOUNDED WARRIORS”. Think I’ll get sued for using the term?
I apologize for spelling. Didn’t proof-read close enough.
There are plenty of good local Veteran organizations to support as stated above. I would also include the HOOAH Deer Hunt for Hereos! They are a favorite of mine!!!!
WWP can go love themself all day long.
There is a special place in Hell for these scumbags.
If they really cared about the heroes who were injured while defending our freedom, then they would be out there helping them, rather than filing law suits against critics.
Sort of sounds like the Clinton Foundation!
People using their influence to enrich themselves at others peoples expense.
I must say though John I am fully disgusted at the half naked women in the first picture, do you happen to know where those parties are given so I can check this out for myself?
Ah, Bill1:
If I were twenty (or forty) years younger and had a more understanding wife, I too might be interested in such an investigation.
I’m afraid I might get nauseous seeing that old jackass Heffner in a robe though.
Does anyone support these a-holes?
Bueller?
Bueller?
So, $3 million parties? Lavish resorts? $1500 bar tabs?
The only thing missing is hookers and blow.
Damn these assholes.
Just because the hookers and blow hasn’t come out, doesn’t mean we may get that story later.
Shocked! Really? I’m disappointed that so many people contribute their money to these organizations without any due diligence. It should be a big red flag when any organization runs commercials day and night with celebrity endorsements, particularly in prime time. Most BIG non-profits are administrative heavy rip-offs. Any organization worth its salt is one you’ll have to seek out, and as one poster stated above, keep your money local. Good people with big hearts are a hucksters mark. Don’t be a mark.
BUELLER!?
WHERE IN THE HELL ARE YOU BUELLER?!?
Seems nobody likes WWP!
Wounded Warrior fans must be playing hooky!
Still no Bueller.
I keep coming back hoping to see a reply from Wounded Warriors.
I guess everything is true. I’m sure they would be up John’s ass if it weren’t.
Yes, WWP can go and love itself.
I haven’t gotten any mail from the Wounded Warrior Project.
Nor have I received any emails from them.
Seems as though a cat has their tongue for the moment at least.