Cavman
Active member
I'll be riding with them on Wednesday.
https://www.facebook.com/StartYourD...zXDpiaxrhHQYHi6f_BcVW3AsSiCPpPwADdchM&fref=nf
https://www.facebook.com/StartYourD...zXDpiaxrhHQYHi6f_BcVW3AsSiCPpPwADdchM&fref=nf
-
There were many reasons for the change of the site software, the biggest was security. The age of the old software also meant no server updates for certain programs. There are many benefits to the new software, one of the biggest is the mobile functionality. Ill fix up some stuff in the coming days, we'll also try to get some of the old addons back or the data imported back into the site like the garage. To create a thread or to reply with a post is basically the same as it was in the prior software. The default style of the site is light colored, but i temporarily added a darker colored style, to change you can find a link at the bottom of the site.
Road Warrior Foundation Ride
- Thread starter Cavman
- Start date
Their name is a bit mis-leading. They're not organized as a Foundation. There is a nonprofit in Iowa with a similar name; Road Warriors Foundation, so THIS organization is actually called Project Road Warrior Foundation.
There is no financial info available on their website https://www.roadwarrior.org/ or on Guidestar, the leading website for all things nonprofit; https://www.guidestar.org/profile/46-4226957. The last and only time they filed a required 990 tax return was for 2013; http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2013/464/226/2013-464226957-0a604d6f-Z.pdf.
There is no financial info available on their website https://www.roadwarrior.org/ or on Guidestar, the leading website for all things nonprofit; https://www.guidestar.org/profile/46-4226957. The last and only time they filed a required 990 tax return was for 2013; http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2013/464/226/2013-464226957-0a604d6f-Z.pdf.
Last edited:
They state their purpose is to provide rehabilitation for wounded veterans, which is mis-leading at best (real rehab nonprofits are staffed with rehab professionals). Tax returns are supposed to show the source and uses of their income, including in-kind donations. The raffled Spyder would be an in-kind donation, assuming its actually donated. Quite often, nonprofits will raffle off 'donated' items that actually have to be paid for (at a discounted price) out of the raffle proceeds.
What are the 'costs' associated with the annual ride? No clue. I'm guessing it pays for travel expenses at least for the ride leaders (and who are they and what are their qualifications to deal with the issues of veterans in their care?). What do they do with excess funds?
Nowhere do they identify the Board of Directors and Officers (President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer). Both are required of nonprofits to hold themselves accountable to the public.
Nowhere do they describe how they select the 8 veterans who are sponsored for the annual ride (which seems to be its only operating function). At least 2 of those 8 were not 'wounded', so how did they get selected? https://www.roadwarrior.org/2017-ride/
I get a little anal about these things, having consulted to nonprofits for over a decade. I have no doubt this nonprofit was formed with the best of intentions, but they have a duty to explain how they raise money, from whom and how those funds are expended, and who exactly is managing the organization to deliver not only the services for which it was formed but accountability to the public for its operations. This nonprofit, having been around 4 years at least, is doing none of those things and it's just a little bit disconcerting to me.
By the way, even though this is a nonprofit, only donations are tax-deductible. Raffle purchases are NOT deductible. Nowhere do they explain that.
What are the 'costs' associated with the annual ride? No clue. I'm guessing it pays for travel expenses at least for the ride leaders (and who are they and what are their qualifications to deal with the issues of veterans in their care?). What do they do with excess funds?
Nowhere do they identify the Board of Directors and Officers (President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer). Both are required of nonprofits to hold themselves accountable to the public.
Nowhere do they describe how they select the 8 veterans who are sponsored for the annual ride (which seems to be its only operating function). At least 2 of those 8 were not 'wounded', so how did they get selected? https://www.roadwarrior.org/2017-ride/
I get a little anal about these things, having consulted to nonprofits for over a decade. I have no doubt this nonprofit was formed with the best of intentions, but they have a duty to explain how they raise money, from whom and how those funds are expended, and who exactly is managing the organization to deliver not only the services for which it was formed but accountability to the public for its operations. This nonprofit, having been around 4 years at least, is doing none of those things and it's just a little bit disconcerting to me.
By the way, even though this is a nonprofit, only donations are tax-deductible. Raffle purchases are NOT deductible. Nowhere do they explain that.
Last edited:
There are many legitimate veterans organizations that do good work and spend the majority of their funds on direct benefits to veterans.
But, even the biggest of those can get themselves into trouble when they are not accountable and transparent to the public for their operations.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2016/03/1...top-executives-amid-spending-controversy.html
If anyone has information about Project Road Warrior Foundation, good or bad, please post it here. Thanks.
But, even the biggest of those can get themselves into trouble when they are not accountable and transparent to the public for their operations.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2016/03/1...top-executives-amid-spending-controversy.html
If anyone has information about Project Road Warrior Foundation, good or bad, please post it here. Thanks.
Last edited:
That's a lot of money. How did you handle the donations? Were they made to your club and then transferred to the nonprofit? Was anyone given / expecting a tax deduction for their contribution?
I've sent the following message via email to the organization. I'll let you know what response I receive, if any.
More info about the organization1 messagePete Nixon
Tue, Oct 24, 2017 at 1:18 PM
To: [email protected]
Hello, I'd like to know more about your organization. Guidestar has only the 2013 tax return and nothing else.Could you provide me more recent copies of the 990? If there aren't any, could I get the last 2 year's financialstatements?It would be helpful to know who is on the Board, and who the President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer are.As you know, there have been some recent scandals regarding veterans' nonprofits and I'd like to ensure that you folksare legitimate before supporting your cause.
Thank you.--Pete Nixon
10 year Navy combat veteran (Vietnam)
VFW and American Legion member
More info about the organization1 messagePete Nixon
Tue, Oct 24, 2017 at 1:18 PM
To: [email protected]
Hello, I'd like to know more about your organization. Guidestar has only the 2013 tax return and nothing else.Could you provide me more recent copies of the 990? If there aren't any, could I get the last 2 year's financialstatements?It would be helpful to know who is on the Board, and who the President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer are.As you know, there have been some recent scandals regarding veterans' nonprofits and I'd like to ensure that you folksare legitimate before supporting your cause.
Thank you.--Pete Nixon
10 year Navy combat veteran (Vietnam)
VFW and American Legion member
Mazo EMS2
Active member
Never once did I hear "this will make a good tax deduction" at the entire weekend event. The money was raised in different ways such as auctions, raffles, ticket costs, registrations, entry fees, etc....to many events throughout the weekend. There were two of the veterans there for the weekend helping out with many things, and also speaking at a couple of the evening events. I don't doubt at all that there are "shady" organizations out there, but WISOAR has been working with them for several years now. I've never heard any "conspiracy theories" about any of it.
Okay, thanks. I appreciate the response. Who in your organization is promoting Road Warriors? There are so many established, reputable veterans' organizations around, I'm wondering why this one?
Last edited:
IdahoMtnSpyder
Active member
According to Charity Navigator only a small subset of 1.57 million non-profits get reviewed or analyzed by them. Here's their comment regarding PRWF.
To see the criteria that Charity Navigator uses to rate a charity go here: https://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=32
I'm guessing that Guidestar uses similar criteria. I think the key is their size and income level. According to Manta.com they are very small, way under the $1,000,000 income level, $500,000 in public donations, to be rated.
I did some searching to see what more I could find. Interestingly, or disturbingly, however you want to view it, is the fact it appears there has been no 990 filing by them since 2013 tax year. A couple of websites that have the IRS database of 990s have only the 2013 form, which shows an income of less than $800. It is a public charity, 501(c)3 and can receive tax deductible donations.
As of now all I can say is we just have to trust BRP and Lamont that all is legit and above board. They do provide a unique service, giving wounded veterans a chance to ride. It looks like that is all they do so there is no need for a staff of therapists, etc., at least not yet.
IdahoMtnSpyder
Active member
I just did some more looking. PRWF filed a 990-N for calendar year 2014 according to the IRS web site. That means that for 2014 their income was less than $50,000. 990-N is postcard filing, usually done electronically.
I found an index for 990 filings for 2016 on the IRS web site. The index is 46 megabytes! No idea how big the entire file of returns is. PRWF was not listed in the index so my attempts to find their filing beyond 2014 has come up empty.
I found an index for 990 filings for 2016 on the IRS web site. The index is 46 megabytes! No idea how big the entire file of returns is. PRWF was not listed in the index so my attempts to find their filing beyond 2014 has come up empty.
I contacted the PA Department of Corporations. They did file in 2014 as a non-profit corporation but haven't provided any further information. They also have not registered with the PA Department of State's Charity division; they thanked me for the heads-up and will be following up to find out what is going on with that.
I did hear back (by email) from the founder and registered agent of the corporation, who acknowledged they have not 'been able' to get Guidestar to accept their 990-N filings and would provide me a copy. He also acknowledged that I had a right to be concerned by the lack of published information, but didn't provide any of the information I was requesting.
[TABLE="class: cf gJ"]
[TR="class: acZ"]
[TD="class: gF gK"][TABLE="class: cf ix, width: 967"]
[TR]
[TD]Stephen Berger [email protected] via projectroadwarrior.onmicrosoft.com
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[TD="class: gH, align: right"]6:29 PM (3 hours ago)
[/TD]
[TD="class: gH, align: right"][/TD]
[TD="class: gH acX, align: right"]
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: acZ xD"]
[TD="colspan: 3"][TABLE="class: cf adz, width: 1131"]
[TR]
[TD="class: ady"]to me, info
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
I will send the most recent 990’s. Guidestar keeps pulling that one because we actually filed the long form 990 and then filed two postcards. I understand any skepticism.
Steve
[/FONT]
I did hear back (by email) from the founder and registered agent of the corporation, who acknowledged they have not 'been able' to get Guidestar to accept their 990-N filings and would provide me a copy. He also acknowledged that I had a right to be concerned by the lack of published information, but didn't provide any of the information I was requesting.
[TABLE="class: cf gJ"]
[TR="class: acZ"]
[TD="class: gF gK"][TABLE="class: cf ix, width: 967"]
[TR]
[TD]Stephen Berger [email protected] via projectroadwarrior.onmicrosoft.com
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[TD="class: gH, align: right"]6:29 PM (3 hours ago)
[TD="class: gH, align: right"][/TD]
[TD="class: gH acX, align: right"]
[/TR]
[TR="class: acZ xD"]
[TD="colspan: 3"][TABLE="class: cf adz, width: 1131"]
[TR]
[TD="class: ady"]to me, info
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
I will send the most recent 990’s. Guidestar keeps pulling that one because we actually filed the long form 990 and then filed two postcards. I understand any skepticism.
Steve
| [FONT=.HelveticaNeueInterface-M3]STEVE BERGER |
| [FONT=.HelveticaNeueInterface-Regular]Road Warrior Foundation[/FONT] |
| C. 717-877-7443 |
[/FONT]
You know what they say "Trust but verify". Unfortunately, I know of too many nonprofits that abuse their privilege and dupe people into supporting a credible-sounding (and heart-tugging) cause only to find out that they have not been responsible in how they manage the public's funds. I hope that's not the case here; I hope they are forthcoming with answers to questions that should have been asked and answered already by now.
IdahoMtnSpyder
Active member
Steve Berger's occupation is insurance agent with an office on Washington Rd, Pittsburgh, PA. That gives you an idea of how small the foundation is!
[TABLE="class: cf gJ"]
[TR="class: acZ"]
[TD="class: gF gK"][TABLE="class: cf ix, width: 967"]
[TR]
[TD]Stephen Berger [email protected] via projectroadwarrior.onmicrosoft.com [/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[TD="class: gH, align: right"]6:29 PM (3 hours ago)[/TD]
[TD="class: gH, align: right"][/TD]
[TD="class: gH acX, align: right"][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: acZ xD"]
[TD="colspan: 3"][TABLE="class: cf adz, width: 1131"]
[TR]
[TD="class: ady"]to me, info
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
I will send the most recent 990’s. Guidestar keeps pulling that one because we actually filed the long form 990 and then filed two postcards. I understand any skepticism.
Steve
[FONT=.HelveticaNeueInterface-M3]STEVE BERGER [/FONT]
[FONT=.HelveticaNeueInterface-Regular]Road Warrior Foundation[/FONT] C. 717-877-7443
If he made two postcard filings after the 2013 EZ form I think they should have shown up on the search on the IRS web site. Only the 2014 one showed. I wonder if the IRS is so back logged that 2015 postcard filings haven't been processed yet. The IRS has suffered tremendous budget cuts the past few years and I imagine postcard filings are a low priority for processing.
I sent Lamont a PM expressing our concerns about PRWF. I expect he'll be able to give us some reassurance about the foundation.
robtdonna
New member
Due diligence is good but....
Sometimes you have to have faith. Apparently Can Am does in allowing ten of their vehicles to be used. The group has been doing this for several years and it appears to be well organized.
I donate on a yearly basis to several veteran organizations, this one I will show support by riding with the group as they pass through Georgia on Friday. Proud that Can Am gives these ten vets the opportunity to ryde our great machines and proud of those ten for their service.
I will also probably donate money as I do on many other rydes. Whether it is tax deductible or not never comes into my mind. I've donated money to many groups on rides over the years, also to fund raisers for individuals, some of whom I know, some of whom I do not. Many of those were not tax deductible, but unless you're a business donating big bucks, does it really matter in the big picture? If so - don't donate.
Sometimes you have to have faith. Apparently Can Am does in allowing ten of their vehicles to be used. The group has been doing this for several years and it appears to be well organized.
I donate on a yearly basis to several veteran organizations, this one I will show support by riding with the group as they pass through Georgia on Friday. Proud that Can Am gives these ten vets the opportunity to ryde our great machines and proud of those ten for their service.
I will also probably donate money as I do on many other rydes. Whether it is tax deductible or not never comes into my mind. I've donated money to many groups on rides over the years, also to fund raisers for individuals, some of whom I know, some of whom I do not. Many of those were not tax deductible, but unless you're a business donating big bucks, does it really matter in the big picture? If so - don't donate.
bmccaffrey
New member
I think BRP or (and) Lamont should weigh in on this conversation,
(curious)
(curious)
Buckeye Bleau
New member
:congrats:Wow, good for all of your efforts, this is a good organization. They actually approved me for the Ryde last year, I declined so that they could accept a more worthy, younger rider, and I am glad that I did. This year I contributed, I hope that others will as well.
Joe
Lamonster
SpyderLovers Founder
I’m riding with them now. They are legitimate. This is the email Steve sent to one of you guys.
I will send the most recent 990’s. Guidestar keeps pulling that one because we actually filed the long form 990 and then filed two postcards. I understand any skepticism.
Steve
Steve
| [FONT=.HelveticaNeueInterface-M3]STEVE BERGER[/FONT] |
| [FONT=.HelveticaNeueInterface-Regular]Road Warrior Foundation[/FONT] |
| C. 717-877-7443 |
Similar threads
