I see questionable donation tables often around my old home town of Seattle. This was forwarded to me from a local chat room - MM
June 20, 2013
Dear Autism Community:
I'd like you to be aware of the Autism Outreach Foundation – http://www.autismoutreachfoundation.org/
This group has been setting up in front of large stores such as Wal-Mart, QFC and Fred Meyer soliciting donations to "help families pay for counseling and therapy services". The Foundation's written materials and website state that the funds raised through community donations are given to local families in the form of grants, eliminating the middle man.
Please be advised –
• We have found no evidence that this Foundation has been designated a charity by the Internal Revenue Service.
• The Foundation's website does not disclose the amount raised or how the funds are being used.
• They have used for promotional purposes the names of both Seattle Children's Hospital and University of Washington Autism Center in solicitation materials. We have verified that there is no affiliation or relationship between Children's, the U.W. and this organization.
• Parents have reported it's very difficult to reach members of the organization to inquire about grants.
If you are concerned about the Foundation's activities, please consider reporting it to the Washington Attorney General's office: http://www/atg.wa.gov/Default .aspx
Call centers are open Monday – Friday, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. 1.800.551.4363 (in Washington only)
Enclosed is an article about a group in Washington and Oregon that was shut down for similar reasons. http://s.oregonlive.com/2nwwK8H
Based on our experience and investigation, we do not think the Autism Outreach Foundation is using the contributions it receives to benefit families dealing with family members with autism. We do not want to see citizens concerned about the challenges of autism make contributions they may later regret. If you have questions, please call me at 206 987-6213
Jim Sawyer, CPP, CHPA
Security Director
Seattle Children's Security Services
This was a response
I found this group’s approval to operate as a fundraising charity in Washington State at
http://www.sos.wa.gov/charities/search_detail.aspx?charity_id=33721
They are listed by the Secretary of State as an active nonprofit Washington Corporation based in Lynnwood, UBI 603260726. They filed for corporation status on 12/16/2012. On the Washington State Charitable Solicitations Program Charity Profile Report, they claim they “will apply” for federal tax-exempt status, but Guidestar.org does not list them as an IRS-approved tax-exempt charity. This MIGHT be because they haven’t yet received final 501(c)(3) designation – it can take months.
However, it’s odd that their website claims they have made large donations to both the UW Autism Center and Seattle Children’s Autism Center, yet they list no 2012 assets in their Washington State Charitable Solicitations Program Charity Profile Report.
My goodness, I saw these guys in front of my local store. I knew something was fishy.
ReplyDeleteWhile I was asking questions and looking at the literature, people were walking by, stuffing bills into the donation jar.
How do you differentiate between a charity that has startup costs and one that exist solely to pay the fundraisers?
ReplyDeleteI have received a grant from this group to help my child with O.T. They do not have donations jars that's sad for someone to even say. I ran across them in front of my local store and I made a donation. I started to ask questions and the individual handed me an application right there on the spot. I am low income and my child has aspersers and so he said to fill out the application and send it in. They worked very fast to help me. I don't know what you people are talking about, but I want to say shame on you for assuming they are a scam when not one of you know any facts about them. Everything that I have read on this website is slanderous. If I were them I would sue you. I would gladly be their witness.
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ReplyDeleteWow! $396,000 this "non-profit" organization can't account for! Cash withdrawal from ATM'S, for what?? Designer jeans, make-up, trips, rental cars! Sounds more like they have spent the past 2 years living large on the unsuspecting public donated money for this couple to live lavishly! Why hasn't the AG shut this fraudulent operation down! They are at Post Offices, Walmart, Albertsons, but no one is shutting this "charity" down and stop the public from financing anymore of these thieves personal expenses! What is the AG doing right now! Holiday season is upon us, end them before they have a chance to steal from anyone else!!
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