It was found that only 2.7% of donations to the relief fund actually went to the families of fallen officers. Police officers and their families most definitely need and deserve to be supported when tragedy strikes. Lets just make sure we are contributing to the correct sources to make that happen. Consolidation Period: From July 8, 2020 to the e-Laws currency date. On behalf of the Law Enforcement Community, we would like to thank you for your continued support. Want to make sure you never miss a story from Law Enforcement Today? The union holds an annual golf tournament in Venice, Florida, and come September 2020 will host its 22nd international convention in Key West Florida, at the Waldorf Astorias Casa Marina, where attendees will enjoy 1,100 feet of private beach area. It turns out, I am not the only person who has had to do this. Simply enter the organization's name (Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund) or EIN (521095066) in the 'Search Term' field. (See image below.) AOCs Tax the Rich Dress Dazzles Met Gala, while Foundation Giving Numbers for 2020 Show 15 Percent Increase, Strike MoMA Imagines Art Museums without Billionaires. The vice president of the union, Michael Crivello, was also the founding treasurer of Law Enforcement for a Safer America. NPQ is the leading journal in the nonprofit sector written by social change experts. make sense of changing conditions and improve infra-structure in their organizations. According to tax records, only a small fraction of donations made to the organization actually support law enforcement officers. IUPA executives are sure to make a handsome income, not least of which is the president of the IUPA, Sam Cabral, who rakes in just under $200,000 per year. This chart displays the trend of revenue and expenses over the past several years for this organization, as reported on their IRS Form 990. The Law Enforcement Officers Relief Fund is part of the IUPA as well, and allegedly provides financial support to families of fallen officers while they wait for their full benefits to kick in. The solution, the letter says, is clear: Give our law enforcement officers the crime prevention tools they need. Both men appear to make similar figures at the IUPA. Opt-out: The charity has a written privacy policy published on its website which enables donors to tell the charity to remove their names and contact information from lists the charity shares or sells. Also affiliated with the union is a political action committee, Law Enforcement for a Safer America. For example, Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) The annual budget of the Relief Fund is listed at $1,793,000 and the amount paid out in grants was around $230,000, which amounts to far less than its two leaders are paid. The websites even share layouts, color schemes, photographs, and fine print. Those companies were paid for tech support and data security compliance.. How COVID-19 impacted the organization's operations financially: More finances are needed due to the higher case loads. ft location in Sarasota, Florida, and other expenses.. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Check it out today. Most of the money raised by the Relief Fund, specifically, is spent on professionaltelemarketerswho charge high rates to aggressively solicit money on behalf of fallen officers. One donor said her elderly mother was approached by the organization to pay a $20 pledge they claimed was made by her dead father who passed away in the mid-80s. Our mission is benevolent and educational. 2560 HUNTINGTON AVEAlexandria VA 22303-1447, AlexandriaVA | IRS ruling year: 1980 | EIN: 52-1095066, Our mission is benevolent and educational. by Sarah Kleiner and Chris Zubak-Skees, Center for Public Integrity December 27, 2019, This and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.. Two others, Courtesy Call and Donor Relations, are run by Richard Zeitlin out of Las Vegas, who was being investigated by the Federal Trade Commission as well as a Florida Grand Jury for engaging in unfair or deceptive acts or practices.. Despite how shady and sneaky the union and it affiliates are with obtaining more and more money, they dont do a very good job of hiding it. None of this has elicited scrutiny by charity regulators in Florida, which may be why it seems like such a disproportionate number of such cases emanate from the Sunshine State despite vows to crack down dating back to 2014. The Fund is a 501(c) 3 non-profit charitable corporation and donations are tax deductible. This PAC raised $4.5 million from donors, and spent $4 million of that on fundraising. The reporter did reach Cabral on Nov. 1, when he and other top International Union of Police Associations executives were hosting a conference at The Madison Washington DC. Please check with the charity directly for any questions you may have. Law Enforcement Officers Relief Fund "To Assist Those Who Protect And Serve" Donate Injury Support Support for officers injured on the job Family Assistance Support for families of officers killed in the line of duty Disaster Relief Assistance for officers affected by natural disasters Charity L.E.O.R.F. Conversely, organizations like the Fraternal Order of Police are completely up front with information such as its membership numbers (330,000 police officers according to the website) and let people know on the site that the National FOP doesnt conduct telephone solicitations. In a letter responding to the dispute, IUPAs secretary-treasurer asked for contributions to the national unions PAC to give it a better position to obtain effective national legislation.. Did Giving Tuesdays High Results Miss You or Include You? Ruth is Editor Emerita of the Nonprofit Quarterly. Instead, it goes for salaries and expenses, and very little goes for our unified voice in Washington, he wrote. You're faster than our page! Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license. Anything else is a waste of your time and possibly your money. No: This charity either does not have a written donor privacy policy in place to protect their contributors' personal information, or the existing policy does not meet our criteria. But before the process was complete, IUPA closed its phone room and laid off all 75 employees. Most of the money raised went to telemarketing 87 percent and other expenses. Partial Credit: The charity's audited financials were prepared by an independent accountant, but it did not have an audit oversight committee. Together, the Law Enforcement Officers Relief Fund and the International Union of Police Associations, AFL-CIO, have spent about $82.3 million 77 percent of their operating expenditures. The contributor in question lists an address of 2331 Mill Road, Suite 100, Alexandria, VA. Ironically, that is the same address of the group filing the 8872, NPSF. She worked there for about a year. Why does the International Union of Police Associations contract with these telemarketers? When Caitlan Ackloo was a high school student in 2004, she responded to a bright orange job ad on a road sign that didnt identify the employer but promised a high hourly wage. The Law Enforcement Officers Relief Fund is a nonprofit charity that says it provides "specialized relief when, tragically, a law enforcement officer is killed in the line-of-duty." But a Center for Public Integrity investigation indicates most of the money it raises goes to telemarketing expenses and salaries. The Policy on Legal Assistance and Indemnification applies to individuals appointed pursuant to legislation or a statutory authority who, as public office holders, have an employment relationship with the Crown. Part of our goal in rating the financial performance of charities is to help donors assess the financial capacity and sustainability of a charity. As for the BBB, we know there are some articles out there that misrepresent our relationship with them. Donations made to LEORF go towards assisting the officer's immediate family with funeral costs or medical expenses, household finances, future . In this case, we deduct 15 points from the charity's Accountability and Transparency score. One of their many other fundraisers is New Jersey-based Outreach Calling, which has ties to beleaguered telemarketer Mark Gelvan. When natural disasters occur, it is common for some people to try to take advantage of survivors by posing as official disaster aid workers trying to help survivors complete their applications. I thought this money was to give policemen a voice at the national level. This beacon provides an assessment of a charity's financial health (financial efficiency, sustainability, and trustworthiness) and its commitment to governance practices and policies. As all contributors are required to list their address, occupation and employer. Thank you once again for your support of this important cause. Other names to beware of in association with the IUPA are the Police Officers Support Association and the National Emergency Responders Coalition, but now that Public Integrity has published their report, it would be wise to do extensive research into the organizations that you choose to donate to where claims of supporting law enforcement lie. Golf Classic The petition passed in a membership vote the following year. Audited financial statements provide important information about financial accountability and accuracy. The Law Enforcement Officers Relief Fund is there immediately to support our public safety officers in their greatest time of need, Cabral wrote in a recent fundraising document. Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund cannot currently be evaluated by our Leadership & Adaptability methodology because we have not received data from the charity regarding its leadership capacity, strategic thinking and planning, and ability to innovate or respond to changes.Note: The absence of a score does not indicate a positive or negative assessment, it only indicates that we have not yet evaluated the organization. Gain access to our exclusive library of online courses led by thought leaders and educators providing contextualized information to help nonprofit practitioners Federal and state enforcers announced 76 law enforcement actions against 32 fundraising companies, 22 non-profits or purported non-profits on whose behalf funds were solicited, and 31 individuals. The so-called Police Action Fund is nothing more than a scam that exploits the heroism and sacrifice of law enforcement officers. What do other people say? 2023 LEORF. The organization once ran a phone room in Lakeland, Florida, about 80 miles northeast of Sarasota. As a matter of fact, many people have taken to the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, Youtube, Charity Navigator, and local news outlets to report their disapproval and concerns of the NPTA. While the union flaunts itself as the only union for law enforcement officers, it is questionable in its reports of membership, which have been shown to be false on more than one occasion. has the highest rating on all of the watchdog groups. About $1.8 million went toward the salaries of union officials, including $199,700 for Cabral, the president. Next to the picture theres a button that invites you to Donate Today and help families of fallen or injured officers. See the metrics below for more information. Law Enforcement Officers Relief Fund Inc. has earned a 60% for the Accountability & Finance beacon. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) The police union and relief fund have contracted with Courtesy Call, Donor Relations and a handful of other companies owned by Las Vegas telemarketer Richard Zeitlin. The Law Enforcement Officers Relief Fund is a non-profit charitable corporation organized and operated exclusively for charitable and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal revenue Code. This leaves very little to be spent on political advocacy, which is, after all, the actual purpose of a PAC to begin with. The [Florida Highway Patrol] Command Officers Association would like to thank you for your interest in our organization, one group warns on its website. A union-backed police charity spends just a sliver of its money on those it purports to serve, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), The casket of Jersey City Police Detective Joseph Seals is carried out of the church during his funeral in Jersey City, N.J., on Dec. 17, 2019. ft location in Sarasota, Florida, and other expenses.. Read the IRS policies for compensation reporting. Donors can be reluctant to contribute to a charity when their name, address, or other basic information may become part of donor lists that are exchanged or sold, resulting in an influx of charitable solicitations from other organizations. Also affiliated with the union is a political action committee, Law Enforcement for a Safer America. The Giving Basket is having some issues. But the unions 2018 tax return said it represents about 23,200 union members, down from 50,400 in 2006. At the time of this writing, the relief funds website was no longer functioning. Leah is now The Business Operations Manager for the Washington State Fraternal Order of Police, active in her local WAFOP chapter, and a peer support advocate. The Policy also applies to representatives authorized in writing to act on behalf of a serving prime minister, minister or deputy head . The Tampa Bay Times in 2014 put the union on its list of organizations that spend little on the causes they champion. (See image below.) Its called LET Unity, and its where we share the untold stories of those patriotic Americans. There is also information for all to view on the incidents the organization has responded to and provided funds and supplies for, such as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Haiti earthquake, floods, fires, and tsunamis. 5632 Bee Ridge Road, #200. These organizations also supply givers with greater confidence by maintaining broad public support for their programs. $10,000 to a Florida-based organization that helps handicapped children and a $10,000 to a golf sponsorship for the Law Enforcement Officers Relief Fund . Unlike many other dues-funded unions, police groups which come in a variety of types, including labor organizations and associations often turn to high-priced professional fundraisers to raise on their behalf, according to a Public Integrity analysis of IRS data. Law Enforcement Officers Relief Fund Inc. has earned a 60% for the Accountability & Finance beacon. He owns a technology and security consulting firm and is a proud to be a native Texan. We also seek to educate the public about the many risks and threats to law enforcement personnel in order to build a more informed, respectful, and appreciative society. Sign up to receive our freeWatchdog email newsletter, a weekly investigation in inequality from Public Integrity. IUPA hasnt always relied so heavily on telemarketers to raise funds. In this case, we deduct 7 points from the charity's Accountability and Transparency score. She also grew up as the daughter of a police officer in California. You can see our current B+ rating.. They should be prepared by an independent accountant with oversight from an audit committee. Why does its charitable arm spend such a small percentage of donors money on charity? Dividing these net available assets in the most recent year by a charity's average total expenses, yields the working capital ratio. This compensation data includes salary, cash bonuses and expense accounts and is displayed exactly how it is reported to the IRS. We recognize that not all metrics and beacons equally predict a charitys success. The organization has had huge and very public stalls on a major project yet senior management continues to point fingers externally rather than evaluate their part in the matter. Before that, she was an intelligence analyst in the US Army. But the groups file financial disclosures with federal regulators under only a handful of names. The funds are to provide some assistance in transition of long-term recovery not to make them whole. NPSF is not the ones making the calls. Founded in 1978, NAPO is the strongest unified . You have 22 business days from the date on your notice of refusal or cancellation. We hosted our most recent event at the beautiful Sarasota National Golf Club in Venice, Florida. 5632 Bee Ridge Rd STE 200 Learn more about the appeal eligibility review process. Beginning in the mid-1980s, Ruth spent a decade at the Boston Foundation, developing and implementing capacity building programs and advocating for grantmaking attention to constituent involvement. Despite how shady and sneaky the union and it affiliates are with obtaining more and more money, they dont do a very good job of hiding it. Granted, 11 families received a total of $72,000, and some of it (about $25,000, or $2,500 per person) went towards law enforcement student tuition and scholarships. It can sometimes take weeks to put together the necessary paperwork to collect the benefits officers and their families have earned and deserve. Learn more about the BMF on the IRS website, Study and research (non-scientific) (BMF activity code: 124), Organization which receives a substantial part of its support from a governmental unit or the general public 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) (BMF foundation code: 15), Independent - the organization is an independent organization or an independent auxiliary (i.e., not affiliated with a National, Regional, or Geographic grouping of organizations). Would a legitimate operation have such an inappropriate message prompt? Officers pay tribute to fallen officers at National Police Week. UPDATE: Manhunt Underway For Shooter Accused Of Killing 5 Neighbors Gone Cold, Spec Ops Veteran Turned Musician Releases Highly Anticipated New Single, Dan Clor of AWF Is On A Grand Scale Mission To Solve The Military Recruiting Crisis, Community Support Grows For Louisville Officer Still In Critical Condition After Shooting. He also doesnt tell you that none of the donations collected actually go to financially support local law enforcement. The Florida attorney generals office has received one Do Not Call List complaint this year against the union, said spokesman Whitney Ray. It is beyond disgusting that such a prominent and wealthy union group designed to assist our law enforcement communities and their families would see so little of that money going to those who need it. I was suspicious of the call from the very beginning. Thanks for being a part of the LET family! We calculate the charity's average expenses and average contributions over its three most recent fiscal years. Others they use are The Fundraising Group, Grassroots Fund Group, LLC, and United Support LLC. The organization may expand the scope of its services in include other members of the public at its discretion. Sources Include: IRS Form 990 and organization's website. The first couple of times (which was years ago, now), I was polite and told him that my husband and I were both LEOs and aside from donating our lives to the career, we also donated to several police organizations already. (Less). Proceeds get reinvested into giving these heroes a voice. Ever since, the group which plans to move its headquarters into a $2.6 million office building that one of its affiliates purchased in Sarasota last year continues to raise funds. Would you be willing to send us an email at [emailprotected] so we can we learn more about your experience? Law Enforcement Officers Relief Fund, Inc. Charity Report. I recently took about a dozen of these "police-support" calls to hear the pitches. In this situation, we deduct 7 points from the charity's Accountability and Transparency score. In this quarter, they contributed $772,716 to themselves. If the charity does report a diversion, then we check to see if it complied with the Form 990 instructions by describing what happened and its corrective action. This is the type of information that should be transparent so people know the organizations theyre donating to is properly using their hard earned dollars. They are using other telemarketing firms, such as Residential Programs, Incorporated, who currently sport an F rating from the BBB. The man wanted me to pledge a large $ donation. 2023 Copyright Law Enforcement Today - All Rights Reserved. IUPA executives are sure to make a handsome income, not least of which is the president of the IUPA, Sam Cabral, who rakes in just under $200,000 per year. This beacon provides an assessment of a charity's financial health (financial efficiency, sustainability, and trustworthiness) and its commitment to governance practices and policies. The union raised $3.3 million from membership dues and spent nearly the same amount providing services to those members a pattern typical in the last several years. Due to the unprecedented nature of the pandemic, we give charities such as this one the opportunity to share the story of COVID's impact on them, and doing this pauses our revision of their rating. The Law Enforcement Officers Relief Fund is part of the IUPA as well, and allegedly provides financial support to families of fallen officers while they wait for their full benefits to kick in. Overview: Founded in 1984, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) is dedicated to telling the story of U.S. law enforcement and making it safer for those who serve. The annual budget of the Relief Fund is listed at $1,793,000 and the amount paid out in grants was around $230,000, which amounts to far less than its two leaders are paid. How COVID-19 impacted the organization's delivery of programs: We were unable to operate our simulator program to the public due to stay at home orders. Often at smaller charities, it falls within the responsibilities of the finance committee or the executive committee.) Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. It turns out, I am not the only person who has had to do this. This ratio is an indicator of an organizations solvency and or long term sustainability. "The Law Enforcement Officers Relief Fund was established to provide support and resources to officers In just the 3rd quarter of 2018, NPSF spent over $422,000 dollars to Residential Programs for services that include carrier minutes and dialer expenses, consumer data, postage and freight, tele-fundraising, technology services, direct mail fundraising, caging and escrow and other professional fees. For example, Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) For example, in the tax year that ended March 2018, the Law Enforcement Officers Relief Fund gave 11 families an average of $6,545 apiece. Oh, they also dont mention on the phone that the bulk of their contributions came fromwait for it. As reported by charities on their IRS Form 990, this measure reflects what percent of its total budget a charity spends on overhead, administrative staff and associated costs, and organizational meetings. Support independent journalism and knowledge creation for civil society. Charity Navigator looks to confirm on the Form 990, or for some metrics on the charity's website, that the organization has these policies in place. Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund reported its three largest programs on its FY 2020 Form 990 as: Defending Wrongfully-Charged Law Enforcement Officers, Support of Law Enforcement Professional Associations. Its four-star rating from Charity Navigator is a testament to its high level of accountability and transparency. This organization was impacted by COVID-19 in a way that effected their financial health in 2020. The Fund was created to assist law enforcement officers when faced with tragedy, such as violence or natural disaster. Full Credit: The charity's audited financials were prepared by an independent accountant with an audit oversight committee. A general website policy which references "visitor" or "user" personal information will not suffice. (It is not necessary that the audit committee be a separate committee. They have been contacted by the BBB and have not cooperated. UPDATE: Manhunt Underway For Shooter Accused Of Killing 5 Neighbors Gone Cold, Spec Ops Veteran Turned Musician Releases Highly Anticipated New Single, Dan Clor of AWF Is On A Grand Scale Mission To Solve The Military Recruiting Crisis, Community Support Grows For Louisville Officer Still In Critical Condition After Shooting. Like many other states, Floridas law prohibits charities from misleading donors or misrepresenting themselves.