Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation

“This 990 was prepared by an independent certified public accountant who worked with professional employees in the accounting department of the vfw national headquarters. It was reviewed by the principal officers of the organization prior to execution. In addition, a copy was provided to each member of the board of directors prior to the time of filing for their review. The form 990, along with audited financial statements, are reviewed with the board of directors at a later, stated meeting.”

“In order to sustain the veterans of foreign wars foundation's reputation and continued success, officers, directors and employees in leadership positions are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and adhere to the highest standards of honesty and integrity. All of the above named individuals are required to execute an appropriate acknowledgement of adherence to a code of ethics policy upon assuming their positions, and officers, directors and key employees are required to make an annual disclaimer or disclosure of conflicts of interest in accordance with the internal revenue service guidelines. For the fiscal year covered by this form 990, there were no conflicts of interest identified by the individuals covered by this policy.”

“The organization's chairman of the board, president, secretary/treasurer and other board members are not compensated by the vfw foundation. The chairman, president and secretary/treasurer are compensated by a related organization (vfw) for the positions they hold and the work they perform for that related organization. The commander-in-chief of the vfw, is elected by the vfw national convention and typically serves a single, one-year term. His compensation is specifically established by the vfw national council of administration (board of directors) and is specifically approved by the national council of administration as part of its deliberation and approval of the annual budget. However, because of the unique duties and responsibilities of these officers, comparability data is not typically relevant. The organization has in place a salary administration policy that applies to other compensated officers and key employees. That policy uses comparability data to assign all employee positions into 1 of 21 grades and to establish salary ranges for each grade. Increases in compensation are based on annual evaluations. The national council of administration, as part of its deliberation on the annual budget, approves all salaries, including the other officers and key employees.”

“The veterans of foreign wars foundation complies with irc section 6104 and makes its form 1023 and form 990 available for public inspection upon request.”

“These documents are available, upon request, to members of the veterans of foreign wars of the united states.”

“Richard potter is one of the employees referenced above for part v, question 2a. He served as the director of the vfw foundation during the fiscal year, but his payroll is processed through the veterans of foreign war's payroll system and the vfw foundation reimburses the vfw of the u.s. For these expenses. Since payments are made from the vfw of the u.s., the w-2 for the employee is issued from the vfw of the u.s., and therefore, this compensation is included in column e.”

“For ease of administration and in order to provide benefits, the veterans of foreign wars of the united states provides selected employees to the foundation. These employees work exclusively for the foundation and on foundation business and activities. The vfw foundation has no employees of its own. The foundation reimburses the veterans of foreign wars for the salary and benefit expenses incurred for these employees. Therefore, the w-3 transmittal and w-2 forms are filed by the veterans of foreign wars of the united states and not the vfw foundation. As of 12/31/17, there were seven employees included in the w-3 filing made by the veterans of foreign wars of the united states that work exclusively for the vfw foundation, and the expenses of those six employees are reflected in this return.”