Can Changes at the Wounded Warrior Projects Save the Non-Profit?
On the heels of a lot of bad press, the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is making a number of changes, including firing former executives, closing offices, and redirecting funds to counter the previous spending scandal.
After an internal investigation, the foundation’s board of directors fired CEO Stephen Nardizzi, who often made flamboyant entrances at staff parties, for focusing too much on fundraising rather than veterans’ programs.
Retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Linnington, who took over as CEO earlier this year, said that changes are being made in order to provide the best resources possible to veterans.
The moves come months after the 13-year-old organization came under attack for accusations of reckless spending: exorbitant staff salaries, lavish staff parties and corporate retreats, expensive dinners and alcohol.
Linnington acknowledged that the recent scandals have hurt fundraising totals this year, but change is on the way.
The non-profit is boosting support for programs such as the Long-Term Support Trust initiative, and ending others such as the Transition Training Academy.
“We had to look at the programs that are the most essential to who we serve, and make sure we’re providing the greatest assistance to those in the greatest need,” Linnington said.
While trimming the fat from the payroll, the non-profit is planning to add staff to mental health programs, long-term home-based support services, and helping veterans engage with each other in community activities.
Linnington said the group is planning to continue its support of veterans’ charities. In fiscal 2015, Wounded Warrior Project handed out about $11 million in grants to outside groups.
Hopefully, the changes made at the WWP will be able to change public perception of the organization. Linnington is confident they will.
“We are strengthening our programs to better serve our warriors and their families, and will strengthen relationships with community partners in caring for our military community, as well as facilitating partnerships with organizations and businesses doing great work in the civilian sector,” he said in a statement.
Military Veterans Advocate, Legislation, Law, & Policy research aficionado. Data science nerd just trying to do good around me, help others, with a daily goal of learning how to be a better human.
8 年There is only one sure way of knowing the that the money donated to help disabled veterans is really being spent to help them- and that is to donate as locally as possible. Thank you for posting this, I feel that as organizations grow they become more and more detached from their original purpose. There are veterans who need support of all types in nearly every city.
Regional Manager at Harvard Risk Management Corporation
8 年As an Alumni the Organization really isn't helpful at all
Regional Manager at Harvard Risk Management Corporation
8 年Really heartbreaking to work with many of the advocates in the organizations Warriors to Work section and still no results as of now in an employment ??
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at U.S. Navy
8 年I interacted w/ WWP immediately after medically retiring from the USN w/ a spinal cord injury - wasn't impressed. Very nice website but the people connection not so good. Not surprised by what happened - just disappointed.