Arkansas VA and AG Track Veterans Non-Profits

Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs and Arkansas Attorney General launch Veterans non-profit verification service

December 10, 2015

LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) in partnership with Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge unveiled “ADVA Verified” in a press conference at the state capitol Thursday afternoon. 

The voluntary program verifies nonprofits who offer Veteran specific services are current with Arkansas filing requirements.

“As I have been hosting veteran roundtable meetings, one of the common themes I have heard involves the regulation of veteran advocacy and support organizations,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “Arkansans have big hearts and are very generous, but they should be able to verify that their donation will be used for the intended purpose. Working with Director Snead, I am pleased that donors can now use the new ADVA Verified to help separate certified organizations from those that may be questionable.”

ADVA is committed to connecting public and private resources to Veterans across the state.  ADVA Verified was created to ensure that those services connected are credible.

“ADVA Verified is another commitment filled through our agency’s first-ever strategic plan,” said Matt Snead, Director of ADVA, “It is designed to assist both Veterans and credible nonprofits, bringing more transparency and peace of mind to those who use those services.”

A two-page form will ensure that the charity has filed articles of incorporation with the Arkansas Secretary of State’s Office, has current registration with the Attorney General’s Office, and has a current IRS filing. It will also collect financial information, charitable purpose, services offered, locations, and contact information to share with Veterans seeking services.

The services of ADVA Verified nonprofits will be connected to Veterans through the ADVA website, social media, monthly newsletter and the Veteran service officer network.  Transparency information on verified nonprofits will be available on ADVA’s website located at:Veterans.Arkansas.gov

ADVA Verified nonprofits will be able to display the ADVA Verified logo and communicate services through the statewide Veteran service officer network; reaching nearly 250,000 Veterans and their families.

While the program is voluntary, services of non-verified nonprofits will not be connected through ADVA outreach channels. The website will link those who wish to file a complaint against a nonprofit to the Attorney General Consumer Protection Division.

ADVA Verified does not imply state endorsement of a nonprofit.