BREAKING: Maryland has just awarded $6 million in taxpayer funds to the nonprofit organization We Our Us, whose president, Antoine Burton, owes over $200,000 in taxes. This troubling revelation raises urgent questions about the vetting process for nonprofits receiving public funds.
According to court documents obtained by Spotlight on Maryland, Burton faces $176,000 in federal tax liens and $32,000 in Maryland tax liens, dating back to 2017. The announcement of the funding comes just weeks after Maryland Governor Wes Moore publicly criticized former President Donald Trump’s public safety measures in Baltimore City, highlighting the significance of this funding decision.
The $6 million grant, awarded through the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS), is intended to engage justice-involved youth in Baltimore City. “We know that partnership produces progress, and there’s no better case study than Baltimore,” said Governor Moore in a press release.
However, concerns have emerged about whether state officials adequately scrutinized We Our Us’s financial standing before granting such a large sum. In an exclusive interview, Burton claimed he has a plan to resolve his tax issues and insisted that his organization effectively manages taxpayer funds. “There’s a team that’s in place to make sure that funds are facilitated properly,” he stated.
Despite Burton’s assurances, the DJS confirmed that We Our Us has yet to bill for the $6 million contract that commenced in September. A DJS spokesperson emphasized ongoing oversight to ensure that services are delivered effectively to youth in need.
Burton’s nonprofit has previously received $815,398 in state funds for the Thrive Academy program, which focuses on youth life coaching and skill development. However, the organization has not filed its tax forms for fiscal years 2023 and 2024, raising additional red flags about its financial practices.
Amanda Beck, a professor specializing in nonprofit accounting, stated that Burton’s tax liens should have been a critical factor in the decision-making process for the funding award. “It’s reasonable to consider the stewardship that this individual has had in their own financial relationship with the government when making an award of this size,” Beck said.
We Our Us reported $328,427 in income for the fiscal year 2022 and has been under scrutiny for its lack of transparency. The organization has not filed required tax documents with the IRS since that year, with the 2023 form overdue since May 2023.
Burton maintains that the organization is expanding its community services, which include food assistance, addiction recovery support, and youth mentorship programs. “We are embedded in the lives of these kids,” he insisted, asserting that many view their life coaches as father figures.
Adding to the complexity, Burton’s personal life has recently come under scrutiny. He is currently going through a divorce, with allegations from his ex-wife regarding undisclosed financial issues. Burton has denied these claims but faces additional financial obligations as part of the divorce settlement.
Spotlight on Maryland has uncovered that the contract with DJS was awarded via a “Non-Competitive Negotiated Procurement,” a process that can raise concerns about favoritism and lack of competition. Critics argue that such decisions should be made transparently to avoid potential conflicts of interest.
As We Our Us prepares to receive additional funding, including $1 million from Baltimore City’s opioid settlement with Walgreens, the community watches closely. The mayor’s office has not commented on whether they share concerns about Burton’s tax liabilities and the organization’s delayed financial reporting.
This developing story underscores the urgent need for accountability in how taxpayer dollars are allocated, particularly to organizations with questionable financial histories. With potential implications for the youth services landscape in Baltimore, the situation is evolving rapidly.
Stay tuned for updates on this critical issue as more information becomes available.
