URGENT UPDATE: Maryland has just awarded $6 million in taxpayer funds to the nonprofit group We Our Us, whose president, Antoine Burton, is facing over $200,000 in unpaid taxes. This startling revelation raises significant questions about the vetting process for organizations receiving public funding, as detailed in court documents obtained by Spotlight on Maryland.
The award, made through the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS), aims to support programs engaging youth involved in the justice system in Baltimore City. Governor Wes Moore announced the funding in August, asserting that partnerships like this can drive progress in communities. However, critics are questioning whether such financial commitments are appropriate given Burton’s substantial tax liabilities dating back to 2017.
According to public records, Burton owes $176,000 in federal tax liens and $32,000 in state taxes. When asked about his ability to manage taxpayer dollars, Burton responded that he has a plan in place to resolve these issues but provided no documentation to support his claims.
Officials from the DJS maintain that We Our Us is in good standing and eligible for state funding, despite its president’s financial troubles. They confirmed that the organization has received $815,398 in state funds since 2023 through the Thrive Academy program. However, as of now, We Our Us has not billed DJS for the $6 million contract that started in September.
Concerns about financial transparency linger, with experts suggesting that Burton’s tax issues should have been a factor in granting the award. Amanda Beck, a nonprofit accounting professor, stated, “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.”
The controversy deepens with revelations that We Our Us has not filed its nonprofit tax forms for fiscal years 2023 and 2024, prompting scrutiny from financial experts. Erica Harris, a professor at Florida International University, criticized the organization’s justification for the delay, emphasizing that nonprofits have an obligation to file even during audits.
Burton claims that the funding will enhance community services, including job training, addiction recovery support, and youth mentoring. He notes the importance of their role in the lives of vulnerable youth, stating, “Some of them even look at some of our life coaches as father figures.”
However, the situation is further complicated by Burton’s recent divorce, during which his ex-wife alleged undisclosed financial issues, including the tax liens. Burton denied these claims, asserting transparency in his financial dealings.
The contract awarded to We Our Us was secured through a “Non-Competitive Negotiated Procurement,” a process that often raises eyebrows due to its lack of competitive bidding. Critics argue that it can lead to favoritism, questioning how only one organization can be deemed capable of providing essential services.
We Our Us is also set to receive an additional $1 million from Baltimore City’s opioid settlement with Walgreens, although the grant agreement has not yet been finalized.
As this situation develops, many are left wondering about the long-term implications of such funding decisions and whether Maryland officials will reevaluate their vetting processes for nonprofits in the future. The urgency surrounding this issue calls for immediate attention from both the public and state officials.
For ongoing updates, stay tuned to Spotlight on Maryland.
