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 alarming development raises urgent questions regarding the vetting process for nonprofits receiving substantial public funds.
According to court documents obtained by Spotlight on Maryland, Burton is burdened with $176,000 in federal tax liens and $32,000 in Maryland tax liens, dating back to 2017. Governor Wes Moore granted We Our Us a contract through the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) in August 2023, aimed at engaging justice-involved youth in Baltimore City.
“We know that partnership produces progress, and there’s no better case study than Baltimore,” Gov. Moore stated in a press release announcing the funding. This award comes just weeks after Moore publicly criticized former President Donald Trump for suggesting the deployment of the National Guard to address safety issues in Baltimore.
The $6 million contract was revealed shortly after Moore highlighted We Our Us as a key player in crime prevention during a community walk with Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott. Notably, We Our Us is integrated into Scott’s Group Violence Reduction Strategy, further complicating the implications of this funding decision.
In an exclusive interview, Burton defended his organization’s credibility, despite the outstanding tax debts. “Right now, that’s something that’s being disputed…I can send you the documents,” he claimed, although he did not provide any supporting documentation. Public records indicate that We Our Us has received $815,398 in state funds since 2023 through the Thrive Academy program, which focuses on youth life coaching and skills development.
A spokesperson for DJS confirmed that We Our Us is in good standing with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation, asserting that the organization is eligible for state funding. They also emphasized that DJS conducts ongoing oversight to monitor program performance and ensure that funds are allocated correctly.
However, both Gov. Moore’s office and DJS have not clarified whether they were aware of Burton’s tax issues at the time of the award. We Our Us reported an income of $328,427 in its latest tax form for fiscal year 2022, with no salaries disclosed for its 14 part-time employees, including Burton, who is recorded as working just 15 hours a week.
Experts are expressing concerns about the implications of awarding substantial contracts to individuals with significant tax debts. Amanda Beck, a professor at Georgia State University, 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 organization has not filed its tax forms for fiscal years 2023 and 2024, raising additional red flags. Corey Barnes, operations director for We Our Us, indicated that they are currently completing a voluntary financial audit and expect to file the overdue forms by the end of this year. However, some financial experts argue that tax-exempt organizations should file even during audits, labeling the delay as “not appropriate.”
Burton asserts that the taxpayer dollars will significantly enhance community services, including food provision for families, addiction recovery support, job placement assistance, and youth mentoring. “We are embedded in the lives of these kids,” he noted, emphasizing the deep connections formed through their programs.
Despite these assurances, Burton’s recent divorce adds another layer of scrutiny. His ex-wife alleged in court documents that he failed to disclose significant financial issues, including the tax liens. Burton has denied these claims, asserting that he was transparent about their financial situation.
Moreover, the contract awarded to We Our Us was secured through a “Non-Competitive Negotiated Procurement” process, which raises questions about the lack of competitive bidding for such a significant sum. Beck commented that this process, while common, can be controversial due to the subjectivity involved in determining which organization is best suited for the services required.
As We Our Us prepares to receive $1 million from Baltimore City’s opioid settlement with Walgreens—another significant funding source—questions remain about the organization’s financial management and oversight. The mayor’s office has not yet commented on concerns regarding Burton’s tax liabilities or the organization’s delayed financial reporting.
This situation continues to develop, and the implications for public trust in nonprofit funding processes are profound. As Maryland taxpayers await further clarity, the scrutiny on We Our Us and its leadership is only expected to intensify.
