Northwest Chapter and American Lung Association, Nonprofits Fighting
Two nonprofit organizations are in a dispute, the American Lung Association and Northwest Chapter. The regional affiliate replied Monday that it cant be dissolved pending the outcome of legal claims in King County Superior Court, and that the ugly spat wasnt doing either side any favors.
“This is the kind of a dispute between two charitable nonprofits that should have been settled in the family,” Laird Harris, chairman-elect of the Northwest affiliates board, said in a written statement. “(The American Lung Associations) aggressive and destructive decision to pursue the matter in court and in the media is damaging to our common mission of promoting lung health.”
In early October, the American Lung Association obtained a temporary restraining order in King County Superior Court, barring chapter president Mike Alderson from violating the ALAs operating agreement with the affiliate. The regional group filed a counterclaim alleging unfair business practices, claiming that the national charity had plotted a hostile takeover of the Northwest chapter.
The ALA gave notice to the American Lung Association of the Northwest in mid-September, saying that it was in violation of the organizations policies. If those issues werent fixed in 30 days, it said it would cut ties with the regional group, which represents the national charity in Washington, Idaho and Alaska.
Harris said Monday that the new organization was formed by Alderson without the approval of the affiliates board. Therefore, he said, it did not violate the national organizations policy that forbids affiliates from creating other foundations.
Harris also said the new foundation was created to help raise money for organizations that promote lung research and health, which the American Lung Association of the Northwest hadnt been able to afford.
“Our board perceived a very strong need to have fundraising efforts beyond what we were already doing,” he said.
Harris also said the sale of the multimillion-dollar building helped to balance the chapters budget by eliminating maintenance costs.
He pointed out that a provision in the ALAs operating agreement that governs affiliates says they are allowed to keep proceeds from real estate sales.
The national organization confirmed in an e-mail that the affiliate did not need permission before making such a sale, but American Lung Association spokeswoman Carrie Martin said the affiliate was making excuses “to create a smoke screen to hide the wrongful conduct.”
“Theyve dishonored the intent of their donors, grantors, government agencies and community partners,” she said.
Source: mibax