BREAKING: Maryland has just awarded $6 million in taxpayer funds to the nonprofit organization We Our Us, whose president, Antoine Burton, owes more than $200,000 in taxes, raising urgent questions about financial vetting processes for public funding. This controversial decision, confirmed by court documents obtained by Spotlight on Maryland, has ignited renewed scrutiny over how state officials assess nonprofits receiving large amounts of taxpayer money.
The contract, awarded through the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) in August 2023, aims to engage justice-involved youth in Baltimore City. Governor Wes Moore touted the project as a critical partnership for community progress. “We know that partnership produces progress, and there’s no better case study than Baltimore,” Moore stated in a press release.
This award follows a period of heightened public safety concerns in Baltimore, as Moore previously criticized former President Donald Trump for suggesting the deployment of the National Guard in the city. Less than two weeks later, We Our Us was highlighted as a leading entity in crime prevention during a community walk with Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott.
The revelation about Burton’s tax liabilities—comprising $176,000 in federal tax liens and $32,000 in Maryland tax liens—has prompted questions about the organization’s financial integrity. When asked about his ability to manage taxpayer funds, Burton claimed to have a plan to resolve the tax issues, asserting, “There’s a team that’s in place to make sure that funds are facilitated properly.” However, he did not provide any documentation to support this assertion.
According to a DJS spokesman, We Our Us remains in good standing with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation, allowing them to qualify for state funding. They have already received $815,398 in state funds through the Thrive Academy program for youth coaching and skill development. Nevertheless, the organization has yet to bill DJS for the newly awarded $6 million contract that commenced in September.
As scrutiny mounts, experts express concern over the procedures used to award such significant contracts. Amanda Beck, a professor specializing in nonprofit accounting, emphasized the importance of considering an individual’s financial stewardship when awarding taxpayer funds. “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 stated.
Furthermore, We Our Us has not filed its tax forms for the fiscal years 2023 and 2024. Corey Barnes, the organization’s director of operations, stated they are undergoing a voluntary financial audit and will file once complete. However, experts like Erica Harris argue that nonprofits are expected to file even during audits, calling this delay “not appropriate.”
Burton insists that the funding will enhance We Our Us’s community services, which include food assistance, addiction recovery support, job placement, and youth mentoring. “We are embedded in the lives of these kids,” he said, noting that some view their life coaches as father figures. However, court records indicate personal financial troubles, including a recently finalized divorce where Burton’s ex-wife alleged undisclosed debts and tax issues.
The funding from the DJS was procured through a “Non-Competitive Negotiated Procurement,” a method that can be controversial, as it limits competition. Beck noted that while this process is sometimes used for trusted organizations, it raises concerns about transparency.
As the situation develops, the implications for both We Our Us and the state government remain critical. With the award of $6 million and ongoing scrutiny, Maryland officials are under pressure to ensure that taxpayer funds are managed responsibly.
What happens next? Stakeholders will be watching closely as We Our Us begins its work and as Maryland evaluates its nonprofit funding processes amidst growing public interest.
For further updates and insights, stay tuned as this story continues to unfold.
