Form990
Click to see attachment
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax
Under section 501(c), 527, or 4947(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code (except black lung benefit trust or private foundation)

MediumBullet The organization may have to use a copy of this return to satisfy state reporting requirements.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2010
Open to Public Inspection
A For the calendar year, or tax year beginning 07-01-2010 and ending 06-30-2011
BCheck if applicable:
CName of organization
BLINDED VETERANS ASSOCIATION
 
Doing Business As
 
 
Number and street (or P.O. box if mail is not delivered to street address)
477 H STREET NW
 
Room/suite
City or town, state or country, and ZIP + 4
WASHINGTON, DC200012694
D Employer identification number

53-0214281
E Telephone number

G Gross receipts $ 6,635,245
F Name and address of principal officer:
THOMAS H MILLER
477 H STREET NW
WASHINGTON,DC200012694
I
Tax-exempt status: (   ) LeftBullet (insert no.) or
J
Website:MediumBullet
WWW.BVA.ORG
H(a)
Is this a group return for
affiliates?
H(b)
Are all affiliates included?
If "No," attach a list. (see instructions)
H(c)
Group exemption number MediumBullet  
K Form of organization:
 
L Year of formation: 1945
M State of legal domicile: DC
Part I
Summary
Activities & Governance 1 Briefly describe the organization’s mission or most significant activities: TO PROMOTE THE WELFARE OF BLINDED VETERANS - SEE PART III AND SCHEDULE O
2 Check this box MediumBullet
3 Number of voting members of the governing body (Part VI, line 1a) .... 3 11
4 Number of independent voting members of the governing body (Part VI, line 1b) .... 4 11
5 Total number of individuals employed in calendar year 2010 (Part V, line 2a) ... 5 36
6 Total number of volunteers (estimate if necessary) .... 6 264
7a Total unrelated business revenue from Part VIII, column (C), line 12 .. 7a 0
b Net unrelated business taxable income from Form 990-T, line 34 .. 7b 0
Revenues; Prior Year Current Year
8 Contributions and grants (Part VIII, line 1h) ......... 3,910,745 5,120,384
9 Program service revenue (Part VIII, line 2g) ......... 0 0
10 Investment income (Part VIII, column (A), lines 3, 4, and 7d ) .... 277,616 370,779
11 Other revenue (Part VIII, column (A), lines 5, 6d, 8c, 9c, 10c, and 11e) 248,030 322,727
12 Total revenue—add lines 8 through 11 (must equal Part VIII, column (A), line 12)................... 4,436,391 5,813,890
Expenses; 13 Grants and similar amounts paid (Part IX, column (A), lines 1–3 )... 14,919 13,500
14 Benefits paid to or for members (Part IX, column (A), line 4) .... 0 0
15 Salaries, other compensation, employee benefits (Part IX, column (A), lines 5–10) 1,473,493 1,537,085
16a Professional fundraising fees (Part IX, column (A), line 11e).... 23,500 0
b Total fundraising expenses (Part IX, column (D), line 25) MediumBullet1,393,375    
17 Other expenses (Part IX, column (A), lines 11a–11d, 11f–24f).... 2,836,595 2,873,020
18 Total expenses. Add lines 13–17 (must equal Part IX, column (A), line 25) 4,348,507 4,423,605
19 Revenue less expenses. Subtract line 18 from line 12...... 87,884 1,390,285
Net Assets or Fund Balances; Beginning of Current Year End of Year
20 Total assets (Part X, line 16)............ 8,177,395 10,196,760
21 Total liabilities (Part X, line 26)............ 229,865 268,799
22 Net assets or fund balances. Subtract line 21 from line 20 ..... 7,947,530 9,927,961
Part II
Signature Block
Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this return, including accompanying schedules and statements, and to the best of my knowledge and belief, it is true, correct, and complete. Declaration of preparer (other than officer) is based on all information of which preparer has any knowledge.
Sign Here
JumboBullet
Signature of officer Date
JumboBullet
Type or print name and title.
Paid Preparer's Use Only Preparer's
signatureBig Right Arrow 		Date
right pointing bullet image Preparer’s taxpayer identification number
(see instructions)
Firm’s name (or yours
if self-employed),
address, and ZIP + 4Big Right Arrow




 		EIN right pointing bullet image
Phone no. right pointing bullet image
May the IRS discuss this return with the preparer shown above? (see instructions) .........
For Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the separate instructions.
Cat. No. 11282Y
Form 990 (2010)
Form 990 (2010)
Page 2
Part III
Statement of Program Service Accomplishments
Check if Schedule O contains a response to any question in this Part III . . . . . . . . . .
1
Briefly describe the organization’s mission: TO PROMOTE THE WELFARE OF BLINDED VETERANS SO THAT, NOTWITHSTANDING THEIR DISABILITIES, THEY MAY TAKE THEIR RIGHTFUL PLACE IN THE COMMUNITY. TO PRESERVE AND STRENGTHEN A SPIRIT OF FELLOWSHIP AMONG BLINDED VETERANS SO THAT THEY MAY GIVE MUTUAL AID AND ASSISTANCE TO ONE ANOTHER. TO EDUCATE THE GENERAL PUBLIC SO THEY MAY UNDERSTAND WHAT BLINDED VETERANS MAY ACCOMPLISH AND HOW TO ASSIST BLINDED VETERANS THEY MAY ENCOUNTER IN THEIR COMMUNITIES.
2
Did the organization undertake any significant program services during the year which were not listed on
the prior Form 990 or 990-EZ? ....................
If “Yes,” describe these new services on Schedule O.
3
Did the organization cease conducting, or make significant changes in how it conducts, any program services? ..........................
If “Yes,” describe these changes on Schedule O.
4
Describe the exempt purpose achievements for each of the organization’s three largest program services by expenses.
Section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations and section 4947(a)(1) trusts are required to report the amount of grants and allocations to others, the total expenses, and revenue, if any, for each program service reported.
4a (Code:   ) (Expenses $ 1,205,623 including grants of $   ) (Revenue $   )
FIELD SERVICE AND VOLUNTEER SERVICE PROGRAMSSEE SCHEDULE O
4b (Code:   ) (Expenses $ 1,258,710 including grants of $   ) (Revenue $   )
PUBLIC EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATIONSEE SCHEDULE O
4c (Code:   ) (Expenses $ 137,844 including grants of $   ) (Revenue $   )
ADVOCACYSEE SCHEDULE O
(Code:   ) (Expenses $ 224,922 including grants of $ 12,000 ) (Revenue $   )
MEMBERSHIP AND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
4d Other program services. (Describe in Schedule O.)
(Expenses $ 224,922 including grants of $ 12,000 ) (Revenue $   )
4e Total program service expensesMediumBullet$ 2,827,099
Form 990 (2010)
Form 990 (2010)
Page 3
Part IV
Checklist of Required Schedules
Yes
No
1
Is the organization described in section 501(c)(3) or 4947(a)(1) (other than a private foundation)? If “Yes,” complete Schedule AClick to see attachment.....................
1
Yes
 
2
Is the organization required to complete Schedule B, Schedule of Contributors? Click to see attachment........
2
Yes
 
3
Did the organization engage in direct or indirect political campaign activities on behalf of or in opposition to candidates for public office? If “Yes,” complete Schedule C, Part IClick to see attachment..........
3
 
No
4
Section 501(c)(3) organizations. Did the organization engage in lobbying activities? If “Yes,” complete Schedule C,
Part IIClick to see attachment.........................
4
Yes
 
5
Is the organization a section 501(c)(4), 501(c)(5), or 501(c)(6) organization that receives membership dues, assessments, or similar amounts as defined in Revenue Procedure 98-19? If “Yes,” complete Schedule C, Part III........................
5
 
 
6
Did the organization maintain any donor advised funds or any similar funds or accounts where donors have the right to provide advice on the distribution or investment of amounts in such funds or accounts? If “Yes,” complete
Schedule D, Part IClick to see attachment.......................
6
 
No
7
Did the organization receive or hold a conservation easement, including easements to preserve open space,
the environment, historic land areas or historic structures? If “Yes,” complete Schedule D, Part IIClick to see attachment...
7
 
No
8
Did the organization maintain collections of works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets? If “Yes,” complete Schedule D, Part III Click to see attachment....................
8
 
No
9
Did the organization report an amount in Part X, line 21; serve as a custodian for amounts not listed in Part X; or provide credit counseling, debt management, credit repair, or debt negotiation services? If “Yes,”
complete Schedule D, Part IVClick to see attachment...................
9
 
No
10
Did the organization, directly or through a related organization, hold assets in term, permanent,or quasi-endowments? If “Yes,” complete Schedule D, Part VClick to see attachment
10
 
No
11
If the organization’s answer to any of the following questions is ‘Yes,’ then complete Schedule D, Parts VI, VII, VIII, IX, or X as applicable:
a
Did the organization report an amount for land, buildings, and equipment in Part X, line10? If “Yes,” complete Schedule D, Part VI.Click to see attachment
11a
Yes
 
b
Did the organization report an amount for investments—other securities in Part X, line 12 that is 5% or more of its total assets reported in Part X, line 16? If “Yes,” complete Schedule D, Part VII.Click to see attachment
11b
 
No
c
Did the organization report an amount for investments—program related in Part X, line 13 that is 5% or more of its total assets reported in Part X, line 16? If “Yes,” complete Schedule D, Part VIII.Click to see attachment
11c
 
No
d
Did the organization report an amount for other assets in Part X, line 15 that is 5% or more of its total assets reported in Part X, line 16? If “Yes,” complete Schedule D, Part IX.Click to see attachment
11d
 
No
e
Did the organization report an amount for other liabilities in Part X, line 25? If “Yes,” complete Schedule D, Part X.Click to see attachment
11e
 
No
f
Did the organization’s separate or consolidated financial statements for the tax year include a footnote that addresses the organization’s liability for uncertain tax positions under FIN 48 (ASC 740)? If “Yes,” complete Schedule D, Part X.Click to see attachment
11f
Yes
 
12a
Did the organization obtain separate, independent audited financial statements for the tax year? If “Yes,” complete Schedule D, Parts XI, XII, and XIII Click to see attachment
12a
Yes
 
b
Was the organization included in consolidated, independent audited financial statements for the tax year? If “Yes,” and if the organization answered ‘No’ to line 12a, then completing Schedule D, Parts XI, XII, and XIII is optional Click to see attachment
12b
 
No
13
Is the organization a school described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii)? If “Yes,” complete Schedule E
13
 
No
14a
Did the organization maintain an office, employees, or agents outside of the United States?....
14a
 
No
b
Did the organization have aggregate revenues or expenses of more than $10,000 from grantmaking, fundraising, business, and program service activities outside the United States? If “Yes,” complete Schedule F, Part I.........
14b
 
No
15
Did the organization report on Part IX, column (A), line 3, more than $5,000 of grants or assistance to any organization or entity located outside the U.S.? If “Yes,” complete Schedule F, Part II..
15
 
No
16
Did the organization report on Part IX, column (A), line 3, more than $5,000 of aggregate grants or assistance to individuals located outside the U.S.? If “Yes,” complete Schedule F, Part III..
16
 
No
17
Did the organization report a total of more than $15,000, of expenses for professional fundraising services on Part IX, column (A), lines 6 and 11e? If “Yes,” complete Schedule G, Part I
17
 
No
18
Did the organization report more than $15,000 total of fundraising event gross income and contributions on Part VIII, lines 1c and 8a? If “Yes,” complete Schedule G, Part II..........
18
 
No
19
Did the organization report more than $15,000 of gross income from gaming activities on Part VIII, line 9a? If “Yes,” complete Schedule G, Part III...................
19
 
No
Form 990 (2010)
Form 990 (2010)
Page 4
Part IV
Checklist of Required Schedules (continued)
20a
Did the organization operate one or more hospitals? If “Yes,” complete Schedule H.....
20a
 
No
b
Did the organization attach its audited financial statement to this return? Note: All Form 990 filers that operate one or more hospitals must attach audited financial statements. .....
20b
 
 
21
Did the organization report more than $5,000 of grants and other assistance to governments and organizations in the United States on Part IX, column (A), line 1? If “Yes,” complete Schedule I, Parts I and II.. Click to see attachment
21
 
No
22
Did the organization report more than $5,000 of grants and other assistance to individuals in the United States on Part IX, column (A), line 2? If “Yes,” complete Schedule I, Parts I and III..... Click to see attachment
22
Yes
 
23
Did the organization answer “Yes” to Part VII, Section A, questions 3, 4, or 5, about compensation of the organization’s current and former officers, directors, trustees, key employees, and highest compensated employees? If “Yes,” complete Schedule J................
23
 
No
24a
Did the organization have a tax-exempt bond issue with an outstanding principal amount of more than $100,000 as of the last day of the year, that was issued after December 31, 2002? If “Yes,” answer questions 24b–24d and complete Schedule K. If “No,” go to line 25................
24a
 
No
b
Did the organization invest any proceeds of tax-exempt bonds beyond a temporary period exception?...
24b
 
 
c
Did the organization maintain an escrow account other than a refunding escrow at any time during the year
to defease any tax-exempt bonds?......................
24c
 
 
d
Did the organization act as an “on behalf of” issuer for bonds outstanding at any time during the year?...
24d
 
 
25a
Section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations. Did the organization engage in an excess benefit transaction with a disqualified person during the year? If “Yes,” complete Schedule L, Part I......
25a
 
No
b
Is the organization aware that it engaged in an excess benefit transaction with a disqualified person in a prior year, and that the transaction has not been reported on any of the organization’s prior Forms 990 or 990-EZ? If “Yes,” complete Schedule L, Part I................
25b
 
No
26
Was a loan to or by a current or former officer, director, trustee, key employee, highly compensated employee, or disqualified person outstanding as of the end of the organization’s tax year? If “Yes,” complete Schedule L,
Part II...........................
26
 
No
27
Did the organization provide a grant or other assistance to an officer, director, trustee, key employee, substantial contributor, or a grant selection committee member, or to a person related to such an individual? If “Yes,” complete Schedule L, Part III...............
27
 
No
28
Was the organization a party to a business transaction with one of the following parties? (see Schedule L, Part IV instructions for applicable filing thresholds, conditions, and exceptions):
a
A current or former officer, director, trustee, or key employee? If “Yes,” complete Schedule L, Part IV .........................
28a
 
No
b
A family member of a current or former officer, director, trustee, or key employee? If “Yes,”
complete Schedule L, Part IV...................
28b
 
No
c
An entity of which a current or former officer, director, trustee, or key employee (or a family member thereof) was an officer, director, trustee, or owner? If “Yes,” complete Schedule L, Part IV..
28c
 
No
29
Did the organization receive more than $25,000 in non-cash contributions? If “Yes,” complete Schedule MClick to see attachment
29
Yes
 
30
Did the organization receive contributions of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets, or qualified conservation contributions? If “Yes,” complete Schedule M............ Click to see attachment
30
 
No
31
Did the organization liquidate, terminate, or dissolve and cease operations? If “Yes,” complete Schedule N,
Part I........................... Click to see attachment
31
 
No
32
Did the organization sell, exchange, dispose of, or transfer more than 25% of its net assets? If “Yes,” complete Schedule N, Part II.......................
32
 
No
33
Did the organization own 100% of an entity disregarded as separate from the organization under Regulations sections 301.7701-2 and 301.7701-3? If “Yes,” complete Schedule R, Part I........
33
 
No
34
Was the organization related to any tax-exempt or taxable entity? If “Yes,” complete Schedule R, Parts II, III, IV, and V, line 1.....................
34
 
No
35
Is any related organization a controlled entity within the meaning of section 512(b)(13)? .....
35
 
No
a
Did the organization receive any payment from or engage in any transaction with a controlled entity within the meaning of section 512(b)(13)? If “Yes,” complete Schedule R, Part V, line 2...
36
Section 501(c)(3) organizations. Did the organization make any transfers to an exempt non-charitable related organization? If “Yes,” complete Schedule R, Part V, line 2...........
36
 
No
37
Did the organization conduct more than 5% of its activities through an entity that is not a related organization and that is treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes? If “Yes,” complete Schedule R, Part VI
37
 
No
38
Did the organization complete Schedule O and provide explanations in Schedule O for Part VI, lines 11 and 19? Note. All Form 990 filers are required to complete Schedule O. ............
38
Yes
 
Form 990 (2010)
Form 990 (2010)
Page 5
Part V
Statements Regarding Other IRS Filings and Tax Compliance
Check if Schedule O contains a response to any question in this Part V . . . . . . . . . .
Yes
No
1a
Enter the number reported in Box 3 of Form 1096. Enter -0- if not applicable. .......
1a
10
b
Enter the number of Forms W-2G included in line 1a. Enter -0- if not applicable.
1b
0
c
Did the organization comply with backup withholding rules for reportable payments to vendors and reportable gaming (gambling) winnings to prize winners? ..................
1c
Yes
 
2a
Enter the number of employees reported on Form W-3, Transmittal of Wage and Tax Statements filed for the calendar year ending with or within the year covered by this return .....................
2a
36
b
If at least one is reported on line 2a, did the organization file all required federal employment tax returns?

Note. If the sum of lines 1a and 2a is greater than 250, you may be required to e-file. (see instructions)
2b
Yes
 
3a
Did the organization have unrelated business gross income of $1,000 or more during the year?.............................
3a
 
No
b
If “Yes,” has it filed a Form 990-T for this year? If “No,” provide an explanation in Schedule O.....
3b
 
 
4a
At any time during the calendar year, did the organization have an interest in, or a signature or other authority over, a financial account in a foreign country (such as a bank account or securities account)?.......................
4a
 
No
b
If "Yes," enter the name of the foreign country: MediumBullet
See instructions for filing requirements for Form TD F 90-22.1, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts.
5a
Was the organization a party to a prohibited tax shelter transaction at any time during the tax year?..
5a
 
No
b
Did any taxable party notify the organization that it was or is a party to a prohibited tax shelter transaction?
5b
 
No
c
If “Yes” to line 5a or 5b, did the organization file Form 8886-T? ........
5c
 
 
6a
Does the organization have annual gross receipts that are normally greater than $100,000, and did the organization solicit any contributions that were not tax deductible?..........
6a
 
No
b
If “Yes,” did the organization include with every solicitation an express statement that such contributions or gifts were not tax deductible?........................
6b
 
 
7
Organizations that may receive deductible contributions under section 170(c).
a
Did the organization receive a payment in excess of $75 made partly as a contribution and partly for goods and services provided to the payor?....................
7a
 
No
b
If “Yes,” did the organization notify the donor of the value of the goods or services provided?.....
7b
 
 
c
Did the organization sell, exchange, or otherwise dispose of tangible personal property for which it was required to file Form 8282?...........................
7c
 
No
d
If “Yes,” indicate the number of Forms 8282 filed during the year ....
7d
 
e
Did the organization receive any funds, directly or indirectly, to pay premiums on a personal benefit contract?..........................
7e
 
No
f
Did the organization, during the year, pay premiums, directly or indirectly, on a personal benefit contract?..
7f
 
No
g
If the organization received a contribution of qualified intellectual property, did the organization file Form 8899 as required?...................
7g
 
 
h
If the organization received a contribution of cars, boats, airplanes, or other vehicles, did the organization file a Form 1098-C?...............
7h
 
 
8
Sponsoring organizations maintaining donor advised funds and section 509(a)(3) supporting organizations. Did the supporting organization, or a donor advised fund maintained by a sponsoring organization, have excess business holdings at any time during the year?................
8
 
 
9
Sponsoring organizations maintaining donor advised funds.
a
Did the organization make any taxable distributions under section 4966?.........
9a
 
 
b
Did the organization make a distribution to a donor, donor advisor, or related person?......
9b
 
 
10
Section 501(c)(7) organizations. Enter:
a
Initiation fees and capital contributions included on Part VIII, line 12 ...
10a
 
b
Gross receipts, included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12, for public use of club facilities
10b
 
11
Section 501(c)(12) organizations. Enter:
a
Gross income from members or shareholders .........
11a
 
b
Gross income from other sources (Do not net amounts due or paid to other sources against amounts due or received from them.) ........
11b
 
12a
Section 4947(a)(1) non-exempt charitable trusts. Is the organization filing Form 990 in lieu of Form 1041?
12a
 
 
b
If “Yes,” enter the amount of tax-exempt interest received or accrued during the year.
12b
 
13
Section 501(c)(29) qualified nonprofit health insurance issuers.
a
Is the organization licensed to issue qualified health plans in more than one state?
Note. All 501(c)(29) organizations must list in Schedule O each state in which they are licensed to issue qualified health plans, the amount of reserves required by each state, and the amount of reserves the organization allocated to each state.
13a
 
 
b
Enter the aggregate amount of reserves the organization is required to maintain by the states in which the organization is licensed to issue qualified health plans.
13b
 
c
Enter the aggregate amount of reserves on hand.
13c
 
14a
Did the organization receive any payments for indoor tanning services during the tax year?.....
14a
 
 
b
If "Yes," has it filed a Form 720 to report these payments? If “No,” provide an explanation in Schedule O..
14b
 
 
Form 990 (2010)
Form 990 (2010)
Page 6
Part VI
Governance, Management, and Disclosure For each “Yes” response to lines 2 through 7b below, and for a “No” response to lines 8a, 8b, or 10b below, describe the circumstances, processes, or changes in Schedule O. See instructions.
Check if Schedule O contains a response to any question in this Part VI . . . . . . . . . .
Section A. Governing Body and Management
Yes
No
1a
Enter the number of voting members of the governing body at the end of the tax year ..............
1a
11
b
Enter the number of voting members included in line 1a, above, who are independent .................
1b
11
2
Did any officer, director, trustee, or key employee have a family relationship or a business relationship with any other officer, director, trustee, or key employee? .................
2
 
No
3
Did the organization delegate control over management duties customarily performed by or under the direct supervision of officers, directors or trustees, or key employees to a management company or other person? ..
3
 
No
4
Did the organization make any significant changes to its governing documents since the prior Form 990 was filed?
4
 
No
5
Did the organization become aware during the year of a significant diversion of the organization’s assets? .
5
 
No
6
Does the organization have members or stockholders? ................
6
Yes
 
7a
Does the organization have members, stockholders, or other persons who may elect one or more members of the governing body? .........................
7a
Yes
 
b
Are any decisions of the governing body subject to approval by members, stockholders, or other persons? ..
7b
Yes
 
8
Did the organization contemporaneously document the meetings held or written actions undertaken during the year by the following:
a
The governing body? .........................
8a
Yes
 
b
Each committee with authority to act on behalf of the governing body? ............
8b
Yes
 
9
Is there any officer, director, trustee, or key employee listed in Part VII, Section A, who cannot be reached at the organization’s mailing address? If “Yes,” provide the names and addresses in Schedule O .....
9
 
No
Section B. Policies (This Section B requests information about policies not required by the Internal
Revenue Code.)
Yes
No
10a
Does the organization have local chapters, branches, or affiliates? ............
10a
Yes
 
b
If “Yes,” does the organization have written policies and procedures governing the activities of such chapters, affiliates, and branches to ensure their operations are consistent with those of the organization? ....
10b
Yes
 
11a
Has the organization provided a copy of this Form 990 to all members of its governing body before filing the form?
11a
Yes
 
b
Describe in Schedule O the process, if any, used by the organization to review the Form 990. .....
12a
Does the organization have a written conflict of interest policy? If “No,” go to line 13.......
12a
Yes
 
b
Are officers, directors or trustees, and key employees required to disclose annually interests that could give rise to conflicts? ...........................
12b
Yes
 
c
Does the organization regularly and consistently monitor and enforce compliance with the policy? If “Yes,” describe in Schedule O how this is done ....................
12c
Yes
 
13
Does the organization have a written whistleblower policy? ...............
13
Yes
 
14
Does the organization have a written document retention and destruction policy? .........
14
Yes
 
15
Did the process for determining compensation of the following persons include a review and approval by independent persons, comparability data, and contemporaneous substantiation of the deliberation and decision?
a
The organization’s CEO, Executive Director, or top management official ...........
15a
Yes
 
b
Other officers or key employees of the organization ................
15b
Yes
 
If "Yes" to line a or b, describe the process in Schedule O. (See instructions.)
16a
Did the organization invest in, contribute assets to, or participate in a joint venture or similar arrangement with a taxable entity during the year? ......................
16a
 
No
b
If “Yes,” has the organization adopted a written policy or procedure requiring the organization to evaluate its participation in joint venture arrangements under applicable federal tax law, and taken steps to safeguard the organization’s exempt status with respect to such arrangements? ............
16b
 
 
Section C. Disclosure
17
List the States with which a copy of this Form 990 is required to be filedMediumBullet
AZ , CT , FL , GA , IL , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MS , NC , ND , NJ , NV , NY , OH , OR , PA , RI , SC , TN , TX , UT , VA , WA , WV
18
Section 6104 requires an organization to make its Form 1023 (or 1024 if applicable), 990, and 990-T (501(c)(3)s only) available for public inspection. Indicate how you make these available. Check all that apply.
19
Describe in Schedule O whether (and if so, how), the organization makes its governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements available to the public.
20
State the name, physical address, and telephone number of the person who possesses the books and records of the organization: MediumBullet
BLINDED VETERANS ASSOCIATION
477 H STREET NW
WASHINGTON,DC20001
(202) 371-8880
Form 990 (2010)
Form 990 (2010)
Page 7
Part VII
Compensation of Officers, Directors,Trustees, Key Employees, Highest Compensated Employees, and Independent Contractors
Check if Schedule O contains a response to any question in this Part VII . . . . . . . . . .
Section A. Officers, Directors, Trustees, Key Employees, and Highest Compensated Employees
1a Complete this table for all persons required to be listed. Report compensation for the calendar year ending with or within the organization’s tax year.
RoundBullet List all of the organization’s current officers, directors, trustees (whether individuals or organizations), regardless of amount
of compensation, and current key employees. Enter -0- in columns (D), (E), and (F) if no compensation was paid.

RoundBullet List all of the organization’s current key employees, if any. See instructions for definition of "key employee."
RoundBullet List the organization’s five current highest compensated employees (other than an officer, director, trustee or key employee)
who received reportable compensation (Box 5 of Form W-2 and/or Box 7 of Form 1099-MISC) of more than $100,000 from the
organization and any related organizations.

RoundBullet List all of the organization’s former officers, key employees, or highest compensated employees who received more than $100,000
of reportable compensation from the organization and any related organizations.

RoundBullet List all of the organization’s former directors or trustees that received, in the capacity as a former director or trustee of the
organization, more than $10,000 of reportable compensation from the organization and any related organizations.

List persons in the following order: individual trustees or directors; institutional trustees; officers; key employees; highest
compensated employees; and former such persons.
Check this box if neither the organization nor any related organizations compensated any current or former officer, director, or trustee.
(A)
Name and Title 		(B)
Average hours per week (describe hours for related organizations in Schedule O) 		(C)
Position (check all that apply) 		(D)
Reportable compensation from the organization (W- 2/1099-MISC) 		(E)
Reportable compensation from related organizations (W- 2/1099-MISC) 		(F)
Estimated amount of other compensation from the organization and related organizations
Individual Trustee or Director; Institutional Trustee; Officer; Key Employee; Highest compensated employee; Former;
(1) DR ROY W KEKAHUNA
NATIONAL PRESIDENT
 23.70 X   X       0 0 0
(2) SAMUEL L HUHN
NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT
 11.50 X   X       0 0 0
(3) MARK CORNELL
NATIONAL SECRETARY
 13.50 X   X       0 0 0
(4) STEVE BERES
NATIONAL TREASURER
 38.50 X   X       0 0 0
(5) DAVID VAN LOAN
DIRECTOR - DISTRICT 1
 34.60 X           0 0 0
(6) ROBERT CAMPBELL
DIRECTOR - DISTRICT 2
 10.40 X           0 0 0
(7) CORNELIUS APPLEBY
DIRECTOR - DISTRICT 3 (IMMEDIATE PAST)
 2.00 X           0 0 0
(8) JOE PARKER
DIRECTOR - DISTRICT 3
 11.60 X           0 0 0
(9) ROBERT DALE STAMPER
DIRECTOR - DISTRICT 4
 8.00 X           0 0 0
(10) DR GEORGE STOCKING
DIRECTOR - DISTRICT 5
 24.00 X           0 0 0
(11) ROY YOUNG
DIRECTOR - DISTRICT 6
 11.00 X           0 0 0
(12) GEORGE HICKS
SERGEANT AT ARMS (IMMEDIATE PAST)
 1.00 X           0 0 0
(13) SANDRA NICCUM
SERGEANT AT ARMS (IMMEDIATE PAST)
 1.00     X       0 0 0
(14) NEFTALI SANCHEZ
CHAPLAIN
 1.00     X       0 0 0
(15) JOE BURNS
OMBUDSMAN
 4.80     X       0 0 0
(16) DR NORMAN JONES JR
PAST NATIONAL PRESIDENT
 8.00     X       0 0 0
(17) THOMAS MILLER
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/ ASS'T NAT'L TREASURER
 37.50     X       113,496 0 1,580
Form 990 (2010)
Form 990 (2010)
Page 8
Part VII
Section A. Officers, Directors, Trustees, Key Employees, and Highest Compensated Employees (continued)
(A)
Name and Title 		(B)
Average hours per week (describe hours for related organizations in Schedule O) 		(C)
Position (check all that apply) 		(D)
Reportable compensation from the organization (W- 2/1099-MISC) 		(E)
Reportable compensation from related organizations (W- 2/1099-MISC) 		(F)
Estimated amount of other compensation from the organization and related organizations
Individual Trustee or Director; Institutional Trustee; Officer; Key Employee; Highest compensated employee; Former;
(18) BRIGITTE JONES
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR/ASS'T NAT'L SECRETARY
 37.50     X       63,457 0 2,041
(19) STUART NELSON
COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR/ASS'T NAT'L TREASURER
 37.50     X       50,169 0 10,899
(20) CHERYL SWAIM
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT/OFFICER
 37.50     X       83,934 0 1,345
(21) KATHRYN RUAIS
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER/OFFICER
 37.50     X       102,090 0 1,609


















1b Sub-Total................MediumBullet
c Total from continuation sheets to Part VII, Section A....MediumBullet
d Total (add lines 1b and 1c)............MediumBullet 413,146 0 17,474
2
Total number of individuals (including but not limited to those listed above) who received more than $100,000 in reportable compensation from the organizationMediumBullet2
Yes
No
3
Did the organization list any former officer, director or trustee, key employee, or highest compensated employee on line 1a? If “Yes,” complete Schedule J for such individual .............
3
 
No
4
For any individual listed on line 1a, is the sum of reportable compensation and other compensation from the organization and related organizations greater than $150,000? If “Yes,” complete Schedule J for such individual...........................
4
 
No
5
Did any person listed on line 1a receive or accrue compensation from any unrelated organization or individual for services rendered to the organization? If “Yes,” complete Schedule J for such person .....
5
 
No
Section B. Independent Contractors
1
Complete this table for your five highest compensated independent contractors that received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization.
(A)
Name and business address 		(B)
Description of services 		(C)
Compensation
SOUTHWEST PUBLISHING & MAILING CORP
2600 NW TOPEKA BLVD
TOPEKA,KS66617 		LETTERSHOP SERVICES 557,804
ALANIZ LLC
425 N IRIS STREET
MT PLEASANT,IA52641 		LETTERSHOP & PRINTING SERVICES 259,451
THE DIRECT EDGE INC
10375-B SOUTHERN MD BLVD
DUNKIRK,MD20754 		LETTERSHOP & PRINTING SERVICES 241,044
MARCY YOLLES
15435 NEUMAN DRIVE
BOWIE,MD20716 		PRINTING SERVICES 137,586
2
Total number of independent contractors (including but not limited to those listed above) who received more than $100,000 in compensation from the organization MediumBullet4
Form 990 (2010)
Form 990 (2010)
Page 9
Part VIII
Statement of Revenue
(A)
Total revenue 		(B)
Related or
exempt
function
revenue 		(C)
Unrelated
business
revenue 		(D)
Revenue
excluded from
tax under sections
512, 513, or 514
Contributions, gifts, grants and other similar amounts 1a Federated campaigns..1a 21,430
b Membership dues....1b 36,051
c Fundraising events....1c  
d Related organizations...1d  
e Government grants (contributions)1e  
f All other contributions, gifts, grants, and
similar amounts not included above1f 		5,062,903
g Noncash contributions included in lines 1a-1f:$ 26,634
h Total. Add lines 1a-1f.......MediumBullet 5,120,384
Program Service Revenue Business Code
2a
b
c
d
e
f All other program service revenue .        
g Total. Add lines 2a–2f........MediumBullet  
Other Revenue 3 Investment income (including dividends, interest
and other similar amounts).....MediumBullet 244,434     244,434
4 Income from investment of tax-exempt bond proceeds..MediumBullet        
5 Royalties............MediumBullet        
(i) Real (ii) Personal
6a Gross Rents    
b Less: rental expenses    
c Rental income or (loss)    
d Net rental income or (loss).......MediumBullet        
(i) Securities (ii) Other
7a Gross amount from sales of assets other than inventory 947,700  
b Less: cost or other basis and sales expenses 821,355  
c Gain or (loss) 126,345  
d Net gain or (loss)..........MediumBullet 126,345     126,345
8a Gross income from fundraising events (not including
$  
of contributions reported on line 1c). See Part IV, line 18 ...
a  
b Less: direct expenses ...b  
c Net income or (loss) from fundraising events..MediumBullet      
9a Gross income from gaming activities.
See Part IV, line 19 ...
a  
b Less: direct expenses ...b  
c Net income or (loss) from gaming activities...MediumBullet        
10a Gross sales of inventory, less
returns and allowances .
a  
b Less: cost of goods sold ..b  
c Net income or (loss) from sales of inventory..MediumBullet        
Miscellaneous Revenue Business Code
11a MAILING LIST RENTAL TO 900,099 242,764     242,764
b CONVENTION & RELATED 900,099 79,963     79,963
c            
d All other revenue ....        
e Total. Add lines 11a–11d ......MediumBullet 322,727
12 Total revenue. See Instructions....MediumBullet 5,813,890 0 0 693,506
Form 990 (2010)
Form 990 (2010)
Page 10
Part IX
Statement of Functional Expenses
Section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations must complete all columns. All other organizations must complete column (A) but are not required to complete columns (B), (C), and (D).
Do not include amounts reported on lines 6b,
7b, 8b, 9b, and 10b of Part VIII. 		(A)
Total expenses 		(B)
Program service expenses 		(C)
Management and general expenses 		(D)
Fundraising expenses
1 Grants and other assistance to governments and organizations in the U.S. See Part IV, line 21 1,000 1,000
2 Grants and other assistance to individuals in the U.S. See Part IV, line 22 12,500 12,500
3 Grants and other assistance to governments, organizations, and individuals outside the U.S. See Part IV, lines 15 and 16    
4 Benefits paid to or for members    
5 Compensation of current officers, directors, trustees, and key employees .... 441,919 51,515 305,025 85,379
6 Compensation not included above, to disqualified persons (as defined under section 4958(f)(1)) and persons described in section 4958(c)(3)(B) ....        
7 Other salaries and wages 812,224 556,470 187,801 67,953
8 Pension plan contributions (include section 401(k) and section 403(b) employer contributions) .... 4,893   4,893  
9 Other employee benefits ....... 173,713 98,074 74,868 771
10 Payroll taxes ........... 104,336 56,757 36,758 10,821
11 Fees for services (non-employees):        
a Management ......        
b Legal .........        
c Accounting ........... 24,730   24,730  
d Lobbying ...........        
e Professional fundraising. See Part IV, line 17..    
f Investment management fees ......        
g Other .......... 1,579,239 740,917 108,389 729,933
12 Advertising and promotion .... 5,560     5,560
13 Office expenses ....... 887,889 388,450 96,736 402,703
14 Information technology ...... 3,316   3,316  
15 Royalties ..        
16 Occupancy ........... 52,509   52,509  
17 Travel ............ 127,106 78,183 48,909 14
18 Payments of travel or entertainment expenses for any federal, state, or local public officials ......        
19 Conferences, conventions, and meetings .... 11,110 6,710 3,952 448
20 Interest ...........        
21 Payments to affiliates ....... 85,346 85,346    
22 Depreciation, depletion, and amortization ..... 60,814   60,814  
23 Insurance .............. 35,401   35,401  
24 Other expenses. Itemize expenses not covered above. (Expenses grouped together and labeled miscellaneous may not exceed 5% of total expenses shown on line 25 below.)
a ALLOCATION OF INDIRECT 0 751,177 -840,970 89,793
b
c
d
e
f All other expenses        
25 Total functional expenses. Add lines 1 through 24f 4,423,605 2,827,099 203,131 1,393,375
26 Joint costs. Check here MediumBullet if following
SOP 98-2 (ASC 958-720). Complete this line only if the organization reported in column (B) joint costs from a combined educational campaign and fundraising solicitation 		2,010,951 973,426 55,072 982,453
Form 990 (2010)
Form 990 (2010)
Page 11
Part X Balance Sheet
(A)
Beginning of year 		(B)
End of year
Assets 1 Cash—non-interest-bearing .......... 900,743 1 379,690
2 Savings and temporary cash investments .......   2 100,338
3 Pledges and grants receivable, net ......... 270,941 3 1,952,251
4 Accounts receivable, net ......... 17,855 4  
5 Receivables from current and former officers, directors, trustees, key employees, and highest compensated employees. Complete Part II of
Schedule L ..........   5  
6 Receivables from other disqualified persons (as defined under section 4958(f)(1)) and persons described in section 4958(c)(3)(B). Complete Part II of
Schedule L ..........   6  
7 Notes and loans receivable, net .............   7  
8 Inventories for sale or use ..............   8  
9 Prepaid expenses and deferred charges ............ 43,107 9 43,629
10a Land, buildings, and equipment: cost or other basis. Complete Part VI of Schedule D 10a 3,012,907
b Less: accumulated depreciation. ..... 10b 1,344,790 1,663,411 10c 1,668,117
11 Investments—publicly traded securities .......... 5,281,338 11 6,052,735
12 Investments—other securities. See Part IV, line 11 ......   12  
13 Investments—program-related. See Part IV, line 11 ..   13  
14 Intangible assets .........   14  
15 Other assets. See Part IV, line 11 ...........   15  
16 Total assets. Add lines 1 through 15 (must equal line 34)... 8,177,395 16 10,196,760
Liabilities 17 Accounts payable and accrued expenses . 229,865 17 268,799
18 Grants payable ..........   18  
19 Deferred revenue ..........   19  
20 Tax-exempt bond liabilities ..........   20  
21 Escrow or custodial account liability. Complete Part IV of Schedule D..   21  
22 Payables to current and former officers, directors, trustees, key
employees, highest compensated employees, and disqualified
persons. Complete Part II of Schedule L..........   22  
23 Secured mortgages and notes payable to unrelated third parties ..   23  
24 Unsecured notes and loans payable to unrelated third parties ....   24  
25 Other liabilities. Complete Part X of Schedule D.....   25  
26 Total liabilities. Add lines 17 through 25..... 229,865 26 268,799
Net Assets or Fund Balance Organizations that follow SFAS 117, check here MediumBullet and complete lines 27 through 29, and lines 33 and 34.
27 Unrestricted net assets ..... 7,877,500 27 9,100,185
28 Temporarily restricted net assets ..... 70,030 28 827,776
29 Permanently restricted net assets .....   29  
Organizations that do not follow SFAS 117, check here MediumBullet and complete lines 30 through 34.
30 Capital stock or trust principal, or current funds .....   30  
31 Paid-in or capital surplus, or land, building or equipment fund .....   31  
32 Retained earnings, endowment, accumulated income, or other funds   32  
33 Total net assets or fund balances ..... 7,947,530 33 9,927,961
34 Total liabilities and net assets/fund balances ..... 8,177,395 34 10,196,760
Form 990 (2010)
Form 990 (2010)
Page 12
Part XI
Reconcilliation of Net Assets
Check if Schedule O contains a response to any question in this Part XI . . . . . . . . . .
1
Total revenue (must equal Part VIII, column (A), line 12) . . .
1
5,813,890
2
Total expenses (must equal Part IX, column (A), line 25) . . . . .
2
4,423,605
3
Revenue less expenses. Subtract line 2 from line 1 . . . .
3
1,390,285
4
Net assets or fund balances at beginning of year (must equal Part X, line 33, column (A)) . .
4
7,947,530
5
Other changes in net assets or fund balances (explain in Schedule O) . . . .
5
590,146
6
Net assets or fund balances at end of year. Combine lines 3, 4, and 5 (must equal Part X, line 33, column (B)) . . . . . .
6
9,927,961
Part XII
Financial Statements and Reporting
Check if Schedule O contains a response to any question in this Part XII . . . . . . . . . .
Yes
No
1
Accounting method used to prepare the Form 990:  
If the organization changed its method of accounting from a prior year or checked "Other," explain in
Schedule O.
2a
Were the organization’s financial statements compiled or reviewed by an independent accountant?..
2a
 
No
b
Were the organization’s financial statements audited by an independent accountant?........
2b
Yes
 
c
If “Yes,” to 2a or 2b, does the organization have a committee that assumes responsibility for oversight of the audit, review, or compilation of its financial statements and selection of an independent accountant?
If the organization changed either its oversight process or selection process during the tax year, explain in Schedule O............................
2c
Yes
 
d
If “Yes” to line 2a or 2b, check a box below to indicate whether the financial statements for the year were issued on a separate basis, consolidated basis, or both:
3a
As a result of a federal award, was the organization required to undergo an audit or audits as set forth in the Single Audit Act and OMB Circular A-133? ................
3a
 
No
b
If “Yes,” did the organization undergo the required audit or audits? If the organization did not undergo the required audit or audits, explain why in Schedule O and describe any steps taken to undergo such audits. ..
3b
 
 
Form 990 (2010)
Additional Data


Software ID:  
Software Version:  
Form 990, Special Condition Description:
Special Condition Description
SCHEDULE A
(Form 990 or 990EZ)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Public Charity Status and Public Support

Complete if the organization is a section 501(c)(3) organization or a section
4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trust.
right arrow Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ. right arrow See separate instructions.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2010
Open to Public
Inspection
Name of the organization
BLINDED VETERANS ASSOCIATION
 
Employer identification number

53-0214281
Part I
Reason for Public Charity Status (All organizations must complete this part.) See instructions
The organization is not a private foundation because it is: (For lines 1 through 11, check only one box.)
1
2
3
4
5
section 170(b)(1)(A)(iv). (Complete Part II.)
6
7
8
9
receipts from activities related to its exempt functions—subject to certain exceptions, and (2) no more than 331/3% of
its support from gross investment income and unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 tax) from businesses
acquired by the organization after June 30, 1975. See section 509(a)(2). (Complete Part III.)
10
11
e
f
g
(i) a person who directly or indirectly controls, either alone or together with persons described in (ii)
Yes
No
and (iii) below, the governing body of the the supported organization? ................
11g(i)
 
 
(ii) a family member of a person described in (i) above? ......................
11g(ii)
 
 
(iii) a 35% controlled entity of a person described in (i) or (ii) above? ................
11g(iii)
 
 
h
(i)
Name of supported organization 		(ii)
EIN 		(iii)
Type of organization (described on lines 1- 9 above or IRC section (see instructions)) 		(iv)
Is the organization in col. (i) listed in your governing document? 		(v)
Did you notify the organization in col. (i) of your support? 		(vi)
Is the organization in col. (i) organized in the U.S.? 		(vii)
Amount of support?
Yes No Yes No Yes No
Total                  

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.
Cat. No. 11285F
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2010
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2010
Page 2
Part II
Support Schedule for Organizations Described in IRC 170(b)(1)(A)(iv) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi)
(Complete only if you checked the box on line 5, 7, or 8 of Part I or if the organization failed to qualify under Part III. If the organization fails to qualify under the tests listed below, please complete Part III.)
Section A. Public Support
Calendar year(or fiscal year beginning in) (a) 2006 (b) 2007 (c) 2008 (d) 2009 (e) 2010 (f) Total
1 Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") .... 3,652,175 3,372,337 3,556,724 3,880,975 5,957,958 20,420,169
2 Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf.......            
3 The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge..            
4 Total. Add lines 1 through 3.. 3,652,175 3,372,337 3,556,724 3,880,975 5,957,958 20,420,169
5 The portion of total contributions by each person (other than a governmental unit or publicly supported organization) included on line 1 that exceeds 2% of the amount shown on line 11, column (f)..           831,232
6 Public Support. Subtract line 5 from line 4.           19,588,937
Section B. Total Support
Calendar year(or fiscal year beginning in) (a) 2006 (b) 2007 (c) 2008 (d) 2009 (e) 2010 (f) Total
7 Amounts from line 4.. 3,652,175 3,372,337 3,556,724 3,880,975 5,957,958 20,420,169
8 Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources.. 436,274 495,818 281,100 221,936 244,434 1,679,562
9 Net income from unrelated business activities, whether or not the business is regularly carried on..            
10 Other income. (Explain in Part IV.) Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets.. 183,739 269,347 231,008 248,030 242,764 1,174,888
11 Total support (Add lines 7 through 10).           23,274,619
12
12
115,375
13
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
14
14
84.160 %
15
15
86.260 %
16a
b
17a
b
18
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2010
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2010
Page 3
Part III
Support Schedule for Organizations Described in IRC 509(a)(2)
(Complete only if you checked the box on line 9 of Part I or if the organization failed to qualify under Part II. If the organization fails to qualify under the tests listed below, please complete Part II.)
Section A. Public Support
Calendar year(or fiscal year beginning in) (a) 2006 (b) 2007 (c) 2008 (d) 2009 (e) 2010 (f) Total
1 Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") .            
2 Gross receipts from admissions, merchandise sold or services performed, or facilities furnished in any activity that is related to the organization's tax-exempt purpose......            
3 Gross receipts from activities that are not an unrelated trade or business under section 513..            
4 Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf...            
5 The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge..            
6 Total. Add lines 1 through 5.            
7a Amounts included on lines 1, 2, and 3 received from disqualified persons...            
b Amounts included on lines 2 and 3 received from other than disqualified persons that exceed the greater of $5,000 or 1% of the amount on line 13 for the year.            
c Add lines 7a and 7b..            
8 Public Support (Subtract line 7c from line 6.)            
Section B. Total Support
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) (a) 2006 (b) 2007 (c) 2008 (d) 2009 (e) 2010 (f) Total
9 Amounts from line 6...            
10a Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources..            
b Unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 taxes) from businesses acquired after June 30, 1975.            
c Add lines 10a and 10b.            
11 Net income from unrelated business activities not included in line 10b, whether or not the business is regularly carried on.            
12 Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part IV.)            
13 Total support (Add lines 9, 10c, 11 and 12.).            
14
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
15
15
 
16
16
 
Section D. Computation of Investment Income Percentage
17
17
 
18
18
 
19a
b
20
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2010
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2010
Page 4
Part IV
Supplemental Information. Supplemental Information. Complete this part to provide the explanation required by Part II, line 10; Part II, line 17a or 17b; or Part III, line 12. Also complete this part for any additional information. (See instructions).
Facts And Circumstances Test
 
Explanation
 
 
 
 
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2010

Additional Data


Software ID:  
Software Version:  
Schedule B
(Form 990, 990-EZ,
or 990-PF)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Schedule of Contributors
Arrow Bullet Attach to Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2010
Name of organization
BLINDED VETERANS ASSOCIATION
 
Employer identification number

53-0214281
Organization type (check one):
Filers of:
Section:
Form 990 or 990-EZ





Form 990-PF




Check if your organization is covered by the General Rule or a Special Rule.  
Note. Only a section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) organization can check boxes for both the General Rule and a Special Rule. See instructions.
General Rule—
Special Rules
......................... Arrow Bullet   $    
Caution. An Organization that is not covered by the General Rule and/or the Special Rules does not file Schedule B (Form 990,
990-EZ, or 990-PF), but it must answer “No” on Part IV, line 2 of its Form 990, or check the box in the heading of its
Form 990-EZ, or on line 2 of its Form 990-PF, to certify that it does not meet the filing requirements of Schedule B (Form 990,
990-EZ, or 990-PF).
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions
for Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF.
Cat. No. 30613XSchedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2010)

Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2010)
Page 1 of 1 of Part I
Name of organization
BLINDED VETERANS ASSOCIATION
  		Employer identification number

53-0214281
Part I
Contributors (see Instructions)
     
(a)
No.		 (b)
Name, address, and ZIP + 4		 (c)
Aggregate contributions		 (d)
Type of contribution
RESTRICTED
RESTRICTED
 

     
RESTRICTED
RESTRICTED  
RESTRICTED, RESTRICTED   RESTRICTED

$RESTRICTED




(Complete Part II if there is
a noncash contribution.)
(a)
No.		 (b)
Name, address, and ZIP + 4		 (c)
Aggregate contributions		 (d)
Type of contribution
 
 
 

     
 
   

$  




(Complete Part II if there is
a noncash contribution.)
(a)
No.		 (b)
Name, address, and ZIP + 4		 (c)
Aggregate contributions		 (d)
Type of contribution
 
 
 

     
 
   

$  




(Complete Part II if there is
a noncash contribution.)
(a)
No.		 (b)
Name, address, and ZIP + 4		 (c)
Aggregate contributions		 (d)
Type of contribution
 
 
 

     
 
   

$  




(Complete Part II if there is
a noncash contribution.)
(a)
No.		 (b)
Name, address, and ZIP + 4		 (c)
Aggregate contributions		 (d)
Type of contribution
 
 
 

     
 
   

$  




(Complete Part II if there is
a noncash contribution.)
(a)
No.		 (b)
Name, address, and ZIP + 4		 (c)
Aggregate contributions		 (d)
Type of contribution
 
 
 

     
 
   

$  




(Complete Part II if there is
a noncash contribution.)
Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2010)

Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2010)
Page 1 of 1 of Part II
Name of organization
BLINDED VETERANS ASSOCIATION
  		Employer identification number

53-0214281
Part II
Noncash Property (see Instructions)
     
(a) No.
from
Part I		 (b)
Description of noncash property given		 (c)
FMV (or estimate)
(see instructions) 		(d)
Date received
 
$    
(a) No.
from
Part I		 (b)
Description of noncash property given		 (c)
FMV (or estimate)
(see instructions) 		(d)
Date received
 
$    
(a) No.
from
Part I		 (b)
Description of noncash property given		 (c)
FMV (or estimate)
(see instructions) 		(d)
Date received
 
$    
(a) No.
from
Part I		 (b)
Description of noncash property given		 (c)
FMV (or estimate)
(see instructions) 		(d)
Date received
 
$    
(a) No.
from
Part I		 (b)
Description of noncash property given		 (c)
FMV (or estimate)
(see instructions) 		(d)
Date received
 
$    
(a) No.
from
Part I		 (b)
Description of noncash property given		 (c)
FMV (or estimate)
(see instructions) 		(d)
Date received
 
$    
Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2010)

Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2010)
Page 1 of 1 of Part III
Name of organization
BLINDED VETERANS ASSOCIATION
  		Employer identification number

53-0214281
Part III
Exclusively religious, charitable, etc., individual contributions to section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) organizations
aggregating more than $1,000 for the year. (Complete columns (a) through (e) and the following line entry.)
For organizations completing Part III, enter the total of exclusively religious, charitable, etc.,
contributions of $1,000 or less for the year. (Enter this information once. See instructions.) Arrow Bullet $  
(a) No.
from
Part I		 (b)
Purpose of gift		 (c)
Use of gift		 (d)
Description of how gift is held
 
(e)
Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4 Relationship of transferor to transferee
 
 
       
 
(a) No.
from
Part I		 (b)
Purpose of gift		 (c)
Use of gift		 (d)
Description of how gift is held
 
(e)
Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4 Relationship of transferor to transferee
 
 
       
 
(a) No.
from
Part I		 (b)
Purpose of gift		 (c)
Use of gift		 (d)
Description of how gift is held
 
(e)
Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4 Relationship of transferor to transferee
 
 
       
 
(a) No.
from
Part I		 (b)
Purpose of gift		 (c)
Use of gift		 (d)
Description of how gift is held
 
(e)
Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4 Relationship of transferor to transferee
 
 
       
 
Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2010)

Additional Data


Software ID:  
Software Version:  
SCHEDULE C
(Form 990 or 990-EZ)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Political Campaign and Lobbying Activities

For Organizations Exempt From Income Tax Under section 501(c) and section 527
SchCMd Bullet Complete if the organization is described below.
SchCMd Bullet Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ. SchCMd Bullet See separate instructions.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2010
Open to Public
Inspection
If the organization answered “Yes,” to Form 990, Part IV, Line 3, or Form 990-EZ, Part V, line 46 (Political Campaign Activities), then
Round Bullet Section 501(c)(3) organizations: Complete Parts I-A and B. Do not complete Part I-C.
Round Bullet Section 501(c) (other than section 501(c)(3)) organizations: Complete Parts I-A and C below. Do not complete Part I-B.
Round Bullet Section 527 organizations: Complete Part I-A only.
If the organization answered “Yes,” to Form 990, Part IV, Line 4, or Form 990-EZ, Part VI, line 47 (Lobbying Activities), then
Round Bullet Section 501(c)(3) organizations that have filed Form 5768 (election under section 501(h)) Complete Part II-A. Do not complete Part II-B.
Round Bullet Section 501(c)(3) organizations that have NOT filed Form 5768 (election under section 501(h)): Complete Part II-B. Do not complete Part II-A.
If the organization answered “Yes,” to Form 990, Part IV, Line 5 (Proxy Tax) or Form 990-EZ, Part V, line 35a (Proxy Tax), then
Round Bullet Section 501(c)(4), (5), or (6) organizations: Complete Part III.
Name of the organization
BLINDED VETERANS ASSOCIATION
 
Employer identification number

53-0214281
Part I-A
Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c) or is a section 527 organization.

1
Provide a description of the organization's direct and indirect political campaign activities on behalf of or in opposition to candidates for public office in Part IV.
2
Political expenditures ....................................SchCMd Bullet
$  
3
Volunteer hours ........................................
 

Part I-B
Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(3).
1
Enter the amount of any excise tax incurred by the organization under section 4955 .........SchCMd Bullet
$  
2
Enter the amount of any excise tax incurred by organization managers under section 4955 ......SchCMd Bullet
$  
3
If the organization incurred a section 4955 tax, did it file Form 4720 for this year? ..............
4a
Was a correction made? .........................................
b
If "Yes," describe in Part IV.
Part I-C
Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c) except section 501(c)(3).
1
Enter the amount directly expended by the filing organization for section 527 exempt function activities SchCMd Bullet
$  
2
Enter the amount of the filing organization's funds contributed to other organizations for section 527 exempt funtion activities ....................................SchCMd Bullet

$  
3
Total exempt function expenditures. Add lines 1 and 2. Enter here and on Form 1120-POL, line 17b..SchCMd Bullet

$  
4
Did the filing organization file Form 1120-POL for this year? ..........................
5
Enter the names, addresses and employer identification number (EIN) of all section 527 political organizations to which the filing
organization made payments. For each organization listed, enter the amount paid from the filing organization’s funds. Also enter the amount of political contributions received that were promptly and directly delivered to a separate political organization, such as a separate segregated fund or a political action committee (PAC). If additional space is needed, provide information in Part IV.
(a) Name (b) Address (c) EIN (d) Amount paid from filing organization's funds. If none, enter -0-. (e) Amount of political contributions received and promptly and directly delivered to a separate political organization. If none, enter -0-.










For Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the instructions for Form 990.
Cat. No. 50084S
Schedule C (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2010

Schedule C (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2010
Page 2
Part II-A
Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(3) and filed Form 5768 (election under section 501(h)).
A Check
B Check
Limits on Lobbying Expenditures
(The term "expenditures" means amounts paid or incurred.) 		(a) Filing
Organization's
Totals 		(b) Affiliated Group
Totals
1a Total lobbying expenditures to influence public opinion (grass roots lobbying) ......    
b Total lobbying expenditures to influence a legislative body (direct lobbying) ....... 40,000  
c Total lobbying expenditures (add lines 1a and 1b) ................... 40,000  
d Other exempt purpose expenditures ........................ 4,383,615  
e Total exempt purpose expenditures (add lines 1c and 1d) ............... 4,423,615  
f Lobbying nontaxable amount. Enter the amount from the following table in both
columns.		 371,181  
  If the amount on line 1e, column (a) or (b) is:The lobbying nontaxable amount is:    
  Not over $500,00020% of the amount on line 1e.    
  Over $500,000 but not over $1,000,000$100,000 plus 15% of the excess over $500,000.    
  Over $1,000,000 but not over $1,500,000$175,000 plus 10% of the excess over $1,000,000.    
  Over $1,500,000 but not over $17,000,000$225,000 plus 5% of the excess over $1,500,000.    
  Over $17,000,000$1,000,000.    
       
g Grassroots nontaxable amount (enter 25% of line 1f) ................. 92,795  
h Subtract line 1g from line 1a. If zero or less, enter -0-. ................ 0  
i Subtract line 1f from line 1c. If zero or less, enter -0-. ................ 0  
j If there is an amount other than zero on either line 1h or line 1i, did the organization file Form 4720 reporting
section 4911 tax for this year? ......................................

4-Year Averaging Period Under Section 501(h)
(Some organizations that made a section 501(h) election do not have to complete all of the five
columns below. See the instructions for lines 2a through 2f on page 4.)
Lobbying Expenditures During 4-Year Averaging Period
  Calendar year (or fiscal year
beginning in) 		(a) 2007 (b) 2008 (c) 2009 (d) 2010 (e) Total
             
2a Lobbying non-taxable amount     367,425 371,181 738,606
             
b Lobbying ceiling amount
(150% of line 2a, column(e)) 		        1,107,909
             
c Total lobbying expenditures     40,000 40,000 80,000
             
d Grassroots non-taxable amount     91,856 92,795 184,651
             
e Grassroots ceiling amount
(150% of line 2d, column (e))		         276,977
             
f Grassroots lobbying expenditures          
Schedule C (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2010


Schedule C (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2010
Page 3
Part II-B
Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(3) and has NOT filed Form 5768 (election under section 501(h)).
(a)
Yes
No
(b)
Amount
1
During the year, did the filing organization attempt to influence foreign, national, state or local legislation, including any attempt to influence public opinion on a legislative matter or referendum, through the use of:
a
Volunteers? .........................................
 
 
b
Paid staff or management (include compensation in expenses reported on lines 1c through 1i)? ....
 
 
c
Media advertisements? ....................................
 
 
 
d
Mailings to members, legislators, or the public? .........................
 
 
 
e
Publications, or published or broadcast statements? .......................
 
 
 
f
Grants to other organizations for lobbying purposes? .......................
 
 
 
g
Direct contact with legislators, their staffs, government officials, or a legislative body? ........
 
 
 
h
Rallies, demonstrations, seminars, conventions, speeches, lectures, or any similar means? ......
 
 
 
i
Other activities? If "Yes," describe in Part IV ..........................
 
 
 
j
Total. lines 1c through 1i ...................................
 
2a
Did the activities in line 1 cause the organization to be not described in section 501(c)(3)? .....
 
 
b
If "Yes," enter the amount of any tax incurred under section 4912 .................
 
c
If "Yes," enter the amount of any tax incurred by organization managers under section 4912 .....
 
d
If the filing organization incurred a section 4912 tax, did it file Form 4720 for this year? .......
 
 
Part III-A
Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(4), section 501(c)(5), or section 501(c)(6).
Yes
No
1
Were substantially all (90% or more) dues received nondeductible by members? ................
1
 
 
2
Did the organization make only in-house lobbying expenditures of $2,000 or less? ................
2
 
 
3
Did the organization agree to carryover lobbying and political expenditures from the prior year? ..........
3
 
 
Part III-B
Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(4), section 501(c)(5), or section 501(c)(6) if BOTH Part III-A, lines 1 and 2 are answered “No” OR if Part III-A, line 3 is answered “Yes”.
1
Dues, assessments and similar amounts from members .....................
1
 
2
Section 162(e) non-deductible lobbying and political expenditures (do not include amounts of political
expenses for which the section 527(f) tax was paid).
a
Current year .........................................
2a
 
b
Carryover from last year ....................................
2b
 
c
Total ...........................................
2c
 
3
Aggregate amount reported in section 6033(e)(1)(A) notices of nondeductible section 162(e) dues .
3
 
4
If notices were sent and the amount on line 2c exceeds the amount on line 3, what portion of the excess does the organization agree to carryover to the reasonable estimate of nondeductible lobbying and political expenditure next year? ................................
4
 
5
Taxable amount of lobbying and political expenditures (see instructions) ..............
5
 
Part IV
Supplemental Information
Complete this part to provide the descriptions required for Part l-A, line 1; Part l-B, line 4; Part l-C, line 5; and Part ll-B, line 1i.
Also, complete this part for any additional information.
Identifier Return Reference Explanation
PART IV, SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:   BVA SENT LETTERS TO AND MET DIRECTLY WITH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND LEGISLATORS, AND COMMUNICATED TO ITS MEMBERS BY ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTERS. BVA'S EFFORTS ARE CONCENTRATED ON LEGISLATION AFFECTING BLIND REHABILITATION PROGRAMS AND SERVICES OFFERED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO BLINDED VETERANS. SEE SCHEDULE O FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BVA'S ADVOCACY PROGRAM.
Schedule C (Form 990 or 990EZ) 2010

Additional Data


Software ID:  
Software Version:  

SCHEDULE D
(Form 990)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Supplemental Financial Statements
SchDMd Bullet Complete if the organization answered "Yes," to Form 990,
Part IV, line 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12.
SchDMd Bullet Attach to Form 990. SchDMd Bullet See separate instructions.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2010
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
BLINDED VETERANS ASSOCIATION
 
Employer identification number

53-0214281
Part I
Organizations Maintaining Donor Advised Funds or Other Similar Funds or Accounts. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990, Part IV, line 6.
(a) Donor advised funds (b) Funds and other accounts
1 Total number at end of year .......    
2 Aggregate contributions to (during year) ...    
3 Aggregate grants from (during year) ...    
4 Aggregate value at end of year .......    
5
Did the organization inform all donors and donor advisors in writing that the assets held in donor advised
funds are the organization's property, subject to the organization's exclusive legal control? ............
6
Did the organization inform all grantees, donors, and donor advisors in writing that grant funds may be
used only for charitable purposes and not for the benefit of the donor or donor advisor, or for any other purpose conferring impermissible private benefit. ...................................
Part II
Conservation Easements. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990, Part IV, line 7.
1
Purpose(s) of conservation easements held by the organization (check all that apply).
2
Complete lines 2a–2d if the organization held a qualified conservation contribution in the form of a conservation easement on the last day of the tax year.
Held at the End of the Year
a Total number of conservation easements ....................... 2a  
b Total acreage restricted by conservation easements .................. 2b  
c Number of conservation easements on a certified historic structure included in (a) ..... 2c  
d Number of conservation easements included in (c) acquired after 8/17/06 ........ 2d  
3
Number of conservation easements modified, transferred, released, extinguished, or terminated by the organization during
the taxable year SchDMd Bullet  
4
Number of states where property subject to conservation easement is located SchDMd Bullet  
5
Does the organization have a written policy regarding the periodic monitoring, inspection, handling of violations, and
enforcement of the conservation easements it holds? .............................
6
Staff and volunteer hours devoted to monitoring, inspecting and enforcing conservation easements during the year SchDMd Bullet  
7
Amount of expenses incurred in monitoring, inspecting, and enforcing conservation easements during the year SchDMd Bullet $  
8
Does each conservation easement reported on line 2(d) above satisfy the requirements of section
170(h)(4)(B)(i) and 170(h)(4)(B)(ii)? ....................................
9
In Part XIV, describe how the organization reports conservation easements in its revenue and expense statement, and
balance sheet, and include, if applicable, the text of the footnote to the organization’s financial statements that describes
the organization’s accounting for conservation easements.
Part III
Organizations Maintaining Collections of Art, Historical Treasures, or Other Similar Assets.
Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990, Part IV, line 8.
1a
If the organization elected, as permitted under SFAS 116, not to report in its revenue statement and balance sheet works of
art, historical treasures, or other similar assets held for public exhibition, education or research in furtherance of public service,
provide, in Part XIV, the text of the footnote to its financial statements that describes these items.
b
If the organization elected, as permitted under SFAS 116, to report in its revenue statement and balance sheet works of art,
historical treasures, or other similar assets held for public exhibition, education, or research in furtherance of public service,
provide the following amounts relating to these items:
(i)
Revenues included in Form 990, Part VIII, line 1 ........................SchDMd Bullet $  
(ii)
Assets included in Form 990, Part X ..............................SchDMd Bullet $  
2
If the organization received or held works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets for financial gain, provide the
following amounts required to be reported under SFAS 116 relating to these items:
a
Revenues included in Form 990, Part VIII, line 1 ..........................SchDMd Bullet $  
b
Assets included in Form 990, Part X ...............................SchDMd Bullet $  
For Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Intructions for Form 990
Cat. No. 52283D
Schedule D (Form 990) 2010

Schedule D (Form 990) 2010
Page 2
Part III
Organizations Maintaining Collections of Art, Historical Treasures, or Other Similar Assets (continued)
3
Using the organization’s accession and other records, check any of the following that are a significant use of its collection
items (check all that apply):
a
d
b
e
 
c
4
Provide a description of the organization’s collections and explain how they further the organization’s exempt purpose in
Part XIV.
5
During the year, did the organization solicit or receive donations of art, historical treasures or other similar
assets to be sold to raise funds rather than to be maintained as part of the organization’s collection?........
Part IV
Escrow and Custodial Arrangements. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990,
Part IV, line 9, or reported an amount on Form 990, Part X, line 21.
1a
Is the organization an agent, trustee, custodian or other intermediary for contributions or other assets not
included on Form 990, Part X? ....................................
b
If "Yes," explain the arrangement in Part XIV and complete the following table:
Amount
c Beginning balance ................................. 1c  
d Additions during the year .............................. 1d  
e Distributions during the year ............................. 1e  
f Ending balance ................................... 1f  
2a
Did the organization include an amount on Form 990, Part X, line 21? .....................
b
If “Yes,” explain the arrangement in Part XIV.
Part V
Endowment Funds. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990, Part IV, line 10.
(a)Current Year (b)Prior Year (c)Two Years Back (d)Three Years Back (e)Four Years Back
1a Beginning of year balance ....      
b Contributions ........      
c Investment earnings or losses ...      
d Grants or scholarships .....      
e Other expenditures for facilities
and programs ........ 		     
f Administrative expenses ....      
g End of year balance ......      
2
Provide the estimated percentage of the year end balance held as:
a
Board designated or quasi-endowment: SchDMd Bullet  
b
Permanent endowment: SchDMd Bullet  
c
Term endowment: SchDMd Bullet  
3a
Are there endowment funds not in the possession of the organization that are held and administered for the
organization by:

Yes
No
(i) unrelated organizations ........................
3a(i)
 
 
(ii) related organizations ........................
3a(ii)
 
 
b
If "Yes" to 3a(ii), are the related organizations listed as required on Schedule R? .........
3b
 
 
4
Describe in Part XIV the intended uses of the organization's endowment funds.
Part VI
Investments—Land, Buildings, and Equipment. See Form 990, Part X, line 10.
Description of investment (a) Cost or other basis (investment) (b)Cost or other basis (other) (c) Accumulated depreciation (d) Book value
1a Land .................   644,439 644,439
b Buildings ................   2,223,053 1,210,137 1,012,916
c Leasehold improvements ............        
d Equipment ................        
e Other .................   145,415 134,653 10,762
Total. Add lines 1a-1e. (Column (d) should equal Form 990, Part X, column (B), line 10(c).)........SchDMdBullet 1,668,117
Schedule D (Form 990) 2010

Schedule D (Form 990) 2010
Page 3
Part VII
Investments—Other Securities. See Form 990, Part X, line 12.
(a) Description of security or category
(including name of security)		 (b)Book value (c) Method of valuation:
Cost or end-of-year market value
(1)Financial derivatives    
(2)Closely-held equity interests    
Other








Total. (Column (b) should equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 12.)Small Bullet  
Part VIII
Investments—Program Related. See Form 990, Part X, line 13.
(a) Description of investment type (b) Book value (c) Method of valuation:
Cost or end-of-year market value








Total. (Column (b) should equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 13.)Small Bullet  
Part IX
Other Assets. See Form 990, Part X, line 15.
(a) Description (b) Book value








Total. (Column (b) should equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 15.)...........Small Bullet  
Part X
Other Liabilities. See Form 990, Part X, line 25.
1.(a) Description of Liability (b) Amount
Federal Income Taxes  








Total. (Column (b) should equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 25.)Small Bullet  
2. Fin 48 (ASC 740) Footnote. In Part XIV, provide the text of the footnote to the organization's financial statements that reports the organization's liability for uncertain tax positions under FIN 48 (ASC740).
Schedule D (Form 990) 2010

Schedule D (Form 990) 2010
Page 4
Part XI Reconciliation of Change in Net Assets from Form 990 to Financial Statements
1 Total revenue (Form 990, Part VIII, column (A), line 12) .................... 1 5,813,890
2 Total expenses (Form 990, Part IX, column (A), line 25) ..................... 2 4,423,605
3 Excess or (deficit) for the year. Subtract line 2 from line 1 ............. 3 1,390,285
4 Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments .......................... 4 590,146
5 Donated services and use of facilities ............................. 5  
6 Investment expenses ................................... 6  
7 Prior period adjustments .................................. 7  
8 Other (Describe in Part XIV) ................................. 8  
9 Total adjustments (net). Add lines 4 - 8 ............................. 9 590,146
10 Excess or (deficit) for the year per financial statements. Combine lines 3 and 9 ......... 10 1,980,431
Part XII Reconciliation of Revenue per Audited Financial Statements With Revenue per Return
1 Total revenue, gains, and other support per audited financial statements ....... 1 7,195,101
2 Amounts included on line 1 but not on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12:
a Net unrealized gains on investments .......... 2a 590,146
b Donated services and use of facilities ......... 2b 791,065
c Recoveries of prior year grants ........... 2c  
d Other (Describe in Part XIV): ............ 2d  
e Add lines 2a through 2d ..................... 2e 1,381,211
3 Subtract line 2e from line 1..................... 3 5,813,890
4 Amounts included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12, but not on line 1:
a Investment expenses not included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 7b . 4a  
b Other (Describe in Part XIV): ........... 4b  
c Add lines 4a and 4b....................... 4c 0
5 Total Revenue. Add lines 3 and 4c. (This should equal Form 990, Part I, line 12.) ...... 5 5,813,890
Part XIII Reconciliation of Expenses per Audited Financial Statements With Expenses per Return
1 Total expenses and losses per audited financial statements ............. 1 5,214,670
2 Amounts included on line 1 but not on Form 990, Part IX, line 25:
a Donated services and use of facilities .......... 2a 791,065
b Prior year adjustments .............. 2b  
c Other losses ................ 2c  
d Other (Describe in Part XIV): ............ 2d  
e Add lines 2a through 2d...................... 2e 791,065
3 Subtract line 2e from line 1..................... 3 4,423,605
4 Amounts included on Form 990, Part IX, line 25, but not on line 1:
a Investment expenses not included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 7b .. 4a  
b Other (Describe in Part XIV): ............ 4b  
c Add lines 4a and 4b....................... 4c 0
5 Total expenses. Add lines 3 and 4c. (This should equal Form 990, Part I, line 18.) ...... 5 4,423,605
Part XIV
Supplemental Information
Complete this part to provide the descriptions required for Part II, lines 3, 5, and 9; Part III, lines 1a and 4; Part lV, lines 1b and 2b;
Part V, line 4; Part X; Part XI, line 8; Part XII, lines 2d and 4b; and Part XIII, lines 2d and 4b. Also complete this part to provide any additional information.
Identifier Return Reference Explanation
DESCRIPTION OF UNCERTAIN TAX POSITIONS UNDER FIN 48: PART X: THE ASSOCIATION IS EXEMPT FROM FEDERAL AND STATE INCOME TAX UNDER SECTION 501(C)(3) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE AND IS NOT A PRIVATE FOUNDATION WITHIN THE MEANING OF SECTION 509(A) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE; ACCORDINGLY, THE ACCOMPANYING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DO NOT REFLECT A PROVISION OR LIABILITY FOR FEDERAL OR STATE INCOME TAXES. THE ASSOCIATION HAS DETERMINED THAT IT DOES NOT HAVE ANY MATERIAL UNRECOGNIZED TAX BENEFITS OR OBLIGATIONS AS OF JUNE 30, 2011 AND JUNE 30, 2010. YEARS ENDING ON OR AFTER JUNE 30, 2008 REMAIN SUBJECT TO EXAMINATION BY FEDERAL AND STATE TAX AUTHORITIES.
Schedule D (Form 990) 2010

Additional Data


Software ID:  
Software Version:  




Schedule I
(Form 990)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Grants and Other Assistance to Organizations,
Governments and Individuals in the United States
Complete if the organization answered "Yes," to Form 990, Part IV, line 21 or 22.
lBullet Attach to Form 990
OMB No. 1545-0047
2010
Open to Public
Inspection
Name of the organization
BLINDED VETERANS ASSOCIATION
 
Employer identification number
53-0214281
Part I
General Information on Grants and Assistance
1
Does the organization maintain records to substantiate the amount of the grants or assistance, the grantees' eligibility for the grants or assistance, and
the selection criteria used to award the grants or assistance? ....................................
2
Describe in Part IV the organization's procedures for monitoring the use of grant funds in the United States.
Part II
Grants and Other Assistance to Governments and Organizations in the United States. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to
Form 990, Part IV, line 21 for any recipient that received more than $5,000. Check this box if no one recipient received more than $5,000. Use
Part IV and Schedule I-1 (Form 990) if additional space is needed ......................... lBullet
(a) Name and address of organization
or government		 (b) EIN (c) IRC Code section
if applicable		 (d) Amount of cash grant (e) Amount of non-cash
assistance		 (f) Method of valuation
(book, FMV, appraisal,
other)		 (g) Description of
non-cash assistance		 (h) Purpose of grant
or assistance






















2
Enter total number of section 501(c)(3) and government organizations ......................... Bullet Image
 
3
Enter total number of other organizations ................................ . Bullet Image
 
For Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.
Cat. No. 50055P
Schedule I (Form 990) 2010

Schedule I (Form 990) 2010
Page 2
Part III
Grants and Other Assistance to Individuals in the United States. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990, Part IV, line 22.
Use Schedule I-1 (Form 990) if additional space is needed.
(a)Type of grant or assistance (b)Number of
recipients		 (c)Amount of
cash grant		 (d)Amount of
non-cash assistance		 (e)Method of valuation (book,
FMV, appraisal, other)		 (f)Description of non-cash assistance
(1) SCHOLARSHIPS 6 12,000   CASH  
(2) SERVICE AWARDS 2 500   CASH  











Part IV
Supplemental Information. Complete this part to provide the information required in Part I, line 2, and any other additional information.
Identifier Return Reference Explanation
PROCEDURE FOR MONITORING GRANTS IN THE U.S.: PART I, LINE 2: SCHEDULE I, PART I, LINE 2: THE ATTENDING COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY LISTED ON THE RECIPIENT'S SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION IS CONTACTED BY A BVA EMPLOYEE. FUNDS ARE DISBURSED DIRECTLY TO THAT SCHOOL UPON RECEIPT OF AN INVOICE FOR PAYMENT RATIFYING THE FACT THAT THE STUDENT IS ENROLLED.
Schedule I (Form 990) 2010


Additional Data


Software ID:  
Software Version:  


SCHEDULE M
(Form 990)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
NonCash Contributions
Right pointing arrow large imageComplete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, lines 29 or 30.
Right pointing arrow large image Attach to Form 990.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2010
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
BLINDED VETERANS ASSOCIATION
 
Employer identification number

53-0214281
Part I
Types of Property
(a)
Check if applicable 		(b)
Number of Contributions or items contributed 		(c)
Contribution amounts reported on
Form 990, Part VIII, line 1g 		(d)
Method of determining
contribution amounts
1 Art—Works of art ....        
2 Art—Historical treasures .        
3 Art—Fractional interests ..        
4 Books and publications ..      
5 Clothing and household
goods ....... 		     
6 Cars and other vehicles ..        
7 Boats and planes ....        
8 Intellectual property ...        
9 Securities—Publicly traded . X 3 26,634 FMV ON DATE OF GIFT
10 Securities—Closely held stock .        
11 Securities—Partnership, LLC,
or trust interests .... 		       
12 Securities—Miscellaneous ..        
13 Qualified conservation
contribution—Historic
structures ..... 		       
14 Qualified conservation
contribution—Other ... 		       
15 Real estate—Residential .        
16 Real estate—Commercial ..        
17 Real estate—Other ...        
18 Collectibles .....        
19 Food inventory ...        
20 Drugs and medical supplies .        
21 Taxidermy ......        
22 Historical artifacts ....        
23 Scientific specimens ..        
24 Archeological artifacts ...        
25 Other Right pointing arrow large image ( )
26 Other Right pointing arrow large image( )
27 Other Right pointing arrow large image( )
28 Other Right pointing arrow large image ( )
29
Number of Forms 8283 received by the organization during the tax year for contributions
for which the organization completed Form 8283, Part IV, Donee Acknowledgement ...
29
 
Yes
No
30a
During the year, did the organization receive by contribution any property reported in Part I, lines 1-28 that it
must hold for at least three years from the date of the initial contribution, and which is not required to be used
for exempt purposes for the entire holding period? ..................
30a
 
No
b
If "Yes," describe the arrangement in Part II.
31
Does the organization have a gift acceptance policy that requires the review of any non-standard contributions?
31
Yes
 
32a
Does the organization hire or use third parties or related organizations to solicit, process, or sell non-cash
contributions? ............................
32a
Yes
 
b
If "Yes," describe in Part II.
33
If the organization did not report revenues in column (c) for a type of property for which column (a) is checked,
describe in Part II.
For Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.
Cat. No. 51227J
Schedule M (Form 990) 2010
Schedule M (Form 990) 2010
Page 2
Part II
Supplemental Information. Complete this part to provide the information required by Part I, lines 30b,
32b, and 33. Also complete this part for any additional information.
Identifier Return Reference Explanation
THIRD PARTY USE: PART I, LINE 32B: BVA UTILIZES THE SERVICE OF A FINANCIAL ADVISOR THROUGH A BROKERAGE FIRM TO PROCESS NON-CASH GIFTS OF SECURITIES, WHICH ARE EITHER SOLD OR HELD BASED ON HIS ADVICE.
Schedule M (Form 990) 2010
Additional Data


Software ID:  
Software Version:  
SCHEDULE O
(Form 990 or 990-EZ)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Supplemental Information to Form 990 or 990-EZ

Complete to provide information for responses to specific questions on
Form 990 or to provide any additional information.
MediumBullet Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2010
Open to Public
Inspection
Name of the organization
BLINDED VETERANS ASSOCIATION
 
Employer identification number

53-0214281
Identifier Return Reference Explanation
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 6   THE MEMBERS AND ASSOCIATE MEMBERS ASSEMBLED AT THE ANNUAL NATIONAL CONVENTION HAVE VOTING RIGHTS AND ARE THE SUPREME AUTHORITY OF THE ASSOCIATION.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 7A   THE MEMBERS AND ASSOCIATE MEMBERS ASSEMBLED AT THE ANNUAL NATIONAL CONVENTION ELECT THE NATIONAL OFFICERS OF THE NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS. THE DISTRICT DIRECTORS ARE ELECTED BY THE MEMBERS AND ASSOCIATE MEMBERS WITHIN THEIR RESPECTIVE GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRICT.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 7B   THE MEMBERS AND ASSOCIATE MEMBERS ASSEMBLED AT THE ANNUAL NATIONAL CONVENTION APPROVE ISSUES AND AMENDMENTS THAT ARISE REGARDING LAWS, BYLAWS, REGULATIONS, OR POLICIES ADOPTED BY SAID MEMBERSHIP.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 11   A DRAFT OF THE FORM 990 IS SENT TO THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER BY THE PREPARER. IT IS EMAILED TO THE FINANCIAL EXPERT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WHO ALONG WITH THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER REVIEW THE RETURN TOGETHER AND DISCUSS ANY ISSUES OF CONCERN. THEY MAY INDIVIDUALLY OR COLLECTIVELY SPEAK WITH THE PREPARER TO DISCUSS THEIR CONCERNS OR REVIEW THE FORM IN DETAIL. AFTER ANY CHANGES ARE MADE, A COPY IS SENT TO THE FULL BOARD PRIOR TO FILING. ANY COMMENTS THEY HAVE ARE REVIEWED AND DISCUSSED WITH THE PREPARER. WHEN COMPLETED, THE FORM 990 IS SIGNED BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND FILED WITH THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE.
  FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 12C BVA'S WRITTEN CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY QUESTIONNAIRE IS DISTRIBUTED TO ALL BOARD MEMBERS, EMPLOYEES, AND APPROPRIATE OUTSIDE PARTIES BY THE CFO PRIOR TO THE ANNUAL CONVENTION. THE CFO ENSURES THAT ALL QUESTIONNAIRES ARE COMPLETED, REVIEWS THEM, AND DISCLOSES ANY CONFLICTS AT THE PRE-CONVENTION BOARD MEETING. BOARD MEMBERS WHO HAVE CONFLICTS DO NOT VOTE ON ANY ISSUES PERTAINING TO THAT CONFLICT.
  FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 15 THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ESTABLISHING AND MAINTAINING A COMPETITIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAM FOR ALL EMPLOYEES OF THE ASSOCIATION INCLUDING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OTHER OFFICERS, AND KEY EMPLOYEES. THEY MEET ANNUALLY, AND AS NEEDED, TO REVIEW, DETERMINE, AND APPROVE ANY CHANGES TO BE MADE TO THE COMPENSATION PROGRAM. DURING THE ANNUAL MEETING THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE COMPARES THE SALARIES OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OTHER OFFICERS, AND KEY EMPLOYEES AGAINST EITHER SALARY SURVEYS PREPARED BY INDEPENDENT THIRD PARTIES, OR COMPARABILITY DATA FROM PEER ORGANIZATIONS TO DETERMINE HOW THEY COMPARE AGAINST THE COMPETITIVE MARKET. THIS COMPARISON HAS HISTORICALLY SHOWN TRENDS OF COMPARABILITY IN SOME POSITIONS AND BELOW PEERS IN OTHERS. THE COMMITTEE CONSIDERS RECOMMENDATIONS AND INPUT FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DURING DELIBERATIONS REGARDING OTHER OFFICERS AND KEY EMPLOYEES. USUALLY, THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE GOES INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION WHEN DISCUSSING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S COMPENSATION WITHOUT THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PRESENT. DURING THIS TIME THEY EVALUATE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S PERFORMANCE AND DETERMINE COMPENSATION. THESE DELIBERATIONS AND DECISIONS ARE DOCUMENTED. THE PRESIDENT INFORMS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ANY CHANGES AFTER THE MEETING IS ADJOURNED.
  FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 19 THE BYLAWS AND CONGRESSIONAL CHARTER OF THE ASSOCIATION ARE AVAILABLE ON BVA'S WEBSITE, ALONG WITH THE FORM 990. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.
CHANGES IN NET ASSETS OR FUND BALANCES: FORM 990, PART XI, LINE 5: NET UNREALIZED GAINS ON INVESTMENTS: 590,146.
GIFT ACCEPTANCE POLICY FORM 990, SCHEDULE M, LINE 31 THE BLINDED VETERANS ASSOCIATION MAY ACCEPT DONATIONS OF CASH AND NON-CASH GIFTS. ANY NON-CASH GIFT THAT IS NOT IMMEDIATELY SELLABLE (I.E. REAL ESTATE) OR GIFT WITH RESTRICTIONS OTHER THAN FOR THE USE OF THE ORGANIZATION'S EXISTING PROGRAMS MAY NOT BE ACCEPTED WITHOUT THE EXPRESS APPROVAL OF THE BOARD. SUCH GIFT MUST BE PROPERLY SUBSTANTIATED AND APPRAISED AT THE FAIR VALUE BY THE DONOR. DONATED STOCK RECEIVED IS TRANSFERRED INTO BVA'S DONATED STOCK ACCOUNT WITH ITS FINANCIAL BROKER AND EITHER SOLD OR HELD BASED ON THE BROKER'S ADVICE.
  FORM 990, PART III, LINE 1 THE ORGANIZATION'S PRIMARY EXEMPT PURPOSE THE BLINDED VETERANS ASSOCIATION (BVA) IS THE ONLY CONGRESSIONALLY CHARTERED VETERANS SERVICE ORGANIZATION (VSO) EXCLUSIVELY DEDICATED TO SERVING THE NEEDS AND PROMOTING THE WELFARE OF AMERICAS BLINDED VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES. BVA IS A NONPROFIT 501(C)3 TAX-EXEMPT ORGANIZATION ESTABLISHED IN 1945 IN AVON, CONNECTICUT, BY A SMALL GROUP OF COMBAT-BLINDED VETERANS FROM WORLD WAR II. THE ORGANIZATION'S PRIMARY PURPOSE INCLUDES LOCATING BLINDED VETERANS WHO NEED SERVICES, GUIDING THEM THROUGH THE REHABILITATION PROCESS, AND ACTING AS ADVOCATES FOR THEM AND THEIR FAMILIES IN THE PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTORS, INCLUDING THE U.S. CONGRESS AND THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA). BVA ALSO PROVIDES ROLE MODELS WHO DEMONSTRATE THAT THE CHALLENGES OF BLINDNESS CAN BE OVERCOME. THE ASSOCIATION SERVES AS A MEDIUM OF COMMUNICATION REGARDING ISSUES AFFECTING BLINDED VETERANS, SUPPORTS VOCATIONAL AND RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS THAT FOSTER REHABILITATION, AND OFFERS ENCOURAGEMENT AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT. VA ESTIMATES THAT SOME 158,000 AMERICAN VETERANS ARE CURRENTLY LEGALLY BLIND WITH AT LEAST HALF OF THESE MEN AND WOMEN REMAINING UNAWARE OF THEIR ELIGIBILITY FOR SPECIAL SERVICES AND BENEFITS. APPROXIMATELY 6,000 ADDITIONAL VETERANS BECOME BLIND OR VISUALLY IMPAIRED EVERY YEAR. BVA PROGRAMS SEEK TO HELP VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES MEET THE CHALLENGES OF BLINDNESS. THERE IS NO CHARGE FOR ANY BVA SERVICE AND MEMBERSHIP IN THE ORGANIZATION IS NOT A PREREQUISITE. ALL LEGALLY BLINDED VETERANS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR ASSISTANCE WHETHER THEY BECAME BLIND DURING COMBAT OR AFTER ACTIVE DUTY. BVA WAS INCORPORATED IN 1947 AND CHARTERED BY CONGRESS IN 1958 TO REPRESENT ALL BLINDED VETERANS. THE ASSOCIATION DOES NOT RECEIVE ANY GRANTS OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM THE GOVERNMENT; INSTEAD, IT IS SUPPORTED BY THE GENEROUS CONTRIBUTIONS OF THOUSANDS OF AMERICANS WHO REMEMBER THE SACRIFICES OF OUR NATION'S BLINDED VETERANS. THE ORGANIZATION IS MANAGED BY 11 VOTING MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS ALONG WITH THE AUDIT COMMITTEE CHAIR WHOSE POSITIONS ARE HELD ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS. THEY GIVE FREELY OF THEIR TIME AND RESOURCES. THEY ARE ALL MEMBERS OF BVA AND ALL MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF BEING BLINDED VETERANS AS DEFINED FOR ALL BVA MEMBERS. THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE ALSO MET BY THE NATIONAL SERGEANT-AT-ARMS AND THE NATIONAL CHAPLAIN. BOARD MEMBERS TRAVEL TO AND ATTEND TWO ANNUAL BOARD MEETINGS. THEY ALSO CONDUCT BUSINESS USING EMAIL AND THROUGH TELEPHONE CONVERSATIONS DURING THE FISCAL YEAR. THEY ARE INVOLVED NOT ONLY AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL BUT ALSO WITHIN THE REGION IN WHICH THEY RESIDE, HOLDING OFFICES AND ASSISTING BLINDED VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES. THIS FISCAL YEAR THE BOARD DONATED A TOTAL OF AT LEAST 10,158 HOURS AND OVER $2,500 OF REIMBURSABLE EXPENSES NOT REQUESTED FOR PAYMENT. THE NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPOINTS MANY COMMITTEES TO OVERSEE AND ADVISE THEM. ALL OF THE COMMITTEE MEMBERS ARE VOLUNTEERS. SOME ARE ON THE BOARD WHILE OTHERS ARE REGULAR MEMBERS OF THE ORGANIZATION. SOME ARE SIMPLY CONCERNED AND INTERESTED SIGHTED CITIZENS WHO WISH TO LEND A HELPING HAND. DURING THE PAST FISCAL YEAR, THE NUMBER OF HOURS DONATED BY COMMITTEE MEMBERS WHO ARE NOT ON THE BOARD WAS ABOUT 50. BVA HAS 52 REGIONAL GROUPS IN THE UNITED STATES AND PUERTO RICO WHO OFFER EMOTIONAL SUPPORT, SOCIAL EVENTS, AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES TO BLINDED VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES AT THE LOCAL LEVEL. REGIONAL GROUPS ALSO INFLUENCE POLICY CHANGES. LOCATED IN WASHINGTON, DC BVA'S NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS IS WITHIN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO CAPITAL HILL AND THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
PROGRAM SERVICES FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4 A) FIELD SERVICE AND VOLUNTEER SERVICE PROGRAMS BVA FIELD SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES CONSTITUTE WHAT SISTER ORGANIZATIONS OFTEN REFER TO AS NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICERS. THEY ARE VETERANS AND LEGALLY BLIND THEMSELVES, WORKING IN SEVEN DIFFERENT REGIONS THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES, INCLUDING PUERTO RICO. FIELD SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES ARE BASED IN THE FOLLOWING CITIES: PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA; THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA; DECATUR, GEORGIA; MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN; DENVER, COLORADO; LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA; AND SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA. THEY ARE DEDICATED AND DEVOTED MEMBERS OF BVA'S STAFF. FIELD SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES ASSIST BLINDED VETERANS IN TAKING THE FIRST STEPS IN ADJUSTING TO BLINDNESS. THEY AIM TO HELP VETERANS BRING FOCUS AND DIRECTION TO THEIR LIVES, PROVIDING INSPIRATION, ENCOURAGEMENT, AND PRACTICAL ASSISTANCE IN THE VA BENEFIT CLAIMS PROCESS. UNDERSTANDING THE COMPLEXITIES AND EMOTIONS THAT ACCOMPANY THE ONSET OF BLINDNESS, FIELD SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES ARE EFFECTIVE ROLE MODELS IN HELPING NEWLY BLINDED VETERANS FIND AND FOLLOW THE ROAD TO INDEPENDENCE. THEY KNOW WHAT IS AVAILABLE ON BOTH A LOCAL AND NATIONAL LEVEL. THEY KNOW WHOM TO CALL, WHAT TO SAY, AND HOW TO CUT THROUGH THE RED TAPE SINCE MUCH OF THEIR EXPERTISE HAS BEEN GAINED FIRST-HAND AS A RESULT OF THEIR OWN PERSONAL EXPERIENCES WITH BLINDNESS. DURING FY 2011, THE BVA FIELD SERVICE PROGRAM WAS CONTACTED BY 4,269 VETERANS. VA GRANTED 320 CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION AND PENSION TO VETERANS ASSISTED BY THE PROGRAM. THE PROGRAM WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR $3,489,054 IN TOTAL RETROACTIVE PAYMENTS AND $548,580 IN MISCELLANEOUS BENEFITS. THERE WERE 34 CLAIMS AFFECTING BLINDED VETERANS THAT WERE PROCESSED AT THE BOARD OF VETERANS APPEALS. TOTAL FIELD SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE PENDING CLAIMS STOOD AT 624. THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THESE FIGURES OVER FY 2010. FIELD SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES RECEIVED TRAINING TWICE IN FY 2011, ONCE AT THE NATIONAL CONVENTION IN ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA, IN AUGUST (FIVE DAYS) AND AGAIN AT MID-WINTER MEETINGS IN WASHINGTON, DC (THREE DAYS IN MARCH). BVA FUNDED THE TRAVEL FOR VARIOUS BLINDED VETERANS TO ATTEND REHABILITATION AT VARIOUS BLIND REHABILITATION CENTERS. ANOTHER MEANINGFUL ADJUNCT TO THE BVA FIELD SERVICE PROGRAM IS THE 65 VOLUNTEER OFFICES LOCATED IN VA MEDICAL CENTERS, REGIONAL OFFICES, AND OUTPATIENT CLINICS NATIONWIDE. THEY PROVIDE STILL ANOTHER OUTLET FOR BLINDED VETERANS TO HELP AND SERVE ONE ANOTHER. THE NUMBER OF HOURS DONATED BY BVA VOLUNTEERS, A LARGE NUMBER OF WHICH ARE BLINDED VETERANS THEMSELVES, WAS 41,683. THE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS IN THIS PROGRAM IS ABOUT 212. VOLUNTEERS ARE PEER COUNSELORS WHO TALK ONE-ON-ONE WITH INDIVIDUAL BLINDED VETERANS, OR THEY LISTEN AND SHARE IDEAS IN GROUPS. THEY PROVIDE INFORMATION ON PROGRAMS AND SERVICES, ENCOURAGING BLINDED VETERANS TO ENTER BLIND REHABILITATION PROGRAMS AND DEMONSTRATING EQUIPMENT AND AIDS USED BY THE BLIND. THEY ALSO REINFORCE THE WORK OF THE FIELD SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES BY HELPING TO LIFT FELLOW VETERANS FROM THE DISCOURAGEMENT AND FRUSTRATION THEY OFTEN FACE. BECAUSE SO MANY VOLUNTEERS ARE BLINDED VETERANS THEMSELVES, THE NEWLY BLINDED VETERANS CANNOT OFTEN SAY TO A VOLUNTEER, "YOU DON'T KNOW HOW IT FEELS TO BE BLIND." LIKE THE FIELD SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES, BVA VOLUNTEERS CAN, IF THEY BECOME ACCREDITED, WORK AS VOLUNTEER NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICERS (VNSOS) WITH SPECIAL AUTHORITY TO REPRESENT BLINDED VETERANS IN THE FORMAL VA CLAIMS PROCESS. BVA SUPPORTED TWO VOLUNTEERS THROUGH THE ACCREDITATION PROCESS THIS FISCAL YEAR, BRINGING THE TOTALING TO 52 VNSOS WHO ARE MEMBERS OF BVA. THERE ARE A TOTAL OF 425 INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE BVA ACCREDITATION. BVA VOLUNTEERS ARE EXPECTED TO BE ACTIVE IN THEIR COMMUNITIES AND TO BE GOOD SOURCES OF INFORMATION ABOUT LOCAL PROGRAMS AND SERVICES. THEY ARE AN IMPORTANT LINK IN THE BVA CHAIN OF SERVICES. AN EXTENSION OF THE FIELD SERVICE PROGRAM CALLED OPERATION PEER SUPPORT (OPS) WAS ESTABLISHED IN FY 2006. OPS IS AN ONGOING EFFORT TO CONNECT NEWLY BLINDED VETERANS FROM IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN WITH OTHER OIF AND OEF SERVICE MEMBERS AND VETERANS. IT ALSO SEEKS TO CONNECT THE NEWLY BLINDED WITH VETERANS FROM THE FIRST GULF WAR AND FROM VIETNAM, KOREA, AND WORLD WAR II. THIS PAST YEAR 10 NEWLY BLINDED SERVICE MEMBERS FROM AFGHANISTAN AND IRAQ, PLUS A SPOUSE OR FAMILY MEMBER, ATTENDED THE 65TH NATIONAL CONVENTION IN WASHINGTON, DC. ALL EXPENSES WERE PAID. FIVE ALUMNI OF THE OPS PROGRAM RETURNED TO PARTICIPATE AT THEIR OWN EXPENSE. THEY ALL FELT THE PROGRAM WAS SO BENEFICIAL THAT THEY WANTED TO RETURN AND OFFER ASSISTANCE TO THE NEWLY BLINDED SERVICE MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES. THIS IS ATTRIBUTED TO THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF INDIVIDUALS AND PRIVATE COMPANIES. THE BVA WEBSITE, WWW.BVA.ORG, HAS BEEN UPDATED WITH ONLINE DONATION CAPABILITIES IN ORDER TO FACILITATE GREATER SUPPORT.
    B) PUBLIC EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION AT THE FOUNDATION OF ALL BVA COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS EFFORTS NATIONALLY IS THE BVA BULLETIN, CURRENTLY A QUARTERLY PERIODICAL SENT TO ALL BLINDED VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES FOR WHOM THE ASSOCIATION HAS CONTACT INFORMATION. THE PUBLICATION IS ALSO MAILED TO DOZENS OF LIBRARIES, HEALTH CARE INSTITUTIONS, VSOS, VA BLIND REHABILITATION SERVICE EMPLOYEES, AND NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS. AS THE FACE OF BVA, THE BULLETIN FOCUSES ON ISSUES AND EVENTS RELATING SPECIFICALLY TO BLINDED VETERANS. IT ALSO COVERS GENERAL TOPICS ABOUT VETERANS AS WELL AS GENERAL TOPICS ABOUT BLINDNESS (I.E., TECHNOLOGY, SOCIAL ISSUES, ETC.). AVERAGE CIRCULATION OF THE LARGE-PRINT VERSION OF THE BULLETIN WAS APPROXIMATELY 15,000 IN FY 2011. THE AUDIOCASSETTE VERSION, WHICH IS MADE AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS ONLY, HAD AN AVERAGE CIRCULATION OF 8,246 FOR THE FOUR ISSUES, AN INCREASE OF 115 FROM THE PREVIOUS YEAR. THE PUBLICATION IS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR READING ON THE BVA WEBSITE AND BY EMAIL UPON REQUEST. THE NUMBER OF BVA MEMBERS RECEIVING THE BULLETIN VIA EMAIL IS NOW 62. THROUGH THE DONATED SERVICES OF NORTH AMERICAN PRECIS SYNDICATE (NAPS), BVA DISTRIBUTED A SERIES OF NEWSPAPER, RADIO, AND TV RELEASES HIGHLIGHTING ITS WORK. DURING FY 2011, BVA PRODUCED TWO 2-COLUMN NATIONAL NEWSPAPER RELEASES, TWO 2-COLUMN SPANISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER RELEASES, THREE NATIONAL RADIO RELEASES, ONE SPANISH LANGUAGE RADIO RELEASE, ONE NATIONAL TELEVISION RELEASE, AND ONE SPANISH LANGUAGE TELEVISION RELEASE. BY VIRTUE OF THE HEAVILY DISCOUNTED PACKAGE SELECTED, THE ASSOCIATION RECEIVED ALL OF THE AFOREMENTIONED PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION FOR $24,725. ALL OF THE RELEASES PROVIDED AN OUTLINE OF BVA'S MISSION, HISTORY, AND SERVICES, BUT THE LEAD-IN FOR EACH RELEASE DIFFERED FROM ONE TO THE NEXT. THE TOTAL VALUE OF THE DONATED MEDIA TIME AND SPACE FOR THE RELEASES AIRED AND PRINTED IN FY 2011, IF PAID FOR BY BVA IN THE FORM OF ADVERTISING, WAS $791,065. NEWS RELEASES WERE AIRED OR PRINTED A TOTAL OF 1,648 TIMES THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES AND ITS TERRITORIES DURING THE FISCAL YEAR. THE BVA WEBSITE ATTRACTED AN AVERAGE OF APPROXIMATELY 226 VISITORS PER DAY IN FY 2011, WHICH IS NEARLY IDENTICAL TO THE FY 2010 FIGURE OF 225. A DISPROPORTIONATELY LARGE MAJORITY OF THE VISITS ORIGINATED THROUGH THE GOOGLE SEARCH ENGINE. OTHER SEARCH ENGINES CONTRIBUTED TO THE EFFORT BUT ON A MINIMAL SCALE. VERY FEW VISITS TO THE SITE CAME AS A RESULT OF LINKS ON OTHER SITES. THE BVA SITE IS A CONSTANT WORK IN PROGRESS THAT HAS MADE CONSISTENT IMPROVEMENT BUT WHICH HAS CONSIDERABLE WORK AHEAD IN ORDER TO HELP THE ORGANIZATION FULFILL ITS MISSION IN THE 21ST CENTURY. BVA UTILIZES THREE DIFFERENT PRINT BROCHURES IN SPREADING ITS MESSAGE. ONE IS AN OLD AND INEXPENSIVE PAPER PIECE PRODUCED SOME 15 YEARS AGO. IT IS MOST HELPFUL FOR LARGE FAIRS, EXPOSITIONS, AND OTHER GATHERINGS INVOLVING THE GENERAL PUBLIC. UNLIKE THE FIRST, THE OTHER TWO PIECES ARE UPDATED WITH THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION POSSIBLE. ONE IS A BROCHURE USED FOR FUNDRAISING PURPOSES, REACHING OUT TO OTHER VSOS AND TO OFFICES ON CAPITOL HILL. THE OTHER IS DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY TO INTEREST PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS. COPIES OF BOTH PUBLICATIONS WERE EXHAUSTED IN LATE FY 2010 OR EARLY FY 2011, NECESSITATING AN UPDATING AND REPRINTING OF BOTH IN FY 2011. IN EARLY FY 2010, BVA ESTABLISHED ITSELF IN THE SOCIAL MEDIA ARENA WITH A FACEBOOK PAGE AND A TWITTER FOLLOWING. ALTHOUGH NUMBERS OF FANS AND FOLLOWERS WERE RELATIVELY SMALL AT FIRST, CONSIDERABLE MOMENTUM HAD BEEN GENERATED BY THE END OF FY 2010 AND THE MOMENTUM CONTINUED TO GROW IN FY 2011. BVA DISTRIBUTES DIRECT MAIL LITERATURE TO FRIENDS AND PROSPECTIVE SUPPORTERS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY AS PART OF ITS PUBLIC AWARENESS AND FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGNS. THERE ARE SEVERAL CALLS FOR ACTION IN EACH OF THE APPEALS. THE FIRST IS A REQUEST FOR NAMES, ADDRESSES, AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF BLINDED VETERANS WHO MIGHT NEED ASSISTANCE. RESPONSES ARE PASSED ALONG TO BVA FIELD SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES FOR ACTION. THE SECOND IS A REQUEST FOR VOLUNTEERS TO DISTRIBUTE EDUCATIONAL LITERATURE IN THEIR RESPECTIVE COMMUNITIES. INFORMATIONAL BROCHURES ARE MAILED TO THOSE RESPONDING. THE THIRD IS A REQUEST TO READ "WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU SEE A BLIND PERSON" AND TO ACT ACCORDINGLY WHEN MEETING SUCH AN INDIVIDUAL. THERE IS A FOURTH CALL FOR ACTION IN SOME OF THE APPEALS. THIS IS A REQUEST FOR FRIENDS AND PROSPECTIVE DONORS TO WRITE A PERSONAL MESSAGE ON AN ENCLOSED GREETING CARD AND MAIL IT TO A BLINDED VETERAN. BVA RECEIVES THOUSANDS OF THESE CARDS AND FORWARDS THEM TO BLINDED VETERANS IN REHABILITATION CENTERS AROUND THE COUNTRY. EACH CALL FOR ACTION IS IN SUPPORT OF BVA'S MISSION TO LOCATE AND ASSIST BLINDED VETERANS AND TO HELP THEM TAKE THEIR RIGHTFUL PLACE IN SOCIETY. BVA NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS DISTRIBUTES BROCHURES, EXTRA COPIES OF THE BULLETIN, AND OVERRUNS FROM ITS DIRECT MAIL PIECES TO REGIONAL GROUPS AND INDIVIDUAL BLINDED VETERANS WHO ARE PARTICIPATING IN OUTREACH EFFORTS LOCALLY. THE MAILING OF THE MATERIALS IS PARTICULAR HEAVY IN THE EARLY AUTUMN AS BVA REGIONAL GROUPS PREPARE FOR WHITE CANE SAFETY AWARENESS DAY AND VETERANS DAY ACTIVITIES. BLINDED VETERANS THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES ARE FREQUENTLY INVOLVED IN PRESENTATIONS TO SCHOOLS, TO LOCAL CHAPTERS OF OTHER VSOS LOCATED IN THEIR COMMUNITIES, AND TO LOCAL GROUPS SUCH AS LIONS AND ROTARY CLUBS. AT THE ANNUAL CONVENTION, BVA PRESENTS AWARDS AND CERTIFICATES TO HONOR INDIVIDUALS FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS. THIS YEAR TWO AWARDS AND ONE CERTIFICATE WERE PRESENTED. THE IRVING DIENER AWARD IS PRESENTED TO THE BVA MEMBER WHO HAS MADE AN OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF HIS/HER REGIONAL GROUP. THE DAVID L. SCHNAIR AWARD IS PRESENTED TO A VOLUNTEER FOR HIS/HER OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE BVA VOLUNTEER PROGRAM. THE MAJOR GENERAL MELVIN J. MAAS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD IS PRESENTED TO A VETERAN WITH SERVICE-CONNECTED BLINDNESS WHO PROVES HIMSELF/HERSELF OUTSTANDING IN EMPLOYMENT PERFORMANCE AND ADJUSTMENT TO DAILY LIVING.
    C) ADVOCACY THE ASSOCIATION'S CONGRESSIONAL CHARTER DESIGNATES BVA AS THE ORGANIZATIONAL ADVOCATE FOR ALL BLINDED VETERANS BEFORE THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT. THE BVA NATIONAL PRESIDENT, BOARD MEMBERS, AND NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS STAFF ARE INVITED TO PRESENT TESTIMONY BEFORE BOTH THE HOUSE AND SENATE COMMITTEES ON VETERANS AFFAIRS TO SHARE INFORMATION AND CONCERNS RELATED TO SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS AND SERVICES OFFERED BY VA TO VISUALLY IMPAIRED AND BLINDED VETERANS. THEY ALSO MEET PERIODICALLY WITH MEMBERS OF CONGRESS, THEIR KEY STAFF, AND VA OFFICIALS TO INFORM THEM OF AND EDUCATE THEM ON THE UNIQUE AND SPECIAL NEEDS OF THE BLINDED AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED VETERANS IN AMERICA. THE BVA EDUCATIONAL EFFORTS SEEK TO ENHANCE THE SPECIALIZED REHABILITATION PROGRAMS THAT ARE DESIGNED BY VA. THE GOALS ARE TO ASSIST BLINDED VETERANS IN THE ACCEPTANCE OF AND ADJUSTMENT TO THE LOSS OF VISION AND TO ACQUIRE THE ADAPTIVE SKILLS NECESSARY TO BE SUCCESSFULLY REINTEGRATED INTO THEIR FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES. ACTIVE EFFORTS WERE CONTINUALLY MADE TO INFLUENCE LEGISLATION IN ORDER TO SECURE THE NECESSARY RESOURCES TO PROVIDE BLINDED VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS WITH THE HEALTH CARE SERVICES AND BENEFITS THEY NEED. BVA CONTINUED TO BE EFFECTIVE THIS PAST YEAR, PRESENTING BLINDED VETERANS' PRIORITY ISSUES BEFORE CONGRESS IN A VARIETY OF MEETINGS AND HEARINGS. ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATIVES ALSO MET FREQUENTLY WITH OTHER VSOS, DISABILITY ADVOCACY ASSOCIATIONS, AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE (DOD) AND VA. BVA'S NATIONAL PRESIDENT PRESENTED HIS ANNUAL TESTIMONY. LEGISLATIVE UPDATES WERE SENT BY EMAIL TO THE BVA BOARD, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, REGIONAL GROUP CONTACTS, AND BVA MEMBERS. NUMEROUS MEETINGS WITH MEMBERS OF CONGRESS WERE ATTENDED WHILE ACTIVELY MONITORING AND SUPPORTING THE WIDE VARIETY OF LEGISLATION INTRODUCED IN CONGRESS THAT WOULD IMPACT VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES. BVA, IN CONCERT WITH THE OTHER MAJOR VSOS, WORKED THIS PAST YEAR TO MONITOR THE VA FY 2011-2012 MILCON/VA APPROPRIATIONS UNDER THE NEWLY ENACTED "ADVANCED APPROPRIATIONS" TWO-YEAR BUDGET CYCLE. WHILE FUNDING WAS INCREASED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF VETERANS' HEALTHCARE PROGRAMS, THE METHODOLOGY IS OF CONCERN. VA BLIND REHABILITATION SERVICE (BRS) HAS FULLY IMPLEMENTED THE 55 NEW CONTINUUM OF CARE VA BLIND REHABILITATION OUTPATIENT AND LOW-VISION PROGRAMS. BRS NOW HAS THE LARGEST NUMBER OF PROFESSIONAL REHABILITATION STAFF AT ANY TIME IN HISTORY, PROVIDING SERVICES TO MORE THAN 49,460 ENROLLED BLINDED VETERANS. THREE NEW COMPREHENSIVE BLIND REHABILITATION CENTERS ARE OPENING THIS FALL, ONE IN LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA; ONE IN BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI; AND THE THIRD IN CLEVELAND, OHIO. THESE NEW CENTERS FURTHER EXPAND ACCESS FOR BLINDED VETERANS. CONTINUED EFFORTS WERE DEVOTED THIS PAST YEAR TO DOD IMPLEMENTATION OF THE VISION CENTER OF EXCELLENCE (VCE) AND EYE TRAUMA REGISTRY. VCE HAS INCREASED DOD JOINT STAFFING TO 11 FULL-TIME POSITIONS WITH THE VA STAFFING. BVA CONTINUES TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF) AND OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM, AFGHANISTAN (OEF) VETERANS WITH TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY VISUAL DYSFUNCTION TO ENSURE THAT SCREENING, DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, AND VISION RESEARCH OCCURS. BVA WAS ABLE TO SECURE PROGRAMMATIC FUNDING OF $9.5 MILLION IN THE DEFENSE BUDGET FOR VCE IN FY 2011. WORKING WITH THE NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR EYE AND VISION RESEARCH (NAEVR), BVA ATTENDED MEETINGS WITH KEY CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND KEY BUDGET STAFF IN TRYING TO ACHIEVE INCREASES IN THE CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED MEDICAL RESEARCH PROGRAM FOR VISION. IN DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FY 2012, BVA REQUESTED AN INCREASE THAT WOULD BRING THE TOTAL TO $10 MILLION FOR EYE TRAUMA RESEARCH. REMOVAL OF MEDICAL CARE CO-PAYMENTS FOR CATASTROPHICALLY DISABLED VETERANS WAS INCLUDED IN CAREGIVER LEGISLATION ENACTED ON MAY 5, 2010 BUT REMAINS AN ISSUE WITH SLOW IMPLEMENTATION. CONTINUED OVERSIGHT MUST BE A PRIORITY. BVA IS WORKING AS AN ADVOCATE ON BEHALF OF A CHANGE TO THE ELIGIBILITY SECTION ON BENEFICIARY TRAVEL (SECTION 111, TITLE 38) SO THAT NONSERVICE-CONNECTED BLINDED VETERANS WILL HAVE TRAVEL ASSISTANCE TO VA BLIND REHABILITATION CENTERS FOR THEIR CARE. BVA HAS ALSO BEEN ACTIVELY INVOLVED ON SPECIAL WORK GROUPS ESTABLISHED BY THE VA PROSTHETICS & SENSORY AIDS SERVICE (PSAS) TO DEVELOP PRESCRIPTION RECOMMENDATIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR PROSTHETIC APPLIANCES FOR BLINDED VETERANS. BVA IS ON THE VA WORK GROUP CHARGED WITH DEVELOPING VARIOUS SPECIFICATIONS AND HANDBOOK RECOMMENDATIONS FOR COMPUTERS FOR THE BLIND. BVA WORKED TO GET A STATUTORY CHANGE FOR A SPECIAL ADAPTIVE HOUSING PROGRAM FOR SERVICE-CONNECTED VETERANS REMOVING THE VISUAL ACUITY STANDARD OF 5/200 AND REPLACING IT WITH THE LEGAL STANDARD OF 20/200 FOR (TITLE 38, U.S. CODE). BVA TESTIMONY REGARDING ADAPTIVE HOUSING GRANTS HELPED LEAD THE EFFORT TO PROVIDE STRUCTURAL MODIFICATIONS THROUGH LEGISLATION SO THAT DISABLED VETERANS COULD CONTINUE TO LIVE INDEPENDENTLY IN THEIR HOMES. BVA REQUESTED THAT VA COMPLY WITH SECTION 508 OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT IN PROVIDING GREATER ACCESS TO VA ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORDS. ACCESS TO COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY AND ADAPTIVE INTERNET CONNECTIONS FOR THE DISABLED IS A SIGNIFICANT EMPHASIS OF THE GOVERNMENT RELATIONS DEPARTMENT. CAREGIVER LEGISLATION PROVIDED FOR A VISUAL IMPAIRMENT AND ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY PROFESSIONALS EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM. THE VA OFFICE OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS IS WRITING THE RULES FOR THIS PROGRAM. THE LEGISLATION WILL HELP PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORT FOR BLIND REHABILITATION OUTPATIENT SPECIALISTS. THE VETERANS CAREGIVER AND VETERANS HEALTH SERVICES ACT OF 2009 INCLUDED A NEW PROVISION TO PROVIDE PAYMENTS TO THE CAREGIVER OF DISABLED VETERANS WHEN THE DISABILITIES REQUIRE A FAMILY MEMBER TO STAY AT HOME AND PROVIDE CARE. WHILE DELAYS OCCURRED WITH IMPLEMENTATION, THERE ARE NOW MORE THAN 350 WAR-DISABLED VETERAN CAREGIVERS RECEIVING PAYMENTS FROM VA. BVA CONTINUES TO COORDINATE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS BENEFIT WITH ALL OF ITS SERVICE-CONNECTED VETERANS. BVA CONTINUED THEIR VISITS WITH BLINDED OIF AND OEF SERVICE MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES AT THE NEW WALTER REED NATIONAL MILITARY MEDICAL CENTER IN BETHESDA, MARYLAND. BVA CONTINUED TO RAISE FUNDS AND LOCATE SERVICE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO ATTEND THE NATIONAL CONVENTION AS PART OF THE OPERATION PEER SUPPORT. BVA ENTERED INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH ST DUNSTAN'S IN ENGLAND. THE AGREEMENT, AN OUTGROWTH OF OPERATION PEER SUPPORT, IS A JOINT INITIATIVE OF BOTH ORGANIZATIONS. THE PROGRAM SENT FIVE WAR-BLINDED VETERANS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM FOR A ONE-WEEK EXCHANGE IN MAY 2011. BVA AND ST DUNSTAN'S BOTH INTEND TO CONTINUE THE EXCHANGE NEXT YEAR. E) MEMBERSHIP BVA IS A MEMBERSHIP-DRIVEN ORGANIZATION. MEMBERSHIP IN BVA CONSTITUTES MEMBERSHIP IN THE ORGANIZATION AS WELL AS IN A LOCAL REGIONAL GROUP. ALTHOUGH IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO BE A MEMBER TO BENEFIT FROM MANY OF THE SERVICES BVA PROVIDES, MEMBERSHIP PROVIDES THE AUDIO VERSION OF THE QUARTERLY BVA BULLETIN THAT SO MANY MEMBERS FIND USEFUL IN ORDER TO REMAIN INFORMED. MEMBERSHIP ALSO PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES TO MEET NEW PEOPLE FACING SIMILAR CHALLENGES, ESTABLISH FRIENDSHIPS, AND GAIN A VOICE AT THE ANNUAL CONVENTIONS. WITHOUT MEMBERSHIP, THE AFOREMENTIONED PROGRAMS WOULD NOT EXIST SINCE THEY HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED BY MEMBERS AND DEVELOPED WITH THEIR NEEDS IN MIND. A BLINDED VETERAN CAN JOIN AS EITHER AN ANNUAL OR A LIFE MEMBER. BVA'S MEMBERSHIP TOTAL HAS GROWN STEADILY OVER THE PAST TWO DECADES. IN FY 2011, THERE WERE 778 NEW MEMBERS. FROM 1992 THROUGH 2011, THE ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP INCREASED FROM 7,252 TO AN ALL-TIME HIGH OF 11,449. THIS FIGURE REPRESENTS A LARGE NUMBER OF RENEWALS OF LAPSED MEMBERSHIPS AS WELL AS NEW MEMBERS THAT HAD NEVER BEFORE JOINED. ALL LIFE MEMBERSHIP DUES ARE DEPOSITED INTO A LIFE MEMBERSHIP FUND, WHICH IS MANAGED BY A LIFE MEMBERSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES APPOINTED BY THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT. THE DUES ARE INVESTED AND THE ANNUAL EARNINGS (INTEREST AND DIVIDENDS) ARE APPORTIONED TO THE REGIONAL GROUP BASED ON THE NUMBER OF LIFE MEMBERS IN EACH GROUP. BVA NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS DOES NOT BENEFIT FINANCIALLY AT ALL FROM THE LIFE MEMBERSHIP DUES BUT ONLY MANAGES, OR ADMINISTERS, THE FUND WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND AN EXTERNAL PORTFOLIO MANAGER. IT IS A BOARD-DESIGNATED FUND. E) SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM BVA'S KATHERN F. GRUBER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM COMPLETED ITS 28TH YEAR. THE SCHOLARSHIPS ARE OPEN TO DEPENDENTS OF ACTIVE DUTY BLINDED SERVICE MEMBERS AND SERVICE-CONNECTED AND NONSERVICE-CONNECTED PERSONNEL. MEMBERSHIP IN BVA IS NOT A PREREQUISITE. FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2010-11, THERE WERE SIX SCHOLARSHIPS OF $2,000 EACH.
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.
Cat. No. 51056K
Schedule O (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2010

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