TY 2015 Form 990

(A) Name and Title	(B) Average hours per week (list any hours for related organizations below dotted line)	(C) Position (do not check more than one box, unless person is both an officer and a director/trustee)	(E) Reportable compensation from related organizations (W- 2/1099-MISC)
(1) ROBERT DALE STAMPER...................................................................... NATIONAL PRESIDENT	8.00 .................	X	X	0	0	0
(2) JOE PARKER...................................................................... NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT	22.00 .................	X	X	0	0	0
(3) PAUL MIMMS...................................................................... NATIONAL SECRETARY	2.00 .................	X	X	0	0	0
(4) JOE MCNEIL...................................................................... NATIONAL TREASURER	5.00 .................	X	X	0	0	0
(5) MARK CORNELL...................................................................... PAST NATIONAL PRESIDENT	1.00 .................	X	X	0	0	0
(6) DENNIS O'CONNELL...................................................................... DIRECTOR - DISTRICT 1	5.00 .................	X		0	0	0
(7) DAVID FOX...................................................................... DIRECTOR - DISTRICT 2	9.00 .................	X		0	0	0
(8) PETER DAVIS...................................................................... DIRECTOR - DISTRICT 3	12.00 .................	X		0	0	0
(9) RAE HAIL...................................................................... DIRECTOR - DISTRICT 4	1.00 .................	X		0	0	0
(10) PAUL KAMINSKY...................................................................... DIRECTOR - DISTRICT 5	7.00 .................	X		0	0	0
(11) DR THOMAS ZAMPIERI...................................................................... DIRECTOR - DISTRICT 6	58.00 .................	X		0	0	0
(12) ALBERTO AVINA...................................................................... EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ASST.	37.50 .................		X	104,583	0	2,465
(13) KATHRYN RUAIS...................................................................... CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER	37.50 .................		X	120,551	0	1,866
(14) BRIGITTE JONES...................................................................... ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR	37.50 .................		X	71,497	0	1,916
(15) STUART NELSON...................................................................... COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR	37.50 .................		X	56,539	0	13,089

- TIN:

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

Information about Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.

OMB No. 1545-0047

2015

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.)

A church, convention of churches, or association of churches described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(i).

A school described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii). (Attach Schedule E (Form 990 or 990-EZ))

A hospital or a cooperative hospital service organization described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(iii).

A medical research organization operated in conjunction with a hospital described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(iii). Enter the hospital's name, city, and state:

An organization operated for the benefit of a college or university owned or operated by a governmental unit described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(iv). (Complete Part II.)

A federal, state, or local government or governmental unit described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(v).

An organization that normally receives a substantial part of its support from a governmental unit or from the general public described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(vi). (Complete Part II.)

A community trust described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(vi). (Complete Part II.)

An organization that normally receives: (1) more than 331/3% of its support from contributions, membership fees, and gross 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.)

An organization organized and operated exclusively to test for public safety. See section 509(a)(4).

An organization organized and operated exclusively for the benefit of, to perform the functions of, or to carry out the purposes of one or more publicly supported organizations described in section 509(a)(1) or section 509(a)(2). See section 509(a)(3). Check the box in lines 11a through 11d that describes the type of supporting organization and complete lines 11e, 11f, and 11g.

Type I. A supporting organization operated, supervised, or controlled by its supported organization(s), typically by giving the supported organization(s) the power to regularly appoint or elect a majority of the directors or trustees of the supporting organization. You must complete Part IV, Sections A and B.

Type II. A supporting organization supervised or controlled in connection with its supported organization(s), by having control or management of the supporting organization vested in the same persons that control or manage the supported organization(s). You must complete Part IV, Sections A and C.

Type III functionally integrated. A supporting organization operated in connection with, and functionally integrated with, its supported organization(s) (see instructions). You must complete Part IV, Sections A, D, and E.

Type III non-functionally integrated. A supporting organization operated in connection with its supported organization(s) that is not functionally integrated. The organization generally must satisfy a distribution requirement and an attentiveness requirement (see instructions). You must complete Part IV, Sections A and D, and Part V.

Check this box if the organization received a written determination from the IRS that it is a Type I, Type II, Type III functionally integrated, or Type III non-functionally integrated supporting organization.

Enter the number of supported organizations ..............

Provide the following information about the supported organization(s).

(i)Name of supported organization	(ii) EIN	(iv) Is the organization listed in your governing document?		(v) Amount of monetary support (see instructions)	(vi) Amount of other support (see instructions)
(i)Name of supported organization	(ii) EIN	Yes	No	(v) Amount of monetary support (see instructions)	(vi) Amount of other support (see instructions)


Total

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for
Form 990 or 990-EZ.

Cat. No. 11285F

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Page 2

Part II

Support Schedule for Organizations Described in Sections 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) 2011	(b) 2012	(c) 2013	(d) 2014	(e) 2015	(f) Total
1	Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any unusual grants.) ....	5,080,161	3,333,809	5,717,556	3,521,522	2,300,620	19,953,668
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	5,080,161	3,333,809	5,717,556	3,521,522	2,300,620	19,953,668
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)..						2,184,564
6	Public support. Subtract line 5 from line 4.						17,769,104

Section B. Total Support

Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in)		(a) 2011	(b) 2012	(c) 2013	(d) 2014	(e) 2015	(f) Total
7	Amounts from line 4..	5,080,161	3,333,809	5,717,556	3,521,522	2,300,620	19,953,668
8	Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources...	223,100	251,517	261,883	318,584	335,714	1,390,798
9	Net income from unrelated business activities, whether or not the business is regularly carried on..
10	Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part VI.)..	240,959	235,248	206,829	217,532	164,691	1,065,259
11	Total support. Add lines 7 through 10.						22,409,725

Gross receipts from related activities, etc. (see instructions) ..................

48,309

First five years. If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a section 501(c)(3) organization, check this box and stop here........................................ right arrow

Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage

Public support percentage for 2015 (line 6, column (f) divided by line 11, column (f)) .........

79.290 %

Public support percentage for 2014 Schedule A, Part II, line 14 ...............

79.580 %

16a

33 1/3% support test—2015. If the organization did not check the box on line 13, and line 14 is 33 1/3% or more, check this box
and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization ....................... right arrow

33 1/3% support test—2014. If the organization did not check a box on line 13 or 16a, and line 15 is 33 1/3% or more, check this
box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization ..................... right arrow

17a

10%-facts-and-circumstances test—2015. If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, or 16b, and line 14
is 10% or more, and if the organization meets the facts-and-circumstances test, check this box and stop here. Explain
in Part VI how the organization meets the "facts-and-circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported
organization ..................................................... right arrow

10%-facts-and-circumstances test—2014. If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, or 17a, and line
15 is 10% or more, and if the organization meets the "facts-and-circumstances" test, check this box and stop here.
Explain in Part VI how the organization meets the "facts-and-circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly
supported organization ................................................ right arrow

Private foundation. If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, 17a, or 17b, check this box and see
instructions ..................................................... right arrow

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Page 3

Part III

Support Schedule for Organizations Described in Section 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) 2011	(b) 2012	(c) 2013	(d) 2014	(e) 2015	(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) 2011	(b) 2012	(c) 2013	(d) 2014	(e) 2015	(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 VI.) ..
13	Total support. (Add lines 9, 10c, 11, and 12.)..

First five years. If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a section 501(c)(3) organization,
check this box and stop here............................................. right arrow

Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage

Public support percentage for 2015 (line 8, column (f) divided by line 13, column (f)) .........

Public support percentage from 2014 Schedule A, Part III, line 15 ...............

Section D. Computation of Investment Income Percentage

Investment income percentage for 2015 (line 10c, column (f) divided by line 13, column (f)) ......

Investment income percentage from 2014 Schedule A, Part III, line 17 .............

19a

331/3% support tests—2015. If the organization did not check the box on line 14, and line 15 is more than 33 1/3%, and line 17 is not more than 33 1/3%, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization ....... right arrow

33 1/3% support tests—2014. If the organization did not check a box on line 14 or line 19a, and line 16 is more than 33 1/3% and line 18 is not more than 33 1/3%, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization .... right arrow

Private foundation. If the organization did not check a box on line 14, 19a, or 19b, check this box and see instructions .... right arrow

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Page 4

Part IV

Supporting Organizations

(Complete only if you checked a box on line 11 of Part I. If you checked 11a of Part I, complete Sections A and B. If you checked 11b of Part I, complete Sections A and C. If you checked 11c of Part I, complete Sections A, D, and E. If you checked 11d of Part I, complete Sections A and D, and complete Part V.)

Section A. All Supporting Organizations

Yes

Are all of the organization’s supported organizations listed by name in the organization’s governing documents?
If "No," describe in Part VI how the supported organizations are designated. If designated by class or purpose,
describe the designation. If historic and continuing relationship, explain.

Did the organization have any supported organization that does not have an IRS determination of status under section 509(a)(1) or (2)? If "Yes," explain in Part VI how the organization determined that the supported organization was described in section 509(a)(1) or (2).

Did the organization have a supported organization described in section 501(c)(4), (5), or (6)? If "Yes," answer (b) and (c) below.

Did the organization confirm that each supported organization qualified under section 501(c)(4), (5), or (6) and satisfied the public support tests under section 509(a)(2)? If "Yes," describe in Part VI when and how the organization made the determination.

Did the organization ensure that all support to such organizations was used exclusively for section 170(c)(2)(B) purposes? If "Yes," explain in Part VI what controls the organization put in place to ensure such use.

Was any supported organization not organized in the United States ("foreign supported organization")? If “Yes” and if you checked 11a or 11b in Part I, answer (b) and (c) below.

Did the organization have ultimate control and discretion in deciding whether to make grants to the foreign supported organization? If “Yes,” describe in Part VI how the organization had such control and discretion despite being controlled or supervised by or in connection with its supported organizations.

Did the organization support any foreign supported organization that does not have an IRS determination under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1) or (2)? If “Yes,” explain in Part VI what controls the organization used to ensure that all support to the foreign supported organization was used exclusively for section 170(c)(2)(B) purposes.

Did the organization add, substitute, or remove any supported organizations during the tax year? If “Yes,” answer (b) and (c) below (if applicable). Also, provide detail in Part VI, including (i) the names and EIN numbers of the supported organizations added, substituted, or removed; (ii) the reasons for each such action; (iii) the authority under the organization's organizing document authorizing such action; and (iv) how the action was accomplished (such as by amendment to the organizing document).

Type I or Type II only. Was any added or substituted supported organization part of a class already designated in the organization's organizing document?

Substitutions only. Was the substitution the result of an event beyond the organization's control?

Did the organization provide support (whether in the form of grants or the provision of services or facilities) to anyone other than (i) its supported organizations, (ii) individuals that are part of the charitable class benefited by one or more of its supported organizations, or (iii) other supporting organizations that also support or benefit one or more of the filing organization’s supported organizations? If “Yes,” provide detail in Part VI.

Did the organization provide a grant, loan, compensation, or other similar payment to a substantial contributor (defined in section 4958(c)(3)(C)), a family member of a substantial contributor, or a 35% controlled entity with regard to a substantial contributor? If “Yes,” complete Part I of Schedule L (Form 990 or 990-EZ) .

Did the organization make a loan to a disqualified person (as defined in section 4958) not described in line 7? If “Yes,” complete Part I of Schedule L (Form 990 or 990-EZ).

Was the organization controlled directly or indirectly at any time during the tax year by one or more disqualified persons as defined in section 4946 (other than foundation managers and organizations described in section 509(a)(1) or (2))? If “Yes,” provide detail in Part VI.

Did one or more disqualified persons (as defined in line 9a) hold a controlling interest in any entity in which the supporting organization had an interest? If “Yes,” provide detail in Part VI.

Did a disqualified person (as defined in line 9a) have an ownership interest in, or derive any personal benefit from, assets in which the supporting organization also had an interest? If “Yes,” provide detail in Part VI.

10a

Was the organization subject to the excess business holdings rules of section 4943 because of section 4943(f) (regarding certain Type II supporting organizations, and all Type III non-functionally integrated supporting organizations)? If “Yes,” answer line 10b below.

10a

Did the organization have any excess business holdings in the tax year? (Use Schedule C, Form 4720, to determine whether the organization had excess business holdings).

10b

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Page 5

Part IV

Supporting Organizations (continued)

Yes

Has the organization accepted a gift or contribution from any of the following persons?

A person who directly or indirectly controls, either alone or together with persons described in (b) and (c) below, the governing body of a supported organization?

11a

A family member of a person described in (a) above?

11b

A 35% controlled entity of a person described in (a) or (b) above? If “Yes” to a, b, or c, provide detail in Part VI.

11c

Section B. Type I Supporting Organizations

Yes

Did the directors, trustees, or membership of one or more supported organizations have the power to regularly appoint or elect at least a majority of the organization’s directors or trustees at all times during the tax year? If “No,” describe in Part VI how the supported organization(s) effectively operated, supervised, or controlled the organization’s activities. If the organization had more than one supported organization, describe how the powers to appoint and/or remove directors or trustees were allocated among the supported organizations and what conditions or restrictions, if any, applied to such powers during the tax year.

Did the organization operate for the benefit of any supported organization other than the supported organization(s) that operated, supervised, or controlled the supporting organization? If “Yes,” explain in Part VI how providing such benefit carried out the purposes of the supported organization(s) that operated, supervised or controlled the supporting organization.

Section C. Type II Supporting Organizations

Yes

Were a majority of the organization’s directors or trustees during the tax year also a majority of the directors or trustees of each of the organization’s supported organization(s)? If “No,” describe in Part VI how control or management of the supporting organization was vested in the same persons that controlled or managed the supported organization(s).

Section D. All Type III Supporting Organizations

Yes

Did the organization provide to each of its supported organizations, by the last day of the fifth month of the organization’s tax year, (i) a written notice describing the type and amount of support provided during the prior tax year, (ii) a copy of the Form 990 that was most recently filed as of the date of notification, and (iii) copies of the organization’s governing documents in effect on the date of notification, to the extent not previously provided?

Were any of the organization’s officers, directors, or trustees either (i) appointed or elected by the supported organization(s) or (ii) serving on the governing body of a supported organization? If "No," explain in Part VI how the organization maintained a close and continuous working relationship with the supported organization(s).

By reason of the relationship described in (2), did the organization’s supported organizations have a significant voice in the organization’s investment policies and in directing the use of the organization’s income or assets at all times during the tax year? If "Yes," describe in Part VI the role the organization’s supported organizations played in this regard.

Section E. Type III Functionally-Integrated Supporting Organizations

Check the box next to the method that the organization used to satisfy the Integral Part Test during the year (see instructions):

The organization satisfied the Activities Test. Complete line 2 below.

The organization is the parent of each of its supported organizations. Complete line 3 below.

The organization supported a governmental entity. Describe in Part VI how you supported a government entity (see instructions)

Activities Test. Answer (a) and (b) below.

Yes

Did substantially all of the organization’s activities during the tax year directly further the exempt purposes of the supported organization(s) to which the organization was responsive? If "Yes," then in Part VI identify those supported organizations and explain how these activities directly furthered their exempt purposes, how the organization was responsive to those supported organizations, and how the organization determined that these activities constituted substantially all of its activities.

Did the activities described in (a) constitute activities that, but for the organization’s involvement, one or more of the organization’s supported organization(s) would have been engaged in? If "Yes," explain in Part VI the reasons for the organization’s position that its supported organization(s) would have engaged in these activities but for the organization’s involvement.

Parent of Supported Organizations. Answer (a) and (b) below.

Did the organization have the power to regularly appoint or elect a majority of the officers, directors, or trustees of each of the supported organizations? Provide details in Part VI.

Did the organization exercise a substantial degree of direction over the policies, programs and activities of each of its supported organizations? If "Yes," describe in Part VI. the role played by the organization in this regard.

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Page 6

Part V

Type III Non-Functionally Integrated 509(a)(3) Supporting Organizations

Check here if the organization satisfied the Integral Part Test as a qualifying trust on Nov. 20, 1970. See instructions. All other Type III non-functionally integrated supporting organizations must complete Sections A through E.

	Section A - Adjusted Net Income		(A) Prior Year	(B) Current Year (optional)
1	Net short-term capital gain	1
2	Recoveries of prior-year distributions	2
3	Other gross income (see instructions)	3
4	Add lines 1 through 3	4
5	Depreciation and depletion	5
6	Portion of operating expenses paid or incurred for production or collection of gross income or for management, conservation, or maintenance of property held for production of income (see instructions)	6
7	Other expenses (see instructions)	7
8	Adjusted Net Income (subtract lines 5, 6 and 7 from line 4)	8

	Section B - Minimum Asset Amount		(A) Prior Year	(B) Current Year (optional)
1	Aggregate fair market value of all non-exempt-use assets (see instructions for short tax year or assets held for part of year):	1
a	Average monthly value of securities	1a
b	Average monthly cash balances	1b
c	Fair market value of other non-exempt-use assets	1c
d	Total (add lines 1a, 1b, and 1c)	1d
e	Discount claimed for blockage or other factors (explain in detail in Part VI):
2	Acquisition indebtedness applicable to non-exempt use assets	2
3	Subtract line 2 from line 1d	3
4	Cash deemed held for exempt use. Enter 1-1/2% of line 3 (for greater amount, see instructions).	4
5	Net value of non-exempt-use assets (subtract line 4 from line 3)	5
6	Multiply line 5 by .035	6
7	Recoveries of prior-year distributions	7
8	Minimum Asset Amount (add line 7 to line 6)	8

	Section C - Distributable Amount		Current Year
1	Adjusted net income for prior year (from Section A, line 8, Column A)	1
2	Enter 85% of line 1	2
3	Minimum asset amount for prior year (from Section B, line 8, Column A)	3
4	Enter greater of line 2 or line 3	4
5	Income tax imposed in prior year	5
6	Distributable Amount. Subtract line 5 from line 4, unless subject to emergency temporary reduction (see instructions)	6

Check here if the current year is the organization's first as a non-functionally-integrated Type III supporting organization (see instructions)

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Page 7

Part V

Type III Non-Functionally Integrated 509(a)(3) Supporting Organizations (continued)

Section D - Distributions		Current Year
1 Amounts paid to supported organizations to accomplish exempt purposes
2 Amounts paid to perform activity that directly furthers exempt purposes of supported organizations, in excess of income from activity
3 Administrative expenses paid to accomplish exempt purposes of supported organizations
4 Amounts paid to acquire exempt-use assets
5 Qualified set-aside amounts (prior IRS approval required)
6 Other distributions (describe in Part VI). See instructions
7Total annual distributions. Add lines 1 through 6.
8 Distributions to attentive supported organizations to which the organization is responsive (provide details in Part VI). See instructions
9 Distributable amount for 2015 from Section C, line 6
10 Line 8 amount divided by Line 9 amount

Section E - Distribution Allocations (see instructions)		(i) Excess Distributions	(ii) Underdistributions Pre-2015	(iii) Distributable Amount for 2015
1 Distributable amount for 2015 from Section C, line 6
2 Underdistributions, if any, for years prior to 2015 (reasonable cause required--see instructions)
3 Excess distributions carryover, if any, to 2015:
a
b
c
d From 2013.......
e From 2014.......
fTotal of lines 3a through e
g Applied to underdistributions of prior years
h Applied to 2015 distributable amount
i Carryover from 2010 not applied (see instructions)
j Remainder. Subtract lines 3g, 3h, and 3i from 3f.
4Distributions for 2015 from Section D, line 7:
$
a Applied to underdistributions of prior years
b Applied to 2015 distributable amount
c Remainder. Subtract lines 4a and 4b from 4.
5 Remaining underdistributions for years prior to 2015, if any. Subtract lines 3g and 4a from line 2 (if amount greater than zero, see instructions)
6 Remaining underdistributions for 2015. Subtract lines 3h and 4b from line 1 (if amount greater than zero, see instructions)
7 Excess distributions carryover to 2016. Add lines 3j and 4c.
8 Breakdown of line 7:
a
b
c Excess from 2013.......
d From 2014.......
e From 2015.......

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) (2015)

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Page 8

Part VI

Supplemental Information. Provide the explanations required by Part II, line 10; Part II, line 17a or 17b; Part III, line 12; Part IV, Section A, lines 1, 2, 3b, 3c, 4b, 4c, 5a, 6, 9a, 9b, 9c, 11a, 11b, and 11c; Part IV, Section B, lines 1 and 2; Part IV, Section C, line 1; Part IV, Section D, lines 2 and 3; Part IV, Section E, lines 1c, 2a, 2b, 3a and 3b; Part V, line 1; Part V, Section B, line 1e; Part V Section D, lines 5, 6, and 8; and Part V, Section E, lines 2, 5, and 6. Also complete this part for any additional information. (See instructions).

Facts And Circumstances Test

Return Reference	Explanation

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Additional Data

Software ID:
Software Version:

- TIN:

Schedule B
(Form 990, 990-EZ,
or 990-PF)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service

Schedule of Contributors

Attach to Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF.

Information about Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.

OMB No. 1545-0047

2015

Name of the organization

BLINDED VETERANS ASSOCIATION

Employer identification number

53-0214281

Organization type (check one):

Filers of:

Section:

Form 990 or 990-EZ

501(c)( ) (enter number) organization

4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trust not treated as a private foundation

527 political organization

Form 990-PF

501(c)(3) exempt private foundation

4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trust treated as a private foundation

501(c)(3) taxable private foundation

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

For an organization filing Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF that received, during the year, contributions totaling $5,000 or more (in money or other property) from any one contributor. Complete Parts I and II. See instructions for determining a contributor's total contributions.

Special Rules

For an organization described in section 501(c)(3) filing Form 990 or 990-EZ that met the 33¹/3% support test of the regulations
under sections 509(a)(1) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi), that checked Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ), Part II, line 13, 16a, or 16b, and that received from any one contributor, during the year, total contributions of the greater of (1) $5,000 or (2) 2% of the amount on (i) Form 990, Part VIII, line 1h, or (ii) Form 990-EZ, line 1. Complete Parts I and II.

For an organization described in section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) filing Form 990 or 990-EZ that received from any one contributor,
during the year, total contributions of more than $1,000 exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes, or for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals. Complete Parts I, II, and III.

For an organization described in section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) filing Form 990 or 990-EZ that received from any one contributor,
during the year, contributions exclusively for religious, charitable, etc., purposes, but no such contributions totaled more than $1,000. If this box is checked, enter here the total contributions that were received during the year for an exclusively religious, charitable, etc., purpose. Do not complete any of the parts unless the General Rule applies to this organization because it received nonexclusively religious, charitable, etc., contributions totaling $5,000 or more during the year ......... 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 on line H of its
Form 990-EZ or on its Form 990PF, Part I, line 2, 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) (2015)

Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2015) Page 2

Name of organization BLINDED VETERANS ASSOCIATION

Part I	Contributors (see instructions). Use duplicate copies of Part I if additional space is needed.
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
RESTRICTED	,	$ RESTRICTED	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
		$	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
		$	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
		$	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
		$	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
		$	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2015)

Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2015)

Page 3

Name of organization BLINDED VETERANS ASSOCIATION		Employer identification number 53-0214281

Part II	Noncash Property (see instructions). Use duplicate copies of Part II if additional space is needed.
(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) (2015)

Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2015)

Page 4


Name of organization BLINDED VETERANS ASSOCIATION			Employer identification number 53-0214281
Part III Exclusively religious, charitable, etc., contributions to organizations described in section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) that total more than $1,000 for the year from any one contributor. 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.) $ Use duplicate copies of Part III if additional space is needed.

(a)
No.from Part I

(b) Purpose 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

(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

(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

(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) (2015)

Additional Data

Software ID:
Software Version:

- TIN:

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

Information about Schedule C (Form 990 or 990-EZ) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.

OMB No. 1545-0047

2015

Open to Public
Inspection

If the organization answered "Yes" on 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" on 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" on Form 990, Part IV, Line 5 (Proxy Tax) (see separate instructions) or Form 990-EZ, Part V, line 35c (Proxy Tax) (see separate instructions), 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.

Provide a description of the organization’s direct and indirect political campaign activities in Part IV.

Political expenditures ...................................................................................................................... SchCMd Bullet

Volunteer hours .............................................................................................................................

Part I-B

Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(3).

Enter the amount of any excise tax incurred by the organization under section 4955 ................................ SchCMd Bullet

Enter the amount of any excise tax incurred by organization managers under section 4955 ....................... SchCMd Bullet

If the organization incurred a section 4955 tax, did it file Form 4720 for this year? .........................................

Yes No

Was a correction made? ......................................................................................................................

Yes No

If "Yes," describe in Part IV.

Part I-C

Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c), except section 501(c)(3).

Enter the amount directly expended by the filing organization for section 527 exempt function activities ..... SchCMd Bullet

Enter the amount of the filing organization's funds contributed to other organizations for section 527 exempt function activities ............................................................................................................................ SchCMd Bullet

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

Did the filing organization file Form 1120-POL for this year? ...................................................................

Yes No

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-.
1
2
3
4
5
6

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.

Cat. No. 50084S

Schedule C (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

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 SchCMd Bullet

if the filing organization belongs to an affiliated group (and list in Part IV each affiliated group member's name, address, EIN, expenses, and share of excess lobbying expenditures).
B Check SchCMd Bullet

if the filing organization checked box A and "limited control" provisions apply.

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) ...........................................	22,500
c	Total lobbying expenditures (add lines 1a and 1b) .......................................................................	22,500
d	Other exempt purpose expenditures .........................................................................................	3,741,079
e	Total exempt purpose expenditures (add lines 1c and 1d) ....................................................................	3,763,579
f	Lobbying nontaxable amount. Enter the amount from the following table in both columns.	338,179
	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) ..........................................................................	84,545
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? ..............................................................................................................		Yes No

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 separate instructions for lines 2a through 2f.)
Lobbying Expenditures During 4-Year Averaging Period
	Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in)	(a) 2012	(b) 2013	(c) 2014	(d) 2015	(e) Total

2a	Lobbying nontaxable amount	418,239	374,325	377,029	338,179	1,507,772

b	Lobbying ceiling amount (150% of line 2a, column(e))					2,261,658

c	Total lobbying expenditures	40,000	40,000	40,000	22,500	142,500

d	Grassroots nontaxable amount	104,560	93,581	94,257	84,545	376,943

e	Grassroots ceiling amount (150% of line 2d, column (e))					565,415

f	Grassroots lobbying expenditures

Schedule C (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

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)).

For each "Yes" response on lines 1a through 1i below, provide in Part IV a detailed description of the lobbying activity.

(a)

Yes

(b)

Amount

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:

Volunteers? ...........................................................................................................

Paid staff or management (include compensation in expenses reported on lines 1c through 1i)? ........

Media advertisements? ...................................................................................................

Mailings to members, legislators, or the public? .............................................................................

Publications, or published or broadcast statements? ...........................................................

Grants to other organizations for lobbying purposes? ..........................................................

Direct contact with legislators, their staffs, government officials, or a legislative body? .......................

Rallies, demonstrations, seminars, conventions, speeches, lectures, or any similar means? ..................

Other activities? ...................................................................................................................

Total. Add lines 1c through 1i ....................................................................................................

Did the activities in line 1 cause the organization to be not described in section 501(c)(3)? .....

If "Yes," enter the amount of any tax incurred under section 4912 ...........................................

If "Yes," enter the amount of any tax incurred by organization managers under section 4912 ...................

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

Were substantially all (90% or more) dues received nondeductible by members? ...............................................

Did the organization make only in-house lobbying expenditures of $2,000 or less? ............................................

Did the organization agree to carry over lobbying and political expenditures from the prior year? .................................

Part III-B

Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(4), section 501(c)(5), or section 501(c)(6) and if either (a) BOTH Part III-A, lines 1 and 2, are answered "No" OR (b) Part III-A, line 3, is answered “Yes."

Dues, assessments and similar amounts from members ......................................................................

Section 162(e) nondeductible lobbying and political expenditures (do not include amounts of political expenses for which the section 527(f) tax was paid).

Current year .............................................................................................................................

Carryover from last year ............................................................................................................

Total ...........................................................................................................................................

Aggregate amount reported in section 6033(e)(1)(A) notices of nondeductible section 162(e) dues .

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? ......................................................................................................................

Taxable amount of lobbying and political expenditures (see instructions) .........................................

Part IV

Supplemental Information

Provide the descriptions required for Part l-A, line 1; Part l-B, line 4; Part l-C, line 5; Part II-A (affiliated group list); Part II-A, lines 1 and 2 (see instructions), and Part ll-B, line 1. Also, complete this part for any additional information.

Return Reference	Explanation
SCHEDULE C, PART II-A	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) 2015

Additional Data

Software ID:
Software Version:

- TIN:

SCHEDULE D
(Form 990)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service

Supplemental Financial Statements

Complete if the organization answered "Yes," on Form 990,
Part IV, line 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f, 12a, or 12b.
SchDMd Bullet

Attach to Form 990.
Information about Schedule D (Form 990) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.

OMB No. 1545-0047

2015

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" on Form 990, Part IV, line 6.

			(a) Donor advised funds	(b) Funds and other accounts

1	Total number at end of year ....
2	Aggregate value of contributions to (during year)
3	Aggregate value of grants from (during year)
4	Aggregate value at end of year ....

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? ...........

Yes No

Did the organization inform all grantees, donors, and donor advisors in writing that grant funds can 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? ............................

Yes No

Part II

Conservation Easements. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 7.

Purpose(s) of conservation easements held by the organization (check all that apply).

Preservation of land for public use (e.g., recreation or education) Preservation of an historically important land area

Protection of natural habitat Preservation of a certified historic structure

Preservation of open space

Complete lines 2a through 2d if the organization held a qualified conservation contribution in the form of a conservation easement on the last day of the tax 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, and not on a historic structure listed in the National Register ...	2d

Number of conservation easements modified, transferred, released, extinguished, or terminated by the organization during the
tax year SchDMd Bullet

Number of states where property subject to conservation easement is located SchDMd Bullet

Does the organization have a written policy regarding the periodic monitoring, inspection, handling of violations, and enforcement of the conservation easements it holds? ............

Yes No

Staff and volunteer hours devoted to monitoring, inspecting, handling of violations, and enforcing conservation easements during the year
SchDMd Bullet

Amount of expenses incurred in monitoring, inspecting, handling of violations, and enforcing conservation easements during the year
SchDMd Bullet

Does each conservation easement reported on line 2(d) above satisfy the requirements of section 170(h)(4)(B)(i) and section 170(h)(4)(B)(ii)? .............................

Yes No

In Part XIII, 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" on Form 990, Part IV, line 8.

If the organization elected, as permitted under SFAS 116 (ASC 958), 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 XIII, the text of the footnote to its financial statements that describes these items.

If the organization elected, as permitted under SFAS 116 (ASC 958), 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)

Revenue included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 1 ......................... SchDMd Bullet

(ii)

Assets included in Form 990, Part X ............................... SchDMd Bullet

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 (ASC 958) relating to these items:

Revenue included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 1 .......................... SchDMd Bullet

Assets included in Form 990, Part X ............................... SchDMd Bullet

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.

Cat. No. 52283D

Schedule D (Form 990) 2015

Page 2

Part III

Organizations Maintaining Collections of Art, Historical Treasures, or Other Similar Assets (continued)

Using the organization’s acquisition, accession, and other records, check any of the following that are a significant use of its collection items (check all that apply):

Public exhibition

Loan or exchange programs

Scholarly research

Other

Preservation for future generations

Provide a description of the organization’s collections and explain how they further the organization’s exempt purpose in
Part XIII.

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?...

Yes No

Part IV

Escrow and Custodial Arrangements. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 9, or reported an amount on Form 990, Part X, line 21.

Is the organization an agent, trustee, custodian or other intermediary for contributions or other assets not
included on Form 990, Part X? ....................................

Yes No


b	If "Yes," explain the arrangement in Part XIII 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

Did the organization include an amount on Form 990, Part X, line 21, for escrow or custodial account liability?

Yes No

If "Yes," explain the arrangement in Part XIII. Check here if the explanation has been provided in Part XIII ........

Part V

Endowment Funds. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on 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	Net investment earnings, gains, and losses
d	Grants or scholarships ...
e	Other expenditures for facilities and programs ...
f	Administrative expenses ....
g	End of year balance ......

Provide the estimated percentage of the current year end balance (line 1g, column (a)) held as:

Board designated or quasi-endowment SchDMd Bullet

Permanent endowment SchDMd Bullet

Temporarily restricted endowment SchDMd Bullet

The percentages on lines 2a, 2b, and 2c should equal 100%.

Are there endowment funds not in the possession of the organization that are held and administered for the
organization by:

Yes

(i) unrelated organizations .................

3a(i)

(ii) related organizations .................

3a(ii)

If "Yes" on 3a(ii), are the related organizations listed as required on Schedule R? .........

Describe in Part XIII the intended uses of the organization's endowment funds.

Part VI

Land, Buildings, and Equipment.
Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 11a. See Form 990, Part X, line 10.

Description of property		(a) Cost or other basis (investment)	(b)Cost or other basis (other)	(c) Accumulated depreciation	(d) Book value

1a	Land ...
b	Buildings
c	Leasehold improvements
d	Equipment ...	112,218	21,703	90,515
e	Other ...
Total. Add lines 1a through 1e. (Column (d) must equal Form 990, Part X, column (B), line 10(c).)..				90,515

Schedule D (Form 990) 2015

Page 3

Part VII

InvestmentsOther Securities. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 11b. 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
(3)Other
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
(F)
(G)
(H)
Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col. (B) line 12.)

Part VIII

InvestmentsProgram Related. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 11c. See Form 990, Part X, line 13.

(a) Description of investment	(b) Book value	(c) Method of valuation: Cost or end-of-year market value

(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 13.)

Part IX

Other Assets. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 11d. See Form 990, Part X, line 15.

(a) Description				(b) Book value

(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 15.)...........

Part X

Other Liabilities. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 11e or 11f. See Form 990, Part X, line 25.

1.(a) Description of liability	(b) Book value
(1) Federal income taxes

(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 25.)
2. Liability for uncertain tax positions. In Part XIII, 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 (ASC 740). Check here if the text of the footnote has been provided in Part XIII

Schedule D (Form 990) 2015

Page 4

Part XI Reconciliation of Revenue per Audited Financial Statements With Revenue per Return Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 12a.
1	Total revenue, gains, and other support per audited financial statements .......			1	4,752,417
2	Amounts included on line 1 but not on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12:
a	Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments ....	2a	-187,193
b	Donated services and use of facilities .........	2b	2,375,329
c	Recoveries of prior year grants ...........	2c
d	Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ............	2d	27,264
e	Add lines 2a through 2d .....................			2e	2,215,400
3	Subtract line 2e from line 1..................			3	2,537,017
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 XIII.) ...........	4b
c	Add lines 4a and 4b....................			4c	0
5	Total revenue. Add lines 3 and 4c. (This must equal Form 990, Part I, line 12.) ......			5	2,537,017

Part XII Reconciliation of Expenses per Audited Financial Statements With Expenses per Return. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 12a.
1	Total expenses and losses per audited financial statements ...........			1	6,166,174
2	Amounts included on line 1 but not on Form 990, Part IX, line 25:
a	Donated services and use of facilities .........	2a	2,375,331
b	Prior year adjustments ............	2b
c	Other losses ................	2c
d	Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ............	2d	27,264
e	Add lines 2a through 2d....................			2e	2,402,595
3	Subtract line 2e from line 1...................			3	3,763,579
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 XIII.) ............	4b
c	Add lines 4a and 4b.....................			4c	0
5	Total expenses. Add lines 3 and 4c. (This must equal Form 990, Part I, line 18.) ......			5	3,763,579

Part XIII

Supplemental Information

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, line 2; Part XI, lines 2d and 4b; and Part XII, lines 2d and 4b. Also complete this part to provide any additional information.

Return Reference	Explanation
PART X, LINE 2:	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, 2016 AND 2015. YEARS ENDING ON OR AFTER JUNE 30, 2013 REMAIN SUBJECT TO EXAMINATION BY FEDERAL AND STATE TAX AUTHORITIES.
PART XI, LINE 2D - OTHER ADJUSTMENTS:	FUNDRAISING - DIRECT EXPENSE REFLECTED ON PART VIII, LINE 8B 27,264.
PART XII, LINE 2D - OTHER ADJUSTMENTS:	FUNDRAISING - DIRECT EXPENSE REFLECTED ON PART VIII, LINE 8B 27,264.

Schedule D (Form 990) 2015

Additional Data

Software ID:
Software Version:

- TIN:

SCHEDULE G (Form 990 or 990-EZ)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service

Supplemental Information Regarding
Fundraising or Gaming Activities

Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, lines 17, 18, or 19, or if the organization entered more than $15,000 on Form 990-EZ, line 6a. right arrow

Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ.
right arrow

Information about Schedule G (Form 990 or 990-EZ) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.

OMB No. 1545-0047

2015

Open to Public Inspection

Name of the organization
BLINDED VETERANS ASSOCIATION

Employer identification number

53-0214281

Part I

Fundraising Activities. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 17.

Form 990-EZ filers are not required to complete this part.

Indicate whether the organization raised funds through any of the following activities. Check all that apply.

a	Mail solicitations	e	Solicitation of non-government grants
b	Internet and email solicitations	f	Solicitation of government grants
c	Phone solicitations	g	Special fundraising events
d	In-person solicitations

Did the organization have a written or oral agreement with any individual (including officers, directors, trustees

or key employees listed in Form 990, Part VII) or entity in connection with professional fundraising services?

YesNo

If "Yes," list the ten highest paid individuals or entities (fundraisers) pursuant to agreements under which the fundraiser is
to be compensated at least $5,000 by the organization.

(i) Name and address of individual or entity (fundraiser)		(ii) Activity	(iii) Did fundraiser have custody or control of contributions?		(iv) Gross receipts from activity	(v) Amount paid to (or retained by) fundraiser listed in col. (i)	(vi) Amount paid to (or retained by) organization
			Yes	No
	LEWIS ADVERTISING 325 EAST OLIVER STREET BALTIMORE, MD21202	DIRECT MAIL SOLICITATION		No	1,530,592	61,346	1,469,246
	THOMAS L TOBIN 2310 ARDLEIGH DRIVE CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH44106	MAJOR DONOR SOLICITATION		No	0	17,245	0
	EARL C PIKE 3064 COLERIDGE ROAD CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH44118	CORP/FOUNDATION SOLICITATION		No	0	19,379	0







Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .					1,530,592	97,970	1,469,246

List all states in which the organization is registered or licensed to solicit contributions or has been notified it is exempt from registration or licensing.

AR, AZ, CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, MN, MS, NC, ND, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, NH, MO, MI, FL

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.

Cat. No. 50083H

Schedule G (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Page 2

Part II

Fundraising Events. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 18, or reported more than $15,000 of fundraising event contributions and gross income on Form 990-EZ, lines 1 and 6b. List events with gross receipts greater than $5,000.

		(a) Event #1 GOLF TOURNAMENT (event type)	(d) Total events (add col. (a) through col. (c))
1	Gross receipts . . . . .	58,332	58,332
2	Less: Contributions . . . .	29,519	29,519
3	Gross income (line 1 minus line 2) . . . . . .	28,813	28,813

4	Cash prizes . . . . .
5	Noncash prizes . . . .
6	Rent/facility costs . . . .
7	Food and beverages . . .
8	Entertainment . . . .
9	Other direct expenses . . .	27,264	27,264
10	Direct expense summary. Add lines 4 through 9 in column (d) . . . . . . . . . .		27,264
11	Net income summary. Subtract line 10 from line 3, column (d). . . . . . . . . .		1,549

Part III

Gaming. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 19, or reported more than $15,000 on Form 990-EZ, line 6a.

		(a) Bingo	(b) Pull tabs/Instant bingo/progressive bingo	(c) Other gaming	(d) Total gaming (add col.(a) through col.(c))
1	Gross revenue . . . . .

2	Cash prizes . . . . .
3	Noncash prizes . . . .
4	Rent/facility costs . . . .
5	Other direct expenses . . .	27,264	27,264

Volunteer labor . . . .

	Yes %
	No

	Yes %
	No

	Yes %
	No

Direct expense summary. Add lines 2 through 5 in column (d) . . . . . . . . . . right arrow

Net gaming income summary. Subtract line 7 from line 1, column (d). . . . . . . . . right arrow

Enter the state(s) in which the organization conducts gaming activities:

Is the organization licensed to conduct gaming activities in each of these states? . . . . . . . .

YesNo

If "No," explain:

10a

Were any of the organization's gaming licenses revoked, suspended or terminated during the tax year? . . .

YesNo

If "Yes," explain:

Schedule G (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Page 3

Does the organization conduct gaming activities with nonmembers? . . . . . . . . . . .

YesNo

Is the organization a grantor, beneficiary or trustee of a trust or a member of a partnership or other entity

formed to administer charitable gaming? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

YesNo

Indicate the percentage of gaming activity conducted in:

The organization's facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13a

An outside facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13b

Enter the name and address of the person who prepares the organization's gaming/special events books and records:

Name

Address

15a

Does the organization have a contract with a third party from whom the organization receives gaming

revenue? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

YesNo

If "Yes," enter the amount of gaming revenue received by the organization right arrow

$ and the

amount of gaming revenue retained by the third party right arrow

$ .

If "Yes," enter name and address of the third party:

Name

Address

Gaming manager information:

Name

Gaming manager compensation right arrow

Description of services provided right arrow

Director/officer Employee Independent contractor

Mandatory distributions:

Is the organization required under state law to make charitable distributions from the gaming proceeds to

retain the state gaming license? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

YesNo

Enter the amount of distributions required under state law distributed to other exempt organizations or spent

in the organization's own exempt activities during the tax year right arrow

Part IV

Supplemental Information. Provide the explanations required by Part I, line 2b, columns (iii) and (v); and Part III, lines 9, 9b, 10b, 15b, 15c, 16, and 17b, as applicable. Also complete this part to provide any additional information (see instructions).

Return Reference	Explanation
SCHEDULE G, PART I, LINE 2B	THE TWO NEW FUNDRAISERS THIS YEAR, THOMAS L. TOBIN AND EARL C. PIKE, WERE RETAINED DURING THE FISCAL YEAR. THEIR PRIMARY FOCUS WAS ON IDENTIFYING AND CULTIVATING DONORS. THESE FUNDRAISERS WILL BRING IN REVENUE IN THE UPCOMING YEAR(S).

Schedule G (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Additional Data

Software ID:
Software Version:

- TIN:

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," on Form 990, Part IV, line 21 or 22.
lBullet

Attach to Form 990.
lBullet

Information about Schedule I (Form 990) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.

OMB No. 1545-0047

2015

Open to Public
Inspection

Name of the organization
BLINDED VETERANS ASSOCIATION

Employer identification number
53-0214281

Part I

General Information on Grants and Assistance

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? ........................

Yes No

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 Domestic Organizations and Domestic Governments. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 21, for any recipient

that received more than $5,000. Part II can be duplicated if additional space is needed.

(a) Name and address of organization or government	(b) EIN	(c) IRC 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

(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(11)
(12)

Enter total number of section 501(c)(3) and government organizations listed in the line 1 table ................. Bullet Image

Enter total number of other organizations listed in the line 1 table ........................ . Bullet Image

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.

Cat. No. 50055P

Schedule I (Form 990) 2015

Page 2

Part III

Grants and Other Assistance to Domestic Individuals. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 22.
Part III can be duplicated 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	8	13,100	CASH
(2) SERVICE AWARDS	3	550	CASH
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)

Part IV

Supplemental Information. Provide the information required in Part I, line 2, Part III, column (b), and any other additional information.

Return Reference	Explanation
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) 2015

Additional Data

Software ID:
Software Version:

- TIN:

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 990-EZ or to provide any additional information.
MediumBullet

Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.
MediumBullet

Information about Schedule O (Form 990 or 990-EZ) and its instructions is at
www.irs.gov/form990.

OMB No. 1545-0047

2015

Open to Public
Inspection

Name of the organization

BLINDED VETERANS ASSOCIATION

Employer identification number

53-0214281

Return Reference	Explanation
FORM 990, PART I, 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 AMERICA'S 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). THE STAFF AND MEMBERSHIP OF THE ORGANIZATION ARE ROLE MODELS, DEMONSTRATING THAT THE CHALLENGES OF SUBSTANTIAL VISION LOSS CAN BE OVERCOME. THE ASSOCIATION ALSO 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 130,000 AMERICAN VETERANS ARE CURRENTLY LEGALLY BLIND, AND THAT AT LEAST HALF OF THESE MEN AND WOMEN REMAIN UNAWARE OF THEIR ELIGIBILITY FOR SPECIAL SERVICES AND BENEFITS. THOUSANDS OF ADDITIONAL VETERANS BECOME BLIND OR VISUALLY IMPAIRED EVERY YEAR. BVA PROGRAMS HELP VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES MEET THE CHALLENGES OF SUBSTANTIAL VISION LOSS. 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 DUE TO AGE OR DISEASE. 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 TWO HONORARY MEMBERS THAT INCLUDE THE AUDIT COMMITTEE CHAIR. THE POSITIONS ARE HELD ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS. MEMBERS OF THE BOARD GIVE FREELY OF THEIR TIME AND RESOURCES. THEY ARE ALL MEMBERS OF BVA AND ALL MEET THE CRITERIA OF WHAT CONSTITUTES A BLINDED VETERAN AS DEFINED FOR ALL BVA MEMBERS. THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE ALSO MET BY THE NATIONAL SERGEANT-AT-ARMS AND THE NATIONAL CHAPLAIN. BOARD MEMBER TRAVEL INCLUDES ATTENDANCE AT TWO ANNUAL BOARD MEETINGS, ONE HELD AT THE ANNUAL CONVENTION LOCATION AND THE OTHER AT BVA NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS. MEMBERS OF THE BOARD ALSO CONDUCT BUSINESS USING EMAIL AND THROUGH TELEPHONE CONVERSATIONS DURING THE FISCAL YEAR. THEY ARE INVOLVED NOT ONLY AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL BUT ALSO REGIONALLY IN THEIR AREA OF RESIDENCE, HOLDING OFFICES AND ASSISTING BLINDED VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES. THIS FISCAL YEAR THE BOARD DONATED MORE THAN 8,600 TOTAL HOURS OF WORK TOWARD ASSISTING BLINDED VETERANS AND MORE THAN $2,500 IN DONATIONS AND REIMBURSABLE EXPENSES THAT WERE NOT REQUESTED FOR PAYMENT. THE NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPOINTS MANY COMMITTEES TO OVERSEE AND ADVISE THE GROUP. ALL OF THE COMMITTEE MEMBERS ARE VOLUNTEERS; SOME ARE ON THE BOARD WHILE OTHERS ARE REGULAR MEMBERS OF THE ORGANIZATION. SOME COMMITTEE MEMBERS ARE SIMPLY CONCERNED AND INTERESTED SIGHTED CITIZENS WHO WISH TO LEND A HELPING HAND. DURING THE PAST FISCAL YEAR, COMMITTEE MEMBERS WHO ARE NOT ON THE BOARD DONATED MORE THAN 100 HOURS OF VOLUNTEER TIME. BVA HAS 53 REGIONAL GROUPS IN THE UNITED STATES AND PUERTO RICO WHO OFFER EMOTIONAL SUPPORT, SOCIAL EVENTS, AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES TO VETERANS WITH SUBSTANTIAL VISION LOSS AND THEIR FAMILIES AT THE LOCAL LEVEL. REGIONAL GROUPS ALSO INFLUENCE POLICY CHANGES THAT ARE INSTITUTED BY THE ASSOCIATION. BVA NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS HAS RELOCATED TO THE OLD TOWN NEIGHBORHOOD OF ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA, ONLY A FEW MILES ACROSS THE POTOMAC RIVER TO OUR NATION'S CAPITAL AND THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) CENTRAL OFFICE IN WASHINGTON, DC.
FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4	A) FIELD SERVICE AND VOLUNTEER SERVICE PROGRAMS THE BVA FIELD SERVICE PROGRAM CONSISTS PRIMARILY OF FIVE NATIONAL FIELD SERVICE OFFICERS AND A TEAM OF VOLUNTEERS WHO ARE LEGALLY BLIND VETERANS THEMSELVES, WORKING THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES AND PUERTO RICO. THE NATIONAL FIELD SERVICE OFFICERS ARE LOCATED AT THE NATIONAL FIELD SERVICE RESOURCES CENTER IN ALEXANDRIA, VA. ACTING AS ROLE MODELS, NATIONAL FIELD SERVICE OFFICERS ASSIST BLINDED VETERANS AS THEY TAKE THE FIRST STEPS IN ADJUSTING TO BLINDNESS. THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR LINKING VETERANS WITH LOCAL SERVICES, ASSURING THAT THE NEWLY BLINDED TAKE ADVANTAGE OF VA BLIND REHABILITATION SERVICES AND ASSISTING THEM WITH THE VA BENEFIT CLAIMS PROCESS. THEY AIM TO HELP VETERANS BRING FOCUS AND DIRECTION TO THEIR LIVES BY PROVIDING INSPIRATION AND ENCOURAGEMENT. UNDERSTANDING THE COMPLEXITIES AND EMOTIONS THAT ACCOMPANY THE ONSET OF BLINDNESS, FIELD SERVICE OFFICERS 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 FIRSTHAND AS A RESULT OF THEIR OWN PERSONAL EXPERIENCES WITH BLINDNESS. DURING FY 2016, THE BVA FIELD SERVICE PROGRAM WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR 212 CLAIMS GRANTED FOR COMPENSATION AND PENSION TO VETERANS ASSISTED BY THE PROGRAM. THE PROGRAM WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR MORE THAN $2,218,118.00 IN TOTAL RETROACTIVE PAYMENTS. THE FIELD SERVICE PROGRAM TRANSFORMED THE BLIND REHABILITATION CENTER (BRC) VISITS IT CONDUCTED IN PREVIOUS YEARS INTO THE COMPREHENSIVE VETERANS CARE REVIEW PARTNERSHIP. HAVING FIELD SERVICE OFFICERS MEET WITH VA STAFF AS WELL AS VETERANS GIVES A COMPREHENSIVE OVERALL PICTURE OF THE CURRENT STATUS OF THE BRCS. THIS KNOWLEDGE ALLOWS BVA TO BETTER SPREAD BEST PRACTICES FROM ONE BRC TO ANOTHER. THIS INITIATIVE LED TO DRAMATIC IMPROVEMENTS IN SERVICES PROVIDED TO BLIND VETERANS AT SEVERAL BRC FACILITIES DURING THE CURRENT FISCAL YEAR. THE FIELD SERVICE OFFICERS WERE ABLE TO REACH AND ASSIST VETERANS OF WHOM BVA HAD NOT PREVIOUSLY BEEN AWARE. FIELD SERVICE OFFICERS HOLD EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS FOR ALL VETERANS AT THE BRCS THEY VISIT, FOLLOWED BY ONE-ON-ONE MEETINGS WITH VETERANS WHO NEED FURTHER HELP AND ADVICE. BVA PROVIDED FUNDING FOR TRAVEL THROUGH THE CATASTROPHICALLY DISABLED TRAVEL ACCESS PROGRAM (CDTAP) FOR AT LEAST 21 BLINDED VETERANS WITH LIMITED MEANS TO ATTEND VARIOUS VA BRCS ACROSS THE COUNTRY. AS AN ADDITIONAL MEANINGFUL ADJUNCT TO THE BVA FIELD SERVICE PROGRAM, THE VOLUNTEER OFFICES ARE LOCATED IN VA MEDICAL CENTERS, REGIONAL OFFICES, AND OUTPATIENT CLINICS NATIONWIDE. VOLUNTEERS ARE PEER COUNSELORS AND VOLUNTEER NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICERS (VNSOS). THE PROGRAM PROVIDES ANOTHER OUTLET FOR BLINDED VETERANS TO HELP AND SERVE ONE ANOTHER SINCE A LARGE NUMBER OF BVA VOLUNTEERS ARE BLINDED VETERANS THEMSELVES. THEY LISTEN AND SHARE IDEAS IN GROUPS, OFFER INFORMATION ON PROGRAMS AND SERVICES, ENCOURAGE BLINDED VETERANS TO ENTER REHABILITATION PROGRAMS, AND DEMONSTRATE EQUIPMENT AND AIDS USED BY THE BLIND. THEY ALSO REINFORCE THE WORK OF THE NATIONAL FIELD SERVICE OFFICER BY HELPING TO LIFT FELLOW VETERANS FROM THE DISCOURAGEMENT AND FRUSTRATION THEY OFTEN FACE. 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. A TOTAL OF 217 BVA VOLUNTEERS DONATED 16,933 HOURS OF TIME. OPERATION PEER SUPPORT (OPS), WAS ESTABLISHED IN FY 2006. OPS CONSTITUTES AN ONGOING EFFORT TO CONNECT NEWLY BLINDED VETERANS FROM IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN WITH OTHER OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF) AND OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF) SERVICE MEMBERS. IT ALSO SEEKS TO CONNECT THE NEWLY BLINDED SERVICE MEMBERS WITH BLINDED VETERANS FROM ALL WAR ERAS. THIS FISCAL YEAR, FIVE NEWLY BLINDED SERVICE MEMBERS FROM AFGHANISTAN AND IRAQ, ACCOMPANIED BY A SPOUSE OR FAMILY MEMBER, ATTENDED BVA'S 70TH NATIONAL CONVENTION IN LOUISVILLE, KY. FOUR BRITISH SOLDIERS AND TWO RETURNING BLIND VETERAN UK PARTICIPANTS ALSO ACCEPTED THE OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND THE EDUCATIONAL PEER SUPPORT MEETINGS. ALL EXPENSES OF THE NEW PARTICIPANTS WERE PAID BY BVA'S OPS PROGRAM WHILE TEN ALUMNI RETURNED TO PARTICIPATE AT THEIR OWN EXPENSE. THEY ALL FELT THAT THE PROGRAM WAS SO BENEFICIAL THAT THEY WANTED TO RETURN AND OFFER ASSISTANCE TO THE MORE RECENTLY BLINDED VETERANS. THEY ALSO CONDUCTED CAREGIVER SUPPORT TRAINING AT THE NATIONAL CONVENTION IN LOUISVILLE, KY. NEW THIS YEAR, OPERATION PEER SUPPORT EXPANDED ITS ACTIVITIES TO INCLUDE SUPPORTING AN OIF VETERAN'S PARTICIPATION IN A PARALYMPIC BLIND ARCHERY ACTIVITY IN GERMANY. THE MAJOR ROB SOLTES MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT HOSTED FOUR BLINDED AMERICAN VETERANS AND THREE BRITISH ARMY WAR-BLINDED VETERANS. FOUR MEMBERS OF OPS PARTICIPATED IN THE CALIFORNIA INTERNATIONAL MARATHON. MEMBERS CONDUCTED A TRIP TO CAPITOL HILL IN WASHINGTON, DC TO SEEK AN ADDITIONAL $5 MILLION FOR VISION RESEARCH. THEY ALSO DEPLOYED 6 MEMBERS TO THE U.S. ARMY MOUNTAIN RANGER CAMP TO TEST THEIR PHYSICAL LIMITS. OPS SUPPORTED THE ASSOCIATION FOR RESEARCH IN VISION AND OPHTHALMOLOGY (ARVO), THE LARGEST AND MOST RESPECTED EYE AND VISION RESEARCH ORGANIZATION IN THE WORLD, WITH A KEYNOTE SPEAKER WHO SPOKE ABOUT HIS PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH BLINDNESS AND TBI. THE MEMBERS OF ARVO INCLUDE NEARLY 12,000 RESEARCHERS FROM MORE THAN 75 COUNTRIES. OPS SUPPORTED 5 MEMBERS OF BVA AND THE PRESIDENT OF ARVO ON AN INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE WITH BLINDED VETERANS UNITED KINGDOM AT THE LLANDUDNO CENTRE OF BLIND VETERANS UK IN NORTHERN WALES. OPS HOSTED 6 MEMBERS OF THE BLIND VETERANS UK IN CHICAGO AT THE CENTRAL BLIND REHABILITATION CENTER IN HINES, ILLINOIS. THIS EVENT FOCUSED ON THE EXCHANGE OF IDEAS AND VIEWS REGARDING THE BEST WAYS TO SUPPORT VETERANS WHO HAVE LOST THEIR SIGHT. BVA CONTINUES TO INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS AT ALL LEVELS REGARDING THE NEEDS OF BLINDED VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES, INCLUDING THOSE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (TBI) AND SUBSEQUENT VISUAL DYSFUNCTION BY PROVIDING THE NEWS MEDIA WITH INFORMATION ON THE ISSUES SURROUNDING THESE VISION INJURIES. THESE EFFORTS HAVE RESULTED IN NEWSPAPER, RADIO AND RESEARCH ARTICLES IN VARIOUS MEDIA OUTLETS, MAKING BVA WELL KNOWN FOR ADVOCACY IN THIS AREA.
FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4B	B) PUBLIC EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION AT THE FOUNDATION OF ALL BVA COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS EFFORTS NATIONALLY IS THE BVA BULLETIN, CURRENTLY A BI-MONTHLY PERIODICAL SENT TO ALL BLINDED VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES FOR WHOM THE ASSOCIATION HAS UPDATED CONTACT INFORMATION. THE PUBLICATION IS ALSO MAILED TO DOZENS OF LIBRARIES, HEALTH CARE INSTITUTIONS, VETERANS SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS, 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 10,950 IN FY 2016. THE COMPACT DISK VERSION, WHICH IS MADE AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS ONLY, HAD AN AVERAGE CIRCULATION OF 92 FOR THE SIX ISSUES. THE PUBLICATION IS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR READING ON THE BVA WEBSITE AND BY EMAIL, UPON REQUEST, IN TWO DIFFERENT FORMATS. THE NUMBER OF BVA MEMBERS RECEIVING THE BULLETIN VIA EMAIL IS NOW APPROXIMATELY 1,500, A NUMBER NEARLY TEN TIMES GREATER THAN IN FY 2015. THE SUDDEN RISE IN EMAIL RECIPIENTS IS DUE TO A DECISION TO SEND THE BULLETIN BY EMAIL TO ALL BLINDED VETERANS FOR WHOM THE ASSOCIATION HAS AN EMAIL ADDRESS. THROUGH THE DONATED SERVICES OF NORTH AMERICAN PRECISION SYNDICATE (NAPS), BVA DISTRIBUTED A SERIES OF NEWSPAPER, RADIO, AND TV RELEASES HIGHLIGHTING ITS WORK. DURING FY 2016, BVA PRODUCED TWO 3-COLUMN NATIONAL NEWSPAPER RELEASES (800 WORDS EACH), TWO 60-SECOND NATIONAL RADIO RELEASES, FOUR 30-SECOND RADIO RELEASES, AND TWO NATIONAL TV RELEASES. ALL OF THE RELEASES PROVIDED A BRIEF COMMENT ABOUT BVA SERVICES AND GAVE BVA CONTACT INFORMATION AT THE END (TOLL-FREE NUMBER AND/OR WEBSITE URL). WHAT DIFFERED FOR EACH SET OF RELEASES, HOWEVER, WERE THE LEAD PARAGRAPHS IN THE PRINT ARTICLES AND THE INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT IN THE ELECTRONIC MEDIA RELEASES. DIFFERENT ALSO WERE A FEW ADDITIONAL PARAGRAPHS OF ENSUING ANECDOTAL MATERIAL THAT MADE UP THE STORYLINES. SUCH STORYLINES WERE: 1) AMERICAN VETERANS IN ENGLAND (PROJECT GEMINI FOR TELEVISION), 2) NEWS OF VETERANS (BLINDED VETERANS FIGHTING FOR THE BENEFITS AND SERVICES THAT THEY HAVE EARNED AS A RESULT OF THEIR SACRIFICE AND FULFILLMENT OF DUTY IN THE U.S. ARMED SERVICES FOR TWO RADIO RELEASES, ONE 30- AND ONE 60-SECOND, AND A TELEVISION RELEASE), 3) VETERANS NEWS AND NOTES (RANGER TRAINING CAMP THAT EQUALS TOUGH TRAINING IN THE MILITARY FOR RADIO), 4) HELPING BLINDED VETERANS (LEONARD SMITH OF HOUSTON, TEXAS GETTING SERVICE-CONNECTED FOR DIABETIC RETINOPATHY FOR RADIO), 5) A MARATHON EFFORT (RICHARD HUNTER, OPERATION PEER SUPPORT COMMITTEE, AND THE UNITED STATES ASSOCIATION OF BLIND ATHLETES ARRANGING GROUP PARTICIPATION AT THE CALIFORNIA INTERNATIONAL MARATHON FOR RADIO), AND 6) HOW ONE VETERAN AND HIS FAMILY FOUND SUPPORT AFTER AN INJURY (SEAN JOHNSON STORY FOR NEWSPAPER/PRINT AND RADIO). IF BVA HAD PURCHASED THE MEDIA TIME AND SPACE FOR THE NAPS RELEASES AIRED/PRINTED IN FY 2016, THE TOTAL COST WOULD HAVE BEEN $2,162,354. ALL BVA NAPS RELEASES-PRINT, RADIO, AND TELEVISION-ARE NOW ACCESSIBLE ONLINE AND CAN BE DOWNLOADED. BVA OWNS THE MATERIAL OUTRIGHT. THEREFORE, ANY EDITOR OR PRODUCER CAN DOWNLOAD AND PLACE THE RELEASES AT WILL, AS CAN ANY INDIVIDUAL OR ORGANIZATION FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC. BVA MEMBERS CAN PETITION THEIR LOCAL STATION OR NEWSPAPER TO RUN A NAPS RELEASE BY FURNISHING THE STATION WITH THE APPROPRIATE INTERNET LINK, OR BY REQUESTING THAT BVA NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS SEND THE RELEASE TO THE NEWSPAPER, RADIO STATION, OR TELEVISION STATION IN QUESTION. IF A RADIO STATION WOULD PREFER TO READ THE SCRIPT OF THE RELEASE RATHER THAN USE THE AUDIO VERSION, THE SCRIPT CAN BE PROVIDED IN PDF FORMAT, VIA EMAIL, BY FAX, OR USING THE U.S. POSTAL MAIL. BVA UTILIZES ONE MAJOR BROCHURE IN SPREADING ITS MESSAGE TO THE ORGANIZATION'S STAKEHOLDERS. IN JUNE 2015 BVA PRODUCED 6,000 COPIES OF A NEW MULTI-PURPOSE COLOR BROCHURE WITH THE FOLLOWING TEXT HIGHLIGHTING THE COVER: EMPOWERING THROUGH ACCESS TO LEAVE NO BLINDED VETERAN BEHIND. THE TWO PREVIOUSLY EMPLOYED BROCHURES, ONE DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR MEMBERSHIP AND THE OTHER FOR OTHER PUBLIC RELATIONS/MARKETING PURPOSES, BECAME OUTDATED IN 2013. IT WAS DISCONTINUED ENTIRELY IN DECEMBER 2014 WITH BVA'S MOVE TO A NEW PHYSICAL LOCATION. BECAUSE OF THE DEMAND FOR THE BROCHURES FOR WHITE CANE AWARENESS DAY AND OTHER AUTUMN ACTIVITIES, IT WAS NECESSARY FOR BVA TO DO A SECOND PRINTING OF THE BROCHURE, INCLUDING A LIMITED NUMBER OF IMPROVEMENTS IN THE TEXT AND ART. THE AMOUNT OF THE SECOND PRINTING WAS ONCE AGAIN 6,000, COMPLETED IN DECEMBER 2015. THE TEXT OF THE NEW BROCHURE IS IN LARGE PRINT. THERE ARE 25 CONTEMPORARY ARTISTIC IMAGES, INCLUDING BVA'S NEW LOGO AND A NEWLY DESIGNED VERSION OF THE ASSOCIATION'S EMBLEM. THE BVA WEBSITE RECOVERED FROM THE SLIGHT DOWNTURN IN TOTAL VISITORS IN FY 2015 FOR FY 2016. THERE WAS A 70.1 PERCENT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF UNIQUE VISITORS, THROUGHOUT THE FISCAL YEAR. BVA.ORG EXPERIENCED AN AVERAGE INCREASE OF 230.6 PERCENT IN THE NUMBER OF PAGE VIEWS, A 108.2 PERCENT INCREASE IN THE DURATION OF AN AVERAGE SESSION, AND AN 87.2 PERCENT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF SESSIONS. A DISPROPORTIONATELY LARGE MAJORITY OF THE VISITS ORIGINATED THROUGH THE GOOGLE SEARCH ENGINE. OTHER SEARCH ENGINES CONTRIBUTED TO THE EFFORT MORE THAN EVER WITH A 181.8 PERCENT INCREASE THE BING SEARCH ENGINE, AND 122.6 PERCENT INCREASE IN THE YAHOO SEARCH ENGINE, BUT STILL TO A LESSER EXTENT THAN DID GOOGLE. BVA.ORG HOWEVER EXPERIENCED A SLIGHT DECREASE IN THE NUMBER OF NEW FIRST TIME BROWSER SESSIONS. THE BVA SITE IS A CONSTANT WORK IN PROGRESS THAT HAS MADE CONSISTENT IMPROVEMENTS BUT WHICH HAS CONSIDERABLE WORK AHEAD IN ORDER TO HELP THE ORGANIZATION FULFILL ITS MISSION IN THE 21ST CENTURY. BVA MAINTAINS SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS ON MAJOR SITES SUCH AS FACEBOOK, TWITTER, AND YOUTUBE. OVER THE PAST YEARS, BVA HAS ATTRACTED A LARGE FOLLOWING AND CURRENTLY COMMANDS A SOCIAL MEDIA AUDIENCE OF MORE THAN 9,000 FOLLOWERS, A 66.7 PERCENT INCREASE COMPARED TO FY 2015. BVA USES THESE RESOURCES TO SPREAD INFORMATION TO ITS FOLLOWERS ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION'S ACTIVITIES AND RECENT LEGISLATIVE NEWS, AND TO EDUCATE THEM ABOUT ISSUES FACING BLINDED VETERANS. SOCIAL MEDIA IS ALSO INSTRUMENTAL IN COORDINATING WITH PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS AND EDUCATING BVA FOLLOWERS ABOUT THE HELPFUL RESOURCES AVAILABLE. BVA ALLOCATES A PORTION OF ITS DIRECT MARKETING EXPENSES TO PUBLIC EDUCATION, AND MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL ACCORDING TO AICPA STATEMENT OF POSITION 98-2 (SOP 98-2), ACCOUNTING FOR COSTS OF ACTIVITIES OF NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS AND STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES THAT INCLUDE FUNDRAISING, NOW CODIFIED IN FASB ACCOUNTING STANDARDS CODIFICATION 958-720, NOT-FOR-PROFIT ENTITIES-OTHER EXPENSES (ASC 958-720). BVA UNDERTAKES A PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS OF ITS ACTIVITIES TO DETERMINE IF THE PURPOSE, AUDIENCE, AND CONTENT CRITERIA ARE MET AND, IF SO, APPLIES A SYSTEMATIC, RATIONAL JOINT COST ALLOCATION METHODOLOGY. BVA MAKES ITS FINANCIAL INFORMATION AVAILABLE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND WATCHDOG AGENCIES. BVA ADHERES TO THE REQUIREMENTS SET FORTH BY THE COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN (#10513), THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU WISE GIVING ALLIANCE, AND GUIDESTAR.ORG. BVA IS PROUD TO DISPLAY ITS SEAL AWARDED BY THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU (BBB) AS AN ACCREDITED CHARITY. AT THE ANNUAL CONVENTION, BVA PRESENTS AWARDS AND CERTIFICATES TO HONOR INDIVIDUALS FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS. THE MAJOR GENERAL MELVIN J. MAAS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD IS PRESENTED TO A VETERAN WITH SERVICE-CONNECTED BLINDNESS THAT PROVES HIMSELF/HERSELF OUTSTANDING IN EMPLOYMENT PERFORMANCE AND ADJUSTMENT TO DAILY LIVING. THE DAVID L. SCHNAIR AWARD IS PRESENTED TO A VOLUNTEER FOR HIS/HER OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE BVA VOLUNTEER PROGRAM. 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. A CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION IS TO RECOGNIZE INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS, AND EMPLOYERS WHO HAVE PROVIDED OUTSTANDING SERVICES TO BLINDED VETERANS AND/OR TO BVA AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL. IN FYE 2016, AT THE NATIONAL CONVENTION IN LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY, THE MAAS, DIENER, AND SCHNAIR AWARDS WERE REWARDED TO BVA MEMBERS AND ONE CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION WAS PRESENTED TO A DESERVING INDIVIDUAL. AT THE ANNUAL CONVENTION, EDUCATION SESSIONS INCLUDED THE FOLLOWING TOPICS: VOLUNTEER SERVICE OFFICER TRAINING, SMART PHONE BASICS, MOBILE PHONE FUNDAMENTALITY, WAY FINDING AND GPS, CONSUMER FINANCE & PROTECTION AND TOASTMASTERS. THE NATIONAL CONVENIENT HOSTS 50 EXHIBITORS WHO OFFER PRODUCT DEMONSTRATIONS AND INFORMATION ABOUT PROGRAMS AND SERVICES FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED COMMUNITY. THE EXHIBIT HALL IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AND INVITATIONS ARE EXTENDED TO THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED SERVICES COMMUNITY.
FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4C	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 MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO PRESENT TESTIMONY BEFORE BOTH THE HOUSE AND SENATE COMMITTEES ON VETERANS AFFAIRS IN ORDER 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, THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE (DOD), THE WHITE HOUSE, AND VA OFFICIALS TO INFORM AND EDUCATE THEM REGARDING THE UNIQUE AND SPECIFIC NEEDS OF BLINDED AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED VETERANS ACROSS OUR NATION. BVA'S EDUCATIONAL EFFORTS SEEK TO ENHANCE THE SPECIALIZED REHABILITATION PROGRAMS THAT ARE PROVIDED BY VA. THE GOAL OF THESE PROGRAMS IS TO ASSIST BLINDED VETERANS IN THE ACCEPTANCE OF AND ADJUSTMENT TO VISION LOSS AND TO HELP THEM ACQUIRE THE ADAPTIVE SKILLS NECESSARY TO BE SUCCESSFULLY REINTEGRATED INTO THEIR FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES. BVA CONTINUES ITS EFFORTS TO EDUCATE FEDERAL AGENCY STAFFERS AND LEGISLATORS. THESE EFFORTS HAD A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT DURING THE FISCAL YEAR. BVA SENT A LETTER TO THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS AND KEY LEADERS THROUGHOUT HIS DEPARTMENT, SETTING FORTH THE PRIORITY CONCERNS OF BLINDED VETERANS WITH REGARD TO THE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE VA. COPIES OF THIS LETTER WERE ALSO SENT TO MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE AND SENATE COMMITTEES ON VETERANS AFFAIRS AND THE WHITE HOUSE. SEVERAL MEETINGS WERE HELD THROUGHOUT THE YEAR WITH THE VA SECRETARY, AS WELL AS KEY CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE STAFFERS TO DISCUSS ISSUES OUTLINED IN THE LETTER IN GREATER DETAIL. ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATIVES ALSO MET FREQUENTLY WITH OTHER VETERANS SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS, DISABILITY ADVOCACY ASSOCIATIONS, AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM VA AND DOD. BVA'S NATIONAL PRESIDENT PRESENTED HIS ANNUAL TESTIMONY IN MARCH BEFORE A JOINT SESSION OF THE HOUSE AND SENATE VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEES. ADDITIONAL MEETINGS WITH VARIOUS CONGRESSIONAL OFFICES AND STAFFERS FOR SEVERAL COMMITTEES WERE ATTENDED BY BVA STAFF IN AN EFFORT TO ACTIVELY MONITOR AND SUPPORT THE WIDE RANGE OF LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS UNDER CONSIDERATION BY CONGRESS THAT COULD IMPACT VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES. LEGISLATIVE UPDATES WERE SENT SEVERAL TIMES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR BY EMAIL TO MEMBERS OF THE BVA BOARD, STAFF, OFFICERS OF REGIONAL GROUPS AND OTHER INTERESTED MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF BVA. BVA, IN CONCERT WITH OTHER MAJOR VSOS, PROVIDED BACKGROUND INFORMATION TO SUPPORT AN INCREASE IN THE VHA BUDGET AS PART OF THE FY 2016-FY 2017 ADVANCED APPROPRIATIONS IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT THE VA HAS THE RESOURCES NEEDED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF VETERANS. BVA CONTINUED TO MONITOR DOD'S IMPLEMENTATION OF THE VISION CENTER OF EXCELLENCE (VCE) AND DEFENSE VETERANS EYE INJURY VISION REGISTRY (DVEIVR). BVA STAFF MET WITH SENIOR VCE STAFF MEMBERS IN JUNE AND THE DIRECTOR, PENNY WALTERS, PROVIDED AN UPDATE TO THE BVA BOARD IN AUGUST. BVA CONTINUES TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT THE NEEDS OF AN INCREASING POPULATION OF OIF AND OEF VETERANS WITH TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY VISUAL SYSTEM DYSFUNCTION TO ENSURE THAT SCREENING, DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, AND VISION RESEARCH ARE FUNDED. WORKING WITH THE NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR EYE AND VISION RESEARCH (NAEVR), BVA ATTENDED MEETINGS WITH KEY CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND KEY BUDGET STAFF WITH THE GOAL OF INCREASING FUNDING FOR THE CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED MEDICAL RESEARCH PROGRAM FOR VISION. BVA CONTINUES TO ADVOCATE FOR ALTERNATIVE DEFENSE TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (TBI) VISION RESEARCH PROGRAMS, SECURING $10 MILLION IN 2016 FOR VISION TRAUMA RESEARCH PROGRAMS (VTRP) AND REQUESTING AN INCREASE TO $15 MILLION IN FY 2017 DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR VTRP. BVA CONTINUES TO MONITOR THE WAITING TIMES, LENGTH OF STAYS, AND STAFFING FOR THE 13 EXISTING VA BLIND REHABILITATION CENTERS TO ENSURE THAT VETERANS HAVE ADEQUATE OPPORTUNITIES TO OBTAIN THE REHABILITATION TRAINING THEY NEED. BVA HAS ALSO BEEN ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN SPECIAL WORK GROUPS ESTABLISHED BY VA PROSTHETICS & SENSORY AIDS SERVICE (PSAS) TO DEVELOP RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVING THE DISTRIBUTION AND DELIVERY OF PROSTHETIC APPLIANCES TO BLINDED VETERANS. BVA WORKED TO HAVE THE BENEFICIARY TRAVEL SECTION OF THE U.S. CODE REVISED TO EXPAND ELIGIBILITY FOR TRAVEL BENEFITS COVERING THE COST OF TRAVEL TO ONE OF THE 13 REGIONAL BLIND REHABILITATION CENTERS TO ADDITIONAL VETERANS WHO HAVE CATASTROPHIC DISABILITIES, BUT WHO ARE CURRENTLY NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THIS BENEFIT. OUR GOAL IS TO ENSURE THAT VETERANS WHO NEED REHABILITATION TRAINING CAN RECEIVE SUCH SERVICES AT THE BLIND REHABILITATION CENTERS AND NOT BE PREVENTED FROM DOING SO BY THE FINANCIAL BARRIER CREATED BY THE COST OF TRAVEL TO AND FROM A CENTER. LEGISLATION TO MAKE THIS CHANGE WAS INTRODUCED IN BOTH THE HOUSE AND THE SENATE VETERANS AFFAIRS COMMITTEES. BVA ALSO HELD SEVERAL MEETINGS WITH VA STAFF IN THE VETERANS TRAVEL PROGRAM OFFICE TO DISCUSS THE POSSIBILITY OF NON-LEGISLATIVE MEANS OF ADDRESSING THIS ISSUE. PURSUIT OF BOTH LEGISLATIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SOLUTIONS TO THIS MATTER WILL BE CARRIED ON INTO THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR. BVA CONTINUES TO ADVOCATE FOR VA TO COMPLY MORE FULLY WITH SECTION 508 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT BY MAKING ALL ELECTRONIC INFORMATION DISTRIBUTED BY THE VA AND IT SYSTEMS USED BY THE VA MORE COMPLIANT WITH ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS ISSUED BY THE U.S. ACCESS BOARD AND ENTITIES SUCH AS THE WORLDWIDE WEB CONSORTIUM. BVA LEADERS MET WITH THE VA ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TO EDUCATE HER AND HER STAFF ABOUT PARTICULAR AREAS IN NEED OF ATTENTION. WE MAINTAINED FREQUENT CONTACT WITH THE VA SECTION 508 COMPLIANCE OFFICE TO OBTAIN REPORTS ON THE DEPARTMENT'S PROGRESS AND NOTIFY THEM OF PROBLEMS WE HEAR ABOUT FROM VA EMPLOYEES AND VETERANS ACROSS THE COUNTRY. BVA JOINED WITH OTHER VETERANS SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS IN A NUMBER OF PARTNERSHIPS AIMED AT EDUCATING THE PUBLIC ABOUT NEEDS OF VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES, AS WELL AS EDUCATING VETERANS ABOUT BENEFITS AND SERVICES THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO THEM. BVA ALSO PARTICIPATES WITH OTHER BLINDNESS ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS IN MEETINGS OF THE LEGISLATIVE WORKING GROUP (LWG) TO ASSURE THAT ALL BLINDED INDIVIDUALS RECEIVE THE SERVICES AND ACCOMMODATIONS THEY DESERVE. BVA CONTINUES TO INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS AT ALL LEVELS REGARDING THE NEEDS OF BLINDED VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES, INCLUDING THOSE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY AND SUBSEQUENT VISUAL DYSFUNCTION. THIS OCCURS BY PROVIDING THE NEWS MEDIA WITH INFORMATION ON THE ISSUES SURROUNDING THESE VISION INJURIES. AS PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED, THESE EFFORTS HAVE RESULTED IN NEWSPAPER, RADIO, RESEARCH ARTICLES IN VARIOUS MEDIA OUTLETS, MAKING BVA WELL KNOWN FOR ADVOCACY IN THIS AREA.
FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4C	D) MEMBERSHIP BVA IS A MEMBERSHIP-DRIVEN ORGANIZATION. MEMBERSHIP IN BVA CONSTITUTES MEMBERSHIP IN THE NATIONAL ORGANIZATION AS WELL AS IN A LOCAL REGIONAL GROUP. IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO BE A MEMBER TO BENEFIT FROM THE SERVICES BVA PROVIDES. IN FACT, BVA OFFERS THE CHOICE OF THE DIGITAL OR PRINT VERSION OF THE QUARTERLY BVA BULLETIN TO ANY BLINDED VETERAN REGARDLESS OF MEMBERSHIP STATUS. THE BVA BULLETIN IS A VALUABLE RESOURCE THAT BLINDED VETERANS FIND USEFUL IN ORDER TO KEEP ABREAST OF RELEVANT INFORMATION. BVA LOCAL STRUCTURE IS CONDUCTED THROUGH THE 53 REGIONAL GROUPS WHERE BVA PROVIDES MEMBERS THE OPPORTUNITIES TO MEET NEW PEOPLE FACING SIMILAR CHALLENGES, TO ESTABLISH FRIENDSHIPS, AND TO 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. DURING FY 2016 THE NEW MEMBERSHIP DATABASE IMIS CONTINUED TO ENHANCE MEMBERSHIP MANAGEMENT. 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 32ND YEAR. THE SCHOLARSHIPS ARE OPEN TO A DEPENDENT CHILD, GRANDCHILD, OR SPOUSE OF A BLINDED VETERAN OR AN ACTIVE-DUTY BLINDED SERVICE MEMBER OF THE U.S. ARMED FORCES. THE BLINDNESS MAY BE EITHER SERVICE-CONNECTED OR NONSERVICE-CONNECTED. FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2015-16, THERE WERE SIX SCHOLARSHIPS OF $2,000 EACH. THE THOMAS H. MILLER SCHOLARSHIP HAS COMPLETED ITS 4TH YEAR, ANNUALLY AWARDING ONE SCHOLARSHIP OF $1,000. THE GUIDELINES ARE THE SAME AS THOSE ESTABLISHED FOR THE KATHERN F. GRUBER SCHOLARSHIP BUT WITH ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATION TOWARD MUSIC AND FINE ARTS STUDENTS WHEN POSSIBLE AND APPLICABLE.
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 VOTE TO APPROVE ISSUES AND AMENDMENTS THAT ARISE REGARDING RULES, BYLAWS, RESOLUTIONS, AND REPORTS PRESENTED TO 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.
FORM 990, PART IX, LINE 11G	BUILDING MAINTANANCE: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 1,409. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 5,187. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 0. TOTAL EXPENSES 6,596. BULLETIN: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 55,935. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 0. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 0. TOTAL EXPENSES 55,935. PRINTING: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 59,578. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 13,679. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 42,096. TOTAL EXPENSES 115,353. PROFESSIONAL FEES: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 33,571. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 5,239. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 4,963. TOTAL EXPENSES 43,773. PUBLIC RELATIONS: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 25,196. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 0. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 0. TOTAL EXPENSES 25,196. WEB DESIGN: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 910. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 13,603. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 0. TOTAL EXPENSES 14,513. DIRECT MAIL DATA PROCESSING: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 105,221. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 1,701. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 67,508. TOTAL EXPENSES 174,430. DIRECT MAIL DONOR PROCESSING: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 28,617. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 463. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 18,360. TOTAL EXPENSES 47,440. DIRECT MAIL LIST RENTAL: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 31,492. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 509. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 20,204. TOTAL EXPENSES 52,205. DIRECT MAIL PACKAGE AND SHIPPING: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 278,968. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 4,510. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 178,980. TOTAL EXPENSES 462,458. DIRECT MAIL PRODUCTION COST: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 18,591. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 301. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 11,928. TOTAL EXPENSES 30,820. EDUCATION DATA PROCESSING: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 11,806. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 0. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 0. TOTAL EXPENSES 11,806. EDUCATION CREATIVE: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 5,875. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 0. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 0. TOTAL EXPENSES 5,875. MD DATA PROCESSING: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 0. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 0. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 6,499. TOTAL EXPENSES 6,499. MD CREATIVE: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 0. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 0. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 5,320. TOTAL EXPENSES 5,320. PG DATA PROCESSING: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 0. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 0. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 2,544. TOTAL EXPENSES 2,544. PG CREATIVE: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 0. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 0. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 2,300. TOTAL EXPENSES 2,300.
FORM 990, PART XII, LINE 2C	THE REVIEW PROCESS HAS NOT CHANGED FROM PREVIOUS YEARS.

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.

Cat. No. 51056K

Schedule O (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Additional Data

Software ID:
Software Version:

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
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 2015 (Part V, line 2a) ......	5	44
6	Total number of volunteers (estimate if necessary) .............	6	364
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

		Prior Year	Current Year
8	Contributions and grants (Part VIII, line 1h) .........	3,461,073	2,221,653
9	Program service revenue (Part VIII, line 2g) .........	0	0
10	Investment income (Part VIII, column (A), lines 3, 4, and 7d ) ....	3,963,970	82,709
11	Other revenue (Part VIII, column (A), lines 5, 6d, 8c, 9c, 10c, and 11e)	325,850	232,655
12	Total revenue—add lines 8 through 11 (must equal Part VIII, column (A), line 12)	7,750,893	2,537,017
13	Grants and similar amounts paid (Part IX, column (A), lines 1–3 )...	13,550	13,650
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)	1,565,344	1,533,671
16a	Professional fundraising fees (Part IX, column (A), line 11e) .....	19,600	97,970
b	Total fundraising expenses (Part IX, column (D), line 25) 724,623
17	Other expenses (Part IX, column (A), lines 11a–11d, 11f–24e)....	2,942,082	2,118,288
18	Total expenses. Add lines 13–17 (must equal Part IX, column (A), line 25)	4,540,576	3,763,579
19	Revenue less expenses. Subtract line 18 from line 12.......	3,210,317	-1,226,562
		Beginning of Current Year	End of Year
20	Total assets (Part X, line 16).............	14,387,609	12,929,630
21	Total liabilities (Part X, line 26).............	331,241	287,017
22	Net assets or fund balances. Subtract line 21 from line 20.....	14,056,368	12,642,613

Sign Here

	Signature of officer	Date

	Type or print name and title


4a	(Code: ) (Expenses $ 1,380,807 including grants of $ ) (Revenue $ )
	FIELD SERVICE AND VOLUNTEER SERVICE PROGRAMSSEE SCHEDULE O

4b	(Code: ) (Expenses $ 1,101,328 including grants of $ ) (Revenue $ )
	PUBLIC EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATIONSEE SCHEDULE O

4c	(Code: ) (Expenses $ 196,041 including grants of $ ) (Revenue $ )
	ADVOCACYSEE SCHEDULE O

	(Code: ) (Expenses $ 272,411 including grants of $ 13,650 ) (Revenue $ )
	MEMBERSHIP AND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

4d	Other program services (Describe in Schedule O.)
	(Expenses $ 272,411 including grants of $ 13,650 ) (Revenue $ )
4e	Total program service expenses2,950,587

1b	Sub-Total................
c	Total from continuation sheets to Part VII, Section A....
d	Total (add lines 1b and 1c)...........	353,170	0	19,336

(A) Name and business address	(B) Description of services	(C) Compensation
SABA 7311 GROVE ROAD UNIT G FREDERICK,MD21704	PRINTING AND MAILING	146,481




2 Total number of independent contractors (including but not limited to those listed above) who received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization 1

1a	Federated campaigns..		1a	11,017
b	Membership dues..		1b	16,055
c	Fundraising events..		1c	29,519
d	Related organizations		1d
e	Government grants (contributions)		1e

f	All other contributions, gifts, grants, and similar amounts not included above		1f	2,165,062

g	Noncash contributions included in lines 1a-1f:$ 24,817
h Total.Add lines 1a-1f.......		2,221,653

		Business Code
2a
b
c
d
e
f	All other program service revenue.
g Total.Add lines 2a–2f.....

3 Investment income (including dividends, interest, and othersimilar amounts) ..........			335,714			335,714
4 Income from investment of tax-exempt bond proceeds
5 Royalties...........
		(ii) Personal	(i) Real
6a	Gross rents
b	Less: rental expenses
c	Rental income or (loss)
d	Net rental income or (loss)......
		(ii) Other	(i) Securities
7a	Gross amount from sales of assets other than inventory		3,376,372
b	Less: cost or other basis and sales expenses		3,629,377
c	Gain or (loss)		-253,005
d	Net gain or (loss).....			-253,005			-253,005
8a	Gross income from fundraising events (not including $ 29,519of contributions reported on line 1c). See Part IV, line 18 ....
	a		28,813
b	Less: direct expenses ...b		27,264
c	Net income or (loss) from fundraising events..			1,549			1,549
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..
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..
Business Code			Miscellaneous Revenue
11a	MAILING LIST RENTAL TO OTHER 501(		900099	155,516			155,516
b	CONVENTION & RELATED		900099	66,415			66,415
c
d	All other revenue ....			9,175			9,175
e	Total. Add lines 11a–11d ......			231,106
12	Total revenue. See Instructions......			2,537,017	0	0	315,364

1	Grants and other assistance to domestic organizations and domestic governments. See Part IV, line 21
2	Grants and other assistance to individuals in the United States. See Part IV, line 22	13,650	13,650
3	Grants and other assistance to governments, organizations, and individuals outside the United States. See Part IV, lines 15 and 16
4	Benefits paid to or for members
5	Compensation of current officers, directors, trustees, and key employees ....	361,783	72,822	282,681	6,280
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	824,785	560,716	216,397	47,672
8	Pension plan accruals and contributions (include section 401(k) and 403(b) employer contributions) ....	2,855	1,467	1,126	262
9	Other employee benefits .......	232,251	145,319	53,419	33,513
10	Payroll taxes ...........	111,997	64,902	43,935	3,160
11	Fees for services (non-employees):
a	Management ......
b	Legal .........	16,933	1,348	15,585
c	Accounting ...........	50,445		50,445
d	Lobbying ...........
e	Professional fundraising services. See Part IV, line 17	97,970			97,970
f	Investment management fees ......
g	Other (If line 11g amount exceeds 10% of line 25, column (A) amount, list line 11g expenses on Schedule O)	1,063,063	657,169	45,192	360,702
12	Advertising and promotion ....
13	Office expenses .......	506,660	277,008	77,851	151,801
14	Information technology ......	70,669	15,453	54,386	830
15	Royalties ..
16	Occupancy ...........	136,674		136,674
17	Travel ............	136,986	86,818	48,751	1,417
18	Payments of travel or entertainment expenses for any federal, state, or local public officials .
19	Conferences, conventions, and meetings ....	24,838	19,999	4,659	180
20	Interest ...........
21	Payments to affiliates .......	80,474	80,474
22	Depreciation, depletion, and amortization ..	19,118		19,118
23	Insurance ...	12,428		12,428
24	Other expenses. Itemize expenses not covered above (List miscellaneous expenses in line 24e. If line 24e amount exceeds 10% of line 25, column (A) amount, list line 24e expenses on Schedule O.)
a	SEE SCH. O: ALLOC. OF I	0	953,442	-974,278	20,836
b
c
d
e	All other expenses
25	Total functional expenses. Add lines 1 through 24e	3,763,579	2,950,587	88,369	724,623
26	Joint costs. Complete this line only if the organization reported in column (B) joint costs from a combined educational campaign and fundraising solicitation. Check here if following SOP 98-2 (ASC 958-720).	1,084,041	653,925	10,572	419,544

1	Cash–non-interest-bearing ........			657,980	1	1,089,594
2	Savings and temporary cash investments .........			144	2
3	Pledges and grants receivable, net ......			669,517	3	242,828
4	Accounts receivable, net .............			34,977	4	6,217
5	Loans and other receivables from current and former officers, directors, trustees, key employees, and highest compensated employees. Complete Part II of Schedule L
					5
6	Loans and other receivables from other disqualified persons (as defined under section 4958(f)(1)), persons described in section 4958(c)(3)(B), and contributing employers and sponsoring organizations of section 501(c)(9) voluntary employees' beneficiary organizations (see instructions) Complete Part II of Schedule L
					6
7	Notes and loans receivable, net ....				7
8	Inventories for sale or use ........			3,086	8	2,276
9	Prepaid expenses and deferred charges ......			76,298	9	218,155
10a	Land, buildings, and equipment: cost or other basis. Complete Part VI of Schedule D	10a	112,218
b	Less: accumulated depreciation	10b	21,703	87,928	10c	90,515
11	Investments—publicly traded securities .			12,857,679	11	11,280,045
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)...			14,387,609	16	12,929,630

17	Accounts payable and accrued expenses .....	331,241	17	287,017
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	Loans and other 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 (including federal income tax, payables to related third parties, and other liabilities not included on lines 17-24). Complete Part X of Schedule D		25
26	Total liabilities. Add lines 17 through 25..	331,241	26	287,017

	Organizations that follow SFAS 117 (ASC 958), check here and complete lines 27 through 29, and lines 33 and 34.
27	Unrestricted net assets	13,713,985	27	12,396,936
28	Temporarily restricted net assets ...........	342,383	28	245,677
29	Permanently restricted net assets		29
	Organizations that do not follow SFAS 117 (ASC 958), check here 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 ...........	14,056,368	33	12,642,613
34	Total liabilities and net assets/fund balances ........	14,387,609	34	12,929,630