Al Sharpton’s ACORN wannabe group in financial trouble

The payroll tax-related debt has been growing for years. Tax returns show the figure was $1,553,833 in 2005, $1,255,218 in 2004, and $939,300 in 2003.

It also seems NAN’s financial problems have forced Sharpton to forego his salary as president and chief executive. Tax returns show he was paid a salary of $90,000 in 1999, and of $93,636 in 2003 and again in 2004. In 2005 his salary dropped to $72,036 and the next year it plunged to $4,860. He received a salary of zero in 2007.

NAN is classified by the IRS as a tax-exempt 501(c)(4) advocacy organization. Donations to it and not tax-deductible and it generally does not have to disclose its donors.

Information on grants made to NAN by foundations is hard to come by. The group reported in its 1998 tax return receiving $1,352,600 in grants from 1995 through 1998.

The largest single grant on record grant came from the Altus One Fund ($100,000 in 2007). Other grants appearing in philanthropy databases came from Kiss Kares Fund ($10,000 since 2004), Charles Cohn Foundation ($3,000 in 2005), Brackthorn Foundation ($2000 in 2001), and IFF Hummingbird Foundation ($270 in 2003).

Sponsors of last year’s NAN convention included Colgate-Palmolive, Comcast, Home Depot, National Education Association, and the Service Employees International Union.

This year a sponsor can spend $100,000 to become a “Justice Partner.” On-site benefits include the opportunity to address the convention and to host an exhibit booth.