Keeping a Close Eye on VVA's Finances

BY Dottie Barickman, TREASURER

We have completed the first month of budget-to-actual reporting for fiscal year 2027. Our enhanced reporting structure is giving officers a clearer picture of where we need to focus and helping strengthen communication with our cost centers.

Monthly Officer Forecast reports will help guide VVA’s financial planning by giving us an updated view of revenue, expenses, and potential concerns. Officers, managers, and volunteers all play essential roles in the stewardship of VVA’s finances, and their active engagement is critical to sound fiscal management.

Fundraising revenue remains VVA’s financial anchor, and we must continue to manage expenses in line with that revenue. It is the responsibility of leadership to provide clear direction and foster collaboration in managing both revenue and expenditures.

I am encouraged to see departments and cost centers working with leadership and offering practical suggestions to improve efficiency. This reflects a growing culture of shared responsibility throughout VVA. We are all working toward the common goal of a balanced budget. Every dollar we spend should support VVA’s mission and long-term stability.

The VVA staff benefit renewal was successfully finalized and went into effect on April 1. I will be meeting with our benefits agency team to review a comprehensive after-action report, which will serve as a template for the fiscal year 2028 renewal process. We were able to offer a benefit package that was attractive and affordable for both our employees and VVA.

Planning for the 2026 National Leadership & Education Conference is well underway. The conference will include seminars on options for VVA’s future as we look toward the important decisions to be made at the 2027 National Convention. I look forward to reconnecting with VVA colleagues whose passion and commitment to serving veterans continue to inspire us.

Our state councils and chapters benefited from the final phase of Membership Revenue Sharing in May, based on fiscal year 2026. This initiative was structured as part of a two-year supplemental fiscal budget, and the intent remains clear: to equitably support Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc.

I have had the opportunity to respond to several thoughtful inquiries from members about financial activities and the sustainability of our mission. I will continue to monitor our financial position closely and keep our officers informed, keeping transparency a priority and that all programs and departments are adequately supported.

Sound financial management is one way we protect VVA’s mission: to honor our identity, advocate for recognition, and ensure that veterans of all generations are respected, supported, and remembered.

Mission Statement: My highest priority and commitment is to ensure that the veterans who served for us will be served by us.

Thank you for your support, and if you have any comments, questions, or concerns, feel free to contact me at dbarickman@vva.org, dottieb@vva.org, or 712-314-1808 (cell/text).

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