Circle of Friends for American Veterans
Circle of Friends for American Veterans (COFAV), also known as "American Homeless Veterans," was a 501(c)(3) organization that supported veterans and related causes. It was founded in 1993 in Falls Church, Virginia by Brian Arthur Hampton. The charity has faced criticism for allocating only about 10% of its income to charitable causes, with the remainder being paid to fundraisers. COFAV partners with professional fundraisers who utilize paid telemarketers to solicit funds. This structure results in COFAV incurring costs of over half of every dollar donated. Of the remaining funds, a relatively high percentage goes toward executive salaries and deferred compensation. Charity watchdogs have unfavorably compared COFAV to its peers. In 2020, COFAV was dissolved, and Hampton was fined $100,000 by the attorney general of Virginia. Charitable activities Lobbying Hampton said he had "hosted more than 100 members of Congress across 196 veterans shelter-themed forums in 46 cities" in rallies for these non-profits. In the summer of 2015 Lauren Baghsarian, from Stockton University's Washington Center program served as the Circle of Friends for American Veterans' Program Coordinator where she "research[ed] the many issues our country's veterans face while reintegrating into civilian life." [She] met with Legislative Assistants of Congress and Senate.