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CHARITY REVIEW
Issued: May 2026 Expires: May 2028

Paralyzed Veterans of America Colonial Chapter

Accredited Charity
Accredited Charity

Meets Standards
(302) 861-6671
700 Barksdale Road, Suite 2
Newark, DE, 19711
https://colonialpva.org/
📄 Full Report 🖨️ Print 📋 BBB Charity Standards

Standards For Charity Accountability

Governance

  1. Board Oversight
  2. Board Size
  3. Board Meetings
  4. Board Compensation
  5. Conflict of Interest

Measuring Effectiveness

  1. Effectiveness Policy
  2. Effectiveness Report

Finances

  1. Program Expenses
  2. Fundraising Expenses
  3. Accumulating Funds
  4. Audit Report
  5. Detailed Expense Breakdown
  6. Accurate Expense Reporting
  7. Budget Plan

Fundraising & Info

  1. Truthful Materials
  2. Annual Report
  3. Website Disclosures
  4. Donor Privacy
  5. Cause Marketing Disclosures
  6. Complaints

Paralyzed Veterans of America Colonial Chapter meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.

Stated Purpose:
"to improve the quality of life for veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders, including conditions such as multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis."

Year, State Incorporated:
1955, DE

The Colonial Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA Colonial Chapter) serves and advocates for veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), ensuring they have access to the resources, support, and opportunities needed to lead independent, fulfilling lives. PVA Colonial Chapter's adaptive sports and recreation programs aim to help participants rebuild self-esteem, self-confidence, physical health, and overall well-being through activities that promote community engagement and active, independent living. The chapter also works to protect civil rights, increase public awareness of the capabilities of paralyzed and disabled veterans, and promote barrier-free access in the workplace and community. The organization reports that it collaborates with other veteran and disability organizations and supports broader efforts for accessible health care and legislation benefiting those with SCI/D. PVA Colonial Chapter connects its veteran members with National Service Officers to represent members before the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on claims for earned benefits, providing information, referrals, and direct support. Through community events and outreach initiatives, the organization connects veterans, families, and caregivers through social gatherings, education, and peer support programs, such as mentorship and employment trainings like the Hoskins Education and Reemployment Training (HEART) Program. Additionally, the chapter distributes targeted grants to VA medical centers, partner organizations, and individual members to advance rehabilitation, accessibility, and related needs.

For the year ended September 30, 2025, Paralyzed Veterans of America Colonial Chapter's program expenses were:

Public affairs $196,609
Membership and benefits $144,192
Total Program Expenses $340,801

Chief Executive
Jo Ann Bedsworth, Executive Director

Compensation*
$78,829

Chair of the Board
Kathleen Fitzpatrick

Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
Veteran, U.S. Army

Board Size
9

Paid Staff Size
2

*2024 compensation includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.

Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Invitations to fund raising events, Grant proposals, Internet, Door-to-door appeals, Planned giving arrangements, Membership appeals

Fundraising costs were 10% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $385,342, are donations received as a result of fundraising activities.)

This organization is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes.

The following information is based on Paralyzed Veterans of America Colonial Chapter's audited financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2025.

Source of Funds
Contributions from national PVA $155,069
Delaware state grant-in-aid $115,900
Contributions $103,155
Grants $11,218
Program sales and fees: membership fees $4,177
Investment income, net $1,083
Total Income $390,602

Programs: 76% Fundraising: 9% Administrative: 15%

Total Income $390,602
Total expenses: $445,901
  Program expenses $340,801
  Fundraising expenses $40,200
  Administrative expenses $64,900
  Other expenses $0
Income in Excess of Expenses $-55,299
Beginning Net Assets $433,576
Other Changes In Net Assets $0
Ending Net Assets $378,277
Total Liabilities $97,182
Total Assets $475,459

An organization may change its practices at any time without notice. A copy of this report has been shared with the organization prior to publication. It is not intended to recommend or deprecate, and is furnished solely to assist you in exercising your own judgment. If the report is about a charity and states the charity meets or does not meet the Standards for Charity Accountability, it reflects the results of an evaluation of information and materials provided voluntarily by the charity. The name Better Business Bureau is a registered service mark of the International Association of Better Business Bureaus.

This report is not to be used for fundraising or promotional purposes.

RELATED CONTENT

Report completed by:
BBB Serving Delaware