Republican vice presidential nominee U.S. Sen. JD Vance is facing scrutiny over the dissolution of two charitable nonprofits he founded in Ohio following the success of his best-selling memoir “Hillbilly Elegy.” These organizations were established to address issues in Ohio and other “Rust Belt” states, with a focus on job opportunities, mental health treatment, and the opioid crisis. Despite Vance’s intentions to identify national solutions to these problems, the nonprofits failed to make significant progress, prompting criticism during his Senate campaign in 2022.
One of the nonprofits recently filed paperwork to reinstate its corporate status, as it still had funds remaining in its account. However, a Trump-Vance campaign spokesperson confirmed that Vance intends to close out the accounts and distribute the remaining balance to causes benefiting Appalachia. The foundation was reported to have about $11,000 left in its account. Vance’s first nonprofit, Our Ohio Renewal, was formed in 2016 and aimed to raise $500,000 annually for its work, but it failed to gain traction. The other organization, Our Ohio Renewal Foundation, raised $221,000 in 2018, with less than $50,000 raised in subsequent years before being shut down in 2021.
The charitable efforts funded a residency for Dr. Sally Satel in Ironton, Ohio, but came under scrutiny for ties between her, the American Enterprise Institute, and OxyContin manufacturer Purdue Pharma. Satel had cited Purdue-funded studies in her writings while being paid by the institute, which had received funding from the drugmaker. Vance’s campaign stated that he was unaware of Satel’s reliance on Purdue research when she was selected for the residency, but he remained proud of her work in treating patients in Ohio. Satel maintained that her conclusions were independent, and AEI assured that it maintains a firewall between scholars and donors.
Vance’s nonprofits struggled to make a significant impact, with the foundation raising and spending only about $69,000 from 2017 to 2023. There were discrepancies in the figures reported by the organization, and neither Vance’s political adviser nor the campaign could provide explanations due to changes in personnel and the passage of time. The groups faced obstacles, including a key organizer being diagnosed with cancer, contributing to their lack of success. Vance’s Senate campaign emphasized his family’s experience with addiction, which inspired his charity work, but the limited achievements of the nonprofits raised questions during his political campaigns.
Despite the criticisms and shortcomings of his charitable efforts, Vance is now focused on closing out the remaining accounts and distributing funds to causes benefiting Appalachia. The decision to dissolve the nonprofits comes as Vance prepares to take on the role of Republican vice presidential nominee. With the scrutiny surrounding the organization’s funding, Vance’s campaign is looking to address lingering questions and move forward with his political aspirations. The dissolution of the charitable organizations marks a turning point for Vance as he navigates the challenges of his vice presidential campaign.
