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SEBS-NORTH AMERICA
3348 Conquistador Ct, Annandale, VA 22003, United States
Email: sebsna@sebsonline.org
Website: www.sebsonline.org

MEDIA RELEASE: SEBS-North America and April 2015 Gorkha Earthquake Relief
June 19, 2019 | Virginia, USA
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SEBS-North America (“SEBS-NA”) is deeply concerned about the recent “blog” regarding SEBS-NA and its collaboration with Society of Ex-Budhanilkantha Students in Nepal (“SEBS”) and other organizations in the aftermath of April 2015 Gorkha Earthquake (“the Earthquake”). As a matter of principle, SEBS-NA does not comment on unfounded rumors and personal attacks, however, we are nonetheless compelled to address what are serious allegations into SEBS-NA’s workings, and to allay some of the concerns of our valued members and our friends in Nepal.

Like many other non-governmental organizations, SEBS-NA was actively involved in raising funds to help communities in Nepal during this humanitarian disaster. Making use of its large network, it was able to raise considerable sum of money. In order to disburse the funds in the most meaningful way, in the immediate aftermath of the Earthquake, SEBS-NA sought project proposals from individual volunteers based in Nepal. The SEBS-NA Executive Committee then selected project proposals from volunteers who risked the dangers of reaching remote places to transport urgently needed food, medicine, and tarps. Most of these volunteers were our own members and we are eternally grateful to them and the countless donors as they inspired many more to do the best they could in the time of great need.

SEBS-NA based its decision on two simple criteria: (i) the worthiness of the project, and (ii) the trustworthiness of the individual seeking financial support on behalf of the project. It is not our role to enquire on the various affiliations- political, social, economic, or otherwise- of the volunteers; we are agnostic to any such affiliations. It should be patently obvious to all- humanitarian disasters know no affiliations of any kind; it is simply disingenuous and conspiratorial to allege SEBS-NA of being motivated by such affiliations.

Our goal was to get as much resources as possible to ground zero; toward this, SEBS-NA Executive Committee decided to allow other organizations such as Bibeksheel Nepali, Clean Up Nepal and Bloom Nepal School (to name a few) and their network to use our online donation portal on the condition that the money be used only for the Earthquake relief and reconstruction efforts. On our online portal donors can clearly stipulate the causes for which they are donating (Cancer, Earthquake, Scholarships etc.). While we do not guarantee we will be able to meet their individual requests, we make a sincere effort to honor their wishes, without running afoul of the laws governing SEBS-NA’s 501(c)(3) designation and since Bibeksheel Nepali is a political party, SEBS-NA did not transfer any funds to it; to allege that we did is categorically false. SEBS-NA only transferred donated funds to volunteers leading the Earthquake relief efforts and other non-governmental organizations registered with the Social Welfare Council of Nepal as required by our 501(c)(3) designation. The details of the transfers and disbursements are included in the audited financial statements on our website. To date, we have utilized most of the funds raised for the Earthquake on relief and reconstruction efforts. The remaining funds, as indicated in the audited financial statements of June 2018 on our website, are part of SEBS-NA general fund, and will be used for other natural disaster relief efforts and in projects that the SEBS-NA Executive Committee deems appropriate.

SEBS-NA is a 501(c)(3) organization and it maintains its status by conforming to the laws established by the U.S. Government’s agencies for nonprofit governance such as the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). SEBS-NA has always been an active advocate of accountability and transparency. To make baseless allegations against SEBS-NA and one or more of its officers of financial irresponsibility, including criminal activity, is malicious, borne of personal grievances, and an attempt to impugn the character of the individuals and the institution. It is completely against the values Budhanilkantha School instilled in its alumni; we condemn such abhorrent attacks in the strongest way possible and if needed, will pursue the matter legally in appropriate jurisdictions to defend SEBS-NA and its office holders.

SEBS-NA as an organization only considers credible sources as news and requests all members and friends to consider questioning the credibility of sources as they read the “news” and not believe everything they read on social media outlets. Please visit SEBS-NA’s financial statements at http://sebsonline.org/info/sebsna_finances.aspx, and don’t hesitate to contact us at sebsna@sebsonline.org if you have any questions or concerns.

Respectfully,
Executive Committee of SEBS-NA (2017-2019)

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About SEBS-North America and Financial Guidelines:
SEBS-NA stands for Society of Ex-Budhanilkantha Students - North America. Formed in July 2000, as a non-profit organization, we are the alumni and friends of Budhanilkantha School (Kathmandu, Nepal), residing in different parts of North America. We are recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), under section 501(c)(3) code, as a tax-exempt organization. SEBS-North America is a volunteer-based organization dedicated to: 1) providing assistance to our members in North America, 2) conducting social service programs in Nepal and North America, 3) helping Budhanilkantha School to meet its educational objectives, and 4) being an organization dedicated to better coordination and leadership among various Nepal-related associations in North America. We have been filing our activities/financial reports with the IRS and have been in good standing ever since.

We work very closely with SEBS, in good faith, in a lot of events, activities, and projects, and strategic initiatives which include mutual fundraising and resource sharing. We also work with other organizations and volunteers, such as during the Earthquake, and as necessary, to further the goals and mission of our organization.

Roles of President, Vice President, Treasurer, General Secretary and the Executive committee are clearly defined in our organization. President of the organization does not have direct control over the organization’s bank account or its fund. All transactions are electronic and thus every activity is recorded. Any transfers from SEBS-NA’s bank account requires majority approval by the Executive Committee first and the Treasurer coordinates financial disbursements only after proper account verification.