Also, the Internal Revenue Service investigated the foundation, and earlier this year determined that it had failed to live up to its stated promise to help the OHCF. The IRS ruled that Desler's foundation could keep its nonprofit status, but reclassified it as a "private foundation" - as opposed to a "supporting foundation."
When asked why his foundation has given only $1,836 to the OHCF, Desler mentioned the poor economy that derailed his plans for a 432-lot subdivision on the foundation property, as well as a 2004 arson fire at the foundation's mill property.