How a Network of Nonprofits Enriches Fundraisers While Spending Almost Nothing on Its Stated Causes

ProPublica, By Ellis Simani, on June 18, 2024

https://www.propublica.org/article/political-nonprofits-fundraising-ftc-irs-527s-pacs 

A network of connected political nonprofits, such as the American Breast Cancer Coalition and National Coalition for Disabled Veterans, has been discovered funneling over 90% of donations to fundraisers rather than their stated causes. Despite being fined over $58 million and banned from charitable fundraising, the perpetrators found a loophole in political fundraising. 

Companies like Office Edge LLC, owned by Thomas Berkenbush, and others have raised millions under the guise of supporting admirable causes but have spent minimal amounts on actual political activities. These groups, categorized as 527 organizations, operate with lax oversight from the IRS, making it difficult for the public to track their activities. 

The connections between these nonprofits are evident in shared web designs, payment systems, and overlapping donors and contractors. For donors like retiree Laurence Eggers, who gave to these causes believing they were supporting the needy, this revelation is a betrayal. This investigation exposes the dark side of fundraising where money meant for good causes ends up enriching a few at the expense of genuine charitable efforts.

  #PoliticalManipulation #PoliticalCorruption  

The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.27.4 featuring Phoebe Rose, Infidel64, and Jason Friedman.

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