Latest News
One of the key goals of NASCO is to uphold the integrity of the charitable sector through ensuring transparency and accountability. Here are links to matters of concern to us all.
Attorney General Ellison sues Refocus Recovery and former founder for breaches of fiduciary duties, violations of nonprofit laws
October 1, 2026 (SAINT PAUL) — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced today that he has filed a civil lawsuit against Minnesota nonprofit corporation Refocus Recovery and its founder, former executive director, and board member, Daniel Larson, for violations of the Minnesota Nonprofit Corporation Act (“the Act”). Refocus Recovery violated the Act through a number of governance violations, including failing to be managed by a board of directors, failing to maintain proper books and records, and failing to address blatant conflicts of interest in the way that it allowed self-dealing and the improper diversion of charitable assets.
Delaware Woman Indicted in Theft From Food Pantry
(DELAWARE, Ohio) — A former co-director of a Delaware food pantry has been indicted for allegedly stealing at least $37,500 from the organization and its donors, including elderly Ohioans, Attorney General Andy Wilson announced today.
Kathryn Whiting, 62, of Delaware, faces felony charges of theft from a person in a protected class, telecommunications fraud, and prohibited acts and practices for charities in Delaware County Common Pleas Court.
The case was investigated by the Delaware Police Department, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Charitable Law Section of the Attorney General’s Office. The Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office appointed the Charitable Law Section to prosecute the case.
Attorney General James Sues Purported Veterans’ Charity for Defrauding Donors for Personal Gain
August 12, 2026 NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today sued Healing for Heroes – A Disabled Veteran’s Retreat and Wooded Oasis, Inc. (Healing for Heroes) for defrauding donors and running a callous scheme to enrich its leadership and associates while claiming to help veterans.
Attorney General Ellison secures up to $1.4M in medical-debt reduction and refunds
August 10, 2026 (SAINT PAUL) — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced today that his office has reached a settlement with Stevens Community Medical Center (SCMC) of Morris, Minnesota that requires SCMC to provide up to $1,412,776.25 in refunds or reductions in medical debt to eligible uninsured patients that received services from April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2025.
Attorney General Ellison secures up to $1.4M in medical-debt reduction and refunds
Attorney General Ellison shuts down sham charity that misclassified hundreds of employees who staffed concession stands at Twin Cities stadiums
July 29, 2026 (SAINT PAUL) — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced today that his office has reached a civil settlement to shut down a Blaine-based nonprofit — MN Fundraising Initiative (“MNFI”) — over allegations that it was not operated for any charitable purpose but instead operated as a staffing agency to misclassify hundreds of employees as “volunteers” who staffed concession stands at sports stadiums and other venues in the Twin Cities — including Target Field, Target Center, Allianz Field, US Bank Stadium, Grand Casino Arena, and numerous University of Minnesota locations.
AG’s office secures $1.6 million for Washington homeowners who were charged illegal fees by Hayden Homes
Jul 27 2026 The Washington State Attorney General’s Office has agreed to an assurance of discontinuance with the homebuilder Hayden Homes and its nonprofit partner First Story, requiring them to stop adding illegal private transfer fees to properties and to pay back Washington homeowners who paid the fees. This settlement concludes the office’s investigation and avoids litigation.
DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL ANNOUNCES 60-DAY AMNESTY PERIOD FOR DELINQUENT CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS
June 30, 2026 HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of the Attorney General today announced a 60 day amnesty period to help charitable organizations that are delinquent under Hawai‘i’s charitable solicitation law, return to good standing.
Stark County Man, Nonprofit Indicted in Theft of Charitable Donations
6/18/2026 (CANTON, Ohio) — A Stark County man and his nonprofit organization have been indicted for allegedly stealing approximately $375,000 in charitable donations over three years, Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson announced today.
Stark County Man, Nonprofit Indicted in Theft of Charitable Donations
Attorney General Ellison sues We Push for Peace and its two former leaders for misusing over $6.5 million in charitable assets
May 8, 2026 (SAINT PAUL) – Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced today he has filed a lawsuit against We Push for Peace, a Minnesota nonprofit corporation, and two of its former directors, Trahern Pollard and Jaclyn McGuigan, alleging numerous violations of charities laws for misusing over $6.5 million nonprofit assets, engaging in numerous governance and oversight violations that enabled the rampant abuse of assets and caused other risks to the nonprofit, lying to the AGO in the course of its investigation, and ultimately causing the demise of the nonprofit to steal its business for personal gain.
Topics for tax-exempt organizations ahead of May 15
May 6, 2026 - The annual filing due date for certain returns filed by tax-exempt organizations is the 15th day of the 5th month after the organization’s accounting period ends. Those operating on a calendar year basis must file a return by May 15. Use Form 8868, Application for Extension of Time To File an Exempt Organization Return or Excise Taxes Related to Employee Benefit Plans, to request an automatic extension of time to file. Generally, Form 8868 must be filed by the due date for the return to which it relates. Returns due include:
Form 990-series annual information returns (Forms 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF)
Form 990-T, Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return (other than certain trusts)
Form 4720, Return of Certain Excise Taxes Under Chapters 41 and 42 of the Internal Revenue Code
Attorney General Bonta Shares Safe Giving Tips to Avoid Charity Fraud Following Venezuela Earthquakes
June 30, 2026 OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today shared tips and resources on how Californians can avoid scams and donate safely to the recovery efforts following the devastating twin earthquakes in Venezuela last week. The Attorney General’s Office is responsible for supervising and regulating charities that operate in California and the professional fundraisers who solicit on their behalf. As recovery efforts in Venezuela continue, Attorney General Bonta encourages donors interested in supporting relief to watch for common signs of charity fraud and do research to ensure they are donating to legitimate charities and organizations.
Attorney General’s Office sues charities over $2 million in misused assets
May 5, 2026 (SAINT PAUL) — Today, Attorney General Ellison’s Office announced it has filed a lawsuit against Les Jolies School of Dance, Real Believers Faith Center, their founders, Sharon Cook and her husband Larry Cook, and other officers of both charities for multiple egregious violations of Minnesota nonprofit law, including misusing over $2 million in charitable assets to fund lavish lifestyles, luxury travel, and designer goods while pretending to serve their communities.
Attorney General’s Office sues charities over $2 million in misused assets
Annual Reports
NASCO is pleased to provide fellow regulators and the public with these annual reports on State Enforcement and Regulation. The reports consist of a sample of cases in which NASCO members were involved. The report also includes outreach efforts and published guidance.
Questions regarding particular cases, actions or issues should be directed to the relevant state.
2026
2025
2024
2022-2023 Annual Report
2021
2020
2019
NASCO does not express a view as to the accuracy of the matters, nor as to the position expounded by the authors of the hyperlinked materials.