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 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
File Form 8868 to request an extension of time to file Form 990-T to make an elective payment election for tax year 2025
April 30, 2026 - An elective payment election must be made on a return filed by the due date for the return, including extensions. Form 8868, Application for Extension of Time to File an Exempt Organization Return or Excise Taxes Related to Employee Benefit Plans PDF is used by an exempt organization to request an automatic 6-month extension of time to file its return. For tax year 2025, all exempt organizations filing Form 990-T must use Form 8868 to request an extension of time to file Form 990-T. This includes, but is not limited to, organizations that intend to make an elective payment election on Form 990-T.
A properly completed Form 8868 submitted by the due date for Form 990-T will give you an automatic 6-month extension after the normal due date for Form 990-T. Additional information on the normal due date for Form 990-T is available in the “When to File” section in the Instructions for Form 990-T PDF.
For more information on Form 8868, refer to the Instructions for Form 8868 PDF.
Treasury Announces Form 990 Transparency Initiative to Expose Hidden Funding and Strengthen Oversight
April 23, 2026 WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Department of the Treasury today announced that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) plans to revise the Form 990 to improve transparency, strengthen tax administration, and provide clearer reporting on certain activities of tax-exempt organizations described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, including government contracts, government grants, and fiscal sponsorship arrangements. The changes are intended to detect misconduct and hold wrongdoers accountable.
Attorney General Phil Weiser announces settlement with former nonprofit director who misused charitable funds
April 22, 2026 (DENVER) — Attorney General Phil Weiser today announced a settlement with Lindsay Salas, a former nonprofit executive director, who fraudulently obtained nearly $100,000 by submitting false tuition invoices while soliciting charitable donations on behalf of her organization.
“This case is a clear example of the harm that occurs when someone abuses the public’s trust in charitable giving,” said Attorney General Weiser. “Coloradans who donate to nonprofits deserve to know their contributions are used honestly and as intended, and nonprofit organizations should be able to trust that their employees do not misuse charitable funds.”
Attorney General Rayfield Sues Charity Leader for Stealing Nearly $837,000 Meant for Disaster Victims
April 16, 2026 - Marcus Brooks allegedly used funds from Cascade Relief Team to gamble, visit strip clubs, travel, and pay personal bills while fire and flood victims went without help.
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.
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.