More nonprofit organizations are facing fraud investigations across the United States. Here’s what changed, why more organizations are facing investigations, and what you can do to protect yourself from fraud.
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What Happened?
Many people may think nonprofit fraud is becoming more common. However, experts say the bigger change is that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating more nonprofit fraud cases.
One of the biggest examples involved the Feeding Our Future scheme in Minnesota. In 2025, defendants were convicted of stealing about $250 million from a federally funded child nutrition program.
More recently, in April 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice filed fraud charges against the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), a well-known civil rights nonprofit.
Experts say these cases do not necessarily mean more fraud is happening. Instead, they suggest that federal investigators are paying closer attention to how nonprofit organizations manage funds and taxpayer money.
Who Was Affected and What Information Was Taken?
This case is different from a typical data breach or data leak.
The investigations focus on the misuse of nonprofit funds, not stolen customer information. Public reports do not say that donor or supporter data was leaked.
While these investigations are not about stolen customer data, they are a reminder that trust and security often go hand in hand. Stories like these often make people think more carefully about where they share information and who they trust online.
Your personal information can create risks if it was leaked in a separate incident. If you want to check whether your information was leaked online, you can do it with Futureproof.
With Futureproof, you can quickly check whether your email appeared in data leaks and get simple steps to help protect your account.
What You Can Learn From These Investigations
This story is not about stolen personal data, but it shows an important lesson: trust should never replace verification.
Many people donate because they want to help others and make a difference. Cases like these raise questions about whether charitable funds are always used as intended.
A well-known name does not always mean an organization uses money responsibly.
High-profile cases can also create opportunities for scammers. Criminals may use the news to launch fake fundraising campaigns or impersonate trusted charities to collect donations for themselves.
Futureproof monitors your information for data leaks 24/7 and guides you with clear steps to keep it safer from scams.
Run a free check3 Simple Ways to Protect Yourself When Donating
These simple habits can help you make more informed decisions and stay safe:
- Research charities before donating
Not every organization uses donations the way supporters expect. Spending a few minutes to learn about a charity can help you make more informed decisions.
Visit the organization’s website and look for information about its mission, leadership, and how donations are used.
- Be cautious of urgent donation requests
Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency. They want people to act quickly before they have time to verify a request.
If someone pressures you to donate immediately, take a step back and verify the request first.
- Keep records of your donations
Donation receipts can help you confirm that your money went to the organization you intended to support. They can also be useful if you need to verify a payment or report an unauthorized transaction to your bank.
Save confirmation emails and donation receipts whenever you contribute to a charity.
Your Donations Deserve a Second Look
Most people donate because they want to help others. Taking a few extra minutes to verify an organization can help ensure your support reaches the people who need it most.
Stories like these aren’t a reason to stop giving. They are the reason to give carefully, ask questions when something feels off, and use trusted sites when making donations.
Staying informed and alert to potential scams can go a long way toward protecting both your money and your peace of mind.
At Futureproof, Kevin explains digital safety in simple words, with clear tips and zero fluff. He holds a degree in information technology and studies fraud trends to keep his tips up-to-date.
In his free time, Kevin plays with his cat, enjoys board-game nights, and hunts for New York’s best cinnamon rolls.
