Examining nonprofit organizations, charitable foundations, and tax-exempt entities. Following the money, verifying claims, and holding NGOs accountable to their missions and the public trust.
The nonprofit sector plays a vital role in society, but tax-exempt status comes with an obligation to serve the public interest. ObjectWire's NGO Investigations team examines how charitable organizations, foundations, and advocacy groups use their resources, maintain transparency, and fulfill their stated missions.
We investigate funding sources, leadership connections, program effectiveness, and financial accountability. Our reporting aims to empower donors, inform policymakers, and ensure that organizations claiming to serve the public good actually do so.
Our Standards:
An investigation into a tax-exempt organization operating in the gray area between social welfare and political advocacy. Following the money trail, examining leadership connections, and analyzing transparency failures.
Examining how nonprofits spend donor money, executive compensation, overhead costs, and financial accountability measures.
Investigating whether organizations comply with tax-exempt requirements, including 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) entities.
Tracing connections between nonprofits, PACs, and political campaigns. Following anonymous donations and pass-through funding.
Examining board composition, conflicts of interest, self-dealing, and governance failures at nonprofit organizations.
Verifying whether charities deliver on their promises. Measuring actual impact versus marketing claims.
Investigating charity scams, embezzlement, misuse of funds, and criminal activity within the nonprofit sector.
Religious, educational, charitable, scientific, and literary organizations. Donations are tax-deductible. Cannot engage in political campaigns. Limited lobbying permitted.
Examples: Red Cross, United Way, universities, religious institutions
Civic leagues and social welfare organizations. Donations not tax-deductible. Can engage in unlimited lobbying and political campaigns (if not primary purpose).Not required to disclose donors.
Examples: AARP, Sierra Club, NRA, many "dark money" groups
Labor unions and agricultural organizations. Focus on improving working conditions and member benefits.
Examples: AFL-CIO, Teamsters, United Auto Workers
Chambers of commerce, trade associations, professional associations. Promote common business interests of members.
Examples: U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Realtors
Have information about a nonprofit organization that warrants investigation? ObjectWire protects source confidentiality and follows rigorous verification standards.
Confidential Tips: investigations@objectwire.org
Encrypted Contact: Available upon request
We investigate all credible tips and verify information through public records, expert consultation, and direct source confirmation before publication.