Lawmakers awarded nearly $20 million to nonprofit organizations around the state since 2024 that do not appear to be registered with the state attorney general’s office, according to a review by 5 INVESTIGATES.
Most nonprofits that solicit donations in Minnesota, like having a donate button on their website, are required to have an active registration with the AG’s office so the public can see their financial health.
But the review found that at least 24 organizations that have received or are set to receive millions in taxpayer money were not registered.
“It doesn’t sound like the state is doing a very good job checking, and that’s something that will need to change,” said Rep. Lisa Demuth, the Republican Speaker of the House.
About half of all the unregistered organizations that received public dollars described the issue as a paperwork or an accounting error and took steps to fix it after 5 INVESTIGATES reached out.
Seven organizations never responded to at least three emails asking about their registration status.
5 INVESTIGATES found there is actually no law that requires lawmakers or state agencies to first verify that an organization receiving public funds is complying with the state’s law on nonprofits.
“We want to make sure that those that are receiving taxpayer dollars are actually in good standing with our state government before they get a dollar,” Demuth said.
WATCH THE FULL STORY FROM 5 INVESTIGATES THURSDAY AT 6 PM ON 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS.
If you want the full story sent directly to your mobile device, download the KSTP app at the links below.