As we approach the holiday season, Oklahomans will once again demonstrate the extraordinary generosity that defines our state. From local food banks to national causes, charitable giving reaches its peak during these months as families look for ways to help others and make a difference in their communities.
However, not every charity operates with the integrity and transparency that donors deserve. That's why I established the Charity Enforcement Unit (CEU) within my office in the summer of 2024. The unit ensures that when Oklahomans open their hearts and wallets, their donations actually reach the people and causes they intend to support.
The numbers tell the story of why this unit became necessary. Between 2020 and 2025, the number of Oklahoma charities recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS increased from 10,932 to 12,982. The number of charities soliciting donations in Oklahoma, including out-of-state organizations, jumped from approximately 4,800 to 6,700. With this explosive growth came the need for dedicated oversight to protect donors and ensure charitable assets are used as intended.
The vast majority of charitable organizations operate with integrity and make incredible differences in people's lives. But bad actors who exploit the charitable sector harm everyone, and that's where our Charity Enforcement Unit steps in.
Since its formation, the CEU has made remarkable strides. The unit secured a $400,000 settlement to recover charitable funds intended for seniors at a Tulsa continuing care community, ensuring those donor-restricted gifts went back to supporting senior care exactly as intended. This represents our office's largest independent charity settlement to date.
Our team has also participated in two major multistate investigations. In one case, we took action against an organization that collected over $18 million in donations to assist cancer patients but spent only a fraction on actual patient assistance. In another, we joined 21 other states in stopping a deceptive fundraising scheme that raised more than $45.5 million supposedly for breast cancer screenings while spending only a tiny portion on the actual cause. More than 84,000 people donated their vehicles believing they were saving lives. Our work helped secure permanent bans on the operators and protections for future donors.
Beyond enforcement actions, the CEU has reviewed 29 charity dissolutions or mergers to ensure assets are appropriately distributed, examined 18 requests to modify charitable trusts to protect donor intent, and launched compliance projects that secured the proper registration of over 100 charities. Moreover, the unit has conducted trainings and presentations at conferences across the country, sharing best practices and educating charitable leaders about their legal obligations.
When Oklahomans make charitable donations, they're not just giving money – they're expressing their values and their commitment to helping others. When charities or their fundraisers misrepresent how donations will be used, or when they fail to protect donor-restricted funds, they betray the donors who gave in good faith, the intended beneficiaries who never receive the help they were promised, and the countless honest charities doing important work in our communities.
Our message is simple: if you operate a charity in Oklahoma, you have special duties and responsibilities. You must honor your commitments to donors and use charitable funds for their stated purposes. If you don't, we will hold you accountable.
As your Attorney General, I am committed to ensuring that Oklahoma maintains a strong, trustworthy charitable sector. The generosity of our citizens is one of our state's greatest strengths, and it deserves to be protected. If you have a complaint against a charity, please visit the Charity Enforcement Unit website.
This giving season, I encourage all Oklahomans to continue supporting the causes that matter to you. Your charitable spirit can change countless lives. And know that my office is working every day to ensure your generosity is honored and protected.
