(Headline USA) Black Lives Matter could lose its status as a charitable organization, according to an ethics expert who said the group has engaged in a “clear violation” of IRS charity rules.
The Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation has come under fire over the past few months for its shady finances, specifically its failure to report on the millions of dollars it has raised since 2020.
After several states, including California, ordered BLM to stop fundraising in their jurisdictions, the BLMGNF agreed to voluntarily shut down its ability to raise money. Since then, BLM has refrained from using its email list to solicit contributions.
However, it restarted this email list on Tuesday, asking supporters to donate to the BLM PAC.
“BLM PAC is preparing for the most critical midterm election yet. Every single race is an opportunity to build Black political power,” the fundraising page linked in BLM’s charitable email states.
“If you’re ready to continue the electoral fight for Black lives, chip in to our efforts and start building for the 2022 midterms.”
BLM’s attempt to use charitable funds for a political cause “appears to be a clear violation of the IRS rules prohibiting charities from soliciting contributions to a political action committee,” said Paul Kamenar, an attorney for the conservative watchdog National Legal and Policy Center.
Kamenar added that he is shocked BLM would risk its standing with the IRS when it is under so much scrutiny already, reported the Washington Examiner.
Even though California officials announced BLM could start fundraising again last month, the organization has still refused disclose information about its finances. Instead, BLM pulled off an accounting gimmick last month, allowing officials to delay reporting on what happened to BLM’s tens of millions of dollars.
It was also revealed last month that top Democratic operatives, including Clinton crony lawyer Marc Elias, had taken top leadership positions in BLM.
