>>Richmond Auditor Report Shows Favortism, Misuse of Funds for Public Grants in 2023
(Richmond, VA) -- A recent audit shows Richmond officials awarded nearly $1.5M to ineligible nonprofits.Preview: Voicer Script:
City officials in 2023 awarded $1.45 million dollars in public grant funds to ineligible charitable organizations, while disqualifying eligible nonprofits and showing favoritism in the selection process, according to a report by the Office of the City Auditor. The Richmond Times Dispatch reports the audit highlighted improper awards to 16 organizations, accounting for 25% of the funds disbursed in 2023, while 34 eligible organizations were denied funding. The audit also found discrepancies in the review process and lack of documentation for funding decisions, prompting recommendations for a standardized framework and increased oversight to prevent misuse of grant funds.