The hits just keep on landing against the Freedom Foundation, a right-wing non-profit based in Olympia, WA. Complaints are piling up as the tax-exempt charity’s questionable political activities draw more scrutiny.
According to the state and federal complaints, by trying to “defund the political left,” the non-profit Freedom Foundation is likely violating federal and state rules governing 501c3, tax-exempt charities and prohibit them from partisan, political activities.
Most recently:
- The Northwest Accountability Project filed a complaint with the WA Department of Revenue, which has the power to fine the Freedom Foundation for unpaid fees and taxes. If the non-profit charity is found to be acting outside legal bounds through its political activity (such as promoting candidates in the Vancouver area) the Freedom Foundation may well owe substantial back taxes.
- Two dozen Oregon legislators sent a letter to Oregon State’s Attorney General late last month demanding a “review of the Freedom Foundation’s activities to determine if the organization’s designation as a tax-exempt organization and as public benefit corporation in Oregon is warranted.”
Earlier this year:
- Legislators in Washington, delivered a letter signed by 30 state Senators and Representatives to the Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson and Secretary of State Kim Wyman last month, saying it “appears the Freedom Foundation has grown increasingly partisan and has directly intervened in political campaigns in violation of state rules.”
- The Freedom Foundation faces multiple challenges to its tax-exempt charity status. Earlier this year, fire fighters, women’s health advocates, teachers, LGBT advocates and others called on the AGs in WA and OR to launch investigations into the Freedom Foundation’s tax-exempt status and compliance with state rules. The WA State Attorney General responded that he could not comment on ongoing investigations.
- Federal regulators are also considering a complaint filed against the Freedom Foundation late last year with the IRS.