In this week's episode of Nonprofit Newsfeed, the hosts delve into significant challenges impacting the nonprofit sector, focusing on two major stories: the Flipcause donation platform's bankruptcy and the legal troubles faced by Greenpeace.

Flipcause Bankruptcy and Nonprofit Losses

The episode opens with an update on Flipcause, a donation platform that went bankrupt, leaving nonprofits in financial turmoil. The platform, unable to disperse funds made through it, owes $29 million to various parties, primarily nonprofits. Despite valuing their platform at $15 million, Flipcause's recent filings show only $70,000 in their account, highlighting severe mismanagement. The California Attorney General issued a cease and desist order, and a lawsuit from 29 organizations alleges fraud, with some nonprofits owed hundreds of thousands of dollars. A recent bidding process valued the platform at a mere $400,000—far short of its claimed worth—leaving nonprofits unlikely to recover their donations. The discussion emphasizes the importance of nonprofits maintaining control over their payment gateways to avoid similar pitfalls.

Greenpeace Legal Challenges

The episode also covers a $345 million verdict against Greenpeace in the Dakota Access Pipeline lawsuit, a significant legal challenge that threatens its U.S. operations. This case, seen as a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP), underscores the vulnerability of nonprofits involved in activism. The hosts discuss the broader implications for organizations engaged in direct action and the potential chilling effect on nonprofit advocacy.

Flipcause Bankruptcy Fallout and Greenpeace Legal Battle (news)