SPOKANE, Wash. — A prominent Spokane community volunteer group with thousands of Facebook members is facing allegations of financial mismanagement involving one of its leaders.
Concerns emerged among supporters of Giving Back Spokane following anonymous allegations posted on Facebook claiming misused funds, though the specific individual being accused remains unclear.
Board member Sara Welliver confirmed the organization recently discovered financial discrepancies during its wind-down process.
“The board of directors took immediate steps to investigate, secure organizational assets, and notify the appropriate authorities, including filing a police report,” she said.
Founded by Rick Clark, Giving Back Spokane has served as a resource for individuals in need, providing backpacks to people experiencing homelessness and raising money for various causes throughout the community.
The organization disbanded its nonprofit status in June, with Clark citing a desire to continue the group’s mission in a more flexible format.
“Sometimes with the nonprofit, you’re tied to whatever your mission is,” Clark said in a Facebook post. “So when I want to help kids with cancer or I want to help pets—I love dogs and animals of all kinds—I can’t really do that because that’s not what our mission is.”
Clark said he is just learning about the accusations and does not have additional information about the allegations. When asked to identify who is suspected of misusing funds, Clark said he did not have an answer.
He posted to Facebook Monday afternoon saying, in part, “These recent allegations hit me like a ton of bricks as I am learning about them in the same manner you are. I am trying to process it and actively be a part of helping clarify any concerns at all.”
4 News Now also reached out to Spokane Police Department for a copy of the police report, but has not yet received it.
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