AUGUSTA – Maine lawmakers are calling for a formal investigation into the Maine Community Foundation after alleging that millions of dollars donated for victims of the Lewiston mass shooting were diverted away from survivors and distributed to nonprofit organizations.
In a sharply worded letter to the Legislature’s Government Oversight Committee, lawmakers accused the foundation of possible deceptive practices, conflicts of interest and self-dealing in its handling of the Lewiston victims fund.
The letter was signed by State Rep. John Eder, State Rep. Quentin Chapman, Senate Republican Leader Trey Stewart and Assistant Senate Republican Leader Matthew Harrington. Rep. Chad Perkins was copied on the request.
According to the lawmakers, approximately $6.6 million was raised after the Oct. 25, 2023 mass shooting in Lewiston, with donors reasonably expecting the money would directly support victims and their families.
Instead, the lawmakers allege that $1.9 million was distributed to 29 nonprofit organizations, including groups that did not provide direct services to victims.
The letter states that victims received an average of about $29,000, while each nonprofit received more than $65,000.
“This creates an appearance of deceptive practices, conflict of interest and self-dealing,” the lawmakers wrote.
The lawmakers also alleged that six members of the Maine Community Foundation steering committee granted funds to their own nonprofits, while another grant went to the spouse of a steering committee member.
The letter further claims the foundation used “one umbrella term for two funds within the victims’ fund,” allowing money intended for survivors to be redirected to nonprofit organizations.
One nonprofit, The Root Cellar of Lewiston, later returned its grant money through the national organization Victims First, saying that “funds intended specifically for victims and survivors should remain available to them.”
According to the lawmakers, The Root Cellar told the foundation before applying that its work would not provide direct services to victims or their families, but was encouraged to apply anyway.
The lawmakers also alleged that unrestricted victim funds were used for projects such as nonprofit office renovations.
The controversy has renewed questions about accountability, donor intent and public trust following the deadliest mass shooting in Maine history.
Lawmakers argue that donors gave money believing it would help survivors pay for funeral costs, medical bills, counseling, lost income and other direct needs following the massacre at Just-In-Time Recreation and Schemengees Bar & Grille.
Instead, they say many victims were left with limited financial support while nonprofit organizations received larger payments.
“If we do not investigate this apparent mismanagement of the Victims Fund, we risk eroding public trust in charitable organizations and dissuading future contributions to victims’ compensation funds,” the lawmakers wrote.
The lawmakers are urging the Government Oversight Committee to examine whether the Maine Community Foundation violated donor intent, state law or ethical standards in its management of the Lewiston victims fund.
It’s about time
Where’s Janet ?
Must be an election year.
The criminals in Disgusta got caught.
I say throw the book at them! Hard Time Nothing Less