Q: Family charity no longer has family members on the charity board, is there a way I (family member) can get on the board?
about 10 years ago, my family started a charity that I describe as "Make a Wish for adults with terminal conditions/disabilities." This charity was started in my late grandfather's name. when the charity was started, it had two of my family members on the board, the rest were close family friends who wanted to honor my late Grandfather's memory. One man on the committee eventually forced a lot of the original members out, and stopped inviting my family members to board meetings. When the family members that were on the board passed, nobody in my family was asked to join. The current head of the charity we suspect is using some of the money raised on himself, as he suddenly seems to have a lot of money to afford multiple vacations, brand new cars every year, etc. This charity was never started with the intention of profit. Is there any way I can get on the charity board? This charity carries my late grandfather's name, and i want to make sure a relative is on the board.
A: These are difficult situations when the family founders lose touch with the charity since charities are not "owned" by anyone. Also depends on whether a public charity or a private foundation. Depends on original documents, tax status, and other factors. In Pennsylvania the Attorney General's office has oversight over all charities if you fell need to review how it is being operated
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