Oakland-based fundraising platform Flipcause is facing serious allegations from multiple nonprofit organizations claiming that the company has failed to distribute significant amounts of donor contributions. Reports indicate that these charities are suffering financially due to Flipcause’s delays in transferring funds, with some nonprofits experiencing waits of several months or even more than a year.
Several organizations, including Youth In Arts and Bunny Blessings, have publicly expressed frustration over the lack of communication from Flipcause. According to ABC7 News, Youth In Arts has been waiting for over $18,000 for five months, a figure that increased to $22,329.78 following an interview. Such delays have critically impacted their ability to operate essential programs. Julia Wyson, representing the Shakespeare Youth Festival in Los Angeles, shared her distress: “When I have to tell my staff, I’m sorry, guys, you’re gonna have to wait for your paycheck, because we’re waiting for Flipcause to pay us our money.”
The situation has escalated to the point where the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has awarded Flipcause an ‘F’ rating, its lowest possible grade. This rating stems from a pattern of unresolved complaints and ongoing issues with delayed fund transfers, highlighted in the BBB’s review from August 2025. One report noted that despite attempts to address these concerns, Flipcause has not responded to inquiries.
Nonprofits Speak Out Against Fund Withholding
The impact on nonprofits has been severe. The East Oakland Collective (EOC), one of the hardest hit groups, claims that Flipcause is withholding over $100,000 in funds. EOC’s executive director, Candice Elder, described the situation as “a constant fight to get the money.” After publicly voicing her frustrations, Sean Wheeler, CEO of Flipcause, promised to expedite a pending transfer of $34,185 to EOC and offered a complimentary one-year subscription, which Elder subsequently received.
Many nonprofits have resorted to filing complaints with their state attorney generals, including the California AG, although no public confirmation of any investigations has been reported. The repercussions of Flipcause’s actions have forced several organizations to cancel vital programs and lay off staff. Kerry Klein from the New Day Advocacy Center in Ashland, Wisconsin, expressed the gravity of the situation: “That’s money that we can’t use to purchase gas cards. That’s money that we can’t use to purchase food; that’s money that we can’t use to purchase supplies, and it hurts.”
In light of these challenges, some organizations have begun transitioning to competitor platforms like Givebutter. Rashida Hanif, the Executive Director of RepresentEd Leadership, noted the necessity for nonprofits to explore alternative solutions as they navigate these financial difficulties.
As the situation develops, Flipcause’s response to these accusations and the actions taken by affected nonprofits will be closely monitored, given the growing concern surrounding the management of charitable funds.