Oakland-based fundraising platform Flipcause is under significant scrutiny following allegations from several nonprofit organizations that it has failed to distribute hundreds of thousands of dollars in donor contributions. The delays have left these charities facing considerable financial difficulties, with some reporting waits extending for months or even longer than a year.
Multiple organizations, including Youth In Arts and Bunny Blessings, have expressed frustrations about their inability to receive timely responses from Flipcause regarding their funds. Youth In Arts has been waiting for more than five months to receive over $18,000, an amount that has since increased to $22,329.78 following a recent interview. This delay has jeopardized the charity’s capacity to finance essential programs, impacting their operational viability.
Julia Wyson, a representative from the Shakespeare Youth Festival in Los Angeles, voiced her concerns, stating, “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 company’s track record has attracted the attention of the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which has assigned Flipcause an ‘F’ rating, its lowest possible grade. This rating stems from a notable pattern of unresolved complaints and delayed fund transfers, as indicated in a review published in August 2025. One BBB report highlights that, despite attempts to address these issues, Flipcause has not responded to inquiries.
Impact on Nonprofits and Community Services
According to a report by Oakland Voices, the East Oakland Collective is among the organizations most severely affected, with Flipcause withholding more than $100,000 from them. 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 and to provide EOC with a complimentary one-year subscription, which Elder reported receiving shortly thereafter.
The challenges faced by these nonprofits have prompted some to file complaints with their state attorney generals or the California Attorney General’s office. Despite these efforts, no public confirmation of ongoing investigations has been forthcoming. The repercussions of Flipcause’s actions have forced many organizations to cancel critical programs and lay off staff members.
Kerry Klein, representing the New Day Advocacy Center in Ashland, Wisconsin, expressed the pain of these delays, stating, “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.”
As they seek alternatives to address their funding issues, some nonprofits have turned to competing platforms such as Givebutter. Rashida Hanif, the Executive Director of RepresentEd Leadership, indicated that many organizations are exploring these options to ensure their financial stability.
The situation surrounding Flipcause serves as a critical reminder of the vital role that timely fund distribution plays in supporting nonprofit organizations. As these groups strive to fulfill their missions, the resolution of these funding issues remains paramount for their operational continuity.
