Read on Twitter
I've worked at (at least) 4 different nonprofits where I later found out coworkers were embezzling money.
In two cases, the embezzlers did jail time.
It's way, WAY more common than you'd think.
In two cases, the embezzlers did jail time.
It's way, WAY more common than you'd think.
Some signs of embezzlers I've come to notice (just from personal interactions— this is not science):
1) They are territorial & treat org budgets like it's THEIR own money.
Yes, Janet, I need supplies. Why are you treating this like it's coming out of your personal piggy bank??
1) They are territorial & treat org budgets like it's THEIR own money.
Yes, Janet, I need supplies. Why are you treating this like it's coming out of your personal piggy bank??
2) They hire really incompetent people to handle finances.
Dude, how's it possible you can't look at the spreadsheet & tell me what's in my program budget?? It's literally addition & subtraction— not rocket science.
Dude, how's it possible you can't look at the spreadsheet & tell me what's in my program budget?? It's literally addition & subtraction— not rocket science.
3) They treat budgets & finances like it's a HUGE MYSTERY.
No one can possibly know (but them) where the money goes & how the finances are handled.
They create confusion & never give straight answers.
No one can possibly know (but them) where the money goes & how the finances are handled.
They create confusion & never give straight answers.
4) I know this one sounds conspiracy-theory esque... but, embezzlers also make friends w everyone & want to constantly know all the gossip.
Truly.
People who question them they really GO HARD against & try to get you to hate.
They are always backbiting anyone w questions.
Truly.
People who question them they really GO HARD against & try to get you to hate.
They are always backbiting anyone w questions.
4) b: This is why I was BLOWN AWAY when they were outed or arrested.
They always seemed so aggressively friendly.
Nope, turns out they were just trying to keep tabs on everyone so they could be in control & watch their backs.
They always seemed so aggressively friendly.
Nope, turns out they were just trying to keep tabs on everyone so they could be in control & watch their backs.
5) Embezzlers volunteer for tasks that ARE NOT FUN & most people don't want.
Running the checks to the bank? OH SURE, I'LL DO THAT.
Staying after hours to work? OF COURSE.
They sometimes even come across as martyrs.
So-and-so couldn't be guilty— she gave so much to the org.
Running the checks to the bank? OH SURE, I'LL DO THAT.
Staying after hours to work? OF COURSE.
They sometimes even come across as martyrs.
So-and-so couldn't be guilty— she gave so much to the org.
At most nonprofits, no one wants to handle finances. Especially tiny ones. So when someone offers to take over the "money stuff" we're all relieved.
Boards of larger orgs are also very lax on fiscal oversight.
We're do-gooders, not accountants.
Boards of larger orgs are also very lax on fiscal oversight.
We're do-gooders, not accountants.
But, money means power. We have more ability to actually do-good if it's spent right.
Keep a lookout for suspicious behavior & if you donate to a nonprofit, keep an eye out— not just for what they talk about, but the outcomes they actually produce.
Keep a lookout for suspicious behavior & if you donate to a nonprofit, keep an eye out— not just for what they talk about, but the outcomes they actually produce.
