RENO, Nev. (News 4 & Fox 11) — At least a dozen northern Nevada nonprofits are scrambling to recover after a nationwide fundraising platform failed to deliver thousands of dollars in donations, leaving critical community programs at risk.

Oakland-based Flipcause, a company that processed online donations for nonprofits, is accused of withholding funds before filing for bankruptcy in December. California Attorney General Rob Bonta has since issued a cease-and-desist order, halting the company’s charitable operations.

Officials say more than 3,200 nonprofits nationwide are affected, with over $29 million in donations unaccounted for.

At least 12 organizations in northern Nevada are among them — each now facing financial losses.

The Down Syndrome Network of Northern Nevada reports losing $33,602. Other impacted groups include:

• JUSTin Hope Foundation — $8,463
• Larena Smith Bengoa Run — $7,338
• Nevada Hands & Voices — $6,283
• Cancer Community Clubhouse — $5,672
• Sustainable Tahoe — $1,487
• Urban Cowgirl — $1,262
• I School — $1,050
• Reno Tahoe Athletics — $834
• Transgender Allies Group — $500
• Fire & Ice Horse Training — $201
• Nevada Humanities — $142

For the Down Syndrome Network of Northern Nevada, the loss is immediate and deeply personal.

“We’ve lost about 30% of our operating budget for this year,” said Christina Ugalde, the Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Network of Northern Nevada.

The nonprofit provides support and programming for hundreds of families in northern Nevada through grants and community support.

“We are funded about 90% by individual donations,” Ugalde said. “So what’s happened to us has been absolutely devastating.”

The organization has served the region for nearly two decades, offering social programs, events and resources for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

“For our families, it is so important that they feel a part of the community,” Ugalde said. “Getting the diagnosis of Down syndrome can be a very isolating thing for a lot of families.”

Some of the now missing funds were raised during the group’s largest annual fundraiser in September, the Buddy Walk. Ugalde said the organization submitted a request for the money, which typically arrives within 10 business days.

“It didn’t,” she said.

Instead, she says Flipcause repeatedly assured her the funds were on the way.

“They came back with all sorts of responses the money was on its way,” Ugalde said.

Weeks turned into months. Then came the bankruptcy filing — with no warning to many nonprofits still waiting for their money.

“We’re out $33,602,” Ugalde said. “That affects all of our families and the individuals that have Down syndrome with the amount of events that we’re able to put on.”

Despite the financial strain, she says the organization is determined to continue serving families — even as uncertainty remains about whether any funds will be recovered.

“I would love for everyone to get their money back,” Ugalde said. “I hope that through the bankruptcy process, we get something back.”

The California Attorney General’s Office is urging affected nonprofits to file complaints as part of the ongoing investigation.

In the meantime, organizations across northern Nevada are turning to their communities for help — hoping to replace what was lost and keep essential programs running.

For families who rely on those services, the stakes are deeply personal.

“These programs mean connection, support and belonging,” Ugalde said. “We don’t want that to go away.”

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Las Vegas Review-Journal

April 6, 2026 – 5:55 am

 

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A man is dead after a motorcycle crash Monday morning in Las Vegas.

The crash occurred just after 1:45 a.m. on the southern 215 Beltway at Sahara, according to a Nevada Highway Patrol report.

The motorcyclist left the roadway and was declared dead at the scene.

Contact Tony Garcia at tgarcia@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0307. Follow @TonyGLVNews on X.

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