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Northern Nevada nonprofits lose thousands in missing donations after fundraising collapse

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Northern Nevada nonprofits lose thousands in missing donations after fundraising collapse


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.

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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
Staff work with clients at the Down Syndrome Network of Northern Nevada (News 4)

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.

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“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.

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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.

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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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Nevada

Northern Nevada Hopes hosts Birdies and Bliss golf tournament fundraiser

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Northern Nevada Hopes hosts Birdies and Bliss golf tournament fundraiser


RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – Birdies and Bliss is a women‑focused golf fundraiser for Northern Nevada Hopes that brings the community together for a day of connection, fun and giving back.

Meredith Tanzer, philanthropy associate, stopped by Morning Break to invite the community to this feel good event that pairs fun golfing with meaningful impact, supporting programs at HOPES that make a real difference for families.

This inaugural tournament takes place Monday, May 4 at Red Hawk and Resort. It marks an exciting beginning and reflects the generosity and strength of the community that supports our mission. Click here to reserve your spot.

Copyright 2026 KOLO. All rights reserved.

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No. 5 Arbor View outlasts No. 3 Palo Verde in 5A volleyball — PHOTOS

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No. 5 Arbor View outlasts No. 3 Palo Verde in 5A volleyball — PHOTOS




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Nevada’s top retirement city ranks near top 10 nationwide

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Nevada’s top retirement city ranks near top 10 nationwide


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People looking to retire may think of Florida as their first choice to spend their golden years, but it’s not just the Sunshine State in WalletHub’s ranking of the best retirement towns in the United States. Cities in Minnesota, Georgia, Wyoming and Ohio also earned top spots on the list.

It may surprise people that one Nevada city nearly made WalletHub’s top 10. Las Vegas led the state in the ranking, while Reno landed further down the list.

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WalletHub used data from federal agencies and national organizations, sorting it into categories of affordability, activities, quality of life and health care to determine its ranking.

Here’s a look at which Nevada city is the best in the state to retire to, why it ranked where it did and the other cities in Nevada and nationally that made the list.

What is Nevada’s best retirement town?

Las Vegas was named the best retirement town in Nevada, earning the No. 11 spot nationally.

What are the pros of retiring in Nevada?

Las Vegas ranked high in WalletHub’s categories for activities (No. 6 nationally) and affordability (No. 13).

The activities category is driven by access to recreation and senior centers per capita, along with fishing facilities, golf courses, museums, theaters, art galleries, music venues and bingo halls. It also factors in volunteer opportunities and overall recreation friendliness.

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Affordability is largely based on adjusted cost of living compared to other cities. It also factors in tax friendliness, retiree tax burdens and the cost of adult day health care.

What is the downside of living in Nevada?

Meanwhile, Las Vegas ranked low in quality of life (No. 106) and health care (No. 165).

Quality of life was determined mostly by mild weather. To a lesser degree, the category is also created using data that shows how walkable the city is, transit access and the amount of people older than 65 in the city that are living in poverty, to name a few.

The health care category looks at death rates, suicide rates, life expectancy and substance abuse among seniors, along with the number of health care facilities and access to specialized care.

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What is the #1 best place to retire?

Here are the cities that made WalletHub’s top 10 best cities to retire, Las Vegas barely missing the top 10 list.

  1. Orlando, Florida
  2. Scottsdale, Arizona
  3. Minneapolis, Minnesota
  4. Miami, Florida
  5. Tampa, Florida
  6. Atlanta, Georgia
  7. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
  8. Cincinnati, Ohio
  9. Madison, Wisconsin
  10. Casper, Wyoming

Here are the Nevada cities that made the list, including their national ranking.

  1. Las Vegas (No. 11 nationally)
  2. Henderson (No. 59)
  3. Reno (No. 57)
  4. North Las Vegas (No. 76)



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