Mississippi audit reveals nonprofit misuse of millions in taxpayer funds

Mississippi State Auditor Shad White released a report accusing several nonprofits of misusing taxpayer funds received from the Mississippi Department of Health and the Mississippi Department of Human Services. The nonprofit My Brother's Keeper was highlighted for spending 55% of its $250,000 grant on employee salaries and administration, with additional questionable expenses including nearly $7,000 on undocumented incentive gift cards and almost $45,000 on meal subscriptions, upscale grocery gift cards, and gym memberships. Other organizations such as 100 Black Men of Jackson were criticized for unbudgeted and poorly documented expenditures, including gift cards, electronics, and promotional t-shirts. The Juanita Sims Doty Foundation received over $2.4 million through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, with its executive director’s salary exceeding $100,000 annually; the foundation's philosophy emphasizing racial equity was noted in the report. The findings are being forwarded to the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office for further review, and citizens are encouraged to report suspected fraud or abuse. Auditor White stressed the need for better oversight to prevent waste and ensure taxpayer dollars support direct services to Mississippians.