NDANO Statement Regarding the F5 Project Enforcement Action

Statement from NDANO Regarding the F5 Project Enforcement Action and NDANO's Commitment to Nonprofit Financial Accountability

On September 23, Attorney General Drew Wrigley announced the results of an investigation into the F5 Project and the execution of a formal compliance agreement with the organization. We appreciate the Attorney General's diligence in this matter and his office's stated commitment to fostering a culture of compliance in the nonprofit space.

That commitment is not new to North Dakota's nonprofit sector. For many years, NDANO has worked to support a culture of compliance, accountability, strong governance, and continuous education across our state.

North Dakota is home to thousands of nonprofit organizations led by dedicated professionals and volunteer board members who take their responsibilities seriously. Every day, nonprofit leaders file required reports, steward donor dollars with care, and answer to the communities they serve. They do this not simply because it is required, but because transparency, integrity, and accountability are fundamental to the work they do.

Isolated instances where those standards are not met should not define the thousands of nonprofit leaders and board members across North Dakota who uphold them every day.

This week's enforcement action is also an important reminder that when standards are not met, there are consequences. Accountability protects the public trust that every nonprofit depends on.

NDANO's role is to build on the strong foundation already present across our sector by making sure our members have the knowledge, resources, and support they need to strengthen their organizations and meet the responsibilities entrusted to them.

Our newest initiative is one example of that work.

On October 1, NDANO is launching The Control Room, a monthly virtual financial oversight and fraud prevention office hour built specifically for nonprofit board members and executive directors across North Dakota.

Hosted by NDANO board member Megan Indvik, a peer specialist in nonprofit internal controls and fraud prevention, The Control Room will provide nonprofit leaders and board members with a confidential, constructive space to ask questions, better understand the financial reports they should be reviewing, establish appropriate checks and balances, recognize early warning signs, and strengthen their internal financial practices.

The Control Room was already in development because NDANO recognizes the ongoing need for accessible, practical governance and financial education. It is not a reaction to a single case. It is part of our continued commitment to helping nonprofit organizations build capacity, strengthen their governance, and protect the trust placed in them by donors and communities.

The sessions are intended for general educational discussion and are not a substitute for legal, accounting, tax, or audit advice.

We welcome opportunities to work alongside the Attorney General's Office and other stakeholders to continue strengthening a culture of compliance and accountability that serves our donors, our communities, and the missions that drive North Dakota's nonprofit sector.

To the nonprofit leaders and board members across North Dakota doing this work with integrity every day: you are what makes this sector strong.

Kayla Deitch
Executive Director
North Dakota Association of Nonprofit Organizations