Is open hand charity scam or legit? Reviews

Allegations Against The Open Hand Foundation Charity

In November 2022, a major YouTube exposé sparked widespread discussion across the internet about allegations of financial impropriety involving The Open Hand Foundation, a charity closely associated with gaming YouTube personality The Completionist. As the details continue unfolding, many are left with questions about the legitimacy of claims made and the foundation’s operations. In this extensive blog post, I endeavor to comprehensively summarize the events in an objective, fact-based manner.

Background on The Open Hand Foundation

Founded in 2015, The Open Hand Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Michigan. According to its website, the charity aims to support various causes through fundraising events and donations, with a focus on supporting those affected by dementia. The organization is closely tied to YouTuber Jirard “The Completionist” Khalil, who serves as its Executive Director.

Over the years, The Completionist promoted The Open Hand Foundation extensively through his successful video game review channel. Among the charity’s highlighted efforts were various livestreams and fundraising initiatives. By 2022, company filings showed it had grown to millions in annual revenue and a sizeable operating budget.

YouTube Investigation Sparks Allegations

On November 13th, gaming YouTuber Karl Jobst published a 12-minute video titled “This Charity Is Lying To You” which raised serious claims against The Open Hand Foundation. Focusing on financial documents and tax filings, Jobst pointed to alleged discrepancies between funds raised, expenditures reported, and lack of transparency.

He also criticized what he viewed as lavish salaries and financial benefits received by those affiliated with the nonprofit. Jobst argued these points could constitute potential legal issues and “charity fraud.” The video attracted over 1.2 million views within days as it spread across social media platforms and forums.

Pushback and Response from The Completionist

Facing mounting scrutiny, The Completionist quickly issued a video response refuting various allegations. However, his rebuttal was criticized for lacking transparency or substantiation. He promised further documentation would be provided to prove the charity’s legitimacy and accused Jobst of mischaracterization.

Meanwhile, research into public records by individuals online appeared to find additional questionable financial arrangements. Some former volunteers also aired grievances about their treatment. With skepticism growing, The Completionist remained relatively silent on providing further documentary evidence as initially pledged.

Follow-Up Investigation Uncovers More Issues

On November 28th, Jobst published a 31-minute follow-up video diving deeper into his claims against The Open Hand Foundation with additional financial analysis and records obtained through open records requests. In it, he pointed to further inconsistencies, unusual payments, and lack of clarity that increased suspicion around the nonprofit’s operations and transparency.

Among the new details presented were: large cash withdrawals and payments lacking documented purpose, transfers between charity and personal accounts, use of donor funds for conference trips rather than intended medical equipment, high salary expenses, and concerning loan agreements. Jobst maintained the evidence suggested potential charity fraud had occurred.

His thorough second investigation reignited widespread discussion across gaming forums and charity transparency circles. Many felt the significant unanswered questions surrounding The Open Hand Foundation’s finances and activities merited independent review from authorities.

Ongoing Discussion and Response

In the months since Jobst’s reports, The Completionist has not directly addressed or refuted the substantial documentary evidence and analysis presented against the nonprofit he helped found. The revelations have dominated discussions in his fan community and online forums focused on charity accountability.

Some defenders argue the situation remains unclear without a full audit while others believe enough credible indications of impropriety exist to merit investigation. Meanwhile, calls grew for regulators to examine The Open Hand Foundation’s financial records and ensure donor dollars were properly spent and accounted for as intended.

As one of the largest online gaming communities grapples with assessing such serious allegations against a prominent figure’s affiliated charity, the controversy underscores the importance of transparency for nonprofit organizations that accept significant public donations. Only time will tell if further answers are provided.

Conclusion

In summary, this extensive blog post chronicled the unfolding saga surrounding allegations of financial irregularities facing The Open Hand Foundation nonprofit through an objective recounting available facts, statements and evidence presented publicly so far. While definitive conclusions cannot be drawn, the substantial unaddressed questions and documentary indicators of potential impropriety raised suggest this story merits ongoing public discussion and scrutiny to protect donor interests in transparency and accountability. Hopefully, further clarity or answers will emerge from authorities if an investigation occurs. Overall, it highlights the responsibility of charities to maintain legitimacy through open record keeping.