The foundation, which initially rode high on the wave of Royal philanthropy, now finds itself in a precarious financial situation. While they have attempted to portray themselves as an organization dedicated to more than just throwing money at problems, their recent financial report paints a different, less flattering story. Let's dive into the numbers.
Donations to the foundation have plummeted by a staggering 81% since Oprah ceased her contributions. This decline isn't a minor setback; it resembles a freefall. Additionally, the foundation's overhead costs have surged to alarming levels, and the reasons behind these expenditures are puzzling at best and potentially irresponsible at worst.
Employee expenses have seen a 60% increase, with some employees taking on roles in both the profit and nonprofit sectors of Archewell. Given that their for-profit ventures with Spotify and Netflix aren't generating substantial revenues, these employees are heavily reliant on the dwindling funds of the nonprofit arm.
In 2022, the foundation received a meager 15% of the funds they received in the previous year, and the grants they distributed have also taken a nosedive, dropping by over 50%. But here's where it gets perplexing: their non-grant related expenses have skyrocketed, surging from $890,000 in 2021 to a staggering $1.4 million in 2022. Legal-related expenses alone ballooned from $163,000 to a whopping $640,000. This raises serious questions about why a charity that received only $2 million in donations would need to allocate nearly a quarter of that to three full-time employees. It's not just questionable; it's bordering on the absurd.
Adding to the concerns are the fees for independent contractors, which also saw a significant increase, climbing from $325,000 in 2021 to $428,000 in 2022. As the foundation's funds have significantly dwindled, dropping from $13 million in 2021 to a mere $2 million in 2022, one can't help but wonder about the rationale behind ramping up their spending now.
Regarding the mysterious $10 million that Meghan allegedly pocketed, it's conspicuously absent from the tax forms. This absence raises serious suspicions. Making matters worse, the Sussexes, who frequently tout their philanthropic efforts, haven't contributed a single penny to organizations like the Invictus Games or Well Child. This omission directly contradicts the causes they claim to champion, and the lack of donations to previously supported groups like World Central Kitchen only adds more red flags.
All these discrepancies lead us to a pressing question: What are Meghan and Harry truly doing with Archewell? The numbers don't lie, and they paint a picture of a foundation that seems more focused on self-serving interests than genuine, selfless giving. This situation isn't merely a public relations disaster; it has become a case study in how not to manage a charitable organization. The Sussexes need to take swift action to rectify this situation; otherwise, their foundation's credibility will continue to erode, along with their funds. Without prompt action, they risk losing both their foundation and their severely damaged reputation.
