The UNIK Foundation, a Columbus-based nonprofit organization, is currently under the microscope of federal and state authorities following revelations about its financial management and transparency. This scrutiny comes after investigative researcher Parker Thayer of the Capital Research Center, a nonprofit watchdog, raised red flags regarding the foundation's handling of more than $1 million in government grants.
Founded by Dr. Hanad Duale, the UNIK Foundation's stated mission is to provide job placement and housing support to immigrant ex-offenders. However, Thayer's investigation has unearthed several irregularities in the foundation's financial disclosures. Notably, Dr. Duale holds the positions of board member, employee, and bookkeeper simultaneously, with an annual salary of $139,000 plus benefits.
The foundation's tax filings lack detail on expenditures, with nearly half of its expenses categorized ambiguously as "other expenses" and devoid of vendor or contractor names. Additionally, it operates without the oversight typically ensured by outside auditors, accountants, or preparers.
In September 2023, the UNIK Foundation was awarded a $1.2 million grant from the Department of Health and Human Services for its "New American Anti-Recidivism Program." This program aims to assist immigrants, refugees, and BIPOC individuals reintegrating into society post-incarceration in the Columbus area. To date, records show that approximately $800,000 of these funds have been allocated to various services, including case management and vocational training.
Further complicating the foundation's financial landscape, Dr. Duale manages two for-profit businesses that offer overlapping services with the nonprofit. UNIK Logistiks and UNIK Housing, while related in mission, present questions about the blending of nonprofit funding and for-profit revenue streams. UNIK Logistiks, in particular, received $810,000 in Small Business Administration loans, despite having a minimal operational footprint.
The foundation shares its address with other immigration-focused nonprofits, cumulatively benefitting from over $11 million in public funds. Dr. Duale's additional role as director of urban economic development for HAVOYOCO, a smaller nonprofit, adds another layer to the complex financial web.
While there is no evidence of criminal misconduct, the lack of independent auditing and the foundation's financial structure have raised concerns among oversight experts. Federal grant rules stipulate mandatory audits for entities spending upwards of $750,000 of federal funds annually. UNIK's reported revenue skirts just below this threshold, yet actual disbursements suggest a higher figure. This discrepancy has prompted calls for closer examination from those committed to safeguarding taxpayer dollars. Authorities have not announced a formal investigation, but the foundation's opaque financial practices may prompt further inquiry.
The unfolding situation at the UNIK Foundation underscores the broader issue of ensuring accountability in taxpayer-funded nonprofits, particularly those serving vulnerable populations. The findings by Capital Research Center serve as a catalyst for public and official scrutiny, challenging the ways in which such organizations are monitored and held accountable for the stewardship of public funds.
