Millions Given To 2 Nonprofits Prompts Call For Audit By Prince George's Councilmembers

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, MD — Two Prince George’s County Council members are calling for independent audits of two nonprofits that have received millions in public funding.

Councilmembers Jolene Ivey and Sydney Harrison want external audits done on Community on the Frontline and Joan’s House. They also are pushing for an independent inspector general to review county operations and organizations receiving public money, both officials stated at a recent meeting.

County records show $925,000 was transferred to the Edward Charles Foundation in January 2026, which oversees the Community on the Frontline, followed by another $7.6 million in June.

Community on the Frontline operates under the foundation’s fiscal sponsorship. Its founder, Janna Parker, confirmed that both payments to the foundation ultimately went to Community on the Frontline, according to records and reporting on the transfers. The organization says it provides community services including food assistance, youth programs and support for seniors.

Joan’s House is a separate nonprofit that promotes youth scholarships, mentorship programs, senior services and employment initiatives. The organization received about $143,000 through the county’s project-charge program in fiscal 2025. Its allocation increased to as much as $2 million in fiscal 2026, although the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission reported that no money had been awarded through that program as of June 2026.

Prince George’s County’s fiscal 2027 budget also includes $4 million for Joan’s House programs focused on youth employment and leadership. That budget allocation represents approved funding and hasn't been disbursed yet.

The funding amounts and relationships between nonprofit leaders and council members have fueled questions about transparency and how funding decisions are made. Those relationships and funding amounts alone do not establish wrongdoing.

Read more at WJLA