ALBANY (AP) -- New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has sent letters to 72 nonprofits asking them to disclose their fundraising and relief efforts for Superstorm Sandy victims.
His Charities Bureau plans to compile the information and report it online in an effort to improve transparency and donor confidence.
Schneiderman says Tuesday that in light of "the enormous amount of money raised" and the importance of recovery work, they need to ensure resources are used properly.
The letters request email responses by Dec. 11 detailing amounts raised and spent so far and whether donations will be used solely for storm relief. They also request information about services provided to victims, funds forwarded to other organizations and plans for any surplus.
The nonprofits range from the American Red Cross to We Care NYC.
Information obtained from the responses will be made available on the Attorney General's website. In addition to promoting transparency, this information will also assist relief organizations in coordinating their delivery of services, said Schneiderman in a media release.
The Office of the Attorney General is responsible for overseeing charitable activities and fundraising in New York. The Charities Bureau established a Hurricane Sandy email address for complaints regarding Hurricane Sandy charitable activities: sandyresponse@ag.ny.gov.
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