CRITICAL: Online Donation Platform Shutdown
Flipcause has been ordered to cease operations by California Attorney General
If you donated through Flipcause, please read this entire page carefully
What Happened to Flipcause?
Official Government Action
On November 14, 2025, California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a formal cease and desist order to Flipcause, an Oakland-based online fundraising platform that The Foundation for Pierce College previously used to accept donations.
The Attorney General's investigation found that Flipcause has withheld approximately $500,000 in charitable donations from at least 15 nonprofit organizations across California and has failed to remit these funds despite repeated requests over 60+ days.
Legal Violations Found:
- Failure to Register: Flipcause operated as a commercial fundraiser in California without required state registration
- Withholding Charitable Assets: Holding donations meant for nonprofits and refusing to transfer funds to organizations
- Violation of State Law: Breaking California's Supervision of Trustees and Fundraisers for Charitable Purposes Act
Official Source
Read the full press release from the California Attorney General's Office:
California Attorney General Press Release (November 14, 2025)Known Affected Organizations
The following nonprofits have publicly reported missing donations withheld by Flipcause:
Intersection for the Arts
$144,746.14 withheld
CityLax, Inc.
$126,809.95 withheld
East Oakland Collective
$76,381.86 withheld
12+ Other Organizations
Additional funds withheld
URGENT: If You Donated Through Flipcause
Check Your Donation Status Immediately
For One-Time Donors:
- 1Check your credit card/bank statements to confirm if your donation was charged
- 2Contact our office at (818) 719-2029 to verify if we received your donation
- 3If we did NOT receive your donation but you were charged, you may need to dispute the charge with your bank/credit card company
For Monthly/Recurring Donors - TAKE ACTION NOW:
- 1CANCEL YOUR RECURRING DONATION IMMEDIATELY
Contact your bank or credit card company to stop all recurring charges to Flipcause. Do not rely on Flipcause to cancel - they may not process your request.
- 2Review past charges (last 60+ days)
Check if you were charged for recurring donations that we never received. If so, these donations may have been withheld by Flipcause.
- 3Call us to verify donation receipt
Contact The Foundation for Pierce College at (818) 719-2029 with your donation dates and amounts
- 4Consider disputing charges with your financial institution
If your donations were charged but never reached our foundation, you may have grounds for a chargeback or dispute
Important: If you want to continue supporting The Foundation for Pierce College with monthly donations, please wait until we announce our new secure online donation system, or consider setting up recurring check donations mailed monthly to our office.
Report Missing Donations to California
If you made a donation through Flipcause that we did not receive, you should report this to the California Attorney General's Registry of Charitable Trusts:
Our Foundation's Status
The Foundation for Pierce College is Operating Normally
We want to assure our donors and community that The Foundation for Pierce College remains in good standing and continues all our programs supporting students. We were simply a client of Flipcause's platform and have been impacted by their shutdown.
- All scholarship programs continue without interruption
- We are working with our bank to implement a new, secure online donation platform
- We continue to accept donations by check (see below)
- We are investigating whether any recent donations were withheld from our foundation
We Still Need Your Support
While we work to establish a new online donation system, Pierce College students continue to depend on scholarships, emergency aid, and essential programs funded by our foundation.
You can still support our mission by mailing a tax-deductible check donation (instructions below).
How to Donate by Check
Your tax-deductible donation can be mailed to our office. We will send you an official tax receipt within 2 weeks.
- 1
Make Check Payable To:
The Foundation for Pierce College
- 2
Mail To:
The Foundation for Pierce College6201 Winnetka Avenue
Woodland Hills, CA 91371 - 3
Include a Letter With Your Check:
Your full name and mailing address (for tax receipt)
Phone number or email (optional, for acknowledgment)
Designation preference (if any):- • "General Fund" (supports students' greatest needs)
- • "Scholarships" (student financial aid)
- • "Emergency Student Aid" (crisis support)
- • Specific program or scholarship name
If no designation is specified, your gift will support the Foundation's greatest needs. - 4
Receive Your Tax Receipt
We'll mail you an official tax receipt within 2 weeks for your records. Keep this for IRS documentation.
100% Tax-Deductible
Tax ID: 95-2586462
The Foundation for Pierce College is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are 100% tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.
Questions or Concerns?
If you made a donation through Flipcause or have any questions about this situation, please contact us immediately.
New Online System Coming Soon
We are actively working with our banking partners to implement a secure, reliable online donation platform that meets the highest standards for donor protection and charitable giving.
Thank you for your understanding and continued commitment to supporting Pierce College students during this transition.
Other Ways to Support Students
Corporate Partnerships
Partner with us through sponsorships, workforce development programs, and named scholarship funds.
Planned Giving
Create a lasting legacy through estate planning, bequests, trusts, or IRA beneficiary designations.
Stock & Real Estate Donations
Donate appreciated securities or real estate to avoid capital gains tax while supporting students.
Volunteer & Mentorship
Share your time and expertise by mentoring students or volunteering with our programs.