Nonprofit leaders pocketed $6.5 million meant to stop violence in Minneapolis streets, leaving the group unable to help when the city needed it most.
Story Snapshot
- Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison sues We Push for Peace founder Trahern Pollard and former board chair Jaclyn McGuigan for misusing over $6.5 million in charitable funds.[3][5]
- Pollard allegedly diverted $6 million to personal luxuries like Las Vegas trips, luxury cars, child support, and his for-profit liquor store and car dealership.[3][5]
- McGuigan faces accusations of misusing $500,000 by funneling funds through personal accounts.[3]
- The once-thriving violence prevention group, funded by city contracts, collapsed to “barely operational” status by April 2026.[3][5]
- Leaders allegedly lied to investigators, with evidence headed to law enforcement for possible criminal charges.[5]
Lawsuit Alleges Massive Fund Diversion
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison filed a 37-page civil complaint in Hennepin County against We Push for Peace, its founder Trahern Pollard, and former board chair Jaclyn McGuigan.[3][5] Pollard and McGuigan served as the nonprofit’s sole officers and directors, enabling unchecked control over finances.[3] The suit claims they diverted over $6.5 million from charitable assets to personal use.[1][2][3]
Pollard allegedly transferred $6 million directly to himself, used the nonprofit’s credit card for personal expenses, and funneled money to his for-profit businesses, including a liquor store and car dealership.[3][5] Specific abuses included payments for luxury cars, Las Vegas trips, child support, and personal taxes.[5] McGuigan faces charges of misusing $500,000 by routing funds through her personal bank accounts.[3]
Nonprofit’s Rapid Rise and Fall
We Push for Peace emerged after George Floyd’s 2020 murder as a key violence interrupter in Minneapolis, securing multimillion-dollar contracts from retailers like Whole Foods and nearly $2 million from the city for prevention programs.[3][5] Annual revenues soared from $267,089 in 2020 to peaks of $6.97 million in 2024.[5] By April 2026, only one Cub Foods contract remained.[3]
During the city’s Operation Metro Surge, We Push for Peace reported it was “barely operational” and unable to provide services.[3][5] The organization lacked an active board, failed to hold required meetings, and had no policies to safeguard assets.[5] Pollard created a for-profit entity, Change Makers Service Corporation, to siphon contracts and workers, depositing at least $930,794 in checks meant for the nonprofit into its accounts.[5]
Obstruction Claims and Broader Implications
Pollard and McGuigan allegedly obstructed the investigation by lying to state officials, including mislabeling a $35,000 payment to friends as “Chicago Payroll” and claiming child support as nonprofit expenses.[5] They provided false statements under penalty of perjury. The Attorney General’s office plans to share evidence with law enforcement for criminal review, though no charges have been filed as of May 2026.[5]
Two former directors of the nonprofit "We Push for Peace" are accused of misusing more than $6.5 million in charitable assets, according to a lawsuit filed by the Minnesota Attorney General's Office. https://t.co/HeJUc7UYSR
— FOX 9 (@FOX9) May 9, 2026
This case underscores frustrations across political lines with nonprofits and government-funded programs that promise community aid but deliver elite enrichment.[3][5] Americans on both sides decry leaders who prioritize personal gain over public good, echoing failures in oversight that erode trust in institutions meant to uphold the American Dream. Exact misuse amounts remain uncertain due to commingled finances, with court discovery expected to clarify details.[3] The lawsuit seeks to recover assets and impose reforms.
Sources:
[1] Minneapolis nonprofit founders push back on lawsuit alleging they …
[2] May 5, 2026 Press Release – Minnesota Attorney General’s Office
[3] We Push for Peace leaders accused of misusing $6.5 million … – KSTP
[5] Minneapolis nonprofits sued over misuse of charitable funds – KSTP